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Although a member of our science faculty for less than a year, Stephen Beverburg’s commitment to supporting Mayfield science students continues to this day. Since 2001, the Beverburg Award recognizing promising science students has been given to a graduating senior at Awards Night. In establishing this Award, Steve acknowledges a student who enjoys and excels in science. The Award takes into account the many subjective qualities that are essential to originality and creativity in science. As Steve says, “Everyone knows Einstein wasn't a great student. I wanted a way to recognize and encourage these subjective qualities, even if they don't necessarily coincide with high grades.”
The Beverburg Award is a cash gift for the student, intended to help her further her education. In addition, funds are given to support Mayfield’s science program more generally.
Steve’s own interest in science began when he discovered science fiction in elementary school. His interest led to an education and career in engineering and science. Steve’s education includes Rotor Wing Flight at the U. S. Army Aviation School, a Bachelor’s in Physics at California State University Fullerton, and graduate work in physics at California State University Long Beach.
Steve’s career began at Hughes Aircraft Company, where he designed infrared imaging systems and targeting subsystems, later working on spacecraft control processors for commercial and military satellites. Upon leaving Hughes, he taught assorted sciences in various high schools (including physics at Mayfield in the year 2000!). Steve left Mayfield to pursue an opportunity at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, doing planetary protection on a number of Mars exploration projects (the Mars Global Surveyor, the Mars Rovers, and primarily the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in August 2005). He is presently at Boeing, working on system safety and learning software safety for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense missile defense program.
When asked about his Mayfield students Steve responds enthusiastically, “The students were great. I've missed their questions, ideas, enthusiasm and bright smiley faces. It was a challenge to stay ahead of them. I looked forward to every class - my students made them fun.”
Steve is married to Carol Shepard, also a friend of the Mayfield community. We are grateful to Steve and Carol for their generosity to the school and for their support of women in science.
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