MIT: Independent Activities Period: IAP

IAP 2017 Activities by Category - Research Skills

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Adventures in Scanning Electron Microscopy

Donald Galler, Research Engineer

Jan/24 Tue 09:00AM-05:00PM 4-141, 1 hour break for lunch
Jan/25 Wed 09:00AM-05:00PM 4-141, 1 hour break for lunch
Jan/26 Thu 09:00AM-05:00PM 4-141, 1 hour break for lunch

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/10
Attendance: Repeating event, participants welcome at any session
Prereq: None

This class is an introduction to the basic operation of a scanning electron microscope. The basic operating principles will be covered. Attendees will be trained on the use of the microscope.

The microscope is a new JEOL 6610 LV scanning electron microscope (SEM) with several advanced features:

 

This is a training class but anyone interested in these modern research tools is welcome to attend.

Attendees are encouraged to bring samples for exploration and will operate the microscope as part of the class.

 

Enrollment limited: Advance sign up required (contact leader by email). 8 people per session.  First come, first serve basis.

Sponsor(s): Materials Science and Engineering
Contact: Donald Galler, 4-131BA, 617-253-4554, dgaller@mit.edu


All About UROP: Student Panel

Feb/02 Thu 03:00PM-04:00PM 4-237

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up

Come learn about all aspects of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) at MIT, including how to participate, what type of research is available, and more. Panel will be current MIT undergrads participating in UROPs across campus.

Sponsor(s): Office of Undergrad. Advising/Academic Programming
Contact: J Alex Hoyt, 7-104, 617 324-6700, JAHOYT@MIT.EDU


Are You In or Out? An Overview of the Material Transfer Process at MIT

Danielle Byrdsong, MTA Associate Officer, Siri Nilsson, Technology Licensing Officer, Contracts

Jan/31 Tue 02:00PM-03:00PM 56-169

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/31

The transfer of materials into and out of MIT is steadily increasing each year. Moreover, the providers and recipients for these materials are diversifying.

Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) are legal contracts that ensure all parties are permitted to send and receive biological materials, chemical compounds, and other materials. MTAs protect MIT’s intellectual property and freedom to publish, and MTAs record the terms and conditions for the use of the materials.

Come and join Danielle Byrdsong and Siri Nilsson to learn about MIT's Material Transfer process. Gain a better understanding of MTAs, MIT’s procedures and policies for MTAs, and how to get your materials expeditiously.

Please register by emailing kmkhalil@mit.edu   

Sponsor(s): Technology Licensing Office
Contact: Katrina Khalil, NE18-501, 617 253-6966, kmkhalil@mit.edu


Beyond Citation: Understanding How to Reason with Sources

Suzanne Lane, Director, Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication

Jan/26 Thu 01:00PM-03:00PM E17-136

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/26
Limited to 30 participants

Whenever we do research—whether in the library, the lab, or the field, or just reading the assigned texts for a class—we hope to develop new ideas: to form and test hypotheses, develop new and better methods, produce richer evidence, and refine existing theories.  Our research is often collaborative, and always builds on work by previous researchers and writers.  But how do we develop new ideas from these sources?  How do we document where others’ ideas contribute to our thinking, and where our ideas build on theories and evidence that’s already published?  And why do the practices of incorporating and citing sources vary so much from one discipline or journal to another?  This workshop will help you learn how to write with sources—published, online, or live—in ways that will help both you and your readers understand how your ideas build on, and move beyond, those of your sources.

Space is limited to 30.

For more information, and to reserve a space, please contact the Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication program (WRAP)

 

Sponsor(s): Comparative Media Studies/Writing
Contact: WRAP, E18-228a, 617-253-3039, wrap@mit.edu


Biotech business information for engineers and scientists, 2017

Georgiana McReynolds

Jan/11 Wed 11:00AM-12:30PM 14N-132

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/10
Limited to 30 participants

This session will help you turn ideas into products. Join this interactive time of learning and fun where you can explore what the Libraries have to offer and what's useful on the Web. Find information about companies, market research, marketing, industries, and more. Learn time saving search tips and how to navigate the complex world of business information.

Registration is required

 

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Georgiana McReynolds, E53-168G, 617 253-9349, GMAC@MIT.EDU


Business information for engineers and scientists

Howard Silver, MIT Libraries

Jan/19 Thu 04:00PM-05:00PM 14N-132

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/19
Limited to 30 participants

This session will introduce engineers and scientists to business information resources that will help you understand the commercial potential for your ideas, how to find partners, and sources for financial support.  We will use realistic examples and hands-on exercises with key resources to demonstrate how to match your ideas and discoveries with the opportunities and realities of the marketplace.

Please Register for this class.

If your interests are focused on bioscience, consider our related session on Biotech business information, offered January 11, 2017, 11 am - 12 pm.  

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Howard Silver, 14S-134, 617 253-9319, HSILVER@MIT.EDU


CMSE Introduction to Surface Analysis Part 1: Auger Electron Spectroscopy and XPS

Libby Shaw, Research Specialist

Jan/18 Wed 02:00PM-05:00PM 13-2137

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/13
Prereq: none

CMSE's Shared Experimental Facilities include several useful tools for looking at the structure and chemical composition of solid surfaces, with a sampling depth of a few atomic layers.  This afternoon seminar is a general introduction to two of these techniques:  Auger Electron Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).  We will summarize how each technique works, its strengths and limitations, and some of the research questions these methods help to answer.  See also Introduction to Surface Analysis:  Part 2 (Wednesday, January 25).

Sponsor(s): Center for Materials Science and Engineering
Contact: Libby Shaw, 13-4149, 617 253-5045, elshaw@mit.edu


CMSE Introduction to Surface Analysis Part II: Scanned Probe Microscopies

Libby Shaw, Research Specialist

Jan/25 Wed 02:00PM-05:00PM Room 13-2137

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/20
Prereq: none

CMSE's Shared Experimental Facilities include several useful tools for looking at the structure and chemical composition of solid surfaces, with a sampling depth of a few atomic layers.  This afternoon seminar introduces a class of techniques which use a tiny mechanical probe to characterize the topography and material properties of surfaces.  With a primary focus on Atomic Force Microscopy, we will summarize the basic mechanism of operation, strengths and limitations of this class of techniques, and some of the research questions SPMs help to answer.  See also Introduction to Surface Analysis:  Part 1 (Wednesday, January 18).

