Three from MIT named 2024-25 Goldwater Scholars
Undergraduates Ben Lou, Srinath Mahankali, and Kenta Suzuki, whose research explores math and physics, are honored for their academic excellence.
Epigenomic analysis sheds light on risk factors for ALS
In a study of cells from nearly 400 ALS patients, researchers identified genomic regions with chemical modifications linked to disease progression.
Francis Fan Lee, former professor and interdisciplinary speech processing inventor, dies
The former EECS professor and RLE affiliate helped to develop a machine that read text out loud and won an Emmy for work on subtly speeding up film and audio without a noticeable loss of pitch.
Fostering research, careers, and community in materials science
MICRO internship program expands, brings undergraduate interns from other schools to campus.
Natural language boosts LLM performance in coding, planning, and robotics
Three neurosymbolic methods help language models find better abstractions within natural language, then use those representations to execute complex tasks.
Nuno Loureiro named director of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center
A lauded professor, theoretical physicist, and fusion scientist, Loureiro is keenly positioned to advance the center’s research and education goals.
Studies in empathy and analytics
Senior James Simon wants to effect change in two ways: by quantifying societal issues and working directly with disadvantaged communities.
Science communication competition brings research into the real world
“We need more scientists who can explain their work clearly, explain science to the public, and help us build a science-literate world.”
MIT faculty, instructors, students experiment with generative AI in teaching and learning
At MIT’s Festival of Learning 2024, panelists stressed the importance of developing critical thinking skills while leveraging technologies like generative AI.
Julie Shah named head of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
An expert in robotics and AI, Shah succeeds Steven Barrett at AeroAstro.
A musical life: Carlos Prieto ’59 in conversation and concert
The acclaimed cellist and writer discussed his new memoir and reflected on a remarkable musical career.
Two from MIT awarded 2024 Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Fellowship funds graduate studies for outstanding immigrants and children of immigrants.
3 Questions: A shared vocabulary for how infectious diseases spread
Lydia Bourouiba’s research on fluid dynamics influenced new guidance from the World Health Organization that will shape how health agencies respond to respiratory infectious diseases.
Two MIT teams selected for NSF sustainable materials cooperative agreements
The MIT-led projects will investigate novel high-performance designs, materials, processes, and assessment methods for an environmentally sustainable microchip industry.
Study demonstrates efficacy of MIT-led Brave Behind Bars program
Programming course for incarcerated people boosts digital literacy and self-efficacy, highlighting potential for reduced recidivism.