September 1, 2004 Techtalk S ERVING T HE M I T C OMMUNITY Susan Hockfield Elected MIT’S 16Th President

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Volume 49 – Number 1 Wednesday – September 1, 2004 TechTalk S ERVING T HE M I T C OMMUNITY Susan Hockfield elected MIT’s 16th president

Arthur Jones meeting, quickly filling the room and overflowing News Office to Lobby 10 to watch the event on MIT Cable TV. At a reception in Lobby 10 and on Killian Court following the meeting, Hockfield spoke informal- Susan Hockfield, a distinguished neuroscientist ly with MIT faculty, students (including incoming and provost at Yale University, is the 16th president freshmen), alumni and staff, who welcomed her of MIT, succeeding Charles M. Vest, who has with the same warmth she had shown them min- led the 139-year-old Institute since 1990. utes before during the community meeting. Hockfield is expected to take office In introducing her, Mead said, “As a strong in early December. advocate of the vital role that science, technology The MIT Corporation and the research university play in the world, and elected Hockfield during with an exceptional record of achievement in serv- a special meeting on Aug. ing faculty and student interests, Dr. Hockfield is 26. Corporation Chair clearly the best person to lead MIT in the years Dana G. Mead intro- ahead. She brings to MIT an outstanding record duced her to the public as teacher, scientist and inspirational leader with a at a press conference in reputation for bringing out the best in all the people the Faculty Club imme- with whom she works.” diately following the James A. Champy, who chaired the presidential election, and to the MIT search committee for the MIT Corporation, said, community at a special “Dr. Hockfield emerged from a stellar field of can- community meeting didates as the best person to lead MIT to new fron- in Room 10-250 that afternoon. Community See PRESIDENT members flocked to the Page 8 PHOTO / DONNA COVENEY President-elect displays warmth and crowd-appeal

Elizabeth Thomson There is “no greater privilege or honor that could and Denise Brehm be given to anyone than to be [named] the presi- News Office dent of MIT.” He also gave her two items key to the position. First, noting that Room 10-250 is the site for faculty meetings, which she’ll soon A standing-room-only crowd in Room 10-250 preside over, Vest handed her a copy of “Roberts’ greeted President-elect Susan Hockfield, her hus- Rules of Order.” band Tom, and their daughter Elizabeth with a “My distinguished predecessor Paul Gray gave long and thundering standing ovation at a special me his own personal copy, and today it’s my privi- community meeting on Aug. 26, the day she was lege to pass [it] on to you,” said Vest, to laughter elected the 16th president of the Institute. and applause. “Thank you, everyone, for such a warm, warm Next, noting that Hockfield—Yale’s provost— welcome to this community,” said Hockfield, recognizes the value of resources (“a nice word who drew additional applause throughout her for money,” Vest said), he handed her a decorated remarks, including when she described her pic- coffee can filled with shredded money. Quipped ture of MIT’s future. Dana Mead, who also spoke at the meeting, “As “I can distill this into a very simple picture. chair of the MIT Corporation I hate to see that I want MIT to be the dream of every child who stuff ground up into dust.” wants to make the world a better place. And also Professor Rafael Bras, chair of the MIT Facul- the dream of every engineer, every scientist, ty, also warmly welcomed Hockfield. “It is indeed every scholar and every artist who draws inspira- a very happy and momentous occasion for all of tion from the idea of working us. With you, once again we get a new president in a hotbed of innovation in who represents the best in leadership, one who RELATED service to humanity,” Hock- the world will respect.” field said. After the short meeting, the large crowd PHOTOS flowed out into Lobby 10 and onto Killian Court, Pages 4-5 President Charles M. Vest also received a standing ova- where Hockfield chatted with small groups of PHOTO / DONNA COVENEY tion when Hockfield saluted faculty, alumni, staff and students. Laughter and him “for his extraordinary leadership—both here flashbulbs marked the celebratory mood, as peo- at MIT and on the national scene. ple enjoyed the refreshments and waited patiently The Vest years of our lives “He has brought forward a great number of to be the next to greet the president-elect. A group of pre-frosh just winding up their sev- The MIT community will gather for an informal celebration of the 14 key initiatives and has forged important new years with President Charles M. Vest and Rebecca Vest, on Saturday, directions over the 14 years he has served as enth week of Interphase courses on campus were among those anxious to meet and greet their Sept. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m in the Stata Center and the Dertouzos MIT’s president. For his work, for MIT and for Amphitheater. All members of the MIT community are invited to bring the nation, I extend my personal thanks,” she See COMMUNITY families and friends to this afternoon of music, food and festivities to said. thank the Vests for their service to MIT. Vest welcomed Hockfield by telling her that Page 8 PAGE 2 September 1, 2004 PEOPLE MIT Tech Talk Reif named head of EECS department