Sponsor(s): Center for Materials Science and Engineering
Contact: Libby Shaw, 13-4149, 617-253-5045, elshaw@mit.edu


Computing in Optimization and Statistics

Phil Chodrow, Joey Huchette, Brad Sturt, Dimitris Bertsimas, Professor

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/01
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions

The "big data revolution" has placed added emphasis on computational techniques for
decision-making with data. Large-scale optimization, data analysis and visualization are now
commonplace among researchers and practitioners alike. More than ever, there is a need not
only to develop techniques, but also to implement and use them in computational practice.


This course (formerly “Software Tools for Operations Research”) is a multi-session workshop
on software tools for informing decision-making using data, with a focus on optimization and
statistics. We concentrate on teaching elementary principles of computational practice using
common software and practical methods. By the end of the course, students will possess a
baseline technical knowledge for modern research practice. Class participation and individual
hands-on coding are stressed in each session.


The course is divided into 8 self-contained modules. Each module consists of a 3-hour,
interactive workshop where participants learn a specific software tool. Class participation, group
code-reviews and individual hands-on coding are stressed in each session. At the end of the
module, participants will be able to use the software and techniques learned in their own
research. Participants will also leave each workshop with code they, themselves, have authored
to use for future reference.

Sponsor(s): Operations Research Center
Contact: Brad Sturt, bsturt@mit.edu


Module 1

Jan/10 Tue 09:00AM-12:00PM E51-151

Motivation, Terminal, Github

Jackie Baek, Brad Sturt


Module 2

Jan/12 Thu 09:00AM-12:00PM E51-151

Data Wrangling & Visualization in R

Steven Morse, Alex Weinstein


Module 3

Jan/17 Tue 09:00AM-12:00PM E51-151

Statistical Modeling and Machine Learning in R

Colin Pawlowski, Clark Pixton


Module 4

Jan/19 Thu 09:00AM-12:00PM E51-151

Advanced Techniques for Data Science in R

Phil Chodrow


Module 5

Jan/19 Thu 09:00AM-12:00PM E51-151

Introduction to Julia and JuMP, Linear Optimization, and Engaging

Joey Huchette, Sebastien Martin


Module 6

Jan/26 Thu 09:00AM-12:00PM E51-151

Nonlinear and Integer Optimization in JuMP

Miles Lubin, Yee Sian Ng


Module 7

Jan/31 Tue 09:00AM-12:00PM E51-151

Excel for Operations Research

Charles Thraves


Module 8

Feb/02 Thu 09:00AM-12:00PM E51-151

Deep Learning in TensorFlow, Python

Eli Gutin, Brad Sturt


Data Management: Data Management Planning & the DMPTool

Phoebe Ayers, EECS & IDSS Librarian

Jan/12 Thu 01:00PM-02:00PM 14N-132

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/12
Limited to 30 participants

Are you required to submit a data management plan (DMP) to a funder? Are you looking to create a data management plan and aren’t sure where to start or what to include? This session will run through the components of a good data management plan and introduce the DMPTool, an online (and MIT-customized) tool for crafting funder-specific data management plans.

Register here: http://libcal.mit.edu/event/2988818

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Phoebe Ayers, 10-500, 617 253-4442, PSAYERS@MIT.EDU


Data Management: File Organization

Christine Malinowski, Research Data Librarian, Ece Turnator, Humanities and Digital Scholarship Librarian

Jan/18 Wed 02:00PM-03:00PM 14N-132 (DIRC)

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/17
Limited to 25 participants

Do you struggle with organizing your research data?  Wonder if there’s a better way to arrange and name your data files to optimize your work? This workshop will teach you practical techniques for organizing your data files. Topics will include: file and folder organizational structures and file naming. Will include hands-on exercises to apply the concepts to your particular data project.

Register for this workshop at: http://libcal.mit.edu/event/2980558

Following this workshop, stay for our informal drop-in hour (3-4PM) for 1-on-1 help in applying file organization practices to your own projects & files. Reserve your consultation spot here: http://libcal.mit.edu/event/2990449

 

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Christine Malinowski, E53-100, 617 324-6394, CMALIN@MIT.EDU


Data Management: Strategies for Data Sharing & Storage

Phoebe Ayers, EECS & IDSS Librarian, Howard Silver, Biological Engineering Librarian

Jan/25 Wed 01:00PM-02:00PM 14N-132

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/25
Limited to 30 participants

Not sure how to publish and share your data? Unclear on the best formats and descriptive information for optimal data reuse? This workshop will review options for long-term storage and strategies for sharing data with other researchers. Topics will include: data publication and citation, persistent identifiers, versioning, data formats and metadata for reuse, repositories, cost models and management strategies.

Register here: http://libcal.mit.edu/event/2988814

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Phoebe Ayers, 10-500, 617 253-4442, PSAYERS@MIT.EDU


Demo of PubPub and discussion on collaborative publishing

Stacey Snyder, E-Learning Librarian

Feb/02 Thu 02:00PM-03:00PM 14N-132

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 02/02

PubPub creator and MIT Media Lab PhD student, Travis Rich, will demonstrate this open-access platform for writing digitally native publications that are rich and highly collaborative. We will also discuss wider trends and opportunities in publishing today. This event is sponsored by the MIT Libraries' Personal Content Management team.

Please register ahead of time.

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Stacey Snyder, 10-500, 617 324-6024, SSNYDER@MIT.EDU


EHS Representative Orientation

Pam Greenley

Jan/19 Thu 01:00PM-04:00PM N52-496 Conf. Rm A/B

Enrollment: Register via MIT Learning Center
Sign-up by 01/11
Limited to 25 participants
Prereq: Registration required

This is a training course for new and existing EHS reps on their role in the EHS Management System, their responsibilities under the EHS-MS, and a brief overview of EHS issues they may be asked about by their lab mates.

Topics include:

 

Web: http://ehs.mit.edu

Register at http://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=EHS00760c

Sponsor(s): Environment, Health and Safety Office
Contact: Jessica Van, N52-496, 617 452-3233, JVAN@MIT.EDU


File Organization drop-in consultations

Christine Malinowski, Research Data Librarian

Jan/18 Wed 03:00PM-04:00PM 14N-132 (DIRC)

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/17
Limited to 10 participants

Looking for one-on-one help in improving your data file organization? Want to jumpstart implementing best practices covered in the preceding File Management workshop? Register for this informal session and sit down with a member of the Data Management Services team to discuss your specific challenges and needs. 

