Brain R. Smith ’02, a Quincy resident taking “Matter,” said he had questioned Kirshner about the possibility of re-initiating some Quincy traditions such as Stein Club—something many Quincy residents have been hoping for.

Kirshner responded with eagerness and openness.

“I’m willing to listen to the students, and see what I can do,” Kirshner said.

Allison J. Porter ’02, an astronomy and astrophysics concentrator living in Quincy House, had Kirshner as an advisor for her junior paper. Porter raved about Kirshner’s ability to mix fun with academic rigor.

“You can talk to him about anything without being nervous, even astrophysics,” Porter said. “Of my science professors, he has an exceptional ability to reach out and connect with people,” Porter said.

Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis ’68 also had enthusiastic words about Kirshner’s dynamic personality.

“Kirshner is a tremendously enthusiastic and popular teacher, well loved for his warmth and engagement with his students,” Lewis wrote in an e-mail. “He has the energy and personality for the job, and the House will have to move quickly to keep up with his good humor!”