![“I was always very interested in current events and fascinated by what was happening in the world around me,” MIT historian Tanalís Padilla says. “My parents were very political. I considered myself quite a political being. … I think [living in] Mexico and the United States and seeing the contrast to be so great, especially in rural Mexico, made me aware [of politics] early on.”](/sites/default/files/styles/term_page__news_article/public/images/201601/MIT-Tanalis-Padilla_0.jpg?itok=yaccQLL2)
3 Questions: Neil Gershenfeld and the spread of Fab Labs
Ten years after launching Fab Lab, the project’s founder describes the program’s research, global impact.
Love for Times Square
MIT professor, PhD candidate design Valentine’s Day pavilion for New York City.
The Nam P. Suh Professorship connects multiple generations of mechanical engineering faculty
Faculty and friends celebrate Nam Suh and inaugural chair holder Seth Lloyd.
Top tweets of 2015
Best posts of the year on @MIT highlight our new humanoid robot, MIT women in engineering, an optics lesson for #TheDress, and more.
Michael Artin and Shirley Jackson win nation’s highest honor in science and technology
Mathematician and MIT Corporation life member named National Medal of Science recipients.
Solar energy from discarded car batteries
An MIT development could benefit both the environment and human health.
3 Questions: Martin Culpepper on making the future makers
MIT students want to make things. Meet the “Maker Czar” who’s helping them.
Molecule makers
A new course in the Department of Chemical Engineering gives freshmen hands-on experience.
MITEI names co-chairs of Energy Education Task Force
Professors Hager and Ram are the new co-chairs of MITEI’s Energy Education Task Force and the Energy Minor Oversight Committee.
Four MIT faculty named 2015 fellows of the National Academy of Inventors
Belcher, Bhatia, Brown, and Horvitz recognized for demonstrating a prolific spirit of innovation and invention resulting in a tangible impact on society.
Susan Hockfield chosen to serve as AAAS president-elect
Former MIT president to begin three-year term on AAAS Board of Directors in February.