Sarah H. Wright Boning has been associate News Office director of the MIT Microsys- tems Technology Laboratories since 1998. He is also serving as Professor Rafael Reif, an inter- the co-director for undergraduate nationally noted researcher in education for the Cambridge-MIT microelectronics, has been named Institute. head of the Department of Elec- trical Engineering and Computer Praise for past leadership Science, effective Sept. 1. In thanking John Guttag for “Having seen Rafael’s leader- his “extraordinary leadership” for ship as associate department head more than 10 years as associate of EECS and as a lead advisor in head and department head,” Mag- our Tiny Technologies research nanti said: “Heading an enterprise initiative, I know that he will shape as large and as complex as EECS the future of EECS in exciting new is indeed a challenge, and many ways,” said Dean of Engineering great things have happened in the Tom Magnanti. department during John’s tenure. Reif, who served as associate John has been especially effective head of the department for the Rafael Reif Duane Boning Eric Grimson in faculty hiring and mentoring, in past five years, is a fellow of IEEE fund-raising and in programming and has received the Semiconduc- and development of the Stata Cen- tor Research Corporation’s 2000 nect technologies, and on environ- announced the appointment of Magnanti said. ter. He steps down as head of the Aristotle Award, which acknowl- mentally benign microelectronics professors Eric Grimson and Grimson served as associate very best electrical engineering edges outstanding teaching and fabrication. Duane Boning as the new associ- director of the MIT Artificial Intel- and/or computer science depart- student mentorship in its broadest He succeeds Professor John ate heads of EECS. ligence Laboratory from 1998 to ment in the world.” sense. The School of Engineer- Guttag, who stepped down from “Both Eric and Duane have 2003, and is currently education Magnanti also thanked Pro- ing recently selected him as the the post at the end of July after strong records of accomplishment officer of EECS. He also heads the fessor Barbara Liskov, who steps first Fariborz Maseeh Professor of serving as department head since in teaching and research, and a Computer Vision Group of MIT’s down as associate department Emerging Technology. January 1999 and as associate deep commitment to education, Computer Science and Artificial head on Aug. 31. “The department In his teaching and research, head for the six previous years. our department and MIT. We are Intelligence Laboratory. He has has benefited tremendously from grateful to them for their willing- received the School of Engineer- Reif has focused on microelec- New associate heads named her leadership and wisdom,” Mag- tronics, with a recent emphasis on ness to accept such a demanding ing’s Bose Award for excellence in nanti said. future microelectronics intercon- Magnanti and Reif jointly and important responsibility,” teaching.

Anderson appointed Hastings named new chief facilities officer head of Engineering William J. Anderson was appointed plant composed of 20,000 acres of land and the chief facilities officer at MIT, effective more than 1,300 buildings with 22 million Aug. 16, announced Executive Vice Presi- square feet of space. Systems Division dent John R. Curry. “Bill Anderson is one of the most Anderson will lead a department of accomplished facilities officers in the coun- about 625 people, including professional try,” Curry said. “He will bring to MIT a opportunity to help define and evolve the Lois Slavin important field of engineering systems, and support staff, skilled trades people, keen mind, engaging demeanor, and com- Engineering Systems Division and bargaining unit mitment to excellence— and we need everyone’s contributions. employees. Facilities not to mention a power- We also look forward to continuing to is responsible for the ful work ethic—which partner with our colleagues throughout physical environment of are the hallmarks of the Daniel Hastings, a professor of aero- MIT, as well as at other academic insti- the Cambridge campus, Institute,” Curry said. nautics and astronautics and engineer- tutions and professional organizations.” which consists of 11 mil- A Boston native, ing systems who served as chief scien- Hastings has taught courses and lion square feet of class- Anderson received the tist to the U.S. Air Force seminars in plasma rooms, labs, offices and B.S. degree in civil engi- from 1997-99, was named physics, rocket pro- residences on 153 acres. neering in 1969 from director of the Engineer- pulsion, advanced The department provides Tufts University. From ing Systems Division space power and utilities, support services Tufts he went to the effective July 1. propulsion systems, such as custodial and Navy’s Civil Engineer “Dan brings enor- aerospace policy, repair and maintenance, Corps, where he spent mous expertise in both technology and pol- and design and construc- more than 20 years, engineering science and icy, and space sys- tion services. attaining the rank of cap- engineering systems to tems engineering. Anderson succeeds tain. He holds two M.S. this position, including He served as director Victoria Sirianni, who degrees in civil engineer- extensive leadership of MIT’s Space Grant stepped down on June 30 ing: one from MIT in experience in the Air Program from 1990- after leading the depart- geotechnical engineering Force,” said Thomas 93, as associate head ment for more than a (1973) and one from the Magnanti, dean of engi- of aeronautics and decade. University of California neering. “He has done a astronautics from marvelous job in several Anderson comes to William J. Anderson at Berkeley, in construc- 1993-96, as director MIT from Pennsylvania tion management. He is administrative capacities of ESD’s Technology State University where a registered professional at MIT over the years, and Policy Program especially as ESD co- he was the associate vice president for engineer. from 2000-03 and as director. I can’t imagine Physical Plant responsible for all aspects “I am delighted that we were able associate director a better successor to of ESD from 2001- of facilities management, including mas- to attract Bill back to MIT,” said associ- ESD’s founding director, 03. In 2003 he was ter planning, space planning, design, con- ate provost and search committee chair Daniel Hastings struction, operations, maintenance, real Professor Daniel Roos.” named co-director Claude R. Canizares. “His enormous pro- estate management, and environmen- Hastings commented, of ESD with Daniel tal health and safety for Penn State’s 24 fessional abilities and personal skills were “Everyone in the ESD Roos, professor of campuses. He had responsibility for more evident to all of us on the search commit- community—faculty, students, alums, civil and environmental engineering and than 1,100 professional, administrative and tee, and I really look forward to working partner companies and staff—has an associate dean for engineering systems. skilled employees who support a physical with him.”

