STCC professor wins Journalism Award for engineering articles, raising STEM awareness
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College Professor Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh won the 2020 Journalism Award from Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
McGinnis-Cavanaugh received the award for numerous articles and her efforts at raising awareness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and the importance of the civil engineering profession, according to a letter from Richard D. Maher, BSCES past president.
Professor Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh
“Your body of work will have lasting impacts on generations of students choosing engineering as a profession,” Maher wrote in a letter to McGinnis-Cavanaugh informing her of the award.
The Journalism Award recognizes an individual who writes about engineering topics, particularly civil engineering, in a matter that benefits the profession, according to BSCES. Among her articles, she wrote a piece in STRUCTURE magazine titled “Springfield’s Great Bridge Salutes History.”
McGinnis-Cavanaugh accepted the award at the BSCES annual awards ceremony, held virtually on Oct. 29. The award is presented to an author who has published material for a non-technical audience that raises awareness of the contributions of the civil engineering profession.
She was nominated by Reed Brockman, public awareness and outreach coordinator for the Boston Society of Civil Engineers.
“She is one of the greatest STEM educators in the country,” Brockman wrote when nominating McGinnis-Cavanaugh. “Beyond wanting to nominate Professor McGinnis-Cavanaugh for anything specific she has created, we would like to nominate her for being so incredibly inspirational in all she does.”
I’m honored to receive the Journalism Award for writing papers and articles about engineering education, broadening participation in engineering and structures.Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh, STCC professor and recipient of Journalism Award
“I’m honored to receive the Journalism Award for writing papers and articles about engineering education, broadening participation in engineering and structures,” McGinnis-Cavanaugh said. “Many thanks to Reed Brockman for nominating me and to the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section for the selection.”
McGinnis-Cavanaugh teaches in STCC’s Engineering Transfer program which includes courses in civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering. Students completing the degree are well prepared to transfer to a four-year program in civil or other engineering discipline at a college or university.
A graduate of the Engineering Transfer program at STCC, McGinnis-Cavanaugh earned a bachelor’s and then master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. McGinnis-Cavanaugh started as an adjunct professor at STCC in 2003 and was hired full time in 2006.
STCC President John B. Cook described McGinnis-Cavanaugh as a dedicated professor who is committed to helping students succeed.
“Professor McGinnis-Cavanaugh is a passionate advocate for STEM education. She has created initiatives to help get underrepresented groups interested in engineering, including women and people of color,” Cook said. “I applaud her for her efforts and congratulate her on receiving the Journalism Award.”
McGinnis-Cavanaugh established STCC’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers as part of her commitment to increase the number of women pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Additionally, she is co-founder of the Pioneer Valley Women in STEM Network, a regional organization that connects and promotes women in STEM fields, particularly those from community colleges.
She is the principal investigator of multiple National Science Foundation-funded research projects in K-12 engineering education and the project co-principal investigator on “Through My Window,” a multimedia engineering education project for children and young teens.
McGinnis-Cavanaugh is the 2014 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Massachusetts Professor of the Year and the 2015 STCC Anthony M. Scibelli Endowed Chair for Faculty Excellence.
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About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu