In recognition of her outstanding contributions to condensed matter physics, and to the science and engineering community through dedicated and effective service in numerous leadership positions.
Dresselhaus joined the MIT Lincoln Laboratory in 1960, and started working in the new research field of magneto-optics, with particular focus on carbon materials semimetals. She was named visiting Abby Rockefeller Mauze Professor at MIT, and then joined the faculty as a full professor in 1968. She subsequently served as associate head of the Department of Electrical Science and Engineering, and director of the Center of Materials Science and Engineering. In 1985 Dresselhaus was named Institute Professor, a lifetime honor.
Dresselhaus has been a leader in improving conditions for women scientists. She worked to expand the admission opportunities for women at MIT, initiating a Women’s Forum at MIT to address difficulties women face. She was co-principal investigator for the NSF-funded program, “Improving the Climate for Women in Physics Departments” and she headed the first committee of the National Research Council on the Education and Employment of Women in Science and Engineering.