Dr. M.F. (Frankie) Stewart
Areas of Academic Interest
Engineering education
Women in engineering
Spotlight
Frankie Stewart wants people to know that engineering isn’t all about hard hats and machines. A Ryerson faculty member since 1984, Stewart has seen a lot of change and growth in her field. But myths and inequities persist. “As a profession, I think we still need to get the message out there about the range of specializations available,” she says, “and about the ultimate purpose of engineering, which is to improve lives.”
Stewart is most interested in design for manufacturing, but she is also passionate about engineering education research and the role of outreach in encouraging young women to enter STEM fields. One message she shares everywhere is that no matter a person’s passion or interest, there is an engineering aspect involved – and a potential career.
An award-winning teacher, Stewart challenges her students to solve real manufacturing problems – how to improve material selection, reduce costs and increase the quality of products – in order to remain viable and competitive in the North American marketplace.
“It’s important to me to be a mentor to students, especially young women. Relationships matter as much as expertise and experience.”
- OCUFA Teaching Award (2017-18)
- President’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2012)
- Provincial LIFT (Leadership In Faculty Teaching) Award (2006)
- Ryerson Teaching Excellence Award (2007)
- Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)
- Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA)