Evelyn Wang appointed as director of US Department of Energy’s
On Thursday, the USA Senate confirmed the appointment of Evelyn Wang, the Ford Professor of Engineering and head of the Division of Mechanical Engineering, as director of the Division of Vitality’s (DOE) Superior Analysis Tasks Company-Vitality (ARPA-E).
“I’m deeply honored by the chance to function the director of ARPA-E. I’d wish to thank President Biden, for his nomination to this vital function, and Secretary Granholm, for her confidence in my talents. I’m thrilled to be becoming a member of the extremely gifted group at ARPA-E and sit up for serving to convey progressive power applied sciences that bolster our nation’s economic system and nationwide safety to market,” says Wang.
An internationally acknowledged chief in making use of nanotechnology to warmth switch, Wang has developed a lot of high-efficiency, clear power, and clear water options. Wang acquired a bachelor’s diploma in mechanical engineering from MIT in 2000. After receiving her grasp’s diploma and PhD from Stanford College, she returned to MIT as a school member in 2007. In 2018, she was named division head of MIT’s Division of Mechanical Engineering.
As director of ARPA-E, Wang will advance the company’s mission to fund and help early-stage power analysis that has the potential to affect power technology, storage, and use. The company helps researchers commercialize progressive applied sciences that, in keeping with ARPA-E, “have the potential to radically enhance U.S. financial prosperity, nationwide safety, and environmental well-being.”
“I’m so grateful to the Senate for confirming Dr. Evelyn Wang to function Director of DOE’s Superior Analysis Tasks Company-Vitality,” U.S. Secretary of Vitality Jennifer M. Granholm stated in a press release immediately. “Now greater than ever, we depend on ARPA-E to help early-stage power applied sciences that may assist us sort out local weather change and strengthen American competitiveness. Dr. Wang’s expertise and experience with groundbreaking analysis will be sure that ARPA-E continues its function as a key engine of innovation and local weather motion. I’m deeply grateful for Dr. Wang’s willingness to serve the American individuals, and we’re so excited to welcome her to DOE.”
Wang has served as principal investigator of MIT’s Gadget Analysis Lab. She and her group have developed a lot of gadgets that provide options to the world’s many power and water challenges. These gadgets embody an aerogel that drastically improves window insulation, a high-efficiency photo voltaic powered desalination system, a radiative cooling machine that requires no electrical energy, and a system that pulls potable water out of air, even in arid situations.
All through her profession, Wang has been acknowledged with a number of awards and honors. In 2021, she was elected as a Fellow of the American Affiliation for the Development of Science. She acquired the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) Gustus L. Memorial Award for excellent achievement in mechanical engineering in 2017 and was named an ASME Fellow in 2015. Having mentored and suggested lots of of scholars at MIT, Wang was honored with a MIT Dedicated to Caring Award for her dedication to mentoring graduate college students. She has additionally served as co-chair of the inaugural Rising Stars in Mechanical Engineering program to encourage girls graduate college students and postdocs contemplating future careers in academia.
As division head, Wang has led and carried out quite a lot of strategic analysis, academic, and group initiatives in MIT’s Division of Mechanical Engineering. Alongside different departmental leaders, she led a give attention to groundbreaking analysis advances that assist handle a number of “grand challenges” that our world faces. She labored intently with college and instructing workers on growing academic choices that put together the subsequent technology of mechanical engineers for the workforce. She additionally championed new initiatives to make the division a extra numerous, equitable, and inclusive group for college kids, college, and workers.
Wang, who’s stepping down as division head efficient instantly in gentle of her affirmation, might be taking a brief go away as a school member at MIT whereas she serves on this function. MIT College of Engineering Dean Anantha Chandrakasan will share plans for the seek for her alternative with the mechanical engineering group within the coming days.
As soon as sworn in, Wang will formally assume her function as director of ARPA-E.