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IAP 2007 Activities by Category

Special Events

14th Annual Charm School
Patrick Raymond, Tom Robinson
Fri Feb 2, 11:30am-05:00pm, Stratton Student Ctr

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

The first Charm School took place during IAP 1993, and with the exception of 1998, the program has been run annually. The popularity of the event has increased and interest on the part of students played a key role in bringing the program back. Students look forward to Charm School and take it seriously, although they have a good time while doing it. It has become a full-fledged community event with students, staff, and faculty participating together. Faculty often enjoy the event because it gives them an opportunity to interact with students in a different way than they do in the classroom.

The success of Charm School is due to many things: the energy and enthusiasm of the faculty, students, and administrators who participate, the festive atmosphere, and it's humorous and irreverent tone.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/charm/
Contact: Patrick Raymond or Tom Robinson, W20-549, 253-6777, sao-staff@mit.edu
Sponsor: Student Activities Office

A Quickie Introduction to LEED: Green Building Certification for Real Estate Developers, City Planners and Architects
Andrew Zumwalt-Hathaway, Davis Langdon & Seah Int'l
Tue Jan 16, 09am-05:00pm, Room 56-114, Note new location

No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Single session event

It seems everybody's certifying their developments, but what's it all about? Examine the US Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification system up close in a whirlwind one-day workshop designed for students in Planning, Architecture, the CRE, or students interested in campus greening efforts. The class is based on the professional certification prep course, but will emphasize green building techniques rather than the mechanics of the certification exam. Please see http://web.mit.edu/~bomee/leed for a course outline and instructor bio. Co-sponsored by the Center for Real Estate and the DUSP.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/~bomee/leed
Contact: Bomee Jung, bomee@mit.edu
Sponsor: Urban Studies and Planning
Cosponsor: Center for Real Estate Development

Are You Thinking About the Cambridge-MIT Exchange Program?
Matthew Zedler
Mon Jan 29, 07-08:30pm, 56-167

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

Are you planning to apply to the Cambridge-MIT Undergraduate Student Exchange program? Bring your questions and concerns to this meeting and the MIT seniors who spent last year at the University of Cambridge will answer them for you. They'll also provide you with many reasons to go to Cambridge in addition to the academics. This event is for students by students. Pizza provided.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/cmi/ue/cme-mit/mit-about.html
Contact: Matt Zedler, mzedler@mit.edu
Sponsor: Cambridge-MIT Undergraduate Exchange

Behind the Curtain
Matthew Hockenberry, Connor Dickie, Jon Wetzel
Tue Jan 16, 04-07:00pm, E15-320
Wed Jan 17, 01-04:00pm, E15-320

No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 15-Jan-2007
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)

Unfortunately, "if you build it they will come" only worked in the movie Field of Dreams.

In this fast-paced workshop, we want you to be as excited about seeing what other people do with your idea as you are building it in the first place. The workshop will take place over two days (and possibly one very long night).

You’ll have to build something, but don’t worry: we’re not going to break out the resistors and hammers. We thought it would be good to start with some materials that everyone can deal with (cardboard, markers, and maybe scissors – if you don’t run).

By building things to look like they would, and ‘work’ like they should, we can see how the design actually impacts people before we waste all of our solder and bits.

We’ll feed you, get materials, and bring some users. All you bring is your imagination.
Web: http://www.creativesynthesis.net/behindthecurtain/
Contact: Matthew Hockenberry, E15-324, (412) 726-9753, hock@media.mit.edu
Sponsor: Media Arts & Sciences

Charm School 2007
Patrick Raymond, Tom Robinson
Fri Feb 2, 12-05:00pm, W20

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Prereq: None

How do I ask for a date? Should I speak to strangers when riding in an elevator? At what point in an interview should I ask about salary range? Can I use my cell phone in a restaurant? Etiquette-related subjects will be taught in an informal, fun atmosphere at Charm School. No pre-registration is required; students are free to choose from the many topics offered. The most ambitious students may earn "charm credits" towards a formal Charm School degree. Degrees will be awarded at the Charm School Commencement which will be held from 4:15-5:00 in Lobdell. All members of the MIT community are encouraged to attend all events.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/slp/charm/
Contact: Patrick Raymond, W20-549, x3-6777, charm@mit.edu
Sponsor: Division of Student Life

Copyright Unlocked: Managing Copyright to Advance Research and Teaching at MIT
Ann Wolpert, Claude Canizares, Brian Evans, Ellen Duranceau, Ann Hammersla, Thinh Nguyen
Thu Jan 25, 01-03:00pm, 32-155

