Engineering Dean Named Museum President

Boston's Museum of Science has named innovative educational leader and Tufts engineer Ioannis Miaoulis as its new President and Director.

Boston [11-25-02] Ioannis (Yannis) N. Miaoulis, Associate Provost and Dean of Tufts University’s School of Engineering, has been named President and Director of Boston's Museum of Science. The announcement was made today by Jack Reno, Chairman of the organization’s Board of Trustees.

Miaoulis, 41, will succeed Dr. David Ellis, who announced his retirement in April 2002 after 12 successful years at the helm of New England’s most highly attended museum. Dr. Miaoulis assumes office January 1, 2003.

According to Malcolm Sherman, Chair of the Museum’s Search Committee, Dr. Miaoulis continually stood out among an impressive field of national candidates throughout the process.

“Dr. Miaoulis will bring exceptional credentials in research, education, administration, and program development to the Museum," Sherman said. "The depth of his experience prepares him to build on the outstanding foundation that David Ellis leaves as his legacy at the Museum of Science.”

Reno also lauded Dr. Miaoulis’ skills, adding, “Dr. Miaoulis is particularly well suited to help the Museum realize its long-range goal to make technology an equal partner with science and develop new programming to better serve an adult audience.”

Dr. Miaoulis has enjoyed a long and distinguished association with Tufts University, having served as Professor of Mechanical Engineering since 1986, Dean of Tufts’ School of Engineering since 1994, Interim Dean of the University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in 2000, and Associate Provost for the past year.

Both his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in mechanical engineering, as well as his master’s degree in economics, were earned at Tufts. He also received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

During his more than 15-year tenure at the University’s School of Engineering, Dr. Miaoulis significantly increased the number of female students and faculty members, oversaw the establishment of a five-year strategic plan that raised the school’s visibility on the international stage, designed a collaborative program with numerous industry partners, and more than doubled research initiatives.

A skilled and creative educator, Dr. Miaoulis has been recognized for his involvement in a wide range of academic programs, including curriculum development for students Pre K – 12, and championing the introduction of engineering as the new discipline in public schools nationwide.

He has published more than 100 research papers and holds two patents. He is the recipient of the Presidential Young Investigator Award, the William P. Desmond Award for outstanding contributions to Public Education, and the Boston Jaycees Outstanding Young Leader Award.

Dr. Miaoulis has also been honored with numerous awards for his research efforts and community service, including the Allan MacLeod Cormack Award for Excellence in Collaborative Research, and a Mellon Fellowship. For four years, he served on the Massachusetts Math and Science Advisory Board and is currently Chair of the Massachusetts Technology/Engineering Advisory Board.

“Yannis has been a terrific faculty member, a creative Dean, and a wonderful colleague," said Tufts President Lawrence S. Bacow. "Tufts is a better place today because of his leadership. While we will all miss him, we are delighted that he will still be in the area. The Museum of Science will benefit from his exceptional energy and enthusiasm. He is the right man for the job.”