David A. Macaulay

David A. Macaulay is a Senior Lecturer at Dartmouth College and renowned author-artist specializing in architecture, design thinking, and science communication. Born in 1946, he earned a B.Arch from the Rhode Island School of Design (1969) and transitioned from architecture and teaching to creating acclaimed educational books. His work bridges technical expertise with artistic clarity, focusing on STEM education and historical/technological systems.

Education:

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), Rhode Island School of Design, 1969

Research & Contributions: Macaulay’s books demystify complex systems, such as machinery, human biology, and architectural structures. He emphasizes visual storytelling to engage audiences in STEM fields, blending illustration with explanatory writing. His courses like ENGS 11: 'The Way Things Work' exemplify this approach.

Awards:

• MacArthur Fellowship (2006)
• James Smithson Medal (Smithsonian Institution, 1993)
• Caldecott Medal (1993)
• Charles Frankel Prize (2002)

Professional Activities: He served as Vice President and founding board member of the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance. Media features include CBS Sunday Morning (2023) and Vox (2021), highlighting his role as a 'explainer-in-chief' of historical and scientific concepts.