Ian A. Waitz is Dean of the School of Engineering and the Jerome C. Hunsaker Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT. He served as Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics head from 2008 until his appointment as Dean in 2011. The principal focus of his current research is on the modeling and evaluation of the climate, air-quality and noise impacts of aviation, and the assessment of technological, operational, and policy options for mitigating these impacts. Waitz has contributed to several influential policy documents and scientific assessments, including a report to the U.S. Congress on aviation and the environment. He holds three patents, and has consulted for many organizations. In 2003, Waitz received a NASA Turning Goals Into Reality Award for Noise Reduction, and in 2007 he was awarded the FAA Excellence in Aviation Research Award. In 2014 he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. He is a Fellow of the AIAA, and an ASME and ASEE member.