Melissa Choi has been appointed the new director of MIT Lincoln Laboratory, effective from July 1. She will take over from Eric Evans, who has served as director for 18 years. Choi has previously served as assistant director of the lab and is recognized for her technical breadth, leadership, managerial skills, and strategic vision. In her role as director, she aims to enhance communication, collaboration, mentoring, and professional advancement to nurture an organizational culture that serves the nation.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory has a longstanding history in helping maintain the safety and security of the nation by providing the government with an independent perspective on critical science and tech issues for over 70 years. It specializes in both long-term system development and quick demonstration of operational prototypes. Choi’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of this lab.
Besides being assistant director, Choi has also overseen five of the lab’s nine technical divisions including biotechnology and human systems, homeland protection and air traffic control, cyber security and information sciences, communication systems, and ISR and tactical systems. Her key responsibilities also include committing to extensive mentoring and promoting an inclusive culture at MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
The announcement made by the MIT Vice President for Research, Ian Waitz, highlighted Choi’s exceptional technical and advisory leadership over her 25-year career span. During her tenure at Lincoln Laboratory, she has collaborated with innovative and motivated individuals to solve critical national security issues. She has also played a vital role in the defense community, serving on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and the DoD’s Threat Reduction Advisory Committee.
Throughout her career, Choi has emphasized the value of pooling expertise from various researchers across the laboratory. As the head of the Homeland Protection and Air Traffic Control Division, she led the formation of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Group. This group supported FEMA and other emergency response agencies after the 2017 hurricane season.
Choi also displayed leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, helping the laboratory navigate through the disruptions. Recently, she spearheaded the formation of a new Civil Space Systems and Technology Office.
As director, Choi plans to continue fostering collaboration with MIT’s main campus and use her experience to enhance the lab’s mission. Her leadership style emphasizes setting a vision and goals, empowering her team to make decisions, and building on strategies to achieve success.
