Leo Rafael Reif, a dual citizen of Venezuela and the United States, served as the 17th president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 2012 to 2022. An electrical engineer by training, he shifted from laboratory research into high-level academic administration, overseeing major institutional developments, digital learning initiatives, and significant shifts in the focus of technological research.
Academic Background
Born in 1950 in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Reif studied at the University of Carabobo, where he earned an undergraduate degree in 1973. Following a year as an assistant professor at Simón Bolívar University in Caracas, he moved to the United States to continue his education. He received a PhD in electrical engineering from Stanford University in 1979 and served as a visiting assistant professor within that department for one year.
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Reif joined the MIT faculty in 1980. His early research focused on environmentally benign semiconductor fabrication and three-dimensional integrated circuits. He achieved the rank of full professor in 1988 and later held the title of Fariborz Maseeh Professor of Emerging Technology. Before becoming president, he led the Microsystems Technology Laboratories and served as the department head for Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from 2004 to 2005.
Provost and Presidential Initiatives
As provost between 2005 and 2012, Reif prioritized digital education, eventually leading to the 2012 launch of edX in partnership with Harvard University. As president, he inaugurated the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing in 2018 to integrate artificial intelligence across disciplines. He also championed 'tough-tech' through the creation of The Engine, an initiative providing mentorship and funding to commercialize scientific research.
Professional Affiliations and Recognition
Beyond academia, Reif maintained an active role in corporate and organizational governance. He sat on the boards of the World Economic Forum, the Carnegie Endowment, and the Council on Foreign Relations. His corporate experience includes serving on the boards of Schlumberger, Alcoa, Arconic, and TSMC. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and received an honorary doctorate from Tsinghua University in 2016.
Fast facts
- Born: 1950, Maracaibo, Venezuela
- Citizenship: United States, Venezuela
- MIT President: 2012-2022
- PhD: Stanford University, 1979
- Undergraduate Degree: University of Carabobo, 1973
- Professional Member: American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Questions readers ask
What was the focus of Reif's research?
His work centered on three-dimensional integrated circuit technologies and environmentally benign semiconductor device fabrication.
What is the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing?
Established in 2018, the college aims to prepare students to harness artificial intelligence while considering the resulting ethical and social implications.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Simón Bolívar University
- Educated at Stanford University and University of Carabobo
- Worked as inventor, university teacher and administrator
