Dean of Science Robert Silbey presented the annual School of Science teaching prizes on Sept. 19 to professors Barbara Imperiali and John Joannopoulos.
Imperiali was recognized for excellence in undergraduate education. She was honored for "her ability to convey both her love and understanding of organic chemistry; for her ceaseless efforts to break down the invisible barrier between the student and the teacher; for her seamless integration of lecture material, readings, problem sets and exams; and for her directness and openness in her interactions with students."
Joannopoulos, the Francis Wright Davis Professor of Physics, was recognized in graduate teaching "for his ability to form an instant personal bond with each student in the class; for conveying with clarity and excitement both the basics of the field and the most current information on the theory of solids; and, through the skillful use of challenging questions, for the creation of a truly interactive and open community of scholars in the classroom."
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on September 25, 2002.
