MIT
Monday, February 22, 2010
MIT Energy Club Lecture Series: Towards a sustainable metals future - closing the loop for technology metals
Speaker: Dr. Christina Meskers, UMICORE Precious Metals Refining
Time: 12:00p–1:00p
Location: E51-145
The devices and services used in every day life largely depend on the specific functionality of technology metals: platinum group metals in catalysts, precious metals in electronics, indium in displays, as well as in photovoltaics together with gallium, selenium or tellurium; and cobalt and lithium in batteries. In future these devices and the metals will become more important as they contribute to renewable energy generation and energy storage, clean air and more efficient production processes among others.
The other side of the coin is that these metals are not abundant, leading to intense discussions about metal scarcity: When are we running out? and What can be done to prevent this?. Recycling of metals from end of life devices is an important contributor to the future metal supply. The opportunities and challenges in recovering technology metals from electronics, catalysts, batteries and PV applications will be discussed from a holistic, life cycle perspective. Besides the technical factors also other aspects are taken into account, in the context of the People - Planet - Profit perspectives for sustainable development.
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Sustainability@MIT, MIT Energy Club
For more information, contact:
Elsa Olivetti
elsao@mit.edu
Monday, February 22, 2010
How to build a CleanTech Company: Elise Zoli of Goodwin Procter
Speaker: Elise Zoli
Time: 12:00p–1:00p
Location: E51-335
MIT Energy Club Industry Series
The Energy Club hosts energy company infosessions on campus to give members an insight into the energy industry and to provide job opportunities for its members.
What are the unique challenges in forming and leading a successful cleantech business, from early stage ventures to public companies? Given typical capital requirements and venture fund lives, what are strategies for successful scaling? What is the importance of technology vs. business model innovation? What is the value of government funding or other alternative funding sources, at the seed capital through the initial deployment stage? Ms. Zoli will address the challenges of forming and scaling business in the storage, grid, and water sectors. She will also address unique challenges related to the Chinese market. She will draw insights from her extensive experience advising venture capital and private equity clients in the energy, environment, and clean tech sectors.
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): MIT Sloan Energy and Environment Club, MIT Energy Club
For more information, contact:
Chris Walti
energy-events@mit.edu
Monday, February 22, 2010
"Can nature be recomposed? A few issues in cosmopolitics"
Speaker: Bruno Latour with an introduction by Vincent Antonin Lepinay and a response by Mark Jarzombek
Time: 6:30p–7:45p
Location: 3-133
HTC Forum Spring 2010: REASSEMBLY
Aviaries, missiles, icons, and satellites. This semester's HTC Forum takes apart and reconfigures objects, environments, publics, and matters of concern.
It is now clear thanks both to the work of anthropologists like Descola and the various ecological crises, that the notion of nature had the great defect of unifying too quickly the composition of the common world. Is there an alternative that pays full justice to the reality of nature without bypassing the work of assembling it?
Bruno Latour is Professor and vice-president for research at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris. In his books, he explores the consequences of science studies on traditional topics in the social sciences. He has curated the exhibitions Iconoclash beyond the image wars in science, religion and art, and Making Things Public The atmospheres of democracy (with Peter Weibel). Vincent Antonin Lepinay is Assistant Professor at MIT?S Program in Science, Technology, and Society. Mark Jarzombek is Professor of the History and Theory of Architecture, and Associate Dean of MIT?s School of Architecture and Planning.
This is the HTC Thomas Beischer Lecture, co-sponsored with the MIT Program in Science, Technology, and Society.
Web site:http://architecture.mit.edu/htc/community/events/forum/index.html
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art, Department of Architecture
For more information, contact:
Kate Brearley
258-8439/8
htc@mit.edu
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
ChemE Dept. Seminar: Microfluidic Fuel Cells as Power Sources and Analytical Platforms
Speaker: Dr. Fikile Brushett, Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Time: 3:00p–4:00p
Location: 66-360, reception at 2:45pm
Chemical Engineering Department Seminar Series
See speakers, talk titles, and dates at http://web.mit.edu/cheme/news/seminar.html
Fuel cells hold promise as highly efficient power sources for applications in, for example, portable electronics, back-up power generation, and automotive transport. Unfortunately, the widespread implementation of fuel cell technologies has been hampered by prohibitively high cost (e.g., catalysts), insufficient durability, and performance limitations (e.g., fuel crossover). Here I will present on the development of membraneless microfluidic fuel cells that exploit microscale transport phenomena, specifically laminar flow, to replace the stationary membranes employed in more conventional fuel cells. In these laminar flow fuel cells (LFFCs) water management and fuel crossover issues that plague membrane-based fuel cells can be avoided. Moreover, the dynamic fuel and electrolyte streams facilitate by-product removal and enable flexibility in fuel choice and operating conditions (e.g., pH). By expanding these single channel LFFCs to multichannel architectures, 20-300 W commercial prototype power sources have been developed.
