Blog

Doggos or Manatees?

Doggos or Manatees?

My journey through machine learning

July 10, 2018 | Conner K.

This past fall, I challenged myself and hopped on the machine learning bandwagon. It’s been quite the ride. For those not familiar with the field, machine learning is essentially the art of making predictions with computers. Furthermore, it is a HOT field. Researchers are using machine learning for applications ranging from creating self-driving cars to […]

Linguistics Is Basically Physics

Linguistics Is Basically Physics

Debunking myths about the study of linguistics

July 2, 2018 | Elise N.

“Would they hire you to talk to aliens?” “That’s so funny I have a friend who studies French literature!” “So what do you think of Chomsky’s political views?” “Linguistics? At MIT? I didn’t know they had that. I thought they just did science and stuff.” Thanks to the popularity of the movie Arrival, the world […]

Where Are All the Engineers in Congress

Where Are All the Engineers in Congress

Lessons from talk radio

July 2, 2018 | Shomesh C.

The United States has elected one of the most anti-science Congresses in the democratic world. Mainstream leaders unabashedly espouse scientifically untenable positions in areas such as climate change, vaccinations, and evolution. In a world that is becoming increasingly technologically driven, it would be remiss if STEM programs did not encourage more of their students to […]

Passing on the Fountain of Knowledge

Passing on the Fountain of Knowledge

Knowing when to say no

June 26, 2018 | Shannon J.

As soon as I officially started as a grad student in the Media Arts & Sciences program, I was paired with a more experienced graduate student in the lab to learn protein engineering and molecular cloning techniques for the first time in my life, though my undergrad studies had covered some of the theory. My […]

Finding Work-Life Balance Through Sport

Finding Work-Life Balance Through Sport

Extracurricular activities can help keep you sane

June 26, 2018 | Shomesh C.

After a long day of class or research in lab, there is no better feeling than walking across campus to soccer practice. The stress of the day melts away as I step onto the field. Finally, I am able to clear my head and to connect to the present. We pull on our cleats and […]