Anantha Chandrakasan: Pioneering MIT's Academic Future
Starting July 1, Anantha Chandrakasan will make history as the first Indian-born individual to take on the pivotal role of Provost at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This senior academic leadership position places him at the helm of MIT's financial strategies, faculty affairs, institutional planning, and instructional programming.
Taking Over from Cynthia Barnhart
Chandrakasan succeeds Cynthia Barnhart, who stepped down from the provost position earlier in February 2023. His appointment marks a new chapter for MIT's leadership, emphasizing innovation, diversity, and academic excellence.
A Distinguished Academic Journey
- Early Life and Education: Born in Chennai, India, Chandrakasan moved to the United States during his teenage years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in 1989, his Master's in 1990, and his PhD in 1994 — all in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley.
- MIT Roles and Contributions: Upon earning his PhD, Chandrakasan joined MIT, eventually becoming Director of Microsystems Technology Laboratories. By 2011, he served as Head of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) department, where he championed innovative programs like the SuperUROP for undergraduate research, the Rising Stars initiative supporting women in science, Postdoc6 aimed at developing postdoctoral skills, and StartMIT, which helps students further hone their abilities.
- Leadership in Engineering: Appointed Dean of MIT’s School of Engineering in 2017, Chandrakasan has long been a prominent figure in engineering circles. He has also held the position of Conference Chair for the prestigious IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) since 2010 and holds the record for the most articles published in the conference's 60-year history.
Academic Excellence and Research Leadership
Chandrakasan directs the Energy-Efficient Circuits and Systems Group at MIT. His team develops cutting-edge technologies including energy-harvesting systems, secure hardware for IoT devices, wireless charging methods, and ultra-low power biomedical electronics, placing MIT at the forefront of sustainable and practical innovations.
Recognitions and Awards
- Inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 2015
- Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Recipient of the 2009 Semiconductor Industry Association University Researcher Award
- Awarded the 2013 IEEE Donald O. Pederson Award in Solid-State Circuits
- Honorary doctorate from KU Leuven in 2016
- UC Berkeley Electrical Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017
Looking Ahead
As Provost, Anantha Chandrakasan is poised to influence both academic policy and innovation at one of the world’s leading technological institutions. His rich background, groundbreaking research, and commitment to fostering diverse academic programs position him as a transformative leader for MIT’s next era.