In addition, my presentation will highlight a microfluidic hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell as an electro-analytical platform for detailed catalyst and electrode investigation.
Web site: http://web.mit.edu/cheme/news/seminar.html
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Chemical Engineering Department
For more information, contact:
Melanie Miller
617-253-6500
melmils@mit.edu
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Rebuilding Haiti
Speaker: Cherie Miot Abbanat, Michel DeGraff, Erica James, & Dale Joachim
Time: 4:00p–5:30p
Location: E15-Bartos Theater
MIT experts discuss how to help Haiti create a future different from the generations of misery it has known.
This event is free and open to the public.
About the speakers:
Cherie Miot Abbanat is a lecturer in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning and the Department of Architecture, and co-chair of DUSP?s Undergraduate Committee.
Michel DeGraff, a native of Haiti, is associate professor of linguistics at MIT.
Erica James is associate professor of
anthropology at MIT.
Dale Joachim is a visiting scientist at the MIT Media Lab, where he currently co-teaches the special project class New Media Projects for Haiti.
For more information click on the web link below.
Web site: http://web.mit.edu/cis/eventposter_haiti.html
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Center for International Studies
For more information, contact:
starrforum@mit.edu
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Green Communities Act and Municipalities: Exploring Municipal Trends in All Things Green
Time: 12:00p–1:00p
Location: Boston Bar Association
The Green Communities Act, most notably through provisions creating the Green Communities Division at the Department of Energy Resources, encourages municipalities to maximize opportunities to save energy, to generate renewable energy, and to make other decisions that reduce their environmental impact and carbon footprint in order to help the Commonwealth become a hub of the 21st century clean energy economy.
Mark Sylvia, Department of Energy Resources, Green Communities Division, and Deborah Donovan, Energy Markets - Cambridge Energy Alliance, will be joining us at this brown bag lunch.
This brown bag will:
- highlight current initiatives of the Green Communities Division,
- feature on-the-ground? stories from the Cambridge Energy Alliance, which illustrate some of the creative initiatives implemented and challenges confronted by municipalities that go green, and
- discuss municipal trends generally in relation to all things green.
Web site:https://www.bostonbar.org/ebusiness/Meetings/EventDetail.aspx?ID=3721
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): MIT Energy Campus Events, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, Air Quality & Climate Change Committee, Real Estate Section
For more information, contact:
Christine Cheung
energy-events@mit.edu
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Future of Energy: Aubrey K. McClendon - Chesapeake Energy
Speaker: Aubrey K. McClendon
Time: 5:00p–7:00p
Location: Harvard University Science Center Lecture Hall D One Oxford Street Cambridge, MA
"Natural Gas: Fueling America's Clean Energy Future"
New drilling and completion technologies have allowed the U.S. natural gas and oil industry to develop resources in shale reservoirs that were previously considered uneconomic. Shale gas has quickly transformed the industry and provided consumers with reliable sources of supply and the ability to reshape the nation's energy policy. Natural gas is clean, affordable, and abundant. It is the most practical answer to our nation's growing need for clean energy and reduced dependence on foreign oil.
Aubrey K. McClendon has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since co-founding Chesapeake Energy in 1989. Chesapeake Energy is now one of the largest producers of natural gas in the nation and the most active driller of new wells in the U.S. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, their strategy is focused on discovering, acquiring and developing conventional and unconventional natural gas reserves onshore in the U.S., primarily in the "Big 4" natural gas shale plays: the Barnett Shale of north-central Texas, the Haynesville Shale of East Texas and northwestern Louisiana, the Fayetteville Shale of central Arkansas and the Marcellus Shale of the northern Appalachian Basin.
