Innovative Leadership in Chemical Engineering: Kristala Prather Takes the Helm

Kristala L. J. Prather, a respected leader in chemical engineering, has been appointed head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at MIT starting January 1, 2024, marking a new chapter of leadership and innovation.

A Proven Leader in Chemical Engineering

“Professor Prather has already shown exceptional leadership in her role as executive officer in ChemE. Her efforts, especially during the challenges posed by the pandemic, have significantly influenced the department,” stated Anantha Chandrakasan, dean of the School of Engineering. “She is not only a skilled scholar but also a dedicated educator, and I am excited to collaborate with her in this new leadership capacity.”

Joining the faculty at MIT in 2004, Professor Prather specializes in designing recombinant microorganisms for the production of small molecules. Her research group focuses on creating innovative pathways for biological synthesis, enhancing enzyme activity while managing metabolic flux, and advancing bioprocess engineering and design.

Pioneering Sustainability and Climate Solutions

Her research aims to tackle climate change and sustainability challenges by minimizing reliance on fossil feedstocks for energy and chemicals. By developing pathways to synthesize small molecules from renewable biomass instead of petroleum, she and her team are making significant strides in improving biological systems’ productivity.

Leadership Through Challenges and Innovation

As the executive officer of ChemE, Prather has been instrumental in overseeing departmental operations related to teaching, spatial management, and the undergraduate program. She organized teaching assignments, addressed space needs for new faculty, and revitalized the undergraduate curriculum.

Shortly after assuming her role in February 2020, she faced the Covid-19 pandemic challenge by facilitating remote learning transitions through open communication about academic regulations and virtual teaching best practices. She also led infrastructure support during shutdowns and research resumptions.

“A passionate educator, Prather teaches chemical engineering to students ranging from first-year undergraduates to seasoned professionals, exemplifying dedication that has earned her multiple prestigious teaching awards.”

Contributions to MIT and Beyond

Prather is involved in multiple initiatives at MIT including serving on the Advisory Board for the Office of Engineering Outreach Programs, co-directing the Microbiology Graduate PhD Program, and leading efforts within the MIT Energy Initiative’s Low-Carbon Energy Center.

Her teaching excellence has been recognized with awards such as the MacVicar Faculty Fellowship and Junior Bose Award for Excellence in Teaching, while her research accomplishments include AIChE’s Andreas Acrivos Award and fellowships in AAAS, AIChE, and AIMBE.

Legacy and Future Outlook

Before MIT, Prather spent four years in bioprocess R&D at Merck & Co., earned her bachelor’s degree from MIT in 1994, and completed her PhD at UC Berkeley in 1999.

She succeeds Paula Hammond, whose transformative eight-year leadership included curriculum enhancements and advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion as noted by Dean Chandrakasan.