MIT Biotechnology Group holds its first life sciences poster session
On May 8, the MIT Biotechnology Group held their first Life Sciences Poster Session event, where dozens of undergraduates presented highlights from their UROPs, ranging from drug delivery to sea robots.
Friendship reaches far and wide: An interview with Margaret Zheng and Wide Tim
Don’t let Wide Tim catch you wide awake! He’d want you to get a good sleep!
A librarian of human stories
Meet Ms. Emilie Songolo, Head of Distinctive Collections
MIT administration releases results from 2024 Quality of Life survey
On June 5, the Office of the Provost released the results of the Quality of Life 2024 Survey. Open to responses from faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars and students, the survey was open for a month between February 15 and closed on March 19. 11,746 students and employees from both the Institute’s campus in Cambridge and the Lincoln Laboratory responded in total for 43% response rate. Undergraduates responded at a rate of 38%, a slight increase from the response rate two years prior of 35%.
UA shares report regarding UROP student experiences
In an email to the undergraduate community on May 22, the MIT Undergraduate Association (UA) released the “Final Report on the MIT Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.” Paul Irvine ’24, UA Chair of Public Affairs (UAPA), stated that the report, which was written by himself, Lindsay Bolino ’24, Enoch Ellis ’26, Miguel Buitrago ’26, and Haylea Brock ’27, is a compilation of what the UA has learned regarding the student experience with undergraduate research at MIT.
Nicholas D. Kristof talks about chasing hope as a journalist
Although Chasing Hope discusses a lot of heavy topics, the memoir is also about Kristof’s search for hope and humanity in the most unexpected places.
Theater Arts major to be renamed 21T
Beginning in the fall of 2024, MIT’s “Theater Arts” major will be renamed Course 21T, distinguishing itself from the traditional music major titled 21M. Prior to this change, Course 21T was designated Course 21M-2: the Music major will still be titled Course 21M-1.
Institute administration attend the GSU’s TransMIT grievance community meeting
On May 15, the Graduate Student Union (GSU) held a “grievance community meeting” for its transgender individuals in response to the Institute’s current policies on legal sex versus gender within its databases. The MIT administration requested the meeting to fully grasp the current policy’s impact on the community.
May 15 open faculty meeting celebrates faculty and holds amendment votes
The May 15 monthly faculty meeting included the presentation of the James R. Killian Jr. Faculty Achievement Award, the results of votes on the J- grade modifier and a proposed amendment to the Faculty Newsletter (FNL) policies, and the elections for Faculty Chair and other committees.
Graduate Student Union passes referendum on ceasefire in Palestine
The MIT GSU adopts a referendum supporting a ceasefire in Palestine.
Undergraduate Association releases 2024 election results
2112 total undergraduates, or 46.15 percent of the undergraduate student body, cast ballots.
“Earthshot” petition urges MIT administration to decarbonize by 2035
The Earthshot petition received 279 votes to urge the Institute to decarbonize by 2035.
UA food survey results released for the 2023-24 year
The UA Food Security Committee releases its report on food security on campus on April 23.
April 17 faculty meeting highlights Institute successes and room for improvement
The faculty members that proposed topics to be discussed at this meeting were Provost Cynthia Barnhart PhD '88 and Professors Nancy Kanwisher, Duane Boning, and Tal Cohen.
MIT’s cutting-edge innovation on display at the Edgerton Showcase
Many congregated to see the creations of MIT’s 18 design teams.
Fareed Zakaria discusses revolutions from the 1600 to the present
In Age of Revolutions, Zakaria covers major revolutions that changed the world, from the French Revolution to the Industrial Revolution.
Dr. Ari Epstein on how the Terrascope program tackles sustainability
The Tech sat down with Dr. Ari Epstein to learn about his experience teaching Terrascope and the impact Terrascope has had on students.
Kornbluth administration provides seed fund for Artificial Intelligence research
The recent funding developments were part of an initiative her administration began last semester, where 27 AI research teams were funded in an earlier round back in September.
Enoch Ellis ’26 and Rishika Bansal ’26 to be Undergraduate Association President and Vice-President for 2024 to 2025
Enoch Ellis ’26 and Rishika Bansal ’26 to be Undergraduate Association President and Vice-President for 2024 to 2025
Student sexual harassment and misconduct survey released
Student sexual harassment and misconduct survey released.