Attendance in the Data Management: File Organization workshop is not required but encouraged. 

Reserve your individual consultation spot at: http://libcal.mit.edu/event/2990449

 

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Christine Malinowski, E53-100, 617 324-6394, CMALIN@MIT.EDU


Finding gene info & more: a tour of the NCBI "omics" network

Courtney Crummett, Biosciences Librarian, MIT Libraries

Jan/18 Wed 10:30AM-12:00PM 14N-132 DIRC, bring your laptop

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/17

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) family of databases are filled with information for molecular level bioscience research. Class attendees will learn about the organization and interconnectedness of NCBI databases while focusing on several NCBI specific databases. The session is a hands-on practicum and an excellent starting point for people who are new to or curious about bioinformatics research tools. 

Registration Required

Sponsor(s): Biology, Libraries
Contact: Courtney Crummett, 14S-134, 617 324-8290, CRUMMETT@MIT.EDU


FT-IR Sampling Capabilities in CMSE

Tim McClure

Jan/31 Tue 10:00AM-02:00PM 13-2137

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/27

The Center for Materials Science and Engineering's Analysis Shared Experimental Facility has an Extended range FT-IR & Microscope with a variety of sampling accessories that are available for the use of researchers. Come find out about the many sampling options now available for FT-IR.

Sponsor(s): Center for Materials Science and Engineering
Contact: Tim McClure, 13-4149, x8-6470, mtim@mit.edu


Get Up, Stand Up! History of Activism at MIT via a Glance at the Institute Archives

Alena McNamara, Librarian for the School of Architecture & Planning, Michelle Baildon, Liaison to the Science, Technology, & Society Program, Anna Boutin, Librarian for the School of Architecture & Planning

Jan/31 Tue 01:00PM-03:00PM 2-147

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/30
Limited to 20 participants

MIT students have been involved with activism for decades. While the most well-recorded protests are those of the 1960s and 1970s against the Vietnam War, MIT students have stood up for what they believe in throughout the Institute's history. In addition, students of color, LGBTQ students, Black students, and international students have all had to establish their claims to equal space in the Institute. The Institute Archives and Special Collections preserves documentation of the history of the Institute, including many activist efforts by students, faculty and staff. Join us to learn about the struggle for equity and inclusion inside and outside of MIT.

Please pre-register here.

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Alena McNamara, 7-238, 617 258-5593, AMCNAMAR@MIT.EDU


IAP 2017: Making the leap from student to thesis writer: How to write a dissertation while maintaining your sanity

Amy Finkelstein, John & Jennie S. MacDonald Professor of Economics, Esther Duflo, Abdul Latif Jameel Prof. of Poverty Alleviation & Dev. Econ, Drew Fudenberg, Paul A. Samuelson Professor of Economics, Alp Simsek, Rudi Dornbusch Career Development Associate Prof. of Econ., Isaiah Andrews, Silverman (1968) Family Career Development Assistant Prof.

Jan/19 Thu 01:00PM-02:30PM E51-151

Enrollment: Limited: First come, first served (no advance sign-up)

The transition from course-taking to dissertation-writing is one of the most difficult parts of graduate school.  A faculty panel will describe strategies for navigating this transition.  They will discuss where to turn for help and guidance, pitfalls to avoid, and distill lessons from their own experiences as students and as advisers.

Sponsor(s): Economics
Contact: Beata Shuster, E52-439A, 617 253-8883, BSHUSTER@MIT.EDU


Individual Consultations at the WCC (Writing and Communication Center)

Steven Strang

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions
Prereq: none

 The professional communication experts at the WCC@MIT (the Writing and Communication Center) will continue to offer free consultations and advice about oral presentations, slide design, poster presentations, English as Second Language, and about any writing issue, including but not limited to writing strategically, finding a topic, generating ideas, turning data into a story, understanding a particular genre, overcoming writer's block, improving grammar, crafting effective sentences and paragraphs, organizing ideas, using evidence, and analyzing audiences. We can help with all of the following: all types of technical writing; grant proposals; theses in all departments; job, graduate and med school application essays and personal statments; research and teaching statements; resumes and CVs; conference talks; articles for publication; book proposals and chapters; papers for any course; and creative writing. We also offer help on pronunciation and oral communication. The WCC is open throughout IAP. You must be registered with our online scheduler. Go to https://mit.mywconline.com to register and to schedule appointments. Open to MIT undergraduate students, graduate students, post-docs, faculty, staff, spouses and partners, visiting scientists and scholars.The WCC@MIT is now located in building E18-233 at 50 Ames Street.

Sponsor(s): Comparative Media Studies/Writing, Writing and Communication Center
Contact: Steven Strang, E18-233 B, 617 253-4459, SMSTRANG@MIT.EDU


Jan/09 Mon 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/10 Tue 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/11 Wed 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/12 Thu 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/13 Fri 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/17 Tue 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/18 Wed 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/19 Thu 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/20 Fri 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/23 Mon 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/24 Tue 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/24 Tue 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/25 Wed 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/26 Thu 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233
Jan/27 Fri 10:00AM-04:00PM E18-233

Sign up online for individual consultations with professional communication experts at mit.mywconline.com

Steven Strang


Info Session: 2016 MIT Amgen-UROP Scholars Program

Alex Hoyt, Sara Nelson

Jan/12 Thu 03:00PM-04:00PM 5-233

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up

The Amgen-UROP Scholars Program invites undergraduates to participate in faculty-mentored summer research at MIT in the science and biotechnology areas.

Students admitted to this program (known as Amgen Scholars) will have opportunities to conduct research, analyze data, present research results, network with other undergraduates with similar research interests, and develop working relationships with MIT faculty mentors and other research staff.

Sponsor(s): Office of Undergrad. Advising/Academic Programming
Contact: J Alex Hoyt, 7-104, 617 324-6700, JAHOYT@MIT.EDU


International Students at MIT Hackathon

Nora Murphy, Archivist for Reference, Instruction and Outreach

Jan/13 Fri 02:00PM-03:30PM 14N-118, Bring your laptop

Enrollment: Register at: http://libcal.mit.edu/event/3064423
Sign-up by 01/12
Limited to 20 participants

International students have attended since at least the second year the MIT offered courses (1866/7). Between 1866 and 1900, almost 200 students from at least 38 countries attended the Institute as special (non-degree) or regular (degree) students. They served as conduits for cultural and academic experiences that informed and enriched both their home and host countries.

