Vinod Vaikuntanathan, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) at MIT, has been awarded the MacVicar Faculty fellowship.
The fellowship recognizes his contributions to undergraduate education and dedication to teaching. As part of the fellowship he will receive an annual stipend and is appointed for a 10-year term.
Vaikuntanathan, who specializes in cryptography, makes his “classes challenging, yet approachable and inclusive,” the institute said in a statement. He has also worked to improve the course curriculum.
Vaikuntanathan also follows an “open-door policy” offering mentorship that extends beyond the classroom. According to the institute his advice has inspired students to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
Commenting on Vaikuntanathan’s style of teaching said, a student said, “His encouraging demeanor sets a remarkable example of the kind of teacher every student hopes to encounter during their academic career.”
Another student remarked, “He often describes intricate concepts as ‘magical,’ and his enthusiasm is contagious, making the material come alive in the classroom.”
Vaikuntanathan completed his undergraduate degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM) in computer science. He then moved to Massachusetts to pursue his PhD at MIT.
He dedicated his research to cryptography, founding the data-safe start-up, which provided its customers with a platform to collaborate sensitive data safely. In addition, he was also named MIT’s 2023 Simons Investigator.
On receiving the honor, Vaikuntanathan said, “It is humbling to be in the company of such amazing teachers and mentors, many of whom I have come to think of as my role models. Many thanks to my colleagues and my students for considering me worthy of this honor.”
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