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Critics say the Internet increases glob- al communication at the expense of real- world communities, but researchers at MIT have created an online service called I-Neighbors, designed to help neighbor- hoods strengthen local bonds and social interaction. I-Neighbors grew out of three years of research by Keith Hampton, assistant professor of sociology in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning. He initiated the work in response to concerns that Ameri- cans have experienced a decline in neighborhood and community participation over the past 30 years. The free web site, which can create a homepage and e-mail list for every community in the Unwwited States and Canada, provides community groups with a system to organize local events and PHOTO / DONNA COVENEY share information on local services, and Jessica R. Newton, a postdoctoral fellow in Brain and Cognitive Sciences, points at a representation of a section of a mouse’s connects neighbors with similar interests. brain that had been “rewired” to receive visual cues in the hearing region of its brain. Looking on are neuroscience professor It includes a local directory, shared photo Mriganka Sur (center), head of the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and Susumu Tonegawa, director of the Picower album, neighborhood messaging, opinion Center for Learning and Memory at MIT. polling, and a carpool system. “Much research has focused on the ability of the Internet to connect people over long distances, but we wanted to focus specifically on how the Internet is used locally,” said Hampton. “We are hope- ful that I-Neighbors will lead to neighbor- Brain shows more plasticity hoods that are safer, better informed, have a stronger sense of community and are better equipped to deal with local problems.” Hampton and his students studied the residents of four Boston area neighbor- than previously believed hoods for two years. Three of the loca- tions—a suburban neighborhood, an apartment building and a gated condominium Mice “rewired” to receive visual cues in the hearing region part of the brain is able to respond to visual stimuli. The latest community—were given the I-Neighbors of their brains learned to respond to a fear-inducing flashing work goes one step farther. It shows that a brain structure services designed to facilitate neighbor- light as if they had heard it instead of seen it, researchers responsible for an emotional response also can accept infor- hood social networking. The fourth area, from MIT’s Picower Center for Learning and Memory report- mation from unusual sources and learn from a novel associa- also in the suburbs, was used as a control. ed in the Aug. 22 online issue of Nature Neuroscience. tion. Within a year, the study found measur- This research shows that even the adult brain is far more Mice typically acquire a fear response more quickly if a able increases in the number of local social plastic, or adaptable, than previously believed. If extended to signal tied to danger is a sound rather than a light. In this ties and the sense of community in two of humans, this may mean that in the future, individuals with study, mice learned that a certain sound preceded a mild the areas where I-Neighbors web sites and brain damage from aging, disease or injury may be able to shock to one foot. After only one repetition, the mice froze messaging were introduced. The changes have stimuli from the outside world routed in new ways to in fear when they heard the sound. In contrast, mice that included the formation of new neighbor- major brain structures—even those responsible for emotional received a shock in connection with a visual cue had to expe- hood social ties and higher levels of com- responses and learning. rience many more repetitions before they realized that the munity participation, both on and off the This work also sheds light on how emotional responses light meant that a shock was coming. Internet. are learned, illustrating the ability of widely different external Mice that had been “rewired” so that visual information Of the three experimental neighbor- stimuli to elicit a common emotion such as fear. The research was routed to the hearing part of their brains rather than to hoods, the suburban neighborhood used is the result of a collaboration between the laboratories of the visual part learned rapidly to equate the light with the the services the most frequently and Mriganka Sur, the Sherman Fairchild Professor of Neurosci- shock. The visual information was passed on, as if it were a experienced the greatest increase in com- ence and head of the MIT Department of Brain and Cogni- sound, from the auditory part of their thalamus to the amyg- munity. Nearly half (46 percent) reported tive Sciences, and Susumu Tonegawa, director of the Picower dala, a structure deep within the brain critical for fear condi- that I-Neighbors increased their “sense of Center and professor of biology. tioning behavior. community”; 29 percent reported that it “This paper demonstrates that novel pathways can lead In addition to Sur and Tonegawa, this work was done by increased neighborhood involvement; and to novel learning. This points to the tremendous plasticity of postdoctoral fellow Jessica R. Newton, brain and cognitive 40 percent reported that it increased their emotional responses in the brain,” Sur said. Sur’s laboratory sciences graduate student Charlene Ellsworth, and research neighborhood’s ability to react to impor- showed in 2000 that when an animal’s brain is rewired so that scientist Tsuyoshi Miyakawa in Tonegawa’s laboratory. The tant issues or emergencies. visual input is directed to the auditory cortex, this “hearing” work is supported by the National Institutes of Health. Neighbors also were less likely to rely on visible social characteristics, such as age, the presence of children, and physical proximity when forming new ties. Instead they used I-Neighbors to learn about their neighbors’ backgrounds and interests. The average user met nine new neighbors in person and talked to two new neighbors Sonic dab relieves pain of the jab on the telephone. “The neighborhood e-mail list provided Denise Brehm angioplasty, and the insertion of venous tiny, reversible channels through which a forum for residents to exchange every- News Office catheters. fluids can be extracted and delivered. The thing from information on home repairs to “It’s wonderful to see the research we skin goes back to its normal state within opinions about local elections,” said Hamp- did at MIT get to the point where it can 24 hours. ton. “Elected officials used the e-mail list Fear of needles could become a thing of help people and relieve pain,” said Rob- “The best thing is that approval of this to report back to their constituents, and the past. A painkilling device approved Aug. ert Langer, the Germeshausen Professor device opens the door to many new uses residents used the list to organize face-to- 17 by the FDA could offer relief to children of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, such as glucose-sensing or insulin delivery face community meetings with officials, as and adults who hate the sharp stab of pain who developed the device along with vis- for diabetics,” said Langer, who explained well as the occasional barbecue and house that comes with needles and IVs. iting scientist Joseph Kost and Professor that the microscopic openings created in party.” The medical device, called SonoPrep, Daniel Blankschtein of the Department the skin are much too small to see, but Hampton characterized the new social uses an ultrasonic method created by of Chemical Engineering, and alumnus large enough for molecules relevant to ties that formed as “weak,” not particu- MIT researchers to make skin temporar- Samir Mitragotri (MIT Ph.D. 1996), who medicine to pass through. larly close, social relationships. “The aver- ily more permeable. A painless 15-second is now on the faculty of the University of Ultimately, the SonoPrep device could age person has just over a dozen strong treatment by the new device, followed California at Santa Barbara. be coupled with other devices that sense ties, only two to three of which tend to by an application of lidocaine cream, will The scientists founded Sontra Medical the level of sugar in a diabetic’s blood be neighbors. Weak ties are more diverse anesthetize the skin in five minutes. By Corp. of Franklin, Mass., which manufac- and/or deliver insulin or other medication and help in community organizing. They itself, lidocaine takes one hour to work. tures the SonoPrep device and will begin to the blood. The scientists believe that the are exactly what we would hope to find Because the method is simple and marketing it in September, at an expected same mechanism can be used to deliver in a safe and productive neighborhood,” painless, and speeds up the action of lido- price of $2,000 each. Langer is a director routine vaccinations painlessly within the explained Hampton. caine—a topical anesthetic commonly and chairman of the scientific advisory next five years. The research was supported by the used in pediatrics and on critically ill adults board of the company. Original work at MIT on this technique National Science Foundation, the NEC and children who must endure repeated The small, battery-powered device was funded by the American Diabetes Corporation Fund for Research in Com- needle sticks—it could become standard applies a low-frequency, ultrasonic ener- Association, the Juvenile Diabetes Foun- puters and Communications, the Ameri- procedure in doctor’s offices and hospi- gy to the skin for 15 seconds. The sound dation, the United States-Israel Binational can Sociological Association Fund for the tals. Another use would be before painful waves open small cavities in the skin by Science Foundation and the U.S. Centers Advancement of the Discipline, L-Soft, and procedures such as angiography, balloon disorganizing the lipid bi-layer, creating for Disease Control. Microsoft Research. PAGE 4 September 1, 2004 MIT Tech Talk MIT’S 16TH PRESIDENT MIT welcomes Susan Hockfield with warmth and humor

