Engineer tapped for national mentoring award

UW–Madison Professor Jeffrey S. Russell received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) at a ceremony today (May 16) in Washington, D.C.

The National Science Foundation administers the award on behalf of the White House. The award recognizes those who encourage people from traditionally under-represented groups, including women and minorities, to participate in science and engineering.

A professor of civil and environmental engineering, Russell is passionate about developing future leaders from under-represented groups. His mentoring efforts couple a local “one-on-one” approach with “global” participation.

When he came to UW–Madison in 1989, one of Russell’s objectives was to build a construction engineering and management program. At that time, he recognized that the next generation of construction professionals would be more diverse in gender, ethnicity and talents and created an inclusive program full of opportunities for those new students.

He continues to mentor and encourage female engineering students to be leaders in on-campus activities and provides opportunities for them to interact with and learn from leaders in the construction engineering and management field. In addition, he supports the efforts of female faculty and staff to assume leadership roles within the UW–Madison community and in the construction industry.

“Professor Russell has the ability to read a person’s potential-and support that person in fulfilling it,” says Tamara Larson, a former student who now is a field engineer for construction firm M.A. Mortenson. “He is a teacher of engineering, character and self-confidence. His belief in lifelong learning has shown me the importance of not always having the answer, but having confidence to ask the question.”

College of Engineering Assistant Dean Sarah Pfatteicher met Russell during the final stages of her doctoral work in the history of science, when she interviewed for an editing position in his office. Convinced the job wouldn’t challenge her, Russell arranged for Pfatteicher to teach an engineering ethics course for undergraduate and graduate students.

“Over the ensuing years, Professor Russell continued to advocate for me and offer me opportunities to teach, publish and become more involved in the College of Engineering,” she says. “Professor Russell’s advice and mentoring were instrumental in helping me attain the position of assistant dean for engineering academic affairs within just five years of finishing my Ph.D.”

Nationally, Russell has led and participated in initiatives to increase awareness of and publicize diversity issues within engineering education and practice. To address these issues, Russell has worked with leaders in the construction industry, in government agencies and in private and professional organizations.

The future of science and engineering, says Russell, is about developing leaders. “To be successful, we must have a diverse workforce,” he says. “We all have an obligation to enable everyone in our society to reach their full potential. I am grateful for this recognition and this will further motivate me to double my effort and commitment to fostering a diverse workforce.”

As an award recipient, Russell will help lead the national effort to develop fully the nation’s human resources in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.