Jennifer S. Light

Jennifer S. Light is the Bern Dibner Professor of the History of Science and Technology and Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her work bridges movement, education, and historical analysis. She teaches courses like Embodied Education: Past, Present, Future, Exercise is Medicine, and Thinking on Your Feet: Dance as a Learning Science, integrating physical activity with academic instruction.

• Education: Harvard University, University of Cambridge; trained at Esh Circus Arts, certified personal trainer (ACE)

Research Focus: Explores the intersection of embodied learning, historical healthcare systems, and urban planning pedagogy. Her upcoming book synthesizes ancient wisdom and modern science on physical activity’s role in education.

• Awards: American Sociological Association, Society for American City and Regional Planning History, Illinois Institute of Technology
• Leadership: Senior Research Fellow at Charles Babbage Institute, former head of MIT’s Program on Science, Technology and Society