Susan brings a rare blend of❞ scientific excellence, deep intellect and curiosity, reputation as a highly effective manager, and an appreciation and zest for the promise of science and engineering in the world. She is a decisive leader who is an extraordinarily decent and ethical person, a great listener and respectful community builder. Susan E. Whitehead Vice Chair, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research Member of the MIT Corporation

All of us were very impressed by Professor Hockfield’s incisive assessment of the opportunities and challenges facing MIT, her Susan’s unique and innovative❞ perspective on leadership engaging personality, her ability to listen, her openness and candor, and the role of science in higher education distinguished her and her deep knowledge and love of the academic enterprise. as a leading candidate for the role of MIT president. As we Rafael L. Bras enter a time of new and varied challenges, her collaborative Chair of the Faculty Professor Rafael Bras, chair of the faculty, welcomes Susan Hockfield to MIT. leadership style and strong vision for the future of higher education will make her an excellent asset to MIT. I’m excited to welcome her to our family. Dedric A. Carter Class of 1998 ❞ Member of the MIT Corporation Rare is it to find such an accomplished scientist whose zeal for research is matched by her passion for enriching the greater Professor Hockfield has made significant❞ scientific contributions in her career, community to which she belongs. I and she is highly appreciative of the creative blending of basic and applied am confident that Susan Hockfield research to address some of the most important problems of our time. This and will propel the Institute to new her commitment to the social sciences, humanities and the arts point to her intellectual heights while being interest in facilitating new intellectual interactions among faculty and students receptive to student concerns and in all five schools of the Institute. She is a superb choice to lead MIT. continuing MIT’s tradition as Jerome I. Friedman a progressive trailblazer whose Institute Professor actions improve the educational Chair of the Faculty Advisory Committee landscape for everyone. Pius A. Uzamere Class of 2004 Student Advisory Group to the Corporation Committee on the Presidency

❞ Like every other president, Susan Hockfield’s most important contributions will be shaped, over the years, by actions, ideas, opportunities and events that cannot be predicted. That is why the search process concentrated on her values, broad understanding and vision for academia, human qualities and past accomplishments. She gets uniformly high marks in all of these dimensions. Charles M. Vest Noting that a provost recognizes the “value of resources,” Charles Vest, the 15th president of MIT, hands the 15th President of MIT 16th president, Susan Hockfield, a can of shredded money. Dr. Hockfield is currently the provost of Yale. MIT’S 16TH PRESIDENT MIT Tech Talk September 1, 2004 PAGE 5 MIT welcomes Susan Hockfield with warmth and humor

Dr. Hockfield emerged from❞ a stellar field of candidates as the best person to lead MIT to new frontiers of innovation and leadership in research and education. She possesses a rare combination of scientific achievement, outstanding managerial talent, and an extremely engaging personal style that will serve MIT’s faculty, students and staff very well. James A. Champy Chair of the MIT Corporation Committee on the Presidency

Barun Singh, president of the Graduate Student Council (right), and Hector Hernandez, All of us were very impressed❞ by Professor Hockfield’s incisive vice president of the GSC, greet Dr. Hockfield at the Aug. 26 reception following the community meeting. assessment of the opportunities and challenges facing MIT, her engaging personality, her ability to listen, her openness and candor, and her deep knowledge and love of the academic enterprise. Photos by Donna Coveney Rafael L. Bras Chair of the Faculty

Susan Hockfield has been an outstanding dean and provost.❞ She has the intelligence, judgment, and interpersonal skills to be a superb president. She has a broad understanding of the future direction of science and technology, and is well prepared to assume the leadership of MIT and to take a leading role in shaping national science policy. Richard C. Levin President of Yale University

