First Female Dean for Faculty of Aerospace Engineering

On January 1, Professor Daniella Raveh made history as the first female dean of the Technion Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. An alumna of the Faculty, she graduated with honors and went on to earn both a master’s and Ph.D. degrees there. Prof. Raveh later became a prominent researcher in aeroelasticity and a popular lecturer as a member of the faculty.

Professor Raveh’s research field is Aeroelasticity, which concerns the interaction of aerodynamic forces and flexible structures. Today, as lighter and more flexible aircraft are being designed globally, a thorough study of aeroelastic phenomena is essential to understanding their flight performance. Prof. Raveh’s team researches high-fidelity models for aeroelastic analysis and conducts wind tunnel and flight tests to explore all aspects of this field.

Prof. Daniella Raveh

As dean, Prof. Raveh is responsible for implementing the Faculty’s academic program, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and research, and upholding high standards of research and teaching. She is committed to enhancing the Faculty’s reputation and accomplishments. Her perspective as an alumna is advantageous for the Faculty’s continuous endeavor to offer students and researchers an optimal environment for their studies and research.

Prof. Raveh’s appointment is a testament to the Technion’s commitment to nurturing and developing talent within its ranks. Her journey in the Faculty reflects its continuous efforts to train outstanding alumni to contribute significantly to aerospace science.

“I’m honored to become the dean of the Faculty where I once studied, after years of research and teaching,” said Prof. Raveh. “I am excited to contribute to the Faculty’s growth and success, and I look forward to collaborating with the academic, technical, and administrative staff, as well as the students, to maintain the Faculty’s progress and drive innovation in aerospace engineering. As an aerospace engineer, I have been fortunate to work with captivating subjects daily. Aerospace engineering is a field suitable for both men and women, and every skilled engineer who graduates from the Faculty is assured of engaging work in the field.”

Technion President Professor Uri Sivan congratulated Prof. Raveh: “The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering was the first Faculty to have been built on the new Technion campus in Neve Shaanan, and it is the only one in Israel that trains engineers in this field. During the last few decades, the Technion has been undergoing a transformation. The percentage of female undergraduate students is constantly growing and now stands at around half of all students. I’m very proud that this Faculty is now headed by a female dean who will inspire and serve as a role model for young women.”

Professor Tal Shima, the outgoing dean, said that he was very pleased with the appointment of Prof. Raveh: “I had the honor of serving as dean of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering for four years. It was a very challenging time, full of activity, and I sincerely hope that we succeeded in ensuring the future of the Faculty for generations to come. As an alumnus of the Faculty, it was a special honor to work with the excellent members of our academic, technical, and administrative faculty, educating and training the next generation, expanding the limits of knowledge in the field, and contributing to the State of Israel and its security. I would like to thank the Technion’s management, and especially Prof. Uri Sivan, for its strong support. I’m confident that Prof. Raveh will lead the Faculty excellently and will steer us towards new heights.”

New deans were recently appointed in three additional faculties: Prof. Miri Barak in the Faculty of Education in Science and Technology, Prof. Ori Lahav in the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Prof. Efrat Lifshitz in the Schulich Faculty of Chemistry.