IOANNIS N. MIAOULIS
Dr. Ioannis "Yannis" Miaoulis has been President and Director of the Museum of Science, Boston, since 2003. Originally from Greece, Yannis came to the Museum after a distinguished association with Tufts University. There, he was Dean of the School of Engineering, Associate Provost, Interim Dean of the University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Professor of Mechanical Engineering. In addition to helping Tufts raise $100 million for its engineering school, Yannis greatly increased the number of female students and faculty, designed collaborative programs with industry, and more than doubled research initiatives. Founding laboratories in Thermal Analysis for Materials Processing and Comparative Biomechanics, he also created the Center for Engineering Educational Outreach and the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program.
An innovative educator with a passion for science and engineering, Yannis championed the introduction of engineering into the Massachusetts science and technology public school curriculum in 2001, making the Commonwealth first in the nation to develop statewide curricular frameworks and assessments for engineering at all levels K-12. He is positioning the Museum of Science to take the lead in bringing all interested parties in government, industry, and education together to advance the goal of educating a scientifically and technologically literate citizenry. Drawing over 1.6 million visitors a year, the Museum is ranked sixteenth among the "50 Overall Top-Rated Attractions" in the Zagat Survey's "U.S. Family Travel Guide" and one of the top two science museums nationwide.
In 2004, Yannis spearheaded the creation of the National Center for Technological Literacy (NCTL) at the Museum. Supported by corporate, foundation and federal funds, NCTL will introduce engineering as a new discipline in schools and will foster lifelong learning about technology and engineering by presenting technology as a partner equal to science in museums and science centers. At present, the NCTL is working with educators in 28 states, helping them to modify their educational standards and assessments and design K-12 engineering materials, and offering professional development.
A frequent speaker on science and technology literacy, Yannis has testified before U.S. Senate committees and served as keynote speaker at numerous education reform conferences nationwide. He has published more than 100 research papers and holds two patents. He has also received numerous awards for his research efforts and community service, including the Presidential Young Investigator award, the William P. Desmond Award for outstanding contributions to Public Education, the Boston Jaycees Outstanding Young Leader Award, and the Tufts University Alumni Association's Outstanding Service Award. He has served as Co-chair of the Technology/Engineering Education Advisory Board, Trustee of WGBH, and is a past member of the Massachusetts Math and Science Advisory Board. He currently serves as a Presidential Appointee in the National Board of Museum and Library Services and is a Trustee of Wellesley College. He was recently appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick to the Commonwealth Readiness Project, and is pending appointment to the NASA Advisory Board.
Yannis holds three degrees from Tufts University, a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1983, an M.A. in economics in 1986, and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering in 1987. He also received a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1984. He was elected to the Tufts University Board of Trustees in 2006.
Last updated: December 2008