The MIT community applauds as President-elect Susan Hockfield takes the podium in Room 10-250 at the community meeting announcing her selection as MIT’s 16th president. PAGE 6 September 1, 2004 NEWS MIT Tech Talk Highlights of MIT summer news Algae transform waste Gift brightens study of into energy dark energy Some algae are especially hun- MIT research in astrophysics gry for the tasty toxins in mod- and space science was recognized ern smog. With the help of MIT’s by a $7.5 million gift from the cogeneration plant, an entrepre- Kavli Foundation. (Aug. 3) neur hopes to exploit this appetite to transform waste into energy. Mice cloned from malig- Isaac Berzin, a former postdoc in nant cancer cells chemical engineering, installed bioreactors on the cogen roof to Nature can reset the clock in test the algae’s efficiency. (Aug. 9) certain types of cancer and reverse many of the elements responsible MIT brains and brawn for causing malignancy. (Aug. 1) light up Athens Bloggers have impact at MIT mathematician Nate Ack- DNC erman offered proof that scientists can combine brain and brawn Bloggers’ unprecedented par- when he competed in Athens with ticipation in the DNC represents a the top wrestlers in the world. He quiet yet astounding change. (July joined MIT alumni and faculty 29) affiliated with the summer Olym- pics. (Aug. 13) Key to boosting brainpower Sergeant’s ‘stitch in The finding that a tiny molecu- time’ streamlines MIT lar change alters the number of ROTC synapse receptors may lead to a brainpower boost in the area The Army ROTC doesn’t give a where long-term memories are “stitch in time saves nine” award, stored. (July 21) but that’s the spirit of the service Ecuadorian-style raft launch medal presented to Staff Sgt. Dog genome assembled Four MIT students found their inner Huckleberry Finns this summer, inspired by a comment in a lecture on how Joseph Howell. (Aug. 5) Researchers released the first metallurgy was introduced to Mexico 1,300 years ago. In the lecture, Dorothy Hosler, professor of archeology draft of the dog genome sequence, and ancient technology, noted that early efforts at making a raft to travel from Ecuador to Mexico had failed. which could aid the characteriza- Taking this nugget of history as a challenge, the students built and launched their own raft on the Charles River. tion of dog diseases. (July 20) Next summer they’ll try to build a raft to sail from Ecuador to Mexico. (Aug. 4)

Report proposes voting Should Dad still drive? measures for November New guide helps families Four relatively simple and decide if it’s time for older rela- inexpensive steps can ensure that tives to turn in their car keys. voting in this fall’s presidential (June 23) election is accurate and reliable, according to the Caltech/MIT Vot- Work offers insight into ing Technology Project. The steps metastasis include ballot simplification and Tumors spread by reactivating equipment testing. (July 19) and commandeering a “sleeper” protein that should have been Berners-Lee knighted shut off in early embryo develop- Tim Berners-Lee was dubbed a ment. (June 24) Knight Commander, Order of the British Empire by Queen Eliza- Airlines exaggerate beth II. (July 16) taxes Home established for Airline ticket taxes add about 15 percent to the average domes- Broad Institute tic airfare, not the 26 percent The long-term home of the Eli sometimes claimed by airline and Edythe L. Broad Institute is executives. (June 18) closer to reality following ground- breaking ceremonies. (July 14) Technology may expand stem cell work MIT grad enters Miss An MIT team developed tech- America Pageant nology that could jump-start sci- Erika Ebbel received her S.B. entists’ ability to create specific on June 4, was named Miss Mas- cell types from human embryonic Boston students grow with STEM sachusetts on June 26, and will stem cells, a feat with implica- Some 38 students from Boston public schools spent time on campus this summer as part of STEM, an MIT compete for the Miss America tions for developing replacement program designed to reinforce math and science skills. Above, Kamisha Green (left) and Jennifer Jones clap in crown on Sept. 18. (July 7) organs. (June 14) delight during the final program presentations. (Aug. 12 ) CLASSIFIED ADS

Members of the MIT community may sub- Used Futon with wood frame. Rarely used, like mit one classified ad each issue. Ads can be new. $99/bst. 617-969-4260. HOUSING WANTED resubmitted, but not two weeks in a row. Ads Canon EOS-10D USA body, five-months old, Visiting faculty/post-docs: furnished room w/ MIT CRC seeks female volunteers 20-30 lbs. should be 30 words maximum; they will be kit/lndry privileges, linens, all utilities, wireless overweight for 14-week weight loss study. edited. Submit by e-mail to [email protected] mint condition, box, books, accessories, transfer- rable extended warranty, $1,000. EF 28-135mm and cable, walking distance to MIT. New, bright, Testing whether consumption of carbohydrate- or mail to Classifieds, Rm 11-400. Deadline quiet. International, conservation-oriented, refer- rich beverage or protein/carbohydrate beverage is noon Wednesday the week before publica- IS, warranty, four-months old, $350. Yakov at 253-1286 or 617-778-4357. ences. $950 - $1,000/mo or $250/week. 617 helps with weight loss. 452-4184 or janine@mit. tion. 625-9839. edu. Dining room set: table w/two leaves, (approx. 70 inches long), six chairs, large sideboard and Furnished rooms for rent: $700/mo, $250/ Part-time child care wanted for eight-month FOR SALE glass-front china cabinet, all matching. Walnut, week, all utilities, washer/dryer, full kitchen privi- old baby girl. Must have certificate/degree in dark stain. $400. [email protected]. leges, shared bath. Across from Kendall Cinema, early childhood dev. and min. five years infant Free—authentic Japanese tatami bed. Single, near MBTA, parking extra. J. Blair at 258-2843 care experience. Mon. and Thurs., 8am-5:30pm, wooden frame and five-inch straw mattress in Sleep sofa and loveseat, neutral beige color. or 617-576-5125. starting Sept. 6. [email protected]. perfect shape. Clare Stanley 253-7708. $150/bst. Amy Favaloro at [email protected] or 253-2495. For rent: Large 1 bdrm condo in Somerville Commuter Rail Pass Zone 8 purchased at North available 10/01. Washer, dryer, dishwasher, fire- Station 7/1/04 and never used. Good for 12 Guild 12-string acoustic guitar, $375. place, balcony in unit. Parking in garage includ- COMMUNITY SERVICE JOBS rides between Boston and all stations within Cambridge SoundWorks Ensemble, original ed. No fee. $1,200/mo. [email protected]. Positions for students with work-study eligibility. Zone 8 through 12/04. Half price/bst. Jenn model, with tripods, $350. Paul at 258-6763 or Fully furnished 1 bdrm. Sunny, quiet apartment 253-6305. [email protected]. Tutors needed for middle school and high in Cambridge. Walk to MIT, Harvard Sq. For school students in an after-school drop-in pro- Beautiful, very comfortable, buttercream color responsible visiting scholar for one year begin- gram in Dorchester. Math, science, history, lan- Boston Interiors couch, like new. Paid $1,100. ning in Sept. $1,325/mo. Util. included. 617- guage arts. Training provided. 6-8/hrs/week Selling for $600. Knabe baby grand piano (5’- VEHICLES 661-7720 or [email protected]. between 4-9 p.m. $13/hr. Kambiz Maali at 1” walnut). Beautiful, warm tone, needs tuning. 1990 Volvo 740/GL station wagon, one owner, House for sale: Weston, south side, 5 BR, 3 BA, [email protected] or 617-282-6110. $7,000. [email protected]. 147K miles. Recent engine troubles, body good. 1920’s style, sunlit rooms, borders 50 acres Sold as is, no warranty expressed or implied. Boston chapter of Gay, Lesbian, Straight Creative WebCam NX with software, $15. conservation land, walk to commuter train, 1.8 Good for handy person. $1,000/bst. 253-6263 Education Network seeks interns to help with Karaoke - The Singing Machine, hardly used in mi. from Mass Turnpike entrance. $1,095,000. or 617-876-6027. fund-raising, programming, publicity or mem- excellent condition with 4 sing-a-long CDs, $40. 617-510-8022. bership. Flexible hours, $10.50/hr. Marcela Alva Shrek for Gameboy Color, $5. Cheryl 253-3092 at 617-536-9669 or [email protected]. or [email protected]. MIT Tech Talk NEWS September 1, 2004 PAGE 7