The Institute Archives and Special Collections staff has created a list of international student from 1866 to 1940 from students listed in the course catalogs and student directories. Find out who from outside of the U.S. attended MIT, which countries they called home, and how to use resources in the Institute Archives and Special Collections to gather information about some of these students. 

The first 30 minutes will be spent learning about the resources in the Institute Archives and Special Collections and other resources at MIT to find information about individual students and how to use those resources. During the last hour participants can gather information about individual students.

 

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Nora Murphy, 14N-118, 617 253-5690, NMURPHY@MIT.EDU


Intro to Web Cartography - Mapping with LeafletJS

Mike Foster, Cartographer

Jan/31 Tue 02:00PM-03:00PM 9-554

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/27
Limited to 15 participants

The web has become a prominent way readers interact with maps and spatial data, with rich, informative visualizations and interactive maps becoming a common way to display data and showcase information. This short session is designed to introduce web mapping with Leaflet, a popular open source Javascript mapping library. It will take beginners through converting and uploading a dataset, accessing the Leaflet library, mapping the dataset, and adding basic interaction, such as popups. 

 

Sign up here: https://goo.gl/forms/1Lygk4PuWsqEnEQS2

Sponsor(s): Urban Studies and Planning
Contact: Michael Foster, 9-522, 617 324-8234, MJFOSTER@MIT.EDU


Introduction to Scanning Electron Microscopy

Patrick Boisvert, Technical Associate

Jan/26 Thu 02:00PM-03:00PM 13-2137

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
Prereq: None

The lecture will provide an introduction to the basic principles of Scanning Electron Microscopy with an approach to EDX, EBSD, and BSE.

Sponsor(s): Center for Materials Science and Engineering
Contact: Patrick Boisvert, 13-1018, 617-253-3317, pboisver@mit.edu


Introduction to EndNote

Christine Malinowski, Research Data Librarian

Jan/12 Thu 03:00PM-04:00PM 14N-132 (DIRC)

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/11
Limited to 25 participants

EndNote is a software package designed to help you organize citations and create bibliographies. In this workshop we'll cover how to search for citations in databases (such as PubMed and Web of Science) and library catalogs (such as Barton), import and organize them in EndNote, and build your bibliographies and inline citations in Word.

Register for this workshop at: http://libcal.mit.edu/event/2980712 

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Christine Malinowski, E53-100, 617 324-6394, CMALIN@MIT.EDU


Introduction to neuron population recording methods

Keji Li, Postdoctoral Fellow, Murat Yildirim, Postdotoral Associate

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/07
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions
Prereq: Basic Knowledge in linear algebra, Fourier transformation, a

This short course is designed to briefly introduce major invasive and noninvasive neuron recording methods used in neuroscience research today. The various methods for recording of neuron population activity are essential in modern neuroscience as they provide a vital technique in the exploration of: 1) functional role of brain areas; 2) role of specific cells types in local circuits; 3) neural encoding of sensory input or decision; 4) formation of memory and learned skill; 5) other uncharted territory in neuroscience. We target senior undergraduate and beginning graduate students, in the hope that this course will aid in their choice of future field of study and research.

We plan to have an overview of the major methods, then for each method the following topics will be discussed:

1)    theories behind the measurement

2)    implementation and important parameters

3)    analysis of the resulting data

4)    advantages and disadvantages of the method

5)    specific considerations when using the data

6)    notable uses of the method

Sponsor(s): Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Contact: Keji Li, Bldg 46, (617) 253-8785, kejili@mit.edu


Session 1

Jan/18 Wed 01:00PM-05:00PM 46-3189
Jan/19 Thu 01:00PM-05:00PM 46-3189

Session 1:

Optical imaging of intrinsic signal; wide field fluorescent imaging; extracellular electrode recording; their experiment design and data analysis using visual areas as example

Session 2:

Principles and applications of fluorescent imaging; one-photon imaging, confocal imaging, two-photon imaging; three-photon imaging; head-mounted fluorescent imaging; system design and analysis of their data


Introduction to SEM/FIB Dual-Beam Workstation

Shiahn Chen, Research Specialist

Jan/26 Thu 03:00PM-04:00PM 13-2137

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
Prereq: None

This lecture will cover the basic principles of ion source, optics and ion-material interaction in a focused ion beam machine with an emphasis on the differences from, and similarities to, the electron-beam instrument. In addition, the lecture will describe the configuration of the FEI Helios 600 Nanolab Dual Beam workstation in the CMSE Electron Microscopy Facility, and conclude with application examples of the material characterization and nanofabrication uses of the dual-beam workstation.

Sponsor(s): Center for Materials Science and Engineering
Contact: Shiahn Chen, 13-1027, 253-4622, schen3j@mit.edu


Introduction to Spatial Statistics in GIS

Jennie Murack, Madeline Wrable

Jan/26 Thu 01:00PM-03:00PM 14N-132

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Prereq: a basic knowledge of ArcMap

Are there clusters in your data? Are similar values grouped together? How are several pieces of data related? This workshop will introduce you to spatial statistics techniques in both ArcMap and Geoda.

Register here: http://libcal.mit.edu/event/2963347

Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of ArcMap, including how to load data and a familiarity with the interface.

Sponsor(s): Geographic Information Systems Lab, Libraries
Contact: Jennie Murack, 7-238, 617 258-6680, MURACK@MIT.EDU


Introduction to sterile technique on the bench and biosafety cabinet

Lorena Altamirano, Biosafety Officer, EHS

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/06
Limited to 10 participants
Attendance: Participants must attend all sessions

Sterile or aseptic technique forms the basis of microbiology and tissue culturing method to prevent contamination of samples and safeguard people. This course is intended as an introduction to the theory and practice of sterile technique. This course would focus on sterile technique at the bench (basic bacteriology) as well as using a biological safety cabinet (BSC) for basic cell/tissue culturing.

Target audience: The course is intended for people from non-traditional biological sciences backgrounds such as engineering, physics, arts, architecture, etc.

