The MIT Media Lab is excited to welcome two new visionary faculty members starting September 2024: Behnaz Farahi and Paul Liang. Both will significantly advance our work at the intersection of design, AI, and human experience.

Behnaz Farahi: Assistant Professor, Transformative Design—Design + Technology for Societal Impact

Behnaz Farahi, an acclaimed designer, joins as Assistant Professor, Transformative Design—Design + Technology for Societal Impact. Her work bridges computational design, interactive technologies, and digital fabrication to foster empathetic relationships between humans and their environments. Behnaz’s research will focus on empowering marginalized communities and advancing creative methodologies to address societal challenges.

"Behnaz Farahi’s innovative approach will extend the Media Lab’s legacy in creative exploration and technological advancement," says Joseph A. Paradiso, Alexander W. Dreyfoos (1954) Professor and Associate Academic Head, Program in Media Arts and Sciences at the MIT Media Lab. Her cross-disciplinary work will inspire new ways of thinking and making, addressing critical issues like feminism, emotion, and social interaction.

Paul Liang: Assistant Professor, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Experience

Paul Liang joins as Assistant Professor, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Experience, with a shared appointment in MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS). His research will focus on integrating diverse sensory inputs—like text, speech, and video—into AI systems that enhance human experiences. Paul’s work explores the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of AI, creating technology that is more responsive to human needs.

"We are thrilled to welcome Paul Liang to the MIT Media Lab," says Dava Newman, Director of the MIT Media Lab. "His work perfectly aligns with our mission to innovate at the intersection of technology and humanity."