David Grimes Recipient of 2025 Infinite Expansion Award
Infinite Expansion Awards are given annually by the School of Science to recognize exceptional postdoctoral researchers, instructors, and program scientists.
Dr. David Grimes (PhD ’17), Digital Learning Lab Scientist and Instructor in the Department of Chemistry, has been selected as a recipient of a 2025 Infinite Expansion Award from the School of Science.
The Infinite Expansion Award recognizes postdoctoral researchers, research scientists, and Other Academic staff in the School, nominated by department faculty and staff, who have gone above-and-beyond their required duties, and highlights the dedication, skill, and effort that advances the mission of their research groups and the School.
Grimes, who joined the Chemistry Department staff in 2019, was chosen for his dedication and contributions to residential education at MIT, positively impacting the learning of undergraduate and graduate students.
Elizabeth M. Nolan, Chemistry Associate Department Head and Ivan R. Cottrell Professor of Immunology noted, “David is an exceptional member of our community. He is dedicated, pragmatic, adaptable, and eager to analyze and find solutions to problems and improvements to existing pedagogical approaches. He blends his command of chemistry with expert knowledge of modern educational norms and pedagogy in a way that is effective.”
Jennifer Weisman, Assistant Director of Academic Programs Administration, Chemistry Education Office, shared that Grimes uses his strong analytical skills to benefit student education in far-reaching ways. “David is proactive and identifies opportunities to improve and augment course instruction…he pursued important work to support Chemistry graduate students with their critical teaching responsibilities. These contributions have benefitted not only the graduate students in their teaching roles, but also the hundreds of undergraduates who take Chemistry subjects each year.”
On his receipt of the award, Grimes shared, “This award is an honor because it demonstrates how much the department cares about, and how I can contribute to, our goals of a world-class education and outreach efforts.”
Infinite Expansion Award recipients will receive a monetary award in addition to being honored at a celebratory reception later this spring.
