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DEPARTMENT NEWS AND NOTICES
Special Physics RAK event: Crochet the Day Away
Who: All Students
When: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Where: Pappalardo Room (4-349)
Thanks to a generous Quality of Life grant from the School of Science, the Physics Academic Programs Office is offering a stress-relieving crafty afternoon on March 11.
We have obtained 49 Woobles crochet kits. We have reserved the Pappalardo Room (3-149) from noon to five. We will have lunch/snacks available.
Come join us for a crafty afternoon. Already a crocheter or knitter? Bring your project! New to the craft? Sign up for a kit here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lj8zqNAYhjJLBvDiXLvNbgMH-9FQ38fzM2W1vHhtwkI/edit?usp=sharing. Any kits not reserved ahead of time will be handed out on a first-come first-served basis. Drop in for a few minutes or a few hours, and let the stress of midterms fall away.
Kits include adorable amigurumi such as: sushi, Hello Kitty, cacti, octopi, and more.
Special notice: MGH Bloodmobile
Who: All Students
When: Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 10:30am to 4pm ET
Where: Building 13, Outfinite
Join us and be a hero in just a few minutes. Your donation can make all the difference for patients in need—whether it's an accident victim, a cancer patient, or someone undergoing surgery. Register here to reserve a time slot.
Latest Physics news
UPCOMING COLLOQUIA & SEMINARS
Monday, March 10, 2025 at 12:00pm ET in Duboc Room (4-331)
"Chiral Superconductivity in Rhombohedral Graphene"
Tonghang Han, MIT
Monday, March 10, 2025 at 2:00pm ET - Cosman Room (6C-442)
"Spinning the Primordial Liquid"
Enrico Speranza,CERN
Monday, March 10, 2025 at 2:00pm ET - Cosman Room (6C-442)
"On-detector data reduction with smartpixels"
Jennet Dickinson
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 12:00pm ET - Kolker Room (26-414) and Zoom
TBA
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 2:30pm ET at MIT
"More Accurate Together: Opportunities in Multi-Survey Cosmology"
Elisabeth Krause, Arizona
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 4:00pm ET at Marlar Lounge (37-252) and Zoom
"The Zwicky Transient Facility: concept to results"
S. R. Kulkarni, Caltech
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 4:00pm ET - Harvard Ory Forum (301 A/B)
"Exploring condensed matter physics with diamond quantum sensors"
Christian Degen, ETH Zurich
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 10:45am ET - Duboc Room (4-331)
TBA
Anthony Fitzpatrick, Columbia University
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 3:00-4:30pm ET - Cosman Room (6C-442)
"Quasinormal ringdown in the SYK model"
Matthew Dodelson, Harvard
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 12:00pm ET - CUA Room (26-214)
"Doubly Optimal Parallel Wire Cutting without Ancilla Qubits"
Hiroyuki Harada, Keio University
Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 12:00pm ET - CUA Room (26-214)
"Quantum optics with organic molecules"
Vahid Sandoghdar, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 4:00pm ET - 10-250
"The Physics of Rydberg Atoms from Bohr’s model to Quantum Information"
Serge Haroche, 2012 Nobel Laureate, Collège de France & Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, Paris
Friday, March 14, 2025 at 2:00pm ET - Hybrid - NW17-218
"A brief history of runaway electrons"
Tünde Fülöp, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
Friday, March 14, 2025 at 3:00pm–4:15pm ET - Kolker Room (26-414)
"Research Panel on the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics"
Cengiz Pehlevan, Kempner Institute/Harvard University; Dmitry Krotov, MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab/IBM Research; Ila Fiete, McGovern Institute/MIT
Join on Zoom // Watch on YouTube
UPCOMING EVENTS
Harvard Physics Colloquium
Who: All Students
When: Monday, March 10, 2025 | 4:30pm ET
Where: Jefferson 250 and Zoom
“Tensor Network States in Quantum Physics”
Ignacio Cirac, Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics
https://harvard.zoom.us/j/93326454086?pwd=Gylg5Km7emaj
BkcnpvOW9A3dMDwPBx.1
Passcode: 439314
Masterclass: Science Podcasting with Cynthia Graber
Who: All Students
When: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 9am to 12pm ET
Where: TBA
Do you want to get a jumpstart on making a science podcast, or learn the skills to take your podcast to the next level? Cynthia Graber, co-host/co-founder of the popular, award-winning podcast Gastropod and audio instructor at the MIT Graduate Program in Science Writing, will provide detailed, hands-on instruction in the recording, scripting, and editing necessary to make your podcast sing. Buy Tickets
https://mitmuseum.mit.edu/programs/masterclass-series-at-the-mit-museum
Writing Compelling Science Books with Ainissa Ramirez Masterclass
Who: All Students
When: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 9am to 12pm ET
Where: TBA
