Advisors are responsible for guiding students academically and supporting their research and career goals. The MIT Graduate School’s “Commitment to Care” program recognizes students who go above and beyond expectations.
Professors Ian Stewart and Roberto Fernandez are part of the Caring Commitment team for 2023-25 and support students to overcome self-doubt, create a welcoming environment and act as friends.
Ian Stewart: Supportive, fair and inclusive
Ian Stewart is the Otto and Jane Morningstar Professor of Science and former director of the Center for Theoretical Physics (CTP). His research interests are in nuclear and particle physics, where he develops and applies effective field theory to understand interactions between elementary particles and the strong special interactions described by quantum chromodynamics.
Stewart believes in his students’ abilities even when they doubt themselves. The nominator said the field of physics, like many other intellectual pursuits, can attract a wide range of personalities, from the highly confident to those who suffer from self-doubt. He explains concepts practically and doesn’t make his students feel inferior.
For the students, Stewart’s research group was a refreshing change, and he emphasized that graduate school is a place to learn, and that you aren’t expected to know everything right from the get-go.
Ms. Stewart shows a high level of empathy and emotional support for her students. For example, one of the candidates told a story about preparing for a speaking test. The student was temporarily suspended from studies, and another faculty member made derogatory remarks about the student’s ability to understand the study. The student came to see Ms. Stewart, confused.
Stewart reassured the students: “As your advisor, I can confidently say that you are all well aware of your studies and on track. It is entirely normal for you to fall behind a little while as you prepare for your entrance exams.”
Stewart’s words provided relief and recognition for the students, reminding them that progress is a journey, not a race, and that taking the time to prepare thoroughly is both wise and necessary.
Stewart always emphasizes the positive in his feedback, reminding his mentors of their accomplishments and progress, helping them develop a more optimistic mindset. Stewart’s mentoring style is one of awareness of each student’s needs, which is a rare trait for his students. His research group has thrived with this approach, and many of his graduate and postdoctoral students have achieved great success.
Stewart has made significant contributions to CTP during his six years as Director, improving the culture and demographics through strong and inclusive leadership, particularly in the increased female representation at CTP.
His own research group includes a large number of international and female students, which is not unusual for theoretical physics groups: currently, three of his seven team members are women, in a field where women make up less than 10 percent of the workforce.
Stewart’s nominators believe he has personally contributed to increasing diversity in his field, given the number of women he has mentored throughout his career. His nominators say he supports diverse platforms and funding, encouraging participation from underrepresented groups.
Roberto Fernandez: Professor and friend
Roberto Fernández is the William F. Pounds Professor of Organizational Studies and Co-Director of the Doctoral Program in Economic Sociology at the MIT Sloan School of Management. His research focuses on organizations, social networks, and racial and gender stratification. He has extensive experience in field research within organizations, currently focusing on organizational processes related to the recruitment of new talent.
Fernandez describes himself as a “versatile professor” who strives to adapt to the different needs and circumstances of his students and the situations they face, offering advice and comfort.
Fernandez knows his students very well and enjoys talking with them about academic and personal issues. He recognizes that each student has a different background and experience and strives to support each student individually.
He respects the personal lives of his students when he gives advice, but still expects a reasonable effort to motivate them, help them progress, and maintain high standards.
“I just feel an obligation to give back to my mentors for the way they treated me,” Fernandez said. “I feel like I would be doing them a disservice if I didn’t pass it on.”
One of the recommenders said that Fernandez was not only a professor but also a friend. He would check in on them and do his best to talk to them. They said that Professor Fernandez was the only professor who took the time to really get to know their stories and would speak to them as an equal.
The recommender noted that many people at MIT enjoy a high level of privilege, but despite the difference in their circumstances, the recommender felt comfortable speaking with Fernandez.
Fortunately, the professors stayed in contact with the recommenders long after the classes were over, and they were the only ones who truly made the recommenders feel like MIT was their home. This experience stands out as a unique experience for the recommenders and plays a big role in their experience.
In addition to providing real connections, Fernandez also advises new grads to change their mindset. Graduate school is not like undergrad. Being a good student is necessary but not sufficient to succeed in a PhD program. A good undergrad is a consumer of knowledge. A good grad student is a producer of knowledge.
“[Fernandez] really did a better job than expected, and that means a lot,” said the enthusiastic nominator.
