Former MIT president to serve as visiting professor at Harvard Kennedy School

Susan Hockfield, who served as the 16th president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has been named the Marie Curie Visiting Professor at Harvard Kennedy School,  Dean David T. Ellwood announced Sept. 7.

Hockfield is a distinguished life scientist who has focused much of her research on the development of the brain and on glioma, a deadly form of brain cancer. She joined the faculty of Yale University in 1985 after serving on the scientific staff at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York. From December 2004 through June 2012, Hockfield served as the first female president of MIT, where she continues to hold a faculty appointment as professor of neuroscience.

“I have long admired Susan Hockfield’s passion and dedication as a research scientist, university leader and national policy advocate,” said Ellwood. “Hers is a track record of remarkable distinction, and we are thrilled to welcome President Hockfield to the Kennedy School.”

At the Kennedy School, Hockfield will be affiliated with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, where she plans to continue her work on behalf of sound policies and practices for sustainable energy and a resurgence in American manufacturing.  She also plans to explore neural foundations of community and leadership.