Former U.S. Air Force Chief Scientist Appointed New ESD Associate Director

by Lois Slavin – June 2001

Professor Daniel Hastings, Director of MIT's Technology and Policy Program and former U.S. Air Force Chief Scientist has been appointed Associate Director of MIT's Engineering Systems Division (ESD), effective July 1, 2001.

Professor Hastings has a distinguished career both within and outside of MIT. After receiving his Ph.D. from MIT in Aeronautics and Astronautics, he worked from 1980-1985 for Physical Sciences Inc. and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the fields of laser-material interactions and fusion plasma physics. In 1985 he joined the Aeronautics and Astronautics faculty at MIT. His research has spanned the range from space environment interactions to space propulsion. His most recent research interests are in space system architecting and space policy.

Professor Hastings served as Chief Scientist of the Air Force from 1997 to 1999 where he led several influential studies on where the Air Force should invest in space, global energy projection and options for a science and technology work force for the 21st century.

Professor Hastings is a Fellow of the AIAA and a member of the International Academy of Astronautics. He is also serving as a member of the Aerospace Board of Trustees, the National Academies Government/University/Industry Research Roundtable and the National Academy of Engineering Board of Engineering Education.

For the past two years, Professor Hastings served as head of the Technology and Policy Program (TPP) including the Technology Management and Policy (TMP) Ph.D program. Dan will continue to direct TPP with Tom Eagar joining TPP to assist with the TMP program.

Said Professor Daniel Roos, Associate Dean for Engineering Systems and Director, Engineering Systems Division, "ESD was established to broaden engineering education and practice. We have begun developing new educational programs to accomplish that objective. Daniel Hastings has the wisdom and the experience to oversee that development."

Professor Hastings said, "I am looking forward to this challenge. Our Visiting Committee and recent retreat gave us a clear sense of priorities. I will be helping to make sure ESD accomplishes these priorities."

Professor Paul Lagace has stepped down as Associate Director of ESD due to his increased responsibilities as Co-Director of LFM/SDM. He played the key role in formulating ESD educational policy. "I am personally indebted to Paul for his help and guidance during the critical startup phase of ESD," said Professor Roos. "I know of no MIT faculty member more dedicated to MIT and its educational mission than Paul Lagace."