Susan Hockfield

Susan Hockfield - World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2012

Susan Hockfield (born March 24, 1951) is an American neuroscientist and the first woman to serve as the President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She held the position from 2004 to 2012. Hockfield is known for her contributions to the field of neuroscience and her leadership in higher education.

Early Life and Education

Susan Hockfield was born in Chicago, Illinois. She earned her B.A. in biology from the University of Rochester in 1973. She then pursued her Ph.D. in anatomy and neuroscience at the Georgetown University School of Medicine, where she conducted research on the development of the nervous system.

Academic Career

After completing her Ph.D., Hockfield conducted postdoctoral research at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory under the mentorship of James D. Watson. She later joined the faculty at the Yale School of Medicine, where she became a professor of neurobiology and served as the dean of the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Research Contributions

Hockfield's research has focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the brain and nervous system. She is particularly known for her work on the role of extracellular matrix molecules in neural development and plasticity. Her research has contributed to a better understanding of brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases.

Presidency at MIT

In 2004, Susan Hockfield was appointed as the 16th president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), becoming the first woman and the first life scientist to hold the position. During her tenure, she emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research and the convergence of life sciences with engineering and physical sciences. She also focused on energy research and sustainability, leading to the establishment of the MIT Energy Initiative.

Post-Presidency Activities

After stepping down as president in 2012, Hockfield continued to be active in academia and public service. She has served on various boards and committees, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Institutes of Health.

Personal Life

Susan Hockfield is married to Thomas N. Byrne, a neurologist, and they have one daughter. They reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Awards and Honors

Hockfield has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to science and education, including honorary degrees from several institutions and membership in prestigious organizations such as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine.

See Also

• Neuroscience
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Yale University
• Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory