ANDREW FISS
History and Philosophy of Science
Summer 2011
From Syracuse, New York, Andrew Fiss followed his passion for history and science to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana (IUB). At IUB Fiss developed and enhanced his skills preparing himself for his upcoming return to New York. Fiss completed his PhD. in History & Philosophy of Science at Indiana University Bloomington this June (2011). His next steps are already mapped out as he has received the Mellon Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship in Science, Technology, and Society at Vassar College (New York). The opportunity to teach at Vassar College is special to Fiss, because it is his alma mater prior to Indiana University. Fiss completed his Bachelor's Degree at Vassar College with a major in Mathematics in 2005. From Vassar College Fiss made his way to Indiana University. During his time at IUB, Fiss, focused on his research interests in the history of science, technology, engineering & mathematics; American science; history of education; and gender & science. Fiss describes his best teaching experience at IUB as when he designed his own course. "I taught this course two different ways in the spring and fall semesters at IU", states Fiss. He explained how the course developed based on the student body in each section. While one section of this course took a more individual focus, the other developed into a larger schema surrounding feminism, science, and society. Fiss enjoyed each section of this class and also was intrigued by how the unique student populations helped each course take its own form. Also during this time, Fiss was working on his (now completed) dissertation, titled, "Professing Mathematics: Science and Education in the Nineteenth-Century America".
When not working on his research, Fiss is an active member of the IUB AGEP. He and five other AGEP students are currently finishing a chaptered called, "How to Balance Graduate School and Family" in an untitled AGEP sponsored book for students contemplating graduate school in the sciences. Fiss values the importance of giving back, which inspired him to also be involved in student government in his department at Indiana University.