Authors can transform mountains of information into an engaging book by employing the craft of storytelling. In this masterclass, Dr. Ainissa Ramirez, the award-winning author of The Alchemy of Us, will share lessons including how to hook a reader, ways to develop a theme, how to nurture one's voice, and ways to build a structure to create your own book. She also will provide tips on ways to incorporate the human element into a book project by employing a range of sources -- from interviews to archival materials. Participants can expect in-class activities to punch-up their prose. Buy Tickets
https://mitmuseum.mit.edu/programs/masterclass-series-at-the-mit-museum
Physics Basic Computing Services Users Meeting (subMIT)
Who: All Students
When: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 10am ET
Where: Kolker Room (26-414) & Zoom
Speaker: Richard Nally & subMIT Project Team
Abstract: The Basic Computing Services (subMIT) provides access to computing resources and support for members of the Physics Department. This meeting will include a summary of the latest subMIT updates & features, followed by our topical user-contributed talk “Computing Calabi-Yau Manifolds” by Richard Nally, and will conclude with a roundtable discussion & open questions/feedback about subMIT. Open to ALL members of the Physics Department, whether or not current subMIT users.
Distinguished Fellowships Info Sessions
Who: All Students
When: See below
Where: VIRTUAL
Want to Learn More? Attend an Info Session!
This spring, we are offering the following events, which you can register for on Handshake:
Fellowship General Information Sessions
Learn about the international and national fellowships our office oversees and the support we provide to students.
o Tuesday, March 11th at 2pm (virtual) | Handshake Sign Up
Fulbright Virtual Information Session
Learn all about the Fulbright US Student Program from Julia Mongo (jmongo@mit.edu), MIT”s Fulbright Program Advisor.
o Tuesday, March 18th at 2pm (virtual) | Handshake Sign Up
Schwarzman Scholarship Information Session with Schwarzman Rep
Learn about the Schwarzman Scholars Program at Tsinghua Univ in China.
o Tuesday, March 19th at 3pm ET, location 2-105 | Handshake Sign Up
o Individual Office Hours will be hosted by Schwarzman Rep, please contact Ian Murray (imurray@mit.edu) to reserve time.
Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Information Session with Knight-Hennessy Rep
Learn about the Knight-Hennessy program that supports graduate degrees at Stanford University. This is open to all students regardless of citizenship status o Tuesday, April 15th at 1pm, location TBD | Handshake Sign Up
Making the First Move: How to Connect with Faculty
Who: All Students
When: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 4pm to 5pm ET
Where: 4-149
Faculty are people too! This workshop will teach you how to build lasting connections and tap into the support and opportunities faculty have to offer. Register
Sign Language Study Breaks
Who: All Students
When: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | 4:30pm to 6pm ET
Where: 182 MEMORIAL DR (REAR)
We have two Sign Language Study Breaks coming up, with free Cafe 472 pizza and activities for all skill levels!
When #1: Wed, March 12th, 4:30-6:00pm
When #2: Wed, March 19th, 4:30-6:00pm
Where: MIT building 4, room 4-145
What: Sign language practice + Cafe 472 pizza
RSVP (encouraged): https://asl.mit.edu/asl-study-break-rsvp-march-2025/
Come to socialize, learn the ASL fingerspelling alphabet, practice some basic signs, play sign language games, and for more experienced signers, we can practice conversational skills.
All MIT community members are welcome! An ASL interpreter will be provided. Please RSVP to notify us of any other accommodations needed.
CAPD Maximize your LinkedIn Profile
Who: All Students
When: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | 5pm to 6pm ET
Where: VIRTUAL
Spring recruiting is here, and is your LinkedIn “recruiter ready”? Does your headline need some attention? Not sure what to put “about me”? Through this 60-minute workshop you will learn ways to make your LinkedIn profile an “all-star”.
This CAPD event is open to MIT undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and alumni. Contact Email: elong2@mit.edu
2025 Killian Award Lecture: Professor John D. Joannopoulos; Working at the Speed of Light
Who: All Students
When: Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 4pm to 5pm ET
Where: Huntington Hall (10-250)
2025 James R. Killian, Jr. Award and Lecture Series by:
John D. Joannopoulos; Working at the Speed of Light
Francis Wright Davis Professor of Physics
Director of MIT’s Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies
Lecture will begin at 4 pm in 10-250, followed by a reception in The Nexus, MIT Libraries
John Joannopoulos, an innovator and mentor in the fields of theoretical condensed matter physics and nanophotonics, has been named the recipient of the 2024-2025 James R. Killian Jr. Faculty Achievement Award.
