Department Head Markus Buehler announced the official appointment of Professor Ruben Juanes as the new director of Pierce Laboratory, effective September 2015. “I am truly excited that Ruben has agreed to serve in this important role,” said Buehler. “I am looking forward to working with him, and all of you, to build on and continue [Pierce’s] path of excellence and innovation.” An MIT faculty member since 2006, Juanes leads a research lab focused on energy-driven geophysical problems including carbon sequestration, methane hydrates, and energy recovery. These specializations will complement the laboratory’s focus on using innovative science and engineering approaches to advance the design of infrastructure materials, transportation systems, cities, and energy resources.