On June 21st, the Thompson Earth Systems Institute (TESI) hosted a small ceremony at the Florida Museum to honor its founding director, Dr. Bruce MacFadden, with the TESI Award for Excellence in Broader Impacts. Dr. Megan Ennes presented MacFadden with the award, which was created to recognize University of Florida faculty, staff, and students for work that helps communicate and educate about Earth systems science topics for the benefit of Floridians, and beyond.
According to Ennes, MacFadden was the logical choice for the inaugural award. He authored the book, Broader Impacts of Science on Society, and has dedicated much of his career to bringing science to new audiences and increasing the impact of scientific research for all. His most recent initiative, the Scientist in Every Florida School program, has served more than 160,000 K-12 students across Florida. He was also crucial to the development of the iconic Florida Fossil Hall public exhibitat the Florida Museum, and he also brought teachers into the field to get hands-on experience with the geology and paleontology of the Panama Canal.
As the first director of TESI, MacFadden developed programs and initiatives that bring the latest in Earth systems science to Floridians of all ages. During his term as director, TESI helped more than 12,000 lifelong learners explore environmental issues through 56 public outreach events. He also championed TESI’s foray into supporting undergraduate experiences. As a result, more than 400 undergraduate students have learned about effective environmental communication and leadership through TESI programs.
MacFadden has also trained the next generation of scientists to carry on his legacy. Since 2006, he has taught one of the few graduate courses in the country focused on the broader impacts of science on society, which gives STEM students practical advice on education and outreach techniques.
“When I was invited to co-teach this same course with Bruce, it was an easy decision. Bruce’s dedication to fostering better communicators and disseminating science in unexpected places had a profound impact on me. I am grateful to have the opportunity and responsibility of shaping the next generation of scientists, passing on the knowledge Bruce’s course imparted to me, to be better communicators and to understand the importance of making science accessible and relevant to all,” said TESI assistant scientist Mariela Pajuelo, who co-taught the Broader Impacts class with MacFadden.
After the award was conferred, attendees got to chat over snacks, including a cupcake cake shaped like a Florida Gator, and celebrate everything MacFadden accomplished in his nearly 40-year career.
In the future, TESI will solicit nominations from University of Florida faculty, staff, and students who continue MacFadden’s legacy of increasing the accessibility of Earth systems science to the public and illuminating its impacts on society.