EGN NEWS DESK
Four excellent undergraduate academics and mentors have been named MacVicar Faculty Fellows: professor {of electrical} engineering and laptop science (EECS) Karl Berggren, professor of political science Andrea Campbell, affiliate professor of music Emily Richmond Pollock, and professor of EECS Vinod Vaikuntanathan.
For greater than 30 years, the MacVicar Faculty Fellows Program has acknowledged exemplary and sustained contributions to undergraduate schooling at MIT. The program is called in honor of Margaret MacVicar, MIT’s first dean for undergraduate schooling and founding father of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).
New fellows are chosen every year by a extremely aggressive nomination course of. They obtain an annual stipend and are appointed to a 10-year time period. Nominations, together with letters of assist from colleagues, college students, and alumni, are reviewed by an advisory committee led by vice chancellor Ian Waitz with last choices made by provost Cynthia Barnhart.
Role fashions each out and in of the classroom, Berggren, Campbell, Pollock, and Vaikuntanathan be a part of an elite academy of students from throughout the Institute who’re dedicated to curricular innovation; distinctive instructing; collaboration with colleagues; and supporting college students by mentorship, management, and advising.
Karl Berggren
“It is a good honor to have been chosen for this fellowship. It has notably made me bear in mind the years of devoted mentoring and assist that I’ve obtained from my colleagues,” says Karl Berggren. “I’ve additionally discovered a fantastic deal over this era from our college students by means of their efforts and considerate suggestions. MIT constantly strives for excellence in undergraduate schooling, and I really feel very fortunate to have been a part of that effort.”
Karl Berggren is the Joseph F. and Nancy P. Keithley Professor within the Department of EECS. He obtained his PhD from Harvard University and his BA in physics from Harvard College. Berggren joined MIT in 1996 as a employees member at Lincoln Laboratory earlier than changing into an assistant professor in 2003. He frequently teaches undergraduate EECS choices together with 6.2000, previously 6.002 (Electrical Circuits), and 6.3400, previously 6.02 (Introduction to EECS through Communication Networks).
Sahil Pontula ’23 writes, “Professor Berggren turned 6.002 from a mere course requirement into a very memorable expertise that formed my present analysis pursuits and offered a singular perspective … He is devoted not simply to educating the following era of engineers, but additionally to imbuing in them interdisciplinary problem-solving views that push the frontiers of science ahead.”
MacVicar Fellow and professor of EECS Jeffrey Lang notes, “His lectures are polished, introduced with humor, and well-appreciated by his college students.” Senior Tiffany Louie provides: “He connects with us, conjures up us, and welcomes us to ask questions in school and within the higher electrical engineering area.”
Berggren can also be deeply invested within the artwork and science of instructing. Tomás Palacios, professor of EECS, says, “Professor Berggren is genuinely desirous about constantly enhancing the tutorial expertise of our college students. He approaches this in the identical methodological and quantitative approach we usually strategy analysis. He is well-versed in probably the most fashionable theories about studying and he’s all the time completely happy to share … related books and papers on the topic.”
Lang agrees, noting that Berggren “reads articles and books that look at and talk about how studying happens in order that he can turn into a extra effective teacher.” He goes on to recall a dialog by which Berggren defined a brand new type of homework grading. Instead of decreasing grades for errors that didn’t render an clearly flawed outcome, he helps college students extract key takeaways from their assignments and are available to appropriate options on their very own. Lang notes {that a} key advantage of this strategy is that it permits graders to “work rather more shortly but fastidiously” and “offers them extra time to spend on giving useful suggestions.”
Adding to his lengthy record of contributions, Berggren additionally oversees the EECS instructing labs. Since assuming this function, he has pursued modifications to make sure that college students really feel comfy and assured utilizing the house for each coursework and out of doors initiatives, creating their important pondering and hands-on expertise.
Faculty head and professor {of electrical} engineering Joel Voldman applauds Berggren’s efforts: “Since [he] has taken over, the labs at the moment are a spot for initiatives of all kinds, with college students being skilled on varied processes, elements being straightforward to acquire, tools available … His elementary mantra has been to make an area that serves college students, meets them the place they’re at, and helps them get to the place they need to go.”
Andrea Campbell
Andrea Campbell obtained her BA in social research from Harvard University and her MA and PhD in political science from the University of California at Berkeley. She joined MIT’s Department of Political Science in 2005 and is at present the Arthur and Ruth Sloan Professor of Political Science and director of undergraduate research.
Professor Campbell frequently teaches lessons 17.30 (Making Public Policy), 17.315 (Health Policy), and 17.317 (U.S. Social Policy). Her analysis examines the relationships between public insurance policies, public opinion, and political habits.
A singular facet of Campbell’s instructing type is the non-public strategy she brings. In 17.315, Campbell shared her personal experiences following a tragic accident in her household, which highlighted the real-life challenges that many face navigating America’s well being care system.