NEWS YOU CAN USE Soldier-scientist in Iraq studies Vendor fair planned More than 100 of MIT’s suppliers of office, com- gear aviators carry into combat puter and lab supplies, equipment, furniture and temporary help will display their products and Eve Downing answer questions at the annual vendor fair, which Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies will be held under the big tent on McDermott Court on Thursday, Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine). MIT employees can learn how to reduce costs A mechanical engineer and lieutenant colonel in the while improving the quality of the goods and ser- U.S. Army who serves as liaison to MIT’s Institute for Sol- vices they purchase and how to help the Institute in dier Nanotechnologies is conducting the first-ever analysis its recycling efforts. Applications will be available of the loads soldiers actually carry into combat, using cur- for Procurement credit cards, and Procurement rent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan as his laboratory. personnel will be on hand to answer questions. For Lt. Col. Charles Dean (S.M. 1993) is currently leading more information, call Diane Shea, director of Pro- a seven-member team in collecting data on Army aviators curement, at 253-8370. stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dean’s data bears out decades of anecdotal evidence MITAC moved that soldiers carry backbreaking loads, often well over 100 pounds. In addition to hampering mobility, carrying such a The MIT Activities Committee has moved from burden is physically exhausting, and “comfort” items—like the basement of Walker Memorial to the first floor cold-weather clothing or extra food—are often sacrificed. of the Stata Center at the Information Desk near His research is part of an overall Army effort to mod- the Gates Lobby and the giant “?” sign. Beginning Sept. 2, MITAC tickets will be on sale in the Stata ernize the individual soldier through technology; nanotech- Center Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. nology will help lighten the soldier’s load through miniatur- ization and multifunctionality. This is the second phase of a three-part study. In the Update online information first phase, which took place in 2003 in Afghanistan, Dean Employees are encouraged to check their direc- collected detailed data on nearly 800 paratroopers having tory information, including e-mail address, by going 29 different duty positions, weighing them with and with- to the Employee Self Service web site at http:// out their equipment and noting exactly what equipment web.mit.edu/sapwebss. The deadline for changing they carried. Nearly every soldier carried a fighting load of information for inclusion in the printed Faculty and 60-70 pounds, and most carried more than 100 pounds dur- Staff Directory is Sept. 15. The directory will be ing an approach march. available in early November. The online directory is Lt. Col. Charles Dean is working on the second phase of a Dean’s first-phase report concluded the Army must updated daily. three-part study of the equipment soldiers carry into com- address weight reduction systematically, noting that drastic bat. This research through the Institute for Soldier Nano- action would be required to meet its 2010 goal of reducing Reading room expands hours technologies will help the Army lighten soldiers’ loads. the approach march load to 50 pounds. The Institute Archives and Special Collections reading room (14N-118) will expand its hours beginning Tuesday, Sept. 7. New hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, except during Institute holidays. Staff will continue to be available by e-mail or phone weekdays from 9 a.m. School of Engineering still nation’s to 5 p.m. The Institute Archives and Special Col- lections provide information on MIT history and serve as an important resource for the study of the history of science and technology. The Institute best, says U.S. News & World Report Archives and Special Collections also maintains the MIT’s School of Engineering is the quantitative analysis, and supply chain In campus diversity among under- MIT rare book collections and oversees the Insti- nation’s best undergraduate engineer- management/logistics. The Sloan graduates, where a rating of 1.0 is the tute’s Records Management Program. ing program overall, and seven MIT School ranked fifth in entrepreneur- highest, MIT’s diversity index held at specialties were individually ranked ship and in finance. 0.65, the same as UCLA and St. John’s Emergency rides home best in the 2005 newsstand book, MIT shared a three-way tie with University in New York. The highest People who commute to their jobs at MIT by America’s Best Colleges, from U.S. Stanford and Duke universities as the rating given was 0.72, to Rutgers and train, bus, carpool, vanpool, bike or walking at News & World Report. fifth-ranked national university over- the University of Houston. least three days per week are eligible for a new The engineering specialties that all. (MIT ranked fourth last year.) The To rank undergraduate business Emergency Ride Home (ERH) program, a service gave MIT its winning sweep are guidebook places Harvard and Princ- programs, U.S. News surveyed deans provided by MIT through its membership in the aeronautics and astronautics, chemi- eton universities at a tie for the top and senior faculty at undergradu- Charles River Transportation Management Asso- cal, computer, electrical, materials, rank, just as in 2003, followed by Yale ate business programs. Criteria for ciation. ERH ensures that people who use public mechanical, and nuclear engineering. and the University of Pennsylvania. judging schools in other categories transportation or other alternatives to driving alone MIT also ranked second in the environ- Caltech dropped from fifth to eighth include peer assessment, retention, are not stranded at work in cases of personal or mental specialty and fifth in biomedical in the ratings. faculty resources, student selectivity family illness or emergencies, or even unscheduled engineering and civil engineering. The Institute also ranked fifth and class size. The Sloan School of Management in the “best value” category, behind or unplanned overtime. Preregistration for the ser- In related news, MIT was recent- vice