“Brilliant, compassionate, motivating, and filled with insight,” a student characterized Kenneth Oye. Another praised that “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a nurturing, supportive, understanding, and kind leader” in Maria Yang.
Professors Maria Yang and Kenneth Oye are part of the 2023-25 Committed to Caring cohort, recognized for their dedication to encouraging students; advocating for significant, engaging research; and accompanying them on their research journey from start to completion. For MIT graduate students, the Committed to Caring initiative honors those who exceed expectations.
Maria Yang: Inclusivity and ongoing development
Professor Maria Yang serves as the deputy dean of engineering, Kendall Rohsenow Professor, and a professor of mechanical engineering. Her focus is on design theory, particularly during the initial stages of the design process. Her present research interests involve the collaborative dynamics between humans and AI in design and methods to create products that motivate users to adopt more sustainable behaviors.
Yang has been honored with the Committed to Caring award for 2023-25. She is celebrated for her collaborative, multidisciplinary approach and her ongoing support for students.
Yang established and heads the Ideation Laboratory at MIT, which is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach to design, encompassing product design, engineering design, and system design. Students may feel out of place in their conventional department, yet they discover a sense of belonging in the Ideation Laboratory. In Yang’s view, her students “collaborate and connect based on their shared experiences.”
Yang mentors a student-led research initiative that aims to comprehend how users, alongside other groups typically overlooked, are integrated into design education and practice, and how to enhance engagement with these users and stakeholders. Yang provided extensive mentorship and feedback for her students on this project while also assisting them in applying for grants to further develop their work.
The students and Yang organized an inaugural summit as part of this project. The summit united faculty and students from MIT along with representatives from other universities and organizations. All stakeholders involved in the summit aim to assist instructors in thoughtfully engaging with users and stakeholders in their courses, and are striving to foster a community for students and instructors involved in this domain.
“Maria never seeks recognition for the project’s successes, preferring to credit her teammates instead,” stated a nominator, “yet she has been crucial in backing us and motivating us to persist.”
Yang has consistently been a nurturing and supportive mentor, advocating for and uplifting her students’ endeavors. When one nominator was still considering their application, Yang met with them to discuss it. After the student was accepted into the Media Lab instead of mechanical engineering, Yang welcomed them into her research group.
As the student progressed in their career, Yang became a part of their thesis committee and provided letters of recommendation for their academic job journey. The nominator sought guidance from Maria on strategizing which applications to submit and identifying the most suitable departments.
Yang dedicated time to meet with the student, rehearsed their presentation, and offered support where the student felt uncertain. Overall, Yang empowered them to maintain their momentum toward their aspirations, ultimately helping them earn their PhD.
The nominator expressed gratitude for the pivotal role Maria played in nurturing their development: “My experience at MIT would have been profoundly different without Maria.”
Kenneth Oye: Motivating advisor and compassionate mentor
Oye is a professor of political science and data systems and society, as well as the director of the Program on Emerging Technologies (PoET). His research focuses on international relations, political economy, and technology policy. His current endeavors in technology policy emphasize adaptive risk management related to synthetic biology and pharmaceuticals, along with equity in health policy.
Oye has been awarded the Committed to Caring award for 2023-25. He is an exceptionally effective educator, influential advisor, and thoughtful mentor.
Oye delivers lectures using clear, accessible language interwoven with personal anecdotes and rich experiences. His classes are interactive and engaging, enabling students to genuinely absorb the subject matter. His learners develop understanding driven by curiosity and intent.
A nominator noted that Oye encourages his students to explore a wide range of topics. He frequently provides insights on enhancing research design and shares analytical techniques. “He recognized my efforts and ideas,” the nominator remarked, “but always urged me to delve deeper.”
The student mentioned that certain aspects of their dissertation were daunting, yet Oye transformed them into a delightful intellectual pursuit.
Oye highlights his dedication to the quality of the work produced while also prioritizing his students as individuals. He consistently begins weekly meetings with personal check-ins and genuinely cares about each student’s well-being and personal growth.
Students feel at ease approaching Oye to share their struggles and seek guidance. Their mentoring relationship has built such a level of trust, one nominator recalled, that during personal challenges, “Ken was the first person I thought of to confide in and ask for guidance.”
As an educator, advisor, and mentor, Oye has supported his students’ learning and development beyond the confines of the classroom.
One of his students expressed, “Oye is truly a treasure to learn from and collaborate with, and I believe he has been an immense asset to generations of students at MIT.”