2011-2012 RICHARD P. FEYNMAN PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

PAUL ASIMOW

Professor of Geology and Geochemistry

The Feynman Teaching Prize recognizes Caltech faculty members who demonstrate “unusual ability, creativity and innovation” in their courses.  Although there were several candidates who fit these criteria and who had vigorous support from their nominators, the Feynman Prize Committee decided to present this year’s award to Dr. Paul Asimow, for his exceptional energy, originality, and ability to explain complicated concepts effectively.  His class Ge215: Topics in Advanced Petrology is described by graduate students as “a gem in our curriculum.”  In a striking innovation, Dr. Asimow invites his students to vote on the subject matter of the course on the first day of the term, laying the foundation for the extensive teacher-student interaction that forms a critical part of his teaching style.  He is the professor to whom graduate students in his Division turn when confused about a paper, when they can’t agree on a scientific question, or when they’re starting a new project or finishing a paper.   His labors in the basic introductory course for incoming graduate students, Ge101, in which he surveys all of geology and geochemistry in one term amuse as they inform.  Once introduced to him, even students who are not working directly with him continue to seek his advice and benefit from his knowledge.  In his enthusiasm, clarity, and depth of knowledge, Paul Asimow vividly illustrates the qualities for which the Feynman Teaching Prize was established.