Joannopoulos is the Francis Wright Davis Professor of Physics and director of MIT’s Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies. He has been a member of the MIT faculty for 50 years. Read more on MIT News
This lecture will not be webcast, but it will be recorded and posted on the Killian Lecture website in the days following.
Pi Day Fun Run
Who: All Students
When: Friday, March 14, 2025 | 8am to 10am ET
Where: W20: Stratton Student Center, Student Center Steps
Celebrate Pi Day (3.14) with a fun, casual run around the BU Bridge Loop! Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for an excuse to enjoy the fresh air, this is the perfect way to honor everyone’s favorite mathematical constant. No registration needed—just show up, bring your energy, and let's make this Pi Day one to remember!
Pi Day Celebration
Who: All Students
When: Friday, March 14, 2025 | 10am to 2pm ET
Where: Lobby 13
Join MindHandHeart and the Office of the First Year for our Pi Day Celebration!
Celebrate Pi Day the MIT way with music, games, and free pies! Don’t miss your opportunity to take part in one of MIT’s most exciting events. While pies last!
Bright Spot: Pie with Wide Tim
Who: All Students
When: Friday, March 14, 2025 | 4pm to 6pm ET
Where: MIT Welcome Center
Wide Tim is a joyful beaver character and an MIT-wide sensation created by Tianyuan (Margaret) Zheng, MIT '23, MEng '24. Wide Tim loves MIT, spreading positivity, and bringing a touch of lightheartedness into MIT life. His many campus adventures are documented @wide_tim on Instagram. In collaboration with the artist, this program is part of Artfinity: The 2025 MIT Arts Festival, celebrating creativity and community at MIT. Pie is on us, while supplies last!
CAPD Faculty Job Search Series: Pursuing a Postdoc in a Shifting Landscape
Who: Graduate Students
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | 12pm to 1pm ET
Where: E19-202
Tremendous changes and challenges in national and international contexts can make planning next career steps feel impossible, especially when pursuing an academic career. This session lays out best practices for how to prepare for the transition from graduate school, assess whether a postdoc may be a good option, and proceed with searching for opportunities. Specific information about postdoc positions at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas will also be provided. This CAPD event is open to MIT graduate students and postdocs.
Presenter: Briana Mohan is the Program Manager for Postdoc Recruitment and Special Programs at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is an active member of the Graduate Career Consortium and has 25 years of professional experience supporting individuals, directing programs and projects, creating and leading teams, and organizing people and resources to actualize positive, sustainable change. Her expertise lies in career and academic advising in a wide range of higher education contexts, including with PhDs, postdocs, masters, MBAs, and undergraduates at small, medium, and large institutions. Learn more about Briana on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianamohan1/).
CAPD PhD & Postdoc Career Series: Interviewing for Industry Positions for PhDs & Postdocs
Who: Graduate Students
When: Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 12pm to 1:30pm ET
Where: E19-202
PhDs and postdocs are often more comfortable talking about technical skills versus their non-technical experiences. In an approachable format, learn the importance of becoming an expert in yourself and strategies to communicate your stories to a target audience. We’ll discuss foundational components in a brief presentation followed by an opportunity to address your questions.
This CAPD event is open to MIT PhDs, postdocs, and alumni.
Emerson/Harris Program for Private Study Solo Recital Series - Hyo Sun Park, soprano
Who: All Students
When: Friday, April 18, 2025 | 5pm to 6pm ET
Where: Building 14, Killian Hall
Livestream: https://mta.mit.edu/viewlisten/live-killian-hall
Soprano Hyo Sun Park is a second-year PhD student in Physics at MIT, specializing in Experimental Atomic Physics in Prof. Wolfgang Ketterle's group. Originally from South Korea, Hyo Sun studied Physics at Bryn Mawr/Haverford Colleges, where she began formal vocal training with Suzanne DuPlantis during her freshman year. While in college, Hyo Sun won the Bryn Mawr-Haverford Concerto Competition with Mozart's Exsultate, Jubilate and performed as a soloist with the Bi-Co Chorale and Orchestra. She sang with the Bi-Co Chamber Singers for four years and gave annual recitals.