According to David Singer, division head and the Raphael Dorman-Helen Starbuck Professor of Political Science, Campbell “weaves private expertise into her instructing in highly effective methods … Her openness about her expertise permits college students to share their very own … thereby strengthening their very own engagement with the fabric.”
Singer goes on to say, “In all of her lessons, [she] encourages college students to look at policymaking not as a technocratic train, or an train of optimization, however fairly as a course of infused with politics. In steering her pedagogy on this approach, she exhibits her college students easy methods to perceive the identification and pursuits of various teams in society, the place their relative energy emanates from, and the way the principles and establishments of the U.S. political system form coverage outcomes on important points like LGBTQ rights, gun management, navy intervention, and well being care.”
Students say her lessons are extremely impactful, lingering with them for years to come back. Her former instructing assistant, now Harvard professor, Justin de Benedictis-Kessner wrote, “Andrea’s abilities have been an infinite asset … I’ve seen what number of of her former undergraduate college students have gone on to profitable careers adjoining to her area of public coverage largely due to her inspiration.” Echoing this sentiment, Julia H. Ginder ’19 writes, “her classes and mentorship have impacted my day-to-day life and profession trajectory even 5 years after commencement.”
Campbell’s work set the stage for wide-ranging enhancements to the Course 17 curriculum and below her management, public coverage has turn into the preferred minor within the division. Singer writes, “She ensures that required lessons in political establishments, economics, and substantive coverage areas are frequently taught, and he or she proselytizes … to college students concerning the significance of understanding policymaking, particularly to [those] in engineering and sciences who may in any other case overlook this critically essential area.”
Campbell is closely concerned with undergraduate advising on the division, faculty, and Institute ranges. She is a well-liked sponsor of UROPs and attracts many undergraduate researchers every year. Campbell can also be co-chair of the Gender Equity Committee within the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (SHASS) and the Subcommittee on the Communication Requirement (SOCR).
“It is evident that Andrea takes undergraduate instructing terribly significantly, not simply when designing her personal lessons, however when main the undergraduate program in our division,” says Adam Berinsky, the Mitsui Professor of Political Science.
Beyond her many pedagogical and curricular accomplishments, Singer notes: “Andrea’s college students constantly tout her extraordinary diploma of non-public engagement. She takes the time to get to know college students, to mentor them outdoors the classroom, and to maintain them energized within the classroom. Many specific gratitude for Andrea’s willingness to go the additional mile — by staying late after class, holding additional workplace hours, and even inviting college students to her dwelling for Thanksgiving dinner.”
On receiving this award Campbell writes, “I’m so grateful to my colleagues and college students for taking the time to appoint me and so honored to be chosen. Teaching and mentoring MIT college students is such a pleasure. I’m effectively conscious that some college students come by my door simply to meet a requirement. Others include real enthusiasm and curiosity. Either approach, I really like watching them uncover how fascinating political science is and the way related politics and policymaking are for his or her lives and their futures.”
Emily Richmond Pollock
“I’m really thrilled to turn into a MacVicar Faculty Fellow. Working with the undergraduates at MIT is such a present in itself. When I educate, I can solely try to match the scholars’ creativity and dedication with my very own,” says Emily Richmond Pollock.
Pollock joined MIT’s school in 2012. She obtained her BA in music from Harvard University in 2006 and her MA and PhD in music historical past and literature from the University of California at Berkeley in 2008 and 2012. She was awarded MIT’s Arthur C. Smith Award for significant contributions and devotion to undergraduate scholar life and studying in 2019 and the James A. and Ruth Levitan Teaching Award from the SHASS in 2020. She at present serves on the SOCR, the Subcommittee on the HASS necessities, and is the inaugural undergraduate chair within the SHASS.
Pollock is a devoted mentor and advisor and testimonials spotlight her dedication to scholar well-being and mental growth. “Professor Emily Richmond Pollock is a form, intentional, and devoted teacher and advisor,” says senior Katherine Reisig. “By fostering such a welcoming group, she helps the MIT music division be a greater place. It is evident … [she] cares deeply about her college students, not solely that we’re doing effectively academically, but additionally that we’re succeeding in life and doing effectively mentally.”
MacVicar Faculty Fellow and affiliate professor of literature Marah Gubar agrees: “Emily has lengthy served as a job mannequin for easy methods to assist the ‘complete scholar’ in ways in which construct group, proper wrongs, and infuse extra humanity and wonder into our campus.”
MIT colleagues and college students reward Pollock’s in depth contributions to curriculum growth on the introductory and superior ranges. She frequently teaches class 21M.011 (Introduction to Western Music) and programs on opera, symphonic repertoire, and the superior seminar for music majors. Her lectures present full of life studying experiences by which her college students are inspired to suppose critically about music and tradition, dive into unfamiliar operas with curiosity, and examine dramatic parts throughout time intervals.
“I got here away from 21M.011 not solely with a greater understanding of Western music, however with new curiosities and questions on music’s function on this planet. Professor Pollock’s instructing made me need to be taught extra — it inspired lifelong discovery, curiosity, and schooling,” Reisig says.
