Dr. Hastings, who earned a Ph.D. and an S.M, from MIT in Aeronautics and Astronautics in 1980 and 1978 respectively, received a B.A. in Mathematics from Oxford University in England in 1976. He joined the MIT faculty as an assistant professor in 1985, advancing to associate professor in 1988 and full professor in 1993. Dr. Hastings served ESD as Associate Director from July 2001 - April, 003, Co-Director from May, 2003 - June, 2004, and Director from July 2004 - December 2005.

As Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Systems, Hastings has taught courses and seminars in plasma physics, rocket propulsion, advanced space power and propulsion systems, aerospace policy, technology and policy, and space systems engineering.