The Future of Energy lecture series is sponsored by the Harvard University Center for the Environment with generous support from Bank of America. All of the lectures are free and open to the public.
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): MIT Energy Campus Events, Harvard University Center for the Environment
For more information, contact:
Lisa Matthews
617-495-8883
lisa_matthews@harvard.edu
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
IDEAS Competition Spring Generator Dinner
Speaker: IDEAS Competition Staff
Time: 6:00p–9:00p
Location: 50, Morss Hall -Walker Memorial
Want funding for your innovative community service project?
Want to recruit new members or mentors for your IDEAS team?
Want to get involved, but don't yet have an idea?
Then come to the IDEAS Generator Dinner and get connected!
Please RSVP and let us know you are coming: ideas-rsvp@mit.edu
The IDEAS Generator is your chance to learn about the annual IDEAS competition, share your project ideas and skills, and meet potential team members. All types of projects, including for-profit ventures, are encouraged as long as they address the needs of an under-served community. It?s a fun, casual environment where great projects are born.
Participants will also have 60 seconds to pitch their projects and skills to the audience - make them professional, practiced, and to the point. Pitches can be made in two categories:
- Recruit The IDEAS Dream Team
- Get Yourself "Hired"
Open mic spaces are limited. RSVP by February 19 to ideas-rsvp@mit.edu to sign-up for a 60-second pitch opportunity.
Web site: http://web.mit.edu/ideas
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): MIT IDEAS Competition, Graduate Student Life Grants, Public Service Center
For more information, contact:
Sally Susnowitz
617-258-7344
ideas-admin
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Energy Discussions: Offshore Wind
Speaker: Kathy Arujo
Time: 12:00p–1:00p
Location: 4-145
Join members of the MIT Energy Club for a discussion of general and local issues in offshore wind. We will draw on our knowledge from the Energy 101 on Offshore Wind on 24 Feb (http://events.mit.edu/event.html?id=11605119) to explore how decisions are made about offshore wind, including the Cape Wind project here in Massachusetts. We hope you can attend both the Energy 101 and the Discussion, but please come to the discussion even if you cannot come to the Energy 101.
Web site: http://www.mitenergyclub.org/events-and-programs/discussion-series
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): MIT Energy Club
For more information, contact:
Rebecca Walsh Dell
rwdell(at)mit.edu
Harvard
Food24fps: "Dinner Rush," introduced by Chris Myers
WHEN
Mon., Feb. 22, 2010, 6 – 9 p.m.
WHERE
Adams House Pool Theatre
TYPE OF EVENT
Environmental Sciences, Film, Presentation/Lecture
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
food at twenty four frames per second
SPEAKER(S)
Chris Myers
COST
Free admission
CONTACT INFO
food24fps_admin@googlegroups.com
NOTE
Introduced by Chris Myers (Myers+Chang, Radius, Via Matta). A good movie about backstage life at a slick restaurant, Danny Aiello is authoritative in what might be a very good Runyonesque version of Bill Buford's Heat. The film had the misfortune to be released the day after the attacks on the World Trade Center.
---
food24fps: A semi-regular series, located in Cambridge, Mass., of classic and obscure films about food. Films introduced by guest speakers from Cambridge, Boston, and other points exotic, and accompanied by appropriate refreshments when we can swing it. Open to all.
LINK
www.food24fps.com
From Cooking Food to Cooking the Planet: Growing Constraints to Food Production
WHEN
Tue., Feb. 23, 2010, 6 – 7 p.m.
WHERE
Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St.
TYPE OF EVENT
Presentation/Lecture, Science
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Harvard Museum of Natural History
SPEAKER(S)
Samuel Myers
COST
Free and open to the public
NOTE
To keep up with the world’s food demand, it’s estimated that we will need to double agricultural production by year 2050. Samuel Myers, instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a practicing physician, will discuss troubling trends that may stand in our way: rising temperatures, increasing water scarcity, changes in pests and pathogens, increases in natural disasters, loss of arable land, and many others. To achieve food security in the future will require new approaches to sustainable agriculture.