Prof. Edmund Bertschinger shares his perspective on the importance of science activism and diversity in STEM
The Tech sat down with Bertschinger to discuss his unique position at MIT and his work towards a more diverse MIT.
Inside the Mind of a Musicologist
Meet Dr. Teresa Neff, a Senior Lecturer in Music
Pi Day 2024 had some pi-culiar activities in Lobby 13
Community members were also afforded an opportunity to have their picture taken with Tim the Beaver, with the line being fairly long.
Undergraduate Association Holds Elections
The Undergraduate Association holds elections. Two referendums are also on the ballot.
E. coli doesn’t just cause Doom and mayhem in your guts
From microwaves to pregnancy tests, Ramlan is just continuing the tradition of “Doom running on everything.”
Anyone but You would have been loved more by anyone but me
People who like rom-coms would have probably loved this movie, but I stand by my belief that when you watch one rom-com, you have watched all of them.
Ukraine@MIT holds memorial for Ukrainian students
On Feb. 26, Ukraine@MIT held a memorial at Lobby 13 for Ukraine students who lost their lives during the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began over two years ago.
In Memoriam: Edward B. Roberts ’58 SM ‘58 SM ‘60 PhD ‘62
Professor Edward Roberts ’58, SM ’58, SM ’60, PhD ’62, of the Sloan School of Management, passed away on Feb. 27.
Celina Zhao ’24 shares her journey in science journalism
Explaining scientific concepts can be hard. But Celina Zhao '24 makes it look easy.
Annual Festival of Learning discusses applications of generative artificial intelligence inside and outside of the classroom
Dozens congregated to hear panelists discuss how they implement GenAI in their classrooms or research.
Putting the pieces together
How does one fit in at MIT? Justin Yu ’25 seems just like the person to ask that.
Musical Theatre Guild brings to life Chicago’s razzle and dazzle
Chicago is unapologetically gleaming and exuberant, and as bright as a resplendent star.
The MIT community assesses strategies for reducing carbon footprint on campus
In MIT’s climate action plan “Fast Forward: MIT’s Climate Action Plan for the Decade”, the Institute demonstrated its aim to decarbonize the campus by 2050. To achieve this aim, MIT launched a new Decarbonization Working Group — a new subset of the Climate Nucleus, a faculty committee responsible for directing and implementing the current climate action plan.
Flagship Pioneering CEO, Moderna co-founder, Noubar Afeyan PhD ’87 to deliver Class of 2024 Commencement address
Noubar Afeyan PhD ’87, an American-Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist best known for co-founding the biotechnology company Moderna, will speak at the 2024 OneMIT Commencement Ceremony May 30.
MIT-GSU discusses plans for graduate students post-contract ratification
The GSU intends on using the momentum gained from the contract’s success to further prioritize graduate students.
MIT’s UN Climate Change Conference delegation reflects on proposed resolutions
The Institute sent its own delegation to discuss the conference’s resolutions, having done so since the early 2000s.
Reflecting and Looking Forward: President Sally Kornbluth
In her first year as MIT President, Sally Kornbluth has implemented initiatives and faced challenges. Her listening tour culminated in a number of findings, ranging from the ethics of artificial intelligence to concerns over living expenses on campus. Kornbluth led the Institute through the Supreme Court ruling overturning affirmative action and its response to the crisis in the Middle East. Kornbluth sat down with The Tech to reflect on her tenure so far as President.
Karl Reid ’84, SM ’85 named Vice President for Equity and Inclusion
In a statement to the MIT community, President Sally Kornbluth announced that Karl Reid ’84, SM ’85 will become the new vice president for equity and inclusion (VPEI) beginning March 3rd. Reid currently serves as Senior Vice Provost and Chief Inclusion Officer at Northeastern University. Professor Daniel Hastings SM ’78, PhD ’80 served as the interim Institute community and equity officer following the departure of John Dozier in June of 2023.
Standing Together Against Hate panels announced
In a recent email, the Institute revealed several upcoming events this year “to build understanding and foster respectful dialogue.”
MIT-GSU 2023 election results
The MIT Graduate Student Union (MIT-GSU) held an election in the fall of 2023 to decide the union’s new officers. This election was the first GSU election and was open to all graduate students. 400 out of 7,344 graduate students voted.
24 things you could do this IAP
It’s IAP, but you don’t know what to do? We got you covered.