Prereq: None; no biological experience is needed.

Registration: http://ehs.mit.edu/site/content/iap-course-registration

Sponsor(s): Environment, Health and Safety Office, Biology
Contact: Lorena Altamirano, 617-253-3844, lorealta@mit.edu


Lecture

Jan/10 Tue 10:00AM-12:00PM N52-496, Conference Room A

Lecture on principles and practices, equipment basics, materials and methods and protocol review.

Lorena Altamirano - Biosafety Officer, EHS


Laboratory Practice

Jan/11 Wed 10:00AM-12:00PM 68-088
Jan/12 Thu 10:00AM-12:00PM 68-082
Jan/13 Fri 10:00AM-12:00PM 68-088

Laboratory practices, equipment, protocol application and biosafety. Discussion and troubleshooting.

Must attend all lab pratice dates.

Lorena Altamirano - Biosafety Officer, EHS


Introduction to TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)

Yong Zhang

Jan/27 Fri 02:00PM-03:30PM 13-2137 von Hippel

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up

The lecture provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of transmission electron microscopy. Topics covered include the illumination system, electron lenses and their aberrations, image formation and resolution. A variety of imaging and analysis techniques and their roles specific to inorganic materials, such as crystallography, diffraction patterns and high resolution imaging are to be present with practical demonstration.  This presentation will also introduce TEM sample preparation techniques for a wide range of materials, including metals, semiconductors, powders and thin films. 

 

Contact: Yong Zhang, 13-1034, 617 253-5092, YZHANG05@MIT.EDU


Introduction to the Reaction Mechanism Generator (RMG) software

Soumya Gudiyella, Postdoctoral Associate, Chemical Engineering Dept.

Jan/20 Fri 10:00AM-12:00PM 56-114, Bring your laptop
Jan/27 Fri 10:00AM-12:00PM 56-114, Bring your laptop

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/13
Limited to 20 participants
Attendance: Repeating event, participants welcome at any session
Prereq: General background in chemistry, laptop required

Reaction Mechanism Generator (RMG) is an automatic mechanism generation software developed by the Green Group at MIT (http://rmg.mit.edu/). The software can be used to generate chemical kinetic mechanisms for a wide range of chemical species by using inbuilt reaction networks and libraries. In the Green Group, RMG is extensively used to develop chemical kinetic mechanisms for combustion and chemical process applications.

In this course, you will learn about

      -  Visualizing the mechanism

      -  Model comparison

      -  Molecule search, kinetics search and others …

      -  How to cite RMG

      -  Github basics (how to update RMG, troubleshooting etc.)

      -  How to install RMG on your computer

Prerequisites: General background in chemistry, laptop required

Who should attend: Students/post-docs working on gas phase chemical kinetics. Students/postdocs interested in building chemical kinetic mechanisms for combustion and chemical process applications.

Duration: 2 hr

Good to know: Basic Linux commands

Registration: Register here

Contact: Soumya Gudiyella, E18-566A, 617-902-8184, SOUMYAG@MIT.EDU


LabArchives: Electronic Lab Notebook

Lisa Robinson, Manager, IS&T Release Engineering

Jan/17 Tue 10:00AM-11:00AM 14N-132 DIRC

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/16
Limited to 35 participants

Learn about LabArchives, a cloud-based electronic lab notebook (ELN). 

- Share information within the laboratory and beyond.

- Store data securely on the LabArchives servers.  Multiple redundancy ensures 24x7 availability.

- Create standard ELN formats and templates for your lab or research group.

- Available at no cost to MIT departments, labs and centers

 

Please register herehttp://libcal.mit.edu/event/3000318

Sponsor(s): Information Systems & Technology, Libraries
Contact: Courtney Crummett, 14S-134, 617 324-8290, CRUMMETT@MIT.EDU


LaTeX/BibTeX & citation management tools

Christine Malinowski, Research Data Librarian

Jan/26 Thu 04:00PM-05:00PM 14N-132 (DIRC)

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/26
Limited to 25 participants

Are you using LaTeX to create your documents? Are you looking for more guidance on integrating Zotero or Mendeley into your workflow? Do you keep running into issues with your citations or your .bib files? If you have a working knowledge of LaTeX and are looking to optimize how you manage citations and integrate your favorite citation management tools like Zotero, Mendeley or JabRef, this is the workshop for you!

Note, this is not an introduction to LaTeX or BibTeX – a working knowledge of LaTeX is assumed. Bring your laptop with your LaTeX setup to follow along. 

Register for this session at: http://libcal.mit.edu/event/2980742

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Christine Malinowski, E53-100, 617 324-6394, CMALIN@MIT.EDU


Mapping History

Nil Tuzcu, Research Fellow

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/18
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions

Mapping History workshop will introduce digital tools and workflows for visualizing  and interpreting historical data, and presenting historical information with online maps.

Today, visual and digital tools are increasingly being used in the social sciences and humanities for translating historical documents into datasets that can be digitally manipulated and recombined. Mapping is an effective tool for reconstructing the past, which reveals the spatial relationships that stimulated cultural, social and political change over time. Students will learn basics of QGIS and web mapping with Leaflet JS.

This two-day workshop will cover :

Georeferencing historical maps

Creating vector files with QGIS (for example, tracing an old rail system)

Introducing the time factor into digital workflow

Creating multilayer historical web maps and developing a tool for comparing different layers.

 

Contact: Nil Tuzcu, 9-514, 617 253-4510, TUZCU@MIT.EDU


Mapping History Session-1

Jan/19 Thu 05:00PM-07:00PM TBD, Bring your laptop

Nil Tuzcu - Research Fellow


Mapping History Session-2

Jan/20 Fri 05:00PM-07:00PM TBD, Bring your laptop

Nil Tuzcu - Research Fellow


Mapping with Adobe CC - Leveraging Illustrator and Photoshop

Mike Foster, Cartographer/GIS Specialist

Jan/17 Tue 02:00PM-03:30PM 9-554

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/13
Limited to 15 participants
Prereq: None

Many designers and mapmakers prefer to work in graphics software, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, when completing rich graphics such as illustrative maps, plans, and charts. This session will introduce how you can use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for mapping. Working in conjunction with GIS software, we will go work with some simple data, then outline the workflow to properly get your data into Adobe so you can edit it and add graphic flair, then show some Adobe cartography tricks. Brought to you by DUSPviz.

