Introduction to the Distinguished Professorship
The MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) has announced the creation of a new endowed chair, thanks to the generosity of IDSS professor Richard "Dick" Larson. This new chair is called the Distinguished Professorship in Data, Systems, and Society, and it will provide a full professorship for senior IDSS faculty.
About Richard "Dick" Larson
Larson has had a long and varied career at MIT, starting in the Electrical Engineering department and eventually moving to the interdepartmental IDSS. He has worked on a wide range of problems, including urban service systems, disaster planning, pandemics, and logistics. Larson is also a champion of STEM education and has written a book called "Model Thinking for Everyday Life".
The Impact of Larson’s Gift
Larson’s gift will have a lasting impact on MIT and the IDSS. According to IDSS Director Fotini Christia, "Dick Larson has been making an impact at MIT for over half a century. This gift extends his already considerable legacy and ensures his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come."
The Inaugural Holder of the Professorship
The inaugural holder of the Distinguished Professorship in Data, Systems, and Society is Alexander "Sasha" Rakhlin, a professor of brain and cognitive science. Rakhlin’s research focuses on machine learning, statistics, and computation. He is interested in developing theoretical and algorithmic tools for online prediction, and his work has been recognized for its excellence.
Rakhlin’s Research
Rakhlin’s research is focused on machine learning, with an emphasis on statistics and computation. He is working on developing tools for online prediction, which is a learning framework where data arrives in a sequential fashion. Rakhlin’s work is an example of research that builds bridges across disciplines and connects different departments and units at MIT.
Recognition and Appreciation
Rakhlin is honored to be the inaugural holder of the Distinguished Professorship in Data, Systems, and Society. He says, "Professor Larson’s commitment to education and service to MIT both serve as models to follow." Michale Fee, the Glen V. and Phyllis F. Dorflinger Professor of Neuroscience, also recognizes Rakhlin’s contributions, saying, "Sasha’s analysis of neural network complexity, and his work developing tools for online prediction, are perfect examples of research which builds bridges across disciplines, and also connects different departments and units at MIT."
Conclusion
The creation of the Distinguished Professorship in Data, Systems, and Society is a significant development for MIT and the IDSS. Thanks to the generosity of Richard "Dick" Larson, this new chair will provide a full professorship for senior IDSS faculty and recognize excellence in research, teaching, and service. The inaugural holder of the professorship, Alexander "Sasha" Rakhlin, is a talented researcher who is working on developing new tools for machine learning and online prediction. This gift will have a lasting impact on MIT and the IDSS, and will continue to inspire new generations of researchers and scholars.
