Historian of the hinterlands
In overlooked spots on the map, MIT Professor Kate Brown examines the turbulence of the modern world.
Optimizing kidney donation and other markets without money
MIT economist Nikhil Agarwal analyzes the efficiency of markets that match suppliers and consumers but don’t use prices.
Drawn to open-ended problems
Whether racing cross country or teaching coding in rural schools, senior Billy Woltz relishes experimentation and creative thinking.
![“The major research directions and technology platforms that [my] lab is known for today came out of this process where the students or I had a crazy idea, and then the lab executed on it, with all the twists and turns along the way,” says Paul Blainey, associate professor of biological engineering.](/sites/default/files/styles/term_page__news_article/public/images/201910/MIT-Blainey.jpg?itok=sTavLw_j)
Biological engineer Paul Blainey creates new tools to advance biomedical research
His technology platforms have benefited genomics, diagnostics, and drug screening.
Computer science in service of medicine
Senior Kristy Carpenter aims to leverage artificial intelligence and other computational tools to develop new, more affordable drugs.
Learning about China by learning its language
MIT senior's longstanding passion for Mandarin leads to a hands-on taste of the complexities of functioning in a Chinese business context.
Deploying drones to prepare for climate change
PhD student Norhan Bayomi uses drones to investigate how building construction impacts communities’ resilience to rising temperatures.
Looking under the surface of politics in Latin America
Associate Professor Danny Hidalgo’s work reveals some difficult truths about money, elections, and political influence.
Meet Carolyn Stein: Researching the economics of science
MIT PhD student explores the impact of scientists being "scooped" when a competing research team publishes results first, a concern for many disciplines.
Bridging the information gap in solar energy
PhD student Elise Harrington studies the ways rural communities in Kenya and India learn about solar energy products and their options as consumers.
Understanding genetic circuits and genome organization
Assistant professors Pulin Li and Seychelle Vos are investigating how cells become tissues and the proteins that organize DNA.
Uncovering links between architecture, politics, and society
“Every building is ultimately a compromise” involving many stakeholders, says architectural historian Timothy Hyde.
When rats work to protect human safety
PhD student Jia Hui Lee studies global differences in how humans relate to other animals, including rats that detect land mines.
Creating new opportunities from nanoscale materials
MIT Professor Frances Ross is pioneering new techniques to study materials growth and how structure relates to performance.
Jesús Dones-Monroig: Creating space for everyone in chemistry
“If we are not given support at a personal level, our educational and professional potential is going to be directly affected,” the PhD student says.