Evanston, Ill.--Miranda Mulligan has been named executive director of Northwestern University’s Knight News Innovation Laboratory, effective July 23. The lab, which brings together journalists and computer scientists, aims to develop innovative technologies to be used by journalists, publishers and citizens locally, in the U.S. and abroad.

“This is an incredible team to be joining, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to further my exploration of innovative storytelling and publishing techniques,” said Mulligan, who is currently the design director for digital at The Boston Globe.

Supported by a $4.2 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Knight Lab is a joint initiative of the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications and the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science.

As design director for boston.com, Mulligan has focused on the intersection of journalism and technology. She is a designer and educator with more than 10 years of experience in print and web design, photography and information graphics reporting.

In 2011, Mulligan led the responsive web design approach to the new BostonGlobe.com, which was named World’s Best Designed Website for 2011 by the Society of News Design.

“Miranda Mulligan has a wonderful background to lead the Knight Lab,” said Medill Dean John Lavine. “Her experience leading the Globe’s responsive-design project demonstrated her extraordinary skill managing projects that involve journalists and technologists, while also accomplishing real business goals.”

McCormick School Dean Julio M. Ottino said: “The Knight Lab serves as a catalyst for work at the intersection of computer science and journalism. This intersection is a unique strength at Northwestern, and Miranda Mulligan’s appointment will ensure that the lab continues to develop new, innovative media tools that incorporate new technologies to meet the needs of both media companies and their audiences.”

Since its launch last year, the lab has produced a diverse mix of technology innovations relevant to media and journalism. Visit knightlab.northwestern.edu/site/projects/ for a list of projects.