Gilda A. Barabino
Gilda A. Barabino is the second president of Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts. A chemical engineer by training, with broad interests in global health and interdisciplinary research and education, Barabino pioneered new engineering approaches to problems in medicine. Her research in sickle cell disease informed current technologies and the basis for novel therapies. She is a passionate advocate for health equity and leads national efforts to engage engineers in the development of solutions to health disparities. In recognition of her visionary leadership and outstanding professional achievement, Barabino has received many of the highest honors in academia. She is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine, and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering Society.
Barabino leads on a global stage as board chair of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest interdisciplinary scientific society. She is an internationally recognized thought leader and highly sought-after speaker and consultant on race/ethnicity and gender in science and engineering, with a particular focus on creating cultures and climates that support a sense of belonging. She has led a number of initiatives in these areas, including serving as the founder and executive director of the National Institute for Faculty Equity.
Prior to becoming president of Olin College, Barabino has held academic and administrative appointments at the Grove School of Engineering at the City College of New York, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and Northeastern University. Barabino received a B.S. from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Ph.D. from Rice University.