At MIT, Hyo Sun studies voice with Kendra Colton as an Emerson-Harris Fellow for Classical Voice and is a member of the MIT Chamber Chorus. She was the featured soloist for the MIT Concert Choir's performances of Mozart's Requiem and Poulenc's Gloria, and the MIT Chamber Chorus's performance of the newly commissioned piece Grace by MIT Professor Charles Shadle, all directed by Ryan Turner. Hyo Sun feels fortunate to have worked with Nathan Zullinger, Heidi Jacob, Ting Ting Wong, and Kerry Deal. She is honored to collaborate with Seolyeong and give her first solo recital at MIT this spring!
FELLOWSHIPS/GRANTS
Apply for a funded PKG Fellowship for Summer 2025!
Who: All Students
Deadline: March 19, 2025 by 9:00am ET
Posted: 2/14/2025
The PKG Fellowships program supports MIT students working on capacity-building social impact and community engagement projects. Students work with community-focused organizations including non-profits and social enterprises. These can include a student's own social enterprise.
What can you do? Follow your passion and collaborate with a community-focused organization! You can create your own project, continue work on an enterprise you already started, or learn more about an issue you care about by consulting/interning with an existing organization. Find examples of past projects here.
We welcome a wide range of social impact projects and support work with communities in the US and abroad. We can help with questions about MIT travel policies.
Summer stipends are $6,000 or $7,500 depending on the intensity of the work.
Not working on a policy project? That’s fine! We support PKG Fellows working in many modes and fields of social change.
Undergraduates seeking service internships in the US should first explore the PKG Center’s Social Impact Internships.
Graduate students seeking funding for internships in the US should first explore Federal Work Study.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
CALL FOR HOURLY STUDENT (Spring 2025) - 6.86x Machine Learning
Who: All Students
Deadline: ASAP
Posted: 2/28/2025
The MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) is seeking an hourly student worker for the currently running Machine Learning course (Spring term 2025) for 6 - 10 hours per week. This position would be to provide support in 6.86x Machine Learning w/ Python, part of the MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science offered through EdX/MITx. This course is equivalent to 6.036 on campus.
Note: students must be eligible to do hourly work in addition to their current commitment. International students are advised to check-in with their grad admin or ISO to double check their eligibility.
Specific tasks may include:
- Moderate online forums and answer students questions
- Help online learners with implementing Python projects
- Beta-test content material
- Fix bugs and revise material according to feedback from learners
- Compose exam questions and write autograders for them
- Design recitation theory and Programming exercises, make video recordings, and carry out live-streams recitations
We are seeking a graduate student who is expert in machine learning algorithms and implementations, probability and statistics, as well as python programming. Experience in teaching 6.036 is also desirable. If interested, please contact Susana Kevorkova at susanak@mit.edu
2025 NASA Planetary Science Summer School at JPL Pasadena CA
Who: All Students
Deadline: March 18, 2025
Posted: 2/7/2025
NASA Planetary Science Summer School
NASA Science Mission Design Schools
Now through March 18, 2025, NASA is encouraging applications for its 37th Annual Planetary Science Summer School. Offered by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, PSSS is a 3-month long early career development experience to help prepare the next generation of planetary science and engineering mission leaders. Participants learn the process of developing a science hypothesis-driven robotic space mission in a concurrent engineering environment while getting an in-depth, first-hand look at mission design, mission life cycle, costs, schedule and the trade-offs inherent in each.
Applicants with the following education and career experience are eligible: Science and engineering Doctoral candidates (advancement to candidacy required), recent Ph.D.’s (up to three years beyond their Ph.D.), Postdocs, Junior Faculty with a Ph.D., and non-research Engineering Master-level students within six to nine months of graduation will be considered on a space-available basis.
There is no charge to attend. Open to U.S. Citizens and legal permanent residents and a limited number of Foreign Nationals from non-designated countries living within the U.S at the time of application and during the full session. We strive to create a welcoming environment where participants’ contributions and unique perspectives are valued.
Session 1: Preparatory Sessions May 8 – July 24.
Culminating Week with JPL’s Team X July 28 - August 1.
Session 2: Preparatory Sessions May 22 - August 7.
Culminating Week with JPL’s Team X August 11 - 15.
PSSS is roughly equivalent in workload to a rigorous 3-credit graduate-level course, requiring an average effort of 10-12 hours per week. Participants spend the majority of the first 10 weeks in preparatory webinars acting as a science mission team, prior to spending the final culminating week being mentored by JPL’s Advance Project Design Team, or “Team X” to refine their mission concept design, then present it to a mock review board of NASA Center experts.
Register here for PSSS Pre-application Q&A Webinar on February 12, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm Pacific Time.