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

Have you got copyright? Can you re-use your own work for future research and teaching? Or is it locked tight behind a vault of copyright restrictions? Find the keys to realize the potential of your own work in the world. Understand how copyright affects you. Hear about actions you can take to improve the impact of your research. Ask questions. Discuss these issues with Science Commons, an organization whose role is to enable legal sharing and reuse of scholarly works and to serve the advancement of science by removing unnecessary barriers. Speakers include: Claude Canizares, Associate Provost, Ann Wolpert, Director, MIT Libraries, Brian Evans, EAPS Professor of Geophysics, Ellen Duranceau, MIT Libraries Scholarly Publishing Consultant, Thinh Nguyen, Science Commons Counsel, and Ann Hammersla, MIT Intellectual Property Counsel.
Contact: Carol Robinson, 10-500, x3-7749, csrobins@mit.edu
Sponsor: Libraries

Developmental Dyslexia: Perceptual Aspects, Diagnosis, Brain-correlates, Remediation and Prevention.
Gadi Geiger, Nadine Gaab
Thu Jan 18, 10-04:00am, 46-3310, class is 10-12 and 2-4 pm

Enrollment limited: first come, first served
Limited to 100 participants.

The first part will describe how dyslexics and typical readers differ in their visual and auditory perception. Based on these findings a diagnostic process and a regimen of practice for learning a new perceptual strategy for reading will be discussed. A study on the prevention of dyslexia will also be presented.

The second part will focus on the neural (brain) correlates of developmental dyslexia and will summarize findings from Electroencephalography (EEG), Magneto-encephalography (MEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Furthermore, the much-debated connection between musical training and literacy skills will be discussed
Contact: Gadi Geiger, 46-5155, x3-9646, gadi@AI.MIT.EDU
Sponsor: Brain and Cognitive Sciences

Energy Myths: How Are We Really Going to Deal with the Challenge of Global Warming?
Andrew Kadak
Wed Jan 31, 01-05:00pm, 32-155

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

Keynote speaker, William Sweet, author of "Kicking the Carbon Habit," will discuss the issues and challenges facing energy needs today. Speakers from the solar, wind, coal, conservation, oil/gas and nuclear industries will also present how these fields can effect change in our energy future
Contact: Andrew Kadak, 24-202, 253-0166, kadak@mit.edu
Sponsor: Nuclear Science and Engineering
Cosponsor: Energy Club

From Understanding Cortex to Building Intelligent Machines
Tomaso Poggio, Thomas Serre, Tony Ezzat
Wed Jan 24, 10am-01:00pm, 46-3310
Thu Jan 25, 10am-12:00pm, 46-3310

Enrollment limited: first come, first served
Limited to 100 participants.
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)

A brief introduction to statistical learning theory will be followed by a description of highlights research in computational neuroscience at CBCL. The main thesis of the class is that progress in AI is increasingly dependent on advances in computational neuroscience. In the class we will review recent work on visual and auditory recognition
Contact: Tomaso Poggio, 46-3310, x3-5230, tp@ai.mit.edu
Sponsor: Brain and Cognitive Sciences

IPY in IAP: A Brief Preview of International Polar Year
Chris Sherratt, Remlee Green
Tue Jan 30, 03-05:00pm, 10-500, Barker Library Media Suite

Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 29-Jan-2007
Limited to 20 participants.
Single session event

March 2007 marks the start of the world's 4th observance of International Polar Year. Last conducted in 1958, this year promises new and exciting research and discovery. Come hear about IPY and what to watch for, share what you know, and perhaps see a film to set the stage!
Contact: Chris Sherratt, 54-200, (617) 253-5648, gcsherra@mit.edu
Sponsor: Libraries

MIT LeaderShape
Tracy Purinton, Kirk Kolenbrander
Fri Jan 19, Sat Jan 20, Sun Jan 21, Mon Jan 22, Wed Jan 24, 08am-10:00pm, off-campus

Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Limited to 65 participants.
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)

MIT LeaderShape is a six-day, leadership development experience that brings MIT students, faculty, and staff together in an intensive, advanced curriculum. Now in its thirteenth year, and with over 700 past participants, MIT LeaderShape has seen the creation of individual plans of action that have transformed the MIT community. There is no charge, and admission is only by application. Applications may be obtained online at the URL below and are due October 27, 2006. Participants stay at the conference site throughout the six days. MIT LeaderShape is sponsored by the MIT Office of the Dean for Student Life.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/leadershape/www/
Contact: Linda Noel, W20-549, x3-4158, ldnoel@mit.edu
Sponsor: Division of Student Life

MIT Panhellenic Association Information Night
Kaya Miller
Wed Jan 31, 07-09:00pm, Lobdell Dining Hall,

