Diverse MLK Scholars Program Enriches MIT with Innovative Perspectives for 2022-23

The Martin Luther King Jr. Visiting Professors and Scholars Program at MIT fosters a unique blend of groundbreaking research and cultural exploration, connecting diverse experts to enrich the academic community with innovative insights from space sustainability to hip-hop activism.

Honoring Legacy and Expanding Horizons

Established in 1990, the program honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by increasing the presence and recognizing contributions of underrepresented scholars. To date, it has welcomed over 135 distinguished individuals dedicated to fostering equity and intellectual diversity at MIT.

New Roles and Academic Focus

In spring 2022, MIT President Rafael Reif announced the addition of two new positions within the MLK Visiting Scholars Program, including an expert in Native American studies, broadening the program’s commitment to diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary research chemistries.

Distinguished Scholars and Their Contributions

The cohort features a remarkable array of experts spanning multiple fields:

• Daniel Auguste, Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University, explores social inequalities in entrepreneurship development under the mentorship of Roberto Fernandez at MIT Sloan.
• Javit Drake, Principal Scientist at Proctor & Gamble and a 1994 alumnus, advances electrochemical energy and battery technologies with host Fikile Brushett.
• Eunice Ferreira, Associate Professor at Skidmore College, leads the course “Black Theater Matters” while collaborating with Claire Conceison in Music and Theater Arts.
• Wasalu Jaco, known as Lupe Fiasco, merges rap, computing, and activism with guidance from Nick Montfort and Mary Fuller.
• Moriba Jah, Associate Professor from University of Texas at Austin, focuses on space sustainability and traffic management alongside Danielle Wood and Richard Linares.
• Louis Massiah, SM ’82 graduate and documentary filmmaker, founder of Scribe Video Center, collaborates with Vivek Bald.
• Brian Nord from Fermilab investigates ethics in scientific discovery and artificial intelligence with Jesse Thaler.
• Brandon Ogbunu, Assistant Professor at Yale University, researches virus evolution along with chemistry and materials science under Matthew Shoulders.

“MIT is so fortunate to have this group of remarkable individuals join us. They bring a range and depth of knowledge to share with our students and faculty, and we look forward to working with them to build a stronger sense of community across the Institute.”
— John Dozier, Institute Community and Equity Officer

Engagement and Further Information

These visiting scholars exemplify MIT’s dedication to fostering a dynamic academic environment that embraces interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural dialogue. To learn more about their work and the MLK Visiting Scholars Program, please visit mlkscholars.mit.edu.