To apply and learn more about the NASA Science Mission Design Schools:
http://go.nasa.gov/missiondesignschools
Join the Interphase Edge/X Team!
Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs
Deadline: ASAP
Posted: 2/7/2025
Interphase EDGE is a 2-year scholar enrichment program that includes an 8-week summer session as well as programming during the academic year. The focus of the summer program is to give scholars an introduction to the MIT experience by exposing them to the rigors of a full subject load and life on campus.
*Instructors must be available June 10th through August 7th*
Instructors may have other responsibilities during the program as long as they do not interfere with their Interphase duties.
We’re looking for instructors for the following subjects:
- Multivariable Calculus
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Applied Math & Physics (remote)
- Physics (remote)
Responsibilities include:
- Connect with students and allow them to feel comfortable with the learning environment.
- Assign weekly problem sets, create solution sets, and prepare class materials and assessments.
- Provide your facilitators with class materials in time for class and assist them preparing materials for recitation and evening workshops.
- Host a minimum of 2 office hours per week.
Questions? interphase@mit.edu
MIT Open Learning, Universal AI RPF due March 14, $20K provided for selected 8-lecture module
Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs
Deadline: March 14, 2025
Posted: 2/28/2025
To address the growing need in understanding AI technology, MIT Open Learning is developing Universal Artificial Intelligence (UAI). Combining MIT faculty’s subject matter expertise and MIT Open Learning’s track record of delivering innovative digital learning experiences, UAI will teach the fundamentals of AI to a broad audience. It includes a horizontal collection of modules covering the fundamentals of AI with an application-oriented process as well as vertical modules of AI + X highlighting the various applications of AI in specific fields, such as climate, energy, health, and biology.
MIT Open Learning invites MIT faculty and postdocs to submit proposals for AI + X modules based on their research and area of expertise, such as AI + Oncology, AI + Materials Science, and AI + Drug Design — among many others. These modules should consist of either four (4) or eight (8) lectures. Given the rapid pace of change of the AI field, these modules will be easier to keep up-to-date and relevant to a universal audience. The selected modules will be integrated into our UAI collection. Faculty and postdocs will be featured on the UAI website.
Proposals should be submitted electronically to Megan Mitchell at meganmit@mit.edu by March 14, 2025. Please use the following subject line: Proposal: Universal AI Module. Submissions will be reviewed based on clarity, relevance, and the potential impact on the field and student learning. Selected modules will be announced April 4, 2025.
Faculty and postdocs whose proposals are selected will receive $2,500 per completed lecture for a total of $10,000 for a four-lecture module and $20,000 for an eight-lecture module.
MIT Open Learning will also provide up to $5,000 to support TAs for selected modules if faculty need to hire a TA.
Additional information can be found in the recent Faculty Newsletter article: How MIT Can Educate the World for the Era of AI. Inquiries may be directed to Megan Mitchell at meganmit@mit.edu.
Harvard Preceptor in Physics
Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs
Deadline: April 15, 2025
Posted: 1/10/2025
The Department of Physics at Harvard University seeks applications for a Preceptor in Physics. Working closely with faculty and staff in the Department of Physics, the preceptor will oversee all aspects of small-group instruction in the laboratory component of essential introductory and advanced physics courses, targeted to a wide range of students.
Science preceptors supervise and train teaching fellows and play a leading role in the laboratory support team. They collaborate with faculty to develop innovative course materials including hands-on learning activities and independent student projects.
The position, starting July 1, 2025, is for an initial appointment of one year, with the possibility of reappointment on a yearly basis for up to a maximum of eight years total (within the eligibility guidelines of the FAS). Reappointment is contingent upon performance, enrollments, curricular need, position availability, and divisional dean approval.
For more info and to apply: https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/14555
DOE SCGSR Application Assistance Workshops
Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs
Deadline: May 7, 2025 by 5:00 PM ET
Posted: 2/14/2025
Are you a Ph.D. student looking to energize your dissertation with world-class scientific power at a DOE laboratory or facility? The DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications, due May 7, 2025, 5:00 PM ET (https://apps.orau.gov/SCGSR/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FSCGSR). Attend the upcoming workshops to learn more about the DOE SCGSR program administered by ORISE, receive application guidance, and field questions to program area scientists.
Workshop 1: Overview of the SCGSR Program and Application Process – Preparing an Abstract and Selecting a Priority Area
March 6, 2025, 2:00-3:30 PM ET
Register Here
Workshop 2: Q&A, Application and Proposal Guidance
April 10, 2025, 2:00-4:30 PM ET
Register Here
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