Dr.
Frank Field Honored
with
First ESD Educational Excellence Award
By
Lois
Slavin, ESD Communications Director
– Decmeber 2003
On
November 4, Dr. Frank R. Field III
was honored with the first annual
Joseph Nemec ESD Educational Excellence
Award. The award was endowed by Joe
Nemec of Booz-Allen Hamilton who is
also a member of the ESD Visiting
Committee.
Affiliated
with the Materials Systems Laboratory,
Frank is also Associate Director of
Education of ESD’s Technology
and Policy Program (TPP), Senior Research
Engineer, Senior Lecturer in Engineering
Systems, Senior Research Associate
in ESD’s Center for Technology,
Policy, and Industrial Development.
Professor
Joseph Sussman, who chaired the selection
committee composed of himself and
ESD Co-Directors Dan Roos and Dan
Hastings, observed that the board’s
unanimous decision was based on Frank’s
excellence in classroom teaching,
curriculum design and development,
academic administration, and providing
an effective and nurturing environment.
“It is very appropriate that
the first winner has been and continues
to be a contributor to one of the
precursor programs to the establishment
of ESD,” said Sussman.
Professor
Dava Newman, Director of ESD’s
Technology and Policy Program (TPP),
nominated Frank for the award. Noting
that he is the absolute “foundation
on which TPP functions,” Dava
emphasized that Frank is involved
in every aspect of TPP, including
teaching, management, research, advising,
and administration.
“Frank
is a leading force behind our interactions
with Cambridge University and the
establishment of the Technology Policy
MPhil program. Dr. Field gains the
utmost respect from colleagues, staff,
and students through a unique leadership
style that combines listening and
action. I cannot think of a more deserving
colleague than Dr. Frank Field for
the ESD Education Award,” said
Dava.
Frank
was also cited for the following in
supporting documents submitted by
several members of the ESD-TPP faculty
and staff:
Developing
the major part of Industrial Ecology
(ESD 123). “It is a difficult
subject to teach well because of the
uncertainties in the economic and
scientific data and the value judgments
associated with the valuation of ecological
information. Frank has been very clever
in devising spreadsheets and other
tools for the students to use on their
analyses. His lectures are very clear,
informative and his dry wit keeps
the students entertained. His teaching
evaluations reflect the high regard
that the students have for him.
Being
a major force behind the academic
development of TPP. “ Frank
has been the person that others have
counted on to make sure that admissions,
curriculum development and special
problems with some students are handled
efficiently and smoothly.
Commitment
to the intellectual and practical
education of the TPP students.
“I am impressed at the effort
and time he devotes to his interactions
with the ESD.10 students this semester,
providing extremely detailed and respectful
responses to student assignments.
In addition, I've noticed in our shared
ESD.10 classroom interactions that
Frank encourages engagement in the
material, and handles dissent graciously
and constructively. Both of these
examples are characteristic of "best
practices" in education.”
Dedication
to students: “Over the
past three years, I have been able
to experience Dr. Field’s dedication
to the education of TPP students and
the wider MIT community. In addition
to formal lecturing, Dr. Field has
provided continual support for the
students of TPP by making time to
help anyone in need of assistance.
It is this compassion and keen interest
in the progress of students, which
makes him one of the most highly regarded
faculty members in ESD.
And
from TPP students:
“There’s
a reason across the decades the TPP
intramural sports teams often find
themselves named after what at first
glance might seem an obscure senior
researcher – a creature named
“furd” – amongst
the academic pillars of MIT. (Editor’s
note: Frank’s email address
is furd "at" mit.edu)
“Perhaps
the welcome lies in his willingness
to shoulder so much of the burdens
of our world. As if somehow his own
integrity in approving students’
curriculums, in providing direction
to doctoral students, in putting into
everything so much of himself, might
carry us through.
“In
a world of seekers of power, money,
and recognition, one can’t help
but wonder what allows this creature,
“furd”, to sit unscathed
in the middle of it all. What keeps
him reading entrance essays in his
office far past when other faculty
members on the floor have gone home?
What brings him again into his office
first thing in the morning before
the rest of us arrive? Unwavering,
this creature holds to the best he
knows of truth, continuing to give
so much regardless of whether the
stands are full or the fans forgot
there was a game at all. I can’t
think of a better mascot for a sports
team, or, for that matter, for life
and us all.”
When
asked how he felt about receiving
the award, Frank said “recognition
by one's peers is a rare and very
special thing, and I treasure having
been given this award. I would like
to thank Prof. Dava Newman for nominating
me, as well as all the students and
staff of TPP and the wider ESD community
who make my job such a rewarding experience.”
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