Julia M. Carpenter of Houston, Texas, a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering, was found dead in her dormitory room early Monday morning.
The Middlesex County Medical Examiner was scheduled to perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death. There were no signs of foul play, according to MIT Campus Police.
Ms. Carpenter, 20, was a member of Alpha Chi Sigma, the professional chemical society for students.
A graduate of Stratford High School in Houston, she was an accomplished student and a talented musician who entertained nursing home residents with violin performances when she was in middle school.
Ms. Carpenter attended a birthday party Sunday evening on the Random Hall dormitory roof deck, during which only soft drinks were served.
The dormitory's housemaster called Campus Police at about 2:30am Monday after Ms. Carpenter's roommate found her on the floor of her room. Campus police officers said Ms. Carpenter was dead when they arrived.
