MacVicar Faculty Fellows

Research areas: Renaissance and late-Medieval literature and culture, post-colonialism, literary theory. “It’s hard not to be intoxicated by the kind of intellectual energy Prof. Raman fosters in his classes. It’s why I chose to take another class with him, why I recommend his classes to my friends, and why he is one of my favorite professors at the Institute,” one student wrote.

Research areas: American industrialization, particularly the role of the military as a catalyst of technological change​. As one student explained: “When Prof. Smith gives a lecture, he doesn’t simply teach. He makes sure that each and every student in the class is empowered to state their unique opinion. He challenges our existing preconceptions and compels us to see history from different perspectives.”

Research areas: Ethics, practical rationality, and metaphysics. “Both online and in the classroom, Hare empowers his students, helping them gain both critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the human complexities,” says Melissa Nobles, Kenan Sahin Dean of SHASS. “He is a master teacher — energetic, engaging, and deeply committed to inspiring MIT undergraduates as he leads them through fundamental questions that shape our understanding of existence.”

Research areas: Senegalese music and culture; griots; sabar drumming; immigrant musicians; globalization of Afropop music. “I am thrilled Patricia has been selected for a MacVicar Fellow award,” says Melissa Nobles, dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. “She brings a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm to her teaching. Her classes on World Music celebrate the richness of musical and cultural expression across the globe, reminding us that music is truly a universal language.”

Research areas: Old and Middle English literature; the structure and interpretation of medieval books; formalism(s), aesthetics, and the idea of the literary. “Arthur is one of the most beloved professors in SHASS,” says Deborah K. Fitzgerald, Kenan Sahin Dean of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. “His piercing intelligence, combined with his droll charm, make him one of the most sought-after teachers we have. Arthur is a master teacher because he loves his subject, always finding new ways to generate puzzles and challenges for MIT students. And Arthur has great respect and admiration for his students, trusting them to push themselves to ever deeper levels of understanding.”

Research areas: How people craft a sense of themselves as moral beings through everyday practices, especially those activities having to do with family and food. “Heather has earned a reputation among undergraduates as a caring and innovative teacher,” observed one colleague. “Her classes [are] known for the manner in which she makes social science concepts accessible and relevant to her students’ everyday lives.”