MIT Professors Andrew Vanderburg and Ariel White have been recognized as Committed to Caring for their dedication to student needs and for fostering an inviting and inclusive atmosphere. For MIT graduate students, the Committed to Caring initiative acknowledges those who exceed expectations.
Student feedback highlighted that Professor Vanderburg “is remarkably generous with his time, resources, and enthusiasm for mentoring the forthcoming generation of astronomers.”
Another student expressed, “Professor Ariel White has made my journey at MIT significantly better, and I hope to one day be in a position to reciprocate her generosity.”
Andrew Vanderburg: Committed to student advancement and progress
Vanderburg serves as the Bruno B. Rossi Career Development Assistant Professor of Physics and is associated with the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. His work centers around the examination of exoplanets. Vanderburg aspires to develop innovative techniques and methodologies to identify new planets beyond our solar system, and to analyze these planets to understand their intricate characteristics.
Always considerate of students’ boundaries between their academic research and personal lives, Vanderburg exemplifies a healthy work-life balance. A supporter remarked that he has been enhancing his wildlife photography skills, even showcasing some of his photographs at group meetings.
Vanderburg acknowledges that the challenge of balancing personal and work lives is something nearly everyone he interacts with faces, from undergraduate scholars to faculty. “I encourage my group members to utilize their free time engaging in activities they enjoy outside of work,” Vanderburg states, “and I strive to exemplify that balanced lifestyle myself.”
Moreover, Vanderburg recognizes and accepts that personal matters can at times overshadow all else, impacting both work and academic endeavors. He remarks, “when such times inevitably arise, I simply have to accept that life is unpredictable, family is paramount, and that astronomy can pause.”
Additionally, Vanderburg arranges group outings, including hiking, apple picking, and attending Red Sox games, and sometimes hosts gatherings at his residence. An advisee noted that “these initiatives create a remarkably welcoming atmosphere within our group, promoting camaraderie among all team members.”
Vanderburg has offered tailored guidance and support to more than a dozen students during his initial two years as a faculty member at MIT. His students commend him for “meeting them where they are,” and they affirm that he openly discusses issues like imposter syndrome and feelings of inclusion within astronomy. Vanderburg is consistently available to provide his insightful perspective and steadfast support to his students.
“I strive to treat everyone in my group with compassion and support,” Vanderburg states, reassuring his students that he prioritizes their well-being. This sentiment resonates with students; another nominator declared that Vanderburg “truly and genuinely is one of the kindest individuals I know.”
Vanderburg consistently exceeded expectations in extending support to his students, advocating for their achievement of goals. One nominator remarked, “his encouragement meant everything to me during a time when I questioned my own capabilities and potential.”
The Committed to Caring recognition celebrates Vanderburg’s seemingly boundless ability to impart knowledge, support his students through challenging times, and nurture his mentees’ personal growth and development.
Ariel White: Advocating for student wellness and support
White is an associate professor of political science who researches voting rights, race, the criminal justice system, and bureaucratic conduct. Her studies utilize extensive datasets to quantify individual-level experiences and illuminate people’s daily interactions with government. Her latest research explores how potential voters respond to encounters with harsh government policies, such as incarceration and immigration enforcement, and how individuals can reintegrate into political life following these experiences.
She is profoundly concerned about student wellness and the culture within her department. One of her nominators recounted a personal story, revealing how they faced frequent belittlement and disrespect early in their graduate studies. They wrestled with the question of whether this negative treatment was a commonplace aspect of graduate education. The experience adversely affected their academic performance and sense of belonging in the department.
Upon learning of this situation, White immediately displayed empathy and affirmed that the student deserved an environment conducive to learning and well-being, swiftly taking measures to communicate with the peer involved to enhance their interactions.
“She wants me to feel appreciated, and is committed to both my development as a scholar and my well-being as an individual,” the nominator articulated. “This is particularly significant as I found the transition to the department challenging and isolating.”
Another student praised, “I am continuously impressed by the dedication and effort that Ariel invests in leading by example, actively nurturing an inclusive learning atmosphere, and ensuring students feel acknowledged and empowered.”
White is a shining illustration of a professor who can achieve an exceptional publishing portfolio while still treating graduate students with kindness and respect. She demonstrates empathy and support to all students, even those she does not directly advise. In the words of one nominator, “Ariel is the most compassionate person in this department.”
White has unfailingly expressed her intention to support her students and advocate on their behalf. “I believe one of the toughest transitions to navigate is moving from being a consumer of research to becoming a producer of it.” Students confront the daunting task of independently forming ideas for their solo projects, and it can be challenging to determine how to begin or maintain momentum.
To tackle this, White mentions that she advises her mentees based on what she has observed to be effective for her and others. She also encourages them to seek out their peers for guidance and to explore various ways of organizing their time or planning their objectives.
“I aim to assist by explicitly addressing these challenges and validating them: These hurdles are difficult for nearly everyone who navigates the PhD program,” White adds.
One student reflected, “Ariel embodies the ideal qualities of an advisor that everyone should aspire to be, and anyone would be fortunate to have.”