 A 1998 MIT study concluded that a systemic bias against female faculty existed in its School of Science , although the study 's methods were controversial . Since the study , though , women have headed departments within the Schools of Science and of Engineering , and MIT has appointed several female vice presidents , although allegations of sexism continue to be made . Susan Hockfield , a molecular neurobiologist , was MIT 's president from 2004 to 2012 and was the first woman to hold the post . 
