University of Utah chemical engineering associate professor (lecturer) Tony Butterfield received this year’s Award for Innovation in Chemical Engineering Education at the October American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) conference in Minneapolis.
Butterfield (pictured, second from right) was honored for his work involving maker-space projects and chemical engineering curriculums, particularly introductory courses. He also was commended for his research involving K-through-12 projects including the implementation of portable air quality sensors at Utah schools with University of Utah chemical engineering assistant professor Kerry Kelly. Butterfield also is known for his continued work supporting LGBTQ engineering students.
“Dr. Butterfield has excelled in attracting new students to our profession through outreach, retaining and educating those students through innovative teaching methods, and advising and aiding them on to rewarding chemical engineering careers,” according to an AIChE statement.
“It’s a great honor to be given an award from students and colleagues within your department,” Butterfield said. “With this award, it has also been touching to know that schools and colleagues across the country are noticing what we’re doing here at the University of Utah.”
This is just the latest in a string of awards that Butterfield has received in the last year for his teaching prowess.
Earlier this year, he was the recipient of the 2017 National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals GLBT Educator Award. Recently, he was honored with the University of Utah Beacons of Excellence Award and an award from the university’s Career Services Faculty Recognition Program for his teaching.
Butterfield received his bachelor’s from the University of Utah and a master’s from the University of California, San Diego, both in chemical engineering. He then returned to the U where he earned a doctorate in chemical engineering. He has been a faculty member at the University of Utah for seven years and currently serves as a board member of ASEE’s Chemical Engineering Division and AIChE’s Societal Impact Operating Counsel.