Premature reports of Noam Chomsky’s death refuted by account from family of ongoing recovery
In June, reports of renowned linguist, philosopher, and political activist Noam Chomsky’s apparent death surfaced across several news sites and social media platforms.
MIT’s Touchstone system to be powered by Okta starting June 17th
Starting June 17, Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) will update MIT’s single sign-on (SSO) web authentication service Touchstone to be powered by Okta Identity Engine, “a modern cloud-based and extensible platform,” to protect users’ identities and facilitate app access from any device.
Dialogues Across Differences: Susannah Heschel and Ezzedine Fishere host panel on dialogue engagement surrounding the conflict and war in the Middle East
On May 9, Susannah Heschel, the Eli M. Black Distinguished Professor and chair of the Jewish Studies Program at Dartmouth College, and Ezzedine Fishere, a senior lecturer on Middle East politics at the same university, held the final panel of MIT’s Dialogues Across Differences: Building Community, a speaker series hosted at the Schwartzman College of Computing. Heschel studies the evolution of Jewish and Protestant religious ideas in Germany throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Dialogues Across Difference: Pamela Nadell hosts panel on understanding antisemitism
Nadell’s panel on Antisemitism consisted of her talk followed by a fireside chat with Vice Provost Richard Lester and a subsequent Q&A session with the audience.
Vice Chancellor Ian Waitz announced as next Vice President of Research
In an email to the MIT community on April 24, President Sally Kornbluth announced that Ian Waitz, Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, will begin his tenure as MIT’s Vice President of Research (VPR) after Professor Maria Zuber steps down effective May 1.
Interview with Boston Marathon runner David Suarez ’25
The Boston Marathon is one of the oldest and most famous marathons in the world. It takes place annually on Patriot’s Day in Boston, Massachusetts, attracting tens of thousands of elite runners and excited spectators. Totaling to more than 26 miles with numerous challenging segments, the Boston Marathon requires all participants to run a qualifying time depending on the age group and gender.
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.
Dialogues Across Differences: Murad Idris hosts panel on anti-Palestinian racism
On April 18, Murad Idris, associate professor of political science at the University of Michigan, held the fourth panel of MIT’s Dialogues Across Differences: Building Community of MIT speaker series at the Schwartzman College of Computing. Idris’ research focuses on political theory, political theology, and political thought and intellectual history as an Arab and Muslim-American studies scholar.
MIT provides final update on Task Force 2021 and Beyond
Proposed by former president L. Rafael Reif, Task Force 2021 and Beyond was designed to “build a better MIT”
A new grocer in the Student Center: Concord Market
In an email to the MIT community, DormCon Dining Chairs Tyra Espedal ’26 and Ananda Figueiredo ’25 announced that a new grocer called Concord Market will open in the Student Center. It is expected to open in late 2024 or early 2025.
Dialogues Across Difference: Dalia Mogahed hosts panel on anti-Islamophobia
Dialogues Across Differences: Dalia Mogahed hosts panel on anti-Islamophobia
President Kornbluth Announces $75 Million Funded Climate Project
President Sally Kornbluth announced the Climate Project at MIT, a $75 million effort to power initiatives in decarbonization, climate renewal, and community and policy advancement.
In Memoriam: Igor Paul
Professor Emeritus Igor Paul ’60, SM’61, PhD’64 passed away Dec. 17, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
MITHenge happens from Jan. 28 to Jan. 31
MITHenge occurred from Jan. 28 to Jan. 31 at 4:48:50 p.m.. 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 — around November 11 and January 31.
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.
In Memoriam: Lynn Yamada Davis ’78
Lynn Yamada Davis ’78, known for her viral “Cooking with Lynja” videos, passed away at 67 on Jan. 1 from complications of esophageal cancer. Yamada graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Course 1 and was a former Chairperson of The Tech.
MIT Medical changes name to MIT Health
In an email to the MIT community on Jan. 18, Dr. Cecilia Stuopis, Chief Health Officer of MIT Health, announced that MIT Medical adopted the new name of MIT Health. Stuopis stated that the name change would be visible across campus; a new logo, website, and medical forms will be amongst the most notable changes.
MIT’s mascot Tim the Beaver celebrates 110th anniversary
Jan. 17 marked the 110th anniversary of MIT adopting Tim the Beaver as the Institute’s mascot.
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.
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.
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.
Senior Associate Dean of Housing and Residential Services clarifies proposed housing rate changes
"The exact price of the one rate was not discussed in detail, but it would likely be a new blended rate tied to the financial aid allowance," Friedrich wrote.
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 holds annual family weekend
Zoe Zhang, who attended 18.02 (Multivariable Calculus), said “The class I attended was great. Having a class with my daughter was amazing.”
LIGO researchers surpass the quantum limit
On Oct. 23, LIGO researchers at MIT, Caltech, and other institutions reported that they had surpassed the quantum limit. This marked a significant advance in quantum squeezing, a method for reducing quantum noise to obtain more precise measurements. Researchers will now be able to measure a larger volume of the universe by analyzing gravitational frequencies.
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.
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.
MIT holds Fall Career Fair
Around 4044 people attended the fair, with lectures and recitations canceled to encourage attendance.
Orientation Held for Class of 2027
Orientation for the Class of 2027 began on Aug. 27 and ended Sept. 1. Many events were packed into the week, including residential exploration (REX) and a Convocation address from President Sally Kornbluth.
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.