Joseph Weizenbaum
Joseph Weizenbaum, professor emeritus of computer science at MIT who grew skeptical of artificial intelligence after creating a program that made many users feel like they were speaking with an empathic psychologist, died March 5 in Berlin. He was 85.
UROP Proposal System Moves to Web for All Students by Summer
In many departments, UROP research proposals can now be submitted online by students and approved online by faculty and UROP coordinators.
Report Urges New Focus On Math, Problem Solving In U.S. Education System
American students’ math achievement is “at a mediocre level” compared with that of their peers worldwide, according to a new report by a federal panel, which recommended that schools focus on key skills that prepare students to learn algebra.
Most Undergrads Pay Less Tuition Despite Increases, MIT Says
What should you make of MIT’s voluminous response to the Senate Finance Committee, which asked it to explain exorbitant tuition costs in light of a sixth-in-the-nation endowment?
Franklin Company’s Bloodless Glucose Monitor Passes Test
A small Franklin company says it is developing a novel device that could potentially let diabetics continuously monitor their blood-sugar levels — without having to draw blood.
In Short
The 2008–2009 ASA Executive Board was elected at the General Body Meeting last night. Student groups in the Association of Student Activities elected Keone D. Hon ’11 president, Shan Wu G treasurer, Rishi V. Gupta ’10 secretary, Nan Gu G and Roberto J. Perez-Franco G graduate members-at-large, Gillian M. Grogan ’10 and Rachel E. Meyer ’10 undergraduate members-at-large, and Kevin A. Riggle ’08 student member-at-large. All positions were uncontested.
Decrease in High School Graduates Will Increase College Admission Rates
High school seniors nationwide are anxiously awaiting the verdicts from the colleges of their choice later this month. But though it may not be of much solace to them, in just a few years the admissions frenzy is likely to ease. It’s simply a matter of demographics.
Fin. Aid Boosted; No Tuition For Families Earning Under $75K
MIT announced on Friday that students whose families earn less than $75,000 per year — approximately 30 percent of the student body — will no longer pay tuition. To cover these and other new policies, MIT’s financial aid budget will rise to $74 million, a $7 million increase over last year’s budget.
MIT Names MacVicar Fellows For Excellence in Undergrad Teaching
Five MIT faculty members were named MacVicar Fellows for their excellence in undergraduate teaching last Friday during this year’s MacVicar Day, a celebration which recognizes contributions to undergraduate education at MIT. The program began in 32-123 with a lecture on science education by Nobel Laureate in Physics Carl E. Wieman ’73. The lecture was followed by an MIT faculty reception hosted by President Susan Hockfield at Gray House, where the five fellows were announced.
Student Triumphs Despite Socioeconomic Pressures
Eric Delgado is what those in research call an outlier — an anomaly, a deviation from the typical.
Profs Debate Merits of Tasty Pancakes, Yummy Pastries; No One Wins
Mob psychology, a conversation with an intelligent computer, and audience participation all numbered among the tactics used by six MIT professors Wednesday evening at MIT Hillel’s Sixth Annual Latke vs. Hamentashen Debate.
Follett Is Fourth MIT Student To Star in ‘Beauty and the Geek
Another “Beauty and the Geek” season is about to begin, and another MIT contestant is ready to show off his talents.
American Universities Create Partnerships in Saudi Arabia
Three prominent American universities the University of Texas at Austin, the University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University — are starting five-year partnerships, worth $25 million or more, with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, a graduate-level research university being built in Saudi Arabia.
Robert M. Wells ’08
Robert M. Wells ’08 was sociable and perseverant, always interested in making friends and focusing his — and their — full efforts into new things.
Univ. of Kentucky Is Struggling to Squelch Net Rumors
Prof. Jeremy D. Popkin returned to his office at the University of Kentucky on Feb. 19 after teaching a lesson about Vichy France in his course on the Holocaust. During its 30 years on the curriculum, the class has grown perpetually popular, with 60 applicants vying for half as many seats. The university has even created a Judaic Studies program.
J. Mark Schuster PhD ’79
J. Mark Schuster PhD ’79, a professor of urban studies and planning who helped develop the field of urban cultural policy and who earned the respect of his peers, died on Feb. 25 as a result of complications from melanoma, according to the MIT News Office. He was 57.
Random Hall Celebrates Its 40th Birthday With an Eclectic Party
If the candles on the dome didn’t make it obvious: Random Hall is officially over-the-hill.
Differences Between East and West Discovered in People’s Brain Activity
East is East and West is West, and the difference between them is starting to turn up even on brain scanners.