Welcoming MIT Assistant Professor Aristide Gumyusenge as 2024 Doherty Professor in Ocean Utilization
MIT Sea Grant welcomes MIT Assistant Professor Aristide Gumyusenge from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE) as a 2024 Doherty Professor in Ocean Utilization. Assistant Professor Gumyusenge was nominated by MIT DMSE Interim Department Head and Ford Professor of Engineering Caroline Ross for his research, “Developing Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Detecting Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Marine Environments”.
Assistant Professor Aristide Gumyusenge is addressing an important environmental issue by designing sensors to detect PFAS, toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in seawater. The main objectives of this research are to identify high-sensitivity metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that can detect PFAS quickly, study their processability into uniform thin films, and ultimately fabricate sensors that can be deployed for real-world use, particularly in low-income communities.
The Doherty Professorship in Ocean Utilization provides a two-year stipend and development opportunities through research support for selected non-tenured MIT faculty members pursuing innovative ideas in ocean technologies. We believe the capabilities and enthusiasm of the Institute’s non-tenured faculty members will contribute to solve the problems currently faced in ocean utilization and coastal zone development. Faculty versed in these areas are of particular importance in teaching students that factual knowledge must be coupled with the ability to find workable solutions that are compatible with societal needs. A grant to MIT from Henry L. and Grace Doherty Charitable Foundation, Inc. has established a fund to support the Henry L. Doherty Professorships in Ocean Utilization.
MIT Sea Grant Director Michael Triantafyllou and Doherty Professor Aristide Gumyusenge. (Image: Jason Sparapani/DMSE)