 

Sign up here: https://goo.gl/forms/moz9tuIsBZauxor33

Sponsor(s): Urban Studies and Planning
Contact: Michael Foster, 9-522, 617 324-8234, MJFOSTER@MIT.EDU


Mapping with Drones: UAS for Data Collection and Research

Daniel Sheehan, Senior GIS Specialist, Mike Foster, GIS/Data Visualization Specialist

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions
Prereq: None

This is a two-session workshop that will introduce the requirements and protocols in utilizing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS… aka Drones) for research and projects to collect data and create detailed models and maps. 

Day 1: Intro to Drone Flight

We will cover the rules and regulations of UAS flight, go over requirements and protocols for flight planning and piloting, introduce flight maps, planning, and the associated language, discuss the data you can collect, and talk about what you need to do to get off the ground.

Day 2: Mapping and Postprocessing

This session will discuss data collection and introduce methods for postprocessing. Attendees will be introduced to processing software like ArcGIS Drone2Map and Agisoft Photoscan. Students will get a chance to process some collected data using Photoscan, which mosaics images to create orthophotos, and, using photogrammetric methods, create point clouds that can be turned into 3D elevation models.

Register here: https://goo.gl/forms/7QnVuNe7ggyeNdlM2

Location: Room 2-105

Sponsor(s): Urban Studies and Planning, Libraries, Geographic Information Systems Lab
Contact: Michael Foster, 9-522, 617 324-8234, MJFOSTER@MIT.EDU


Jan/19 Thu 09:00AM-12:00PM 2-105
Jan/20 Fri 09:00AM-12:00PM 2-105

Joe Wright - Specialist, Daniel Sheehan - Senior GIS Specialist, Mike Foster - GIS/Data Visualization Specialist


Maps - Yes, the Libraries have maps

Michael M Noga, Earth and Planetary Sciences Librarian

Feb/03 Fri 01:00PM-03:00PM 7-238

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 02/02
Prereq: none

Come on a fun tour of the two main map collections in the Libraries.  We will start in the Rotch Library and then travel to the Hayden Map Collection.   You will see the type of maps in the collections, how to find them, and how to use them.

Also, you can participate in a map quiz.   There will be snacks and map giveaways.

Please register ahead of time here.

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Michael Noga, 14S-222, 617 253-1290, MNOGA@MIT.EDU


PLANNING or WRITING YOUR DISSERTATION and HAVE QUESTIONS? COME for ANSWERS, TIPS, and OTHERS' VIEWPOINTS

Elizabeth Fox, Lecturer, Writing and Communication Center and WRAP

Jan/18 Wed 03:00PM-04:30PM E17-136

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/16
Limited to 20 participants
Prereq: none

 

                                             Wed., Jan. 18, E17-136, 3-4:30 p.m.

While writing a dissertation in many ways continues the work you do in graduate school (reviewing literature, conducting research, and writing up results), it also takes you into new territory.  Dissertation writers have more independence, less structure, softer deadlines, meetings with an advisor, lack of classmates, and (sometimes) different expectations about managing time.  We’ll talk about adjusting to this stage, identify challenges and ways to overcome them, and offer ideas about starting a dissertation buddy system or small group.  Elizabeth Fox from MIT’s Writing and Communication Center will offer resources and an exercise to get your writing going.  Please register by emailing emfox@mit.edu

Sponsor(s): Writing and Communication Center
Contact: Elizabeth Fox, E18-233, 617-253-3090, emfox@mit.edu


Protocols and Methods: Recipes for research

Howard Silver

Jan/19 Thu 12:00PM-01:00PM 14N-132

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/19
Limited to 30 participants
Prereq: none

A couple hours with the Libraries' protocols and methods resources can save you a couple of weeks in the lab. Need to know how to do Optogenetic manipulation of neural activity in freely moving Caenorhabditis elegans? Improve your efficiency by learning strategies for finding published research protocols and methods. This session is a hands-on practicum that introduces attendees to resources that support bioscience bench research.

Please register for this session.

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Howard Silver, 14S-134, 617 253-9319, HSILVER@MIT.EDU


Quantitative Texture Analysis Workshop

Charles Settens, Research Specialist, X-ray Diffraction and Scattering

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/13
Limited to 10 participants
Attendance: Participants must attend all sessions
Prereq: None

The course covers the basics of crystallographic preferred orientation (texture) and emphasizes use of quantitative tools for texture data acquisition & analysis such as grain orientation distribution calculations from X-ray pole figure data.

The lecture establishes the basics of X-ray pole figure data collection, explains and clarifies the rotations/orientations in both crystal and sample reference frames, introduces the concept of the stereographic projection for pole figure representation and describes the effects of symmetry in on pole figure representations.  Examples for rolled metals such as cube, brass, copper, and S component textures are identified to interpret microstructure-property relationships.

For the experiment, the group travels to the DMSE Metals Lab to roll bulk metals, affix them to the texture goniometer of a Bruker D8 GADDS X-ray diffractometer and perform an X-ray pole figure measurement. The PF measurement is performed overnight for optimum data collection.

The quantitative texture data analysis workshop is a tutorial for gaining practical skills for normalizing, processing and interpreting X-ray pole figures. The goal is to use X-ray pole figures to obtain a grain orientation distribution and calculate the volume fraction of textured crystallites. The workshop uses the MATLAB toolbox package MTEX (http://mtex-toolbox.github.io/). Please download MATLAB and Mtex prior to workshop.

 

 

Contact: Charles Settens, 13-4009A, SETTENS@MIT.EDU


Lecture: Introduction to Texture

Jan/24 Tue 10:00AM-12:00PM 13-4041

The lecture establishes the basics of X-ray pole figure data collection, explains and clarifies the rotations/orientations in both crystal and sample reference frames, introduces the concept of the stereographic projection for pole figure representation and describes the effects of symmetry in on pole figure representations. 

Charles Settens - Research Specialist, X-ray Diffraction and Scattering


Experiment: Roll Metal X-ray Pole Figure

Jan/24 Tue 01:30PM-04:30PM 13-4027

For the experiment, the group travels to the DMSE Metals Lab to roll bulk metals, affix them to the texture goniometer of a Bruker D8 GADDS X-ray diffractometer and perform an X-ray pole figure measurement. The PF measurement is performed overnight for optimum data collection.