is required. To learn more or to register, go to ranks second overall among under- Caltech, Princeton, Harvard and Yale. ly named one of “America’s 25 Hot http://www.masscommute.com. graduate business programs. The MIT appeared on two of eight lists Wharton School at the University of of outstanding academic programs Schools” in the 2005 Kaplan/News- Animal care concerns Pennsylvania ranked first. Four man- believed to improve student success— week guide, “How to Get into Col- agement specialties within the Sloan senior capstone projects that integrate lege.” The guide recognizes each Vice President for Research and Associate Pro- School were ranked the nation’s best: and synthesize what students have school for a different attribute; MIT vost Alice Gast and the chairman of the Committee management information systems, learned, and undergraduate research/ was cited for “hottest architecture.” on Animal Care are once again soliciting any infor- productions/operations management, creative projects. mation that would aid MIT’s effort to maintain the humane care of animals used in research. The committee was established to ensure that all MIT researchers working with animals comply with federal, state, local and institutional regulations on animal care. To that end, it inspects animals, ani- List Center’s artwork helps students mal facilities and labs, and reviews all research and teaching exercises which involve animals before experiments are performed. If you have information about inadequate animal turn dormitory rooms into museums care or any information that would help the committee fulfill its responsibilities, contact the committee Dorm rooms may lack the comforts tional works for the program by artists open to the public so that all commu- at 253-9436 or call Gast at 253-1403. All concerns of home, but MIT students can choose including Marco Arce, Shazia Sikander, nity members can look at these inno- about animal care will be handled confidentially and from a treasure trove of art to enliven Isaac Julien and Rodney Graham. vative works. will be investigated by the committee. their space. Students may choose up to three The Student Loan Art Program The List Visual Arts Center loans works they would like to borrow for began in 1966 with gifts from Kay Paris for IAP? artworks to students for the academ- the academic year; those students Stratton and Jerome Wiesner. In 1977, ic year through a lottery distribution selected in the lottery will receive one Vera and Albert List made a gift of The Foreign Languages and Literatures section system. An exhibition of the available of their choices. 100 prints and in 1988, the Campus is launching its third January Scholars in France works will be on view in the List Cen- Students who don’t receive art Activities Complex began allocating program, and is looking for undergraduates to ter from Sept. 3 -13. A special recep- through the lottery have another funds toward the purchase of artwork, participate in a two-week, all expenses paid trip to tion for graduate students will be held opportunity to borrow one of these at which time the List began adding Paris during IAP. The (non-credit) French cultural on Thursday, Sept. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. pieces on Saturday, Sept. 18. Artwork about 10–12 new works per year. This immersion program will focus on French arts, let- The show displays more than 300 that is not claimed by the end of the year was a banner year, as many new ters and history, and will include attending plays, framed prints and works on paper by day on Friday, Sept. 17 is distributed pieces were added to the collection. movies, concerts and operas, viewing exhibits at art leading modern and contemporary to students on a first-come, first-served New works by Richard Artschwager, and history museums, and meeting French people. artists such as Berenice Abbott, Lou- basis the next day. Each year, hope- Jennifer Bolande, John Currin, Oscar Students will be selected for the Jan. 3 to 17 trip ise Bourgeois, Nancy Spero, Olafur ful students wake up early to be at the Niemeyer, Fred Wilson and many oth- through a competitive application process. They Eliasson, Keith Haring, Jasper Johns, head of the line outside the gallery ers will be exhibited in the Student must have completed, or be in the process of com- Roy Lichtenstein, Joan Miro, Takashi doors for a second chance to get some Center (W20, third floor), for one aca- pleting, one subject above French IV. Declared Murakami, Nam June Paik, Cindy Sher- art. demic year, after which they will be French majors and minors will be given special con- man, Andy Warhol and many others. Although only MIT students can moved into the active collection for sideration. Applications are due by Oct. 8. The List Center recently acquired addi- borrow art, the exhibition is free and borrowing. PAGE 8 September 1, 2004 NEWS MIT Tech Talk PRESIDENT Continued from Page 1 orative work among MIT’s out- in the value that international standing schools, departments, students and scholars bring to and interdisciplinary laboratories the educational and research pro- tiers of innovation and leadership and centers to keep the Institute grams of American universities, in research and education. She at the forefront of innovation. and in the importance of American possesses a rare combination of She sees MIT’s strength in engi- universities’ working closely with scientific achievement, outstand- neering uniquely positioning the leading academic centers around ing managerial talent, and an Institute to pioneer newly evolv- the world, she said. extremely engaging personal style ing, interdisciplinary areas and to “Around the world, MIT stands that will serve MIT’s faculty, stu- translate them into practice. as an emblem of discovery and dents and staff very well.” Hockfield also hopes to accel- innovation, produced through Among other priorities, Hock- erate the national discussion on the scholarship of its outstanding field says she intends to use her improving K-12 science and math faculty, students and graduates,” new position to encourage collab- education. She believes strongly said Hockfield about her election. “From my first conversations in the search process, the Institute’s central themes—the pursuit of truth, integrity and the