Julie Shah, an esteemed professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has been appointed the new head of the department, with the position taking effect from May 1. An alumni of MIT with a Ph.D. in autonomous systems, Shah is renowned for her extensive technical expertise in robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), where she heavily focuses on influencing the future of work. Her groundbreaking contributions to the field have been recognized by many prestigious bodies, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, and MIT’s Technology Review, among others. Her influence spans beyond just the technical elements of AI, as she has made a significant impact in understanding the social, ethical, and economic implications of AI and computing on a broad scale.
During her time at MIT, Shah’s works have centered around designing collaborative robot teammates that enhance human capability, with practical applications in various industries, including manufacturing assembly lines, healthcare, transportation, and defense. Moreover, Shah has successfully translated human cognitive models into AI, solidifying her reputation as an expert on how humans and robots interact in the workforce. Shah is also the author of the book “What to Expect When You’re Expecting Robots,” which explores the future of human-robot collaboration.
Shah’s recognition extends to her being named an associate fellow of the AIAA in 2017 and was the recipient of the early career award from the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society in 2018. She was named as one of MIT Technology Review’s TR35 List members and received the NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award. She is acknowledged for her work in the forms of being appointed to the first-ever AIAA Aerospace Artificial Intelligence Advisory Group, and serving as editor-in-chief of Foundations and Trends in Robotics, editorial board member of the AIAA Progress Series, and executive council member of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence.
Beyond her research, Shah has shown a deep commitment to education and mentorship. She was honoured by graduate students as “Committed to Caring” in 2019, and for the past decade, Shah has served as a mentor and community steward for students in her capacity as head of house of the Sidney Pacific Graduate Community at MIT. Shah’s appointment to lead the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics follows previous head Professor Steven Barrett’s successful tenure. She brings immense expertise, dedication, and vision to her new role and looks poised to elevate MIT’s excellence in aeronautics and astronautics academia further.