Charles Settens - Research Specialist, X-ray Diffraction and Scattering


Quantitative Texture Analysis Workshop

Jan/25 Wed 10:00AM-01:00PM 13-4041

The quantitative texture data analysis workshop is a tutorial for gaining practical skills for normalizing, processing and interpreting X-ray pole figures. The workshop uses the MATLAB toolbox package MTEX (http://mtex-toolbox.github.io/). Please download prior to workshop.

Charles Settens - Research Specialist, X-ray Diffraction and Scattering


Research funder open access requirements from NASA, DOE, and other federal agencies

Courtney Crummett, Biosciences Librarian, MIT Libraries, Katharine Dunn, Scholarly Communications Librarian, MIT Libraries

Jan/24 Tue 11:00AM-12:00PM 2-146

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/23

If you receive federal funding for your research, you may need to learn about public access requirements for your publications and data. This session presented by MIT Libraries will include:​

 

Please register here: http://libcal.mit.edu/event/3000390

Sponsor(s): Libraries
Contact: Courtney Crummett, 14S-134, 617 324-8290, CRUMMETT@MIT.EDU


Spatial Data Tasting Menu: A quick dive into map-making tools for designers and planners

Wenfei Xu, Research Associate, Michael Foster, GIS Specialist

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Limited to 12 participants
Attendance: Participants must attend all sessions
Prereq: none

This is a workshop on the fundamental techniques and skills necessary for intelligent map-making and is intended to be a fast-paced, pragmatic approach to geography.  We will learn about the fundamental skills needed to create a static map from scratch in QGIS.  Building from an understanding of the GIS platform, spatial data and data formats, and cartographic standards and practices, we will then go through spatial analytic techniques that allow us to express meaningful ideas, find spatial connections, and create decision-making tools through data.    

 

The course will concentrate on the question of building vacancy and underutilization as it relates to the availability of institutional and private amenities in cities across China.  No prior knowledge of GIS is necessary.

 

Please sign up for the workshop here: https://goo.gl/forms/wjsRg1avZ5uiEE1s2

 

Instructors: Wenfei Xu and Michael Foster

Dates: January 23 - 27 daily, 2-5pm

Location: 9-554

 

 

Sponsor(s): Urban Studies and Planning
Contact: Wenfei Xu, 10-463, 312 307-3656, WENFEIXU@MIT.EDU


Day 1

Jan/23 Mon 02:00PM-04:30PM 9-554
Jan/24 Tue 02:00PM-04:30PM 9-554
Jan/25 Wed 02:00PM-04:30PM 9-554
Jan/26 Thu 02:00PM-04:30PM 9-554
Jan/27 Fri 02:00PM-04:30PM 9-554

Wenfei Xu - Research Associate


Strategies on How to Find a UROP

UROP Staff

Jan/10 Tue 03:00PM-04:00PM 5-233
Jan/17 Tue 03:00PM-04:00PM 5-233

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
Attendance:

Join us to learn key strategies for finding a UROP and participate in small-group discussions including one-on-one advice from UROP staff. All MIT undergraduates are welcome and encouraged to join.

Sponsor(s): Office of Undergrad. Advising/Academic Programming, Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program -UROP
Contact: J Alex Hoyt, 7-104, 617 324-6700, JAHOYT@MIT.EDU


The Optimally Dismal Laboratory II: Now Even Worse!

Dr John F. Carrier, Sloan School of Management

Jan/25 Wed 02:00PM-03:00PM 66-110, bring a story and photo from your lab

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up

 Would you like to reduce your lab's output by 10%, 20%, or even as much as 50%?

Then Optimally Dismal Laboratory is a must attend event for you!

 

In this session, we provide an optimal approach for disrupting productivity, reducing safey, and dampening morale for your laboratory. We will explain the rationale behind these techniques through the systems and psychological studies of several notable MIT faculty, including Jay Forrester, John DC Little, Ed Schein, Douglas McGregor, and Kurt Lewin.  

Finally, we will show some "best practices" from several MIT labs. Also, feel free to submit photos of your lab's best productivity-disrupting activities for inclusion in the talk.

Finally, we'll issue a "playbook" for implementing it in your lab.

Common Questions

Q: I am worried about the impact on my colleagues' productivity.

A: No need to worry. It will reduce their productivity as well.

Q: Could these techniques be used in reverse to improve productivity, safety, and morale?

A: Yes, but that would require a modicum of consideration and self-discipline.

Q: Will I regret not attending?

A: Most likely, but if you don't come, you'll never know.

 

Help make MIT less un-Great again!

 

 

 

 

Sponsor(s): Chemical Engineering, Sloan School of Management, Environment, Health and Safety Office
Contact: John Carrier, JFCARRIE@MIT.EDU


Thesis Boot Camp: Exercises and Strategies for Writing a Major Technical Report

Amy Carleton, Lecturer: Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication, Jane Kokernak, Lecturer: Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication

Feb/02 Thu 10:00AM-01:00PM 1-190
Feb/03 Fri 10:00AM-01:00PM 3-370

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Limited to 60 participants
Attendance: Participants must attend all sessions

Embarking on any research-based writing project, like the undergraduate thesis or a technical report, can often seem daunting. How does one choose a suitable topic or focus? What is an approach for conducting and cataloguing a literature search? What are strategies for outlining and drafting your final document? What are the qualities of effective technical prose?

This IAP workshop will offer students a strategic and intense opportunity to prepare for their upcoming thesis or other large writing project by

 - conducting genre analysis of sample theses and reports,
 - formulating a viable research question,
 - generating a preliminary research bibliography,
 - examining the features of effective prose, and
 - designing a realistic timeline keyed to the chief writing tasks.

Day one will focus on the components of thesis and report writing, the research question, and background research with help from an MIT research Librarian.  On day two, we will isolate features of technical prose and their application to your writing, design a project timeline and get quick feedback, and address questions specific to your project.  Participants are asked to bring laptops and any project guidelines to the meetings. Note: while the emphasis is on undergraduate research in MechE, anyone is welcome to attend.

Attendance capped at 60.

