Laura von Bosau receives MIT Excellence Award for Outstanding Contributor

Laura von Bosau, a staff member in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, received a 2026 MIT Excellence Award for Outstanding Contributor, one of the Institute’s highest honors for staff. She was recognized onstage at an awards ceremony at Kresge Auditorium on June 4.

Von Bosau is the senior course assistant for 3.091 (Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry), where she manages one of MIT’s largest classes, with more than 500 students in the fall semester alone.

“Laura does a phenomenal job managing a class whose roster includes nearly one eighth of all MIT undergraduates while still finding time to make the experience fun for them,” said School of Science Dean Nergis Mavalvala, relaying sentiments from one of von Bosau’s nominators. “Behind this effort is an enormous heart with tremendous compassion and a positive attitude that is infectious.”

The MIT Excellence Awards for Outstanding Contributors recognize staff members who go above and beyond without fanfare, take initiative to solve problems, and share knowledge that helps the community do its best work.

The ceremony also recognized staff across MIT with Excellence Awards in categories including innovation, inclusion, and community service. The Collier Medal, one of MIT’s highest staff honors, was awarded to Michael Grenier, pub manager of the Muddy Charles and the Thirsty Ear.

The ceremony opened with a video message from MIT President Sally Kornbluth, who said she was on yet another trip to Washington, DC, to make the case for the value and impact of MIT.

“That’s an easy case to make,” she said of MIT’s impact, “but I know it would be even more effective if I could introduce them to the dedicated people of MIT.”

For more information and a complete list of recipients, visit the MIT Excellence Awards website.