T. Alan Hatton receives Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education

February 6, 2026 - 04:15

Professor T. Alan Hatton has been awarded the National Academy of Engineering's 2026 Bernard M. Gordon Prize, one of the highest honors in engineering education. The prize recognizes his transformative leadership and innovation as the former director of the Chemical Engineering Practice School at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The Gordon Prize specifically honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of engineering and technology education. Hatton was cited for his profound impact on the Practice School model, a pioneering program that has shaped chemical engineering education for decades. Under his guidance, the program emphasized rigorous, real-world problem-solving, seamlessly bridging the gap between advanced theoretical concepts and their practical industrial application.

This educational approach equipped generations of students with not only deep technical expertise but also the critical professional skills needed for leadership in complex technological environments. The award underscores the lasting national significance of Hatton's work in preparing engineers to tackle global challenges. The prize carries a substantial monetary award, which is intended to further support and advance innovative educational endeavors.