To register, fill out the Google form here: http://bit.ly/2ijWgXK

Sponsor(s): Comparative Media Studies/Writing, Mechanical Engineering, Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication
Contact: Amy Carleton, amymarie@mit.edu


Visualizing and Accessing Genomic Data Using Publicly Available Genome Browsers & Databases

Charlie Whittaker, KI Bioinformatics and Computing Core Facility, Duan Ma, KI Bioinformatics and Computing Core Facility

Feb/03 Fri 12:00PM-02:00PM 14N-132 DIRC, bring your laptop

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 02/01
Prereq: See Eligibility

There are extensive genomic data available in public databases and these data are readily accessible using resources such as the UCSC Genome Bioinformatics tools, the Broad Institute’s Integrative Genomics Viewer and cBioPortal. This hands-on session will demonstrate some common and powerful workflows that are possible with these applications including bulk sequence extraction methods, powerful genomic-range overlap queries and the sharing and visualization of large datasets.

Eligibility: MIT researchers affiliated with the Koch Institute, the Biology Department, the Center for Environmental Health Sciences or the Department of Biological Engineering.

Please register here: http://libcal.mit.edu/event/3000250

 

Sponsor(s): Biology, David H. Koch Inst. for Integrative Cancer Researc, Libraries
Contact: Courtney Crummett, 14S-134, 617 324-8290, CRUMMETT@MIT.EDU


Wikipedia 101: How to be a media literate citizen

Rebecca Thorndike-Breeze, Lecturer, Writing and Communication Center & CMS/W, Amy Carleton, Lecturer, CMS/W

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/17
Limited to 20 participants
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions

Recent events have caused us to question, more than ever before, the validity of information gathered from the web. But Wikipedia, now in its 15th year, remains an online space where accuracy, neutrality, and fair representation matters. Growing the network of volunteer editors to contribute to Wikipedia (the largest collaborative writing project in history!) is one way to ensure that high quality information is freely available to all.

Students:

- Would you like to build solid research skills?
- Get practice communicating complex ideas to a broad audience?
- Improve access to quality information and knowledge?

Faculty & Instructors:

- Would you like to support knowledge transfer in your courses?
- Build students’ confidence in reading and analyzing complex texts?
- Increase students’ proficiency in communicating technical content?

This three-day workshop will train participants to become competent Wikipedia editors, and along the way they will cultivate a greater understanding of how to evaluate a range of sources, from the popular news media, to institutional archives, to peer reviewed journals.

Please bring your laptop!

To reserve your spot, please contact Amy Carleton (amymarie@mit.edu) and Rebecca Thorndike-Breeze (rtb@mit.edu).

Sponsor(s): Libraries, Writing and Communication Center, Comparative Media Studies/Writing
Contact: Rebecca Thorndike-Breeze, E18-233, 617-253-3090, RTB@MIT.EDU


Introduction to Wikipedia

Jan/17 Tue 10:00AM-12:00PM 4-251, Bring your laptop

Introduction to Wikipedia community philosophy and guidelines. Participants will learn about ways to contribute, including how to enhance diversity of content. Also, create user account, make your first edit, and begin brainstorming your first article.

Amy Carleton - Lecturer, CMS/W, Rebecca Thorndike-Breeze - Lecturer, Writing and Communication Center & CMS/W


What makes a good Wikipedia article?

Jan/18 Wed 10:00AM-12:00PM 4-251, Bring your laptop

What makes a good Wikipedia article? Learn about best practices and common pitfalls. Get started on research and initial drafting of your first article.

Rebecca Thorndike-Breeze - Lecturer, Writing and Communication Center & CMS/W, Amy Carleton - Lecturer, CMS/W


Wikipedia Editing Salon

Jan/19 Thu 01:00PM-05:00PM 4-251, Bring your laptop

Editing Salon with MIT Libraries and Archives -- an in-person editing session focused on training new editors and improving Wikipedia articles. Continue working on your article or start a new one, and work with others to improve Wikipedia. Stop by anytime throughout the session.

Amy Carleton - Lecturer, CMS/W, Rebecca Thorndike-Breeze - Lecturer, Writing and Communication Center & CMS/W, Phoebe Ayers - Librarian, Greta Suiter - Collections Archivist


Women in Politics Wikipedia Edit-a-thon

Greta Suiter, Collections Archivist

Jan/19 Thu 01:00PM-05:00PM 4-251, Bring your laptop

Enrollment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Meetup/Boston/Women_In_Politics_IAP

The Wikipedia community, as a body, is well aware that it is missing the diversity of perspectives necessary to meet their mandate to curate and share the sum of all human knowledge with all people, the world over. In the last six years or so, a number of outreach initiatives and WikiProjects have emerged within the Wikipedia community to address this systemic problem. One such project is WikiProject Women in Red -- an ongoing project dedicated to increasing articles about notable women from a wide range of professions.

Inspired both by this project and the tremendous strides women in politics have made this year (e.g., Hillary Clinton’s historic run for president, and Kamala Harris, Maggie Hassan, and Catherine Cortez Masto were newly elected to the U.S. Senate in November, 2016), MIT Libraries and CMS/W are sponsoring this Women in Politics edit-a-thon.

Sign up for the event via the Wikipedia Meetup page.

Sponsor(s): Libraries, Comparative Media Studies/Writing
Contact: Greta Suiter, 14N-118, 617 258-5533, GSUITER@MIT.EDU


Writing Successful Proposals

Andreas Karatsolis, Assoc. Director, Writing, Rhetoric, & Prof. Communication

Jan/31 Tue 01:00PM-03:00PM E17-136

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/30
Limited to 30 participants

This workshop uses a genre-based approach to help researchers produce effective grant proposals which make a strong case for the potential of their work. At the heart of this workshop is a conceptual framework for proposal writing, centered on the baseline logic of the proposal as a genre, and the associated rhetorical moves within proposal sections. In addition, participants will be presented with a model to effectively develop methodology sections, project timelines and budgets. In the second half of the workshop, participants will work on applying the baseline logic model into their own project ideas, and learn how to integrate visuals and discourse for the different sections. Finally, we will discuss how to create a persuasive line of argument through the use of themes that the potential sponsors will feel compelled  to consider for funding.  Geared towards junior faculty and graduate students.

Space is limited to 30 participants.

For more information, and to reserve a space in the workshop, email the Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication (WRAP). 

 

Sponsor(s): Comparative Media Studies/Writing
Contact: WRAP, E18-228a, 617-253-3039, wrap@mit.edu