Associate professor of music and MacVicar Faculty Fellow Patricia Tang writes, “Professor Pollock continues to develop as a frontrunner in pedagogical innovation, reworking the music historical past curriculum and being a real inspiration to her colleagues in her devotion to her college students. Though these topics existed within the course catalog earlier than Pollock’s arrival, in all circumstances she has radically remodeled them, infusing new vitality and pleasure into the curriculum.”
Pollock additionally champions problems with variety, fairness, and inclusion within the arts and is devoted to creating classical music and opera extra accessible whereas sustaining the mental status applauded by college students. She encourages college students to embrace lesser-known works and step outdoors their consolation zone, even taking college students to the opera herself. She has a “robust curiosity in anti-racist pedagogies and decolonizing music curriculum … [her] pedagogical improvements are quite a few,” Tang observes.
About her affect as an advisor, Tang notes: “Professor Pollock genuinely loves attending to know her college students … it’s actually her ‘superpower.’ It is her mission to ensure [they] should not simply surviving however thriving of their first yr.”
Senior Hana Ro agrees: “Under her steering, my tutorial journey has been remodeled, and I’ve gained not solely a profound understanding of [this] material but additionally a way of belonging and encouragement that has been invaluable throughout my time at MIT.”
Furthermore, Pollock ensures that college students by no means really feel remoted or alone. Graduate scholar Frederick Ajisafe says, “If she knew {that a} cohort was taking a demanding class, she would test in with us … In all circumstances, Emily emphasised her perception in our capacity to succeed and her willingness to assist us get there.”
Vinod Vaikuntanathan
Vinod Vaikuntanathan is a professor within the Department of EECS. He obtained his bachelor’s diploma in laptop science from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in 2003 and his SM and PhD levels in laptop science from MIT in 2005 and 2009. Vaikuntanathan joined the school in 2013 and in recognition of his contributions to instructing and repair to college students, he obtained the Harold E. Edgerton Faculty Achievement Award in 2017 and the Ruth and Joel Spira Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2016.
Vaikuntanathan has taught all three EECS undergraduate theoretical laptop science topics together with 6.1210, previously 6.006 (Introduction to Algorithms); 6.1200, previously 6.042 (Mathematics for Computer Science); and 6.1220, previously 6.046 (Design and Analysis of Algorithms).
Students say his lessons are difficult, but approachable and inclusive. Helen Propson ’24 writes, “He excels at making complicated topics like cryptography accessible and charming for all college students, creating an environment the place each scholar’s enter is extremely regarded. He embraces questions and leaves college students feeling impressed and motivated to sort out difficult issues, fostering a way of confidence and a perception in their very own skills.” She goes on to say, “He usually describes intricate ideas as ‘magical,’ and his enthusiasm is contagious, making the fabric come alive within the classroom.”
MIT alumna Anne Kim concurs: “His instructing type is characterised by its readability, enthusiasm, and a real ardour for the subject material. In his lessons, he managed to distill complicated algorithms into digestible ideas, making the fabric accessible to college students with various ranges of experience.”
Vaikuntanathan has additionally made important contributions to the EECS curriculum. In spring 2022, he, together with fellow professors within the division, led an effort to enhance 6.046. According to professor of EECS and MacVicar Fellow Srini Devadas, “designing a brand new lecture for six.046 isn’t straightforward. Each new lecture is, usually, days of prep work, together with getting ready to … give the lecture itself and writing and testing drawback set questions, quiz questions, and quiz follow questions. Vinod did all this with ability, aplomb, and enthusiasm. His contributions have had a everlasting and useful impact on 6.046.”
Widely recognized for his work in cryptography, together with homomorphic encryption and computational complexity, Vaikuntanathan grew to become the lecturer-in-charge of the division’s first theoretical cryptography providing, 6.875. In addition, because the fields of quantum and post-quantum cryptography have grown, “Vinod has added related modules to the syllabus, taking the place of subjects which had grown out of date,” Devadas remarks. “Some professors may see instructing the identical class a number of occasions as an opportunity to avoid wasting themselves work by reusing the identical supplies. Vinod sees instructing 6.875 each fall as a chance to maintain enhancing the category.”
Vinod Vaikuntanathan can also be a faithful mentor and advisor, aiding with first-year UROPs and inspiring college students to reap the benefits of his “open-door” coverage. Kim writes that Professor Vaikuntanathan is benefiting her profession nonetheless as “his mentorship … extends past the classroom by his analysis” and that he “has mentored and suggested dozens of [her] mates within the cryptography house.”
“His encouraging demeanor units a exceptional instance of the sort of teacher each scholar hopes to come across throughout their tutorial profession,” says Propson.
On changing into a MacVicar Faculty Fellow Vaikuntanathan writes, “It is humbling to be within the firm of such wonderful academics and mentors, a lot of whom I’ve come to consider as my function fashions. Many due to my colleagues and my college students for contemplating me worthy of this honor.”
