Desirée Plata, a prominent figure in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been appointed as the associate dean of engineering effective July 1. In her new role, Plata will spearhead early-stage research initiatives and bolster entrepreneurial efforts within the school. She will also support several key programs, including the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program and the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program. Plata, who has a strong background in sustainable industrial processes and environmental chemistry, leads MIT’s Parsons Laboratory and the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium. Her research focuses on integrating environmental objectives into industrial designs and developing advanced methods for pollution reduction. In addition to her academic roles, Plata has co-founded two startups, Nth Cycle and Moxair, aimed at addressing climate and energy challenges. Her contributions to education and research have been recognized with numerous awards, including MIT’s Harold E. Edgerton Faculty Achievement Award and the NSF CAREER Award. Plata's extensive experience and leadership in climate initiatives position her to make a significant impact in her new role.