LINK
www.hmnh.harvard.edu
BU
February 25
3:30 – 4:00 Pre-seminar reception
4:00 – 5:00 Seminar
Climate Change: Integrating Science, Economics, Technology and Policy
Ron Prinn
MIT
Place:
Room 502 (5th floor)
725 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
Tufts
February 25, 2010
3pm - 4pm
Enernet: Internet Lessons for Solving Energy
Nelson Auditorium, 112 Anderson Hall
Speaker: Dr. Robert Metcalfe
Host: School of Engineering Dean's Office
Abstract
ABOUT DR. ROBERT M. METCALFE:
In 1973, Dr. Robert Metcalfe invented Ethernet, the local-area networking (LAN) standard, while working at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. In 2005, Dr. Metcalfe was awarded the National Medal of Technology for his leadership in Ethernet’s invention, standardization, and commercialization. Today, about 350 million new Ethernet ports are shipped annually.
In 1979, Dr. Metcalfe founded the 3Com Corporation. He worked at 3Com in various positions including chairman and CEO, until his retirement from the company in 1990. Through the end of the decade, Dr. Metcalfe followed a career as Internet pundit and online publisher, including serving as CEO of IDG’s InfoWorld Publishing Co. Beginning in 2001, he joined Polaris Venture Partners as a venture capitalist interested in understanding how the energy crisis can be addressed through lessons learned from networking technologies.
Other
Join us for "Science by the Pint" on Tuesday, Feb. 23rd at 7pm!
What do deep-sea worms have to do with global climate change? Come find out at SITN's next "Science by the Pint" at the Redline restaurant and bar in Harvard Square. Come meet Geoff Dilly from Harvard University who studies the animals and microbes that live near deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Geoff explores how these ocean dwellers can tolerate such high temperatures.
"Science by the Pint" is SITN's rendition of a nationwide project called "Science Cafes", a movement to provide more informal discussions between scientists and non-scientists on relevant scientific and social issues. Rather than the usual seminar format we provide during our fall lecture series, Science by the Pint will feature one or more leading researchers who give no more than a 5 minute, conversation stirring, introduction to their work. The rest is up to you! After the short introduction, you may ask our researchers questions, bring up discussion points and see where it all leads.
When: Tuesday, February 23rd, 7:00 PM
Where: Redline restaurant and bar in Harvard Square (59 JFK St., Cambridge MA), click here for a map
Read more about science cafes: http://sciencecafes.org/
Read more about Redline restaurant and bar: http://www.redlinecambridge.com/
A Workshop with Toby Hemenway: Permaculture Solutions for City and Suburb
Feb28Sun 10:00 AM
Location
The Democracy Center
45 Mt. Auburn St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-699-1221
NOTE: You need to reserve a spot at http://www.meetup.com/Urban-Homesteaders-League/calendar/12480514/
Sunday, February 28th, 10-3pm
Sliding Scale: $40-$80 (Full and partial scholarships available.)
Workshop with Toby Hemenway: Permaculture Solutions for City and Suburb
Sponsored by the Urban Homesteaders' League
Reserve a space here: https://www.brownpape...
Location: The Democracy Center
45 Mt. Auburn, Cambridge, MA 02138
How does permaculture work in urban and suburban places? Though land may be limited, cities are rich in other resources, especially social capital. This workshop will show how to find, harvest, and integrate the many resources in our cities in sustainable ways, including getting access to land for gardening, creating business guilds and networks, learning the pattern language of the city, creating public space in neighborhoods, and building urban ecovillages. We'll learn how permaculture's principles and design methods apply to the dense, rich environments of our cities, and how to leverage the special opportunities that cities provide.
Bio:
Toby Hemenway is a writer, university professor, and freelance educator based in Portland, Oregon. He is the author of "Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture", which for the past seven years has been the world’s best-selling book on permaculture. Toby is an adjunct professor in the School of Graduate Education at Portland State University, and Scholar-in-Residence at Pacific University. His writing has appeared in publications such as Natural Home, Whole Earth Review, and WorldWatch, and he has taught workshops all over the continent and in many countries.
Thanks to Fred Hapgood's Boston Lectures on Science and Engineering list
http://fhapgood.fastmail.fm/site02.html
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Energy (and Other) Events - February 14, 2010
MIT
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Multi-Criteria Lifecycle Evaluation of Transportation Fuels Derived from Biomass Gasification
Speaker: Addison Stark - MIT, Dept. Mechanical Engineering
Time: 4:30p–5:30p
Location: 5-314
Center for 21st Century Energy - Reacting Gas Dynamics Laboratory