Kornbluth addresses MIT community in the new year
On Jan. 3, MIT President Sally Kornbluth began the new year by addressing the current challenges on campus and her vision for progress in a campus-wide statement.
MIT Medical reinstates masking mandate for clinical staff
In an email to the MIT community, Dr. Cecilia Stuopis, Chief Health Officer of MIT Medical, stated that MIT Medical would implement a masking requirement for all clinical staff in Cambridge and Lexington care centers starting Jan. 8. Other local healthcare systems, including Mass General Brigham, have enacted a similar policy.
MITaly’s dessert tour was a sweet success
Each attendee was able to take six desserts from an array of tables, with complimentary drinks.
MIT holds its annual Winterfest festival
The Winterfest was done to foster a festive atmosphere in MIT—a way to relax and unwind, as the Institute’s students go into their final exams and winter break.
In Memoriam: Tiansi Xin
Xin was described as a “treasured member of the Cummins lab,” with his advisor, Professor Kit Cummins, describing him as “an amazing scholar and chemist.”
MIT Free Speech Alliance assembles a panel to debate whether STEM is systemically racist
"Polls show that many people do not dare to discuss this topic or other topics about racial justice, for fear of being accused of causing harm.”
Silicon Souls: Priming beliefs about AI in chatbot conversations
I“The robotic shell or the human soul: Which one actually makes the AI? Is it the observable behavior that we see when we think of AI, or what we imagine the AI is on the inside that made it affect you?”
MIT Undergraduate Association hosts free food event
On Nov. 20, the MIT Undergraduate Association (UA) organized a free food event for students outside of the Stratton Center. The line for the Zinneken’s food truck extended to Massachusetts Avenue as students awaited waffles.
Independent Activities Period meal plans announced by MIT Campus Dining
All meals will be served at Maseeh Dining Hall; meals will be available from Jan. 7 to Feb. 2.
MITHenge occurred from Nov. 10 to Nov. 13
MITHenge occurred from Nov. 10 to Nov. 13. During MITHenge, the setting sun aligns with the Infinite Corridor’s entire length, a hallway approximately 823 feet long. This phenomenon occurs at two different times each year — once around November 11 and January 31.
MIT net assets drop for the second consecutive year
In the pool of peer institutions, MIT was among the few that experienced a dip in endowment value in the past fiscal year.
Moungi Bawendi speaks about approaching challenges, mentoring trainees, and the developing field of quantum dots
My job is to keep up the enthusiasm and persevere. Research is slow and things don’t usually work the first time. You have to have a vision of what you want, and you have to solve problems.
Drone deliveries will leave privacy concerns up in the air
Drone delivery services may become ubiquitous soon enough as drone operating prices decrease and demand for rapid delivery options increase. But what will they imply for consumer privacy?
John Urschel speaks about graduate studies in mathematics, professional football, and career aspirations
Professor John Urschel of the Mathematics Department was appointed as an assistant professor in the fall of 2023. Urschel completed his PhD at MIT in 2021 and was a former NFL player for the Baltimore Ravens for three years.
More details emerge on MIT and Graduate Student Union agreement
On Sept. 25, President Kornbluth announced in an email to the MIT community that the administration and the MIT Graduate Student Union (GSU) reached an agreement. That same day, the GSU announced that the contract had been ratified, according to an X account with the handle @MITGradUnion. The contract vote passed in favour, with 999 voting for it, and 44 people against—a split of 95.8 percent and 4.2 percent, respectively.
Local 26 Union Rallies to Protest MIT’s Café Closures
On Sept. 7, the Local 26 union, which represents MIT Dining staff, held a rally in front of the Strata Center to protest MIT’s handling of the Steam and Koch café closures. Displaced staff, current workers, and supporters assembled to air their grievances with MIT Dining management.
Stratton Student Center Reopens after Renovations
On Sept. 12, the Stratton Student Center reopened after its complete closure in April 2023. First opened in 1968, the Student Center, known as the “Stud,” experienced catastrophic water pipe damage in February.
MIT Dining Announces Closure of Steam and Koch Cafés
The Steam and Koch Cafés, formerly located in Buildings 7 and 37 respectively, are permanently closing. In a statement to the Tech, Mark Hayes, Director of Campus Dining, said that Campus Dining “undertook several enhancements” to continue to make healthy food accessible across campus.