Team Spirit
The past year has been marked by profound transition. The global pandemic forced a pivot from in-person interactions to pixels. The White House switched hands (as did Prism). And COVID-19 vaccines moved from labs to arms with stunning swiftness.
Our summer issue spotlights the importance of these developments for engineering educators. Former State Department economist Mark Bocchetti examines the Biden administration’s “moonshot” mission to boost innovation and ensure the country’s competitiveness through proposed massive R&D investments. Frequent contributor Beryl Lieff Benderly illuminates the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on the careers of women in academic science, engineering, and medicine. And chief correspondent Tom Grose looks at three exciting engineering innovations for COVID-19 vaccines. Also don’t miss the preview of ASEE’s Year of Impact on Racial Equity and highlights of the 2021 Annual Conference.
Like engineering, magazines are a team effort. As my inaugural year as editor winds down, I’d like to offer recognition and thanks to the people whose behind-the scenes labors have produced each issue throughout a challenging year.
Our creative, hardworking, and supportive editorial staff members ensure Prism’s quality content. They are Deputy Editor Mary Lord, Associate Editor Jenn Pocock, and new Assistant Editor Yara Palin. And the unflappable art and production team’s talents bring the text to life. That group consists of Creative Director Nico Nittoli, Senior Graphic Designer Francis Igot, Graphic Designer Toni Rigolosi, and Junior Graphic Designer/Production Coordinator Alex Da Silva. Rounding out Prism’s wordsmiths are our eagle-eyed, indispensable freelance copy editor, Liz Prouty, and ASEE Executive Director Norman Fortenberry and Managing Director of Communications Nathan Kahl (also our publisher), who offer valuable insights on each issue.
Thanks also to our freelance writers and columnists, who have gracefully adjusted to new Prism leadership, and to our editorial advisory board for the ideas and support. I’m especially grateful to you, Prism loyal reader, for hanging in with us during your own undoubtedly difficult year.
We often celebrate individual accomplishments rather than teamwork and collaboration. But it is my hope that all of you have been as fortunate as I have this year to be buoyed by such wonderful people around you. I look forward to seeing everyone (virtually) at the Annual Conference in July and returning in the fall, refreshed and ready for an even better year two.
Eva Miller
e.miller@asee.org
This editor incorrectly converted temperatures in “Heat Shields” (First Look, Winter 2021). Thanks to our reader who pointed out the error. The temperature difference of 1.7 degrees Celsius should be 3.06 degrees Fahrenheit.
In “Power Drive” (February 2021), the Transient Plasma Systems test that showed a 10 percent fuel efficiency improvement took place at an independent engine test facility.