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

Learn more about the best thing going for strong, independent, talented undergraduate women at the Institute! Sorority women strive to excel in all areas of college life, and support and enhance the academic mission of the Institute. Each Panhellenic Sorority promotes leadership, academic excellence, service, and lifelong friendships, and each provides support programs, philanthropic and community service events, and social outings for it's members. All MIT women are encouraged to come meet the women of MIT's National Panhellenic Sororities and discuss the opportunities for scholarship, leadership, and sisterhood that sorority membership brings. Free dinner provided at the info session!
Web: http://web.mit.edu/panhel
Contact: Kaya Miller, W20-549, x3-4663, kmiller@mit.edu
Sponsor: Panhellenic Association

Project Expo! Presentations for Prizes!
Amir Hirsch
Fri Jan 26, 02-04:00pm, Bush Room, 10-105

No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 23-Dec-2006
Single session event
Prereq: research or lab project

Be a Presenter!
Students can show off any project they've been working on to the entire MIT community. Course VI undergrads especially encouraged to present UROPs, UAPs, and final lab projects, but graduate students and other majors welcome. Poster presentations and in-progress projects are fine. Posterboard provided. Let lots of people see what you've accomplished. $500 in prizes, voted by faculty and student judges.

Be a Judge!
This is a great way to see what's going on at MIT, and get inspired to do a UROP or take a lab class. Vote on your favorite project.
Web: http://hkn.mit.edu/expo/
Contact: Amir Hirsch, hkn-iap@mit.edu
Sponsor: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Cosponsor: Eta Kappa Nu

The Distaff Arts: Medieval Clothing Technology
Anne McCants, Miranda Knutson, Margo Collett
Mon Jan 22, Tue Jan 23, Thu Jan 25, 01-05:00pm, E51-095

Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 10-Jan-2007
Limited to 15 participants.
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)

This course explores a wide range of medieval textile and clothing production technologies, offering students hands on experience in their use. We will work with a raw fleece; card and spin the wool; use simple waist looms to weave a belt; dye a variety of fabrics; and design/construct a single garment - either a cloak or tunic. All materials provided - students must commit to all 3 days of class.

This course will question typical characterization of medieval textile work as unskilled, as well as consider distinctions usually made between activities labeled as crafts versus those labeled as art.
Contact: Anne McCants, E51-292, 258-6669, amccants@mit.edu
Sponsor: History

The Image of the City: the Legacy of Kevin Lynch, a Boston Summary
Romin Koebel, PhD MIT alum
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)

Three late-morning conversations inspired by the Boston legacy of Kevin Lynch. Monday: "The Walkway to the Sea"; Wednesday: "The View from the Road"; and Friday: the "Lost Half-Mile."
Contact: Paula Anzer, 7-337, x3-2024, anzer@mit.edu
Sponsor: Urban Studies and Planning

The Walkway to the Sea
Romin Koebel, PhD MIT alum
"The Walkway to the Sea" traces the built environment reaching from the top of Beacon Hill to Town Cove. It centers on Faneuil Hall and the influence of Charles Bulfinch.
Mon Jan 29, 10am-12:00pm, Room 10-485

The View from the Road
Romin Koebel, PhD MIT alum
"The View from the Road" was a Lynch study of the visual experience of a driver coming into Boston from the northeast, focusing particularly on current planning for the surface artery and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.
Wed Jan 31, 10am-12:00pm, Room 10-485

Finding the "Lost Half-Mile"
Romin Koebel, PhD MIT alum
Finding the "Lost Half-Mile" builds on the finding that there was a section of the Charles River that was not part of people's image of the city.
Fri Feb 2, 10am-12:00pm, Room 10-485

Worldly Wednesdays: MIT World films in the MIT Libraries
Remlee Green, Stephanie Hartman
Enrollment limited: first come, first served
Limited to 20 participants.
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)

Join us for a movie and snacks! Each week during IAP, a different film from MIT World on the theme of innovation and invention will be shown in the Barker Engineering Library Media Suite.

For a full schedule and more information, see: http://libraries.mit.edu/guides/courses/iap2007/mitworld.html

Light refreshments will be provided.
Contact: Remlee Green, 10-500, x3-4088, remlee@mit.edu
Sponsor: Libraries

Eric Von Hippel - "Democratizing Innovation"
Remlee Green, Stephanie Hartman
Wed Jan 10, 12-01:30pm, 10-500, Barker Library Media Suite

Steve Wozniak - "iWoz: From Computer Geek to Culture Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It"
Remlee Green, Stephanie Hartman
Wed Jan 17, 12-01:30pm, 10-500, Barker Library Media Suite

Peter H. Diamandis - "From Space to Energy: Changing the World. For Good."
Remlee Green, Stephanie Hartman
Wed Jan 24, 12-01:30pm, 10-500, Barker Library Media Suite

Timothy Brown - "Innovation Through Design Thinking"
Remlee Green, Stephanie Hartman
Wed Jan 31, 12-01:30pm, 10-500, Barker Library Media Suite


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Last update: 30 September 2004