great mer- itocracy—have resonated with my own core values. This remarkable community’s curiosity, intellectual commitment and passionate deter- mination to solve problems have brought immeasurable benefit to humankind. It is an enormous honor and a very great privilege to have been selected to join this effort as MIT’s next president.” In her work as a neuroscien- PHOTO / DONNA COVENEY tist, Hockfield pioneered the use of monoclonal antibody technol- Thomas N. Byrne, Susan Hockfield’s husband, and their daughter ogy in brain research, leading to Elizabeth look on as Dr. Hockfield’s presidency is announced. her discovery of a protein that regulates changes in neuronal in recruiting exceptional scholars university, bringing the humani- structure as a result of an animal’s and teachers and in increasing the ties and the arts into new relation- experience in early life. More number of women faculty. ships and encouraging interac- recently she discovered a gene During her tenure as dean, tions between the humanities and and its family of protein prod- Hockfield effectively and creative- the sciences. She has also worked ucts that play a critical role in the ly revitalized the administration to enhance administrative servic- spread of cancer in the brain and of the school and addressed long- es for the entire university. may represent new therapeutic standing problems in academic, Hockfield received her bache- targets for brain cancer. extracurricular and financial sup- lor’s degree in biology from the The Yale years port for graduate students. She University of Rochester in 1973, worked with student, faculty and and earned a Ph.D. in anatomy Hockfield, the William Edward alumni groups to build a much and neuroscience from George- Gilbert Professor of Neurobiolo- stronger sense of community and town University School of Medi- gy, joined the Yale faculty in 1985. to improve the integration of the cine in 1979. She carried out post- She was promoted to full profes- graduate school into the rest of the doctoral research at the University sor in 1994 and appointed dean of university. The number of appli- of California, San Francisco. Prior the Graduate School of Arts and cants doubled to more than 9,000 to joining the Yale faculty, she was Sciences in 1998, then provost in during her tenure and, through a senior staff investigator at the 2002, with oversight of the univer- the establishment of an Office for Cold Spring Harbor laboratory, a sity’s 12 schools. Diversity and Equal Opportunity, research and educational institu- As dean of the graduate school, the number of students enrolling tion focusing on cancer, neurobiol- Hockfield had responsibility for 73 from under-represented minority ogy, plant genetics, genomics and doctoral and masters degree pro- groups increased dramatically. bioinformatics. grams that enrolled approximately As provost, Hockfield advanced Her husband, Thomas N. 2,300 students. In addition, she Yale’s major initiatives in science, Byrne, is Clinical Professor of had oversight for faculty appoint- medicine and engineering, which Neurology, Neurosurgery and ments and promotions in all of the PHOTO / DONNA COVENEY include a $500 million investment Internal Medicine at Yale’s School science and engineering depart- in new and renovated facilities for of Medicine. They have one Dana Mead, chair of the MIT Corporation (left), introduced Susan Hock- ments and in several social science field as MIT’s 16th president at a press conference in the Faculty Club the sciences. Sheencouraged col- daughter. departments. She played a key role laborative work throughout the on Aug. 26. COMMUNITY Continued from Page 1 poration members and that’s a good sign,” said Professor provost, she must be very familiar with bridging the tech- Kip Hodges of earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences. nical with liberal arts. incoming president. “And I’m delighted she’s a scientist. It’s valuable to have “I like that she mentioned MIT taking a role in K-12 “I thought it was interesting from the aspect that it is someone in that office who understands what science is education. Science and engineering now play such a cen- new leadership so she’ll, like, be more interested in hear- all about. We’ve been well-served by the past administra- tral role in society, it just makes sense that a place like ing new things. She’ll be more open to listening to us. tion, but from what I’ve read, she really understands the MIT should play a more central role in K-12 education,” She’s, like, our class; she’s our president; she came here connectivity of these two fields. And coming from Yale as said Hodges. with us,” said Jonathan Frazier a freshman from Louis- ville, Ky. “I’m just very excited that it’s a woman president, because MIT has this image of being all about technology and men. I think she’ll do a lot to change that image. Hope- fully she’ll hire more women faculty to be role models,” said Jamira Cotton, a freshman from Longview, Texas. “She’s very nice, too. I talked to her and she said something about us both being freshmen,” said Mariela Buchin, a freshman from Half Moon Bay, Calif. Graduate student, Satwiksai Seshasai, (S.B. 2001, M.Eng.), said, “The community meeting was a great idea to bring the community together, including alumni, and make it clear that this appointment is something that will impact the students as well as the faculty and administration. It’s a great start. When I talked to her afterwards, I told her she should loosen up. Well, not in those words, but I told her she should put on some jeans and walk around the dorms and meet some students.” Faculty and staff members also enjoyed the reception, taking advantage of the opportunity to meet their incoming boss. “She’s certainly made an initial impression on me of warmth,” said Ayida Mthemba, associate dean for Coun- seling and Support Services. “It is wonderful to see a woman in this position. The students seem to love her; she’s already told them what her e-mail address is. As a counseling dean, I think it’s very important to students to know that the senior administration is accessible.” PHOTO / DONNA COVENEY “She seems equally comfortable with students and Cor- Student journalists Tom Sullivan, a junior at Yale, and MIT senior Christine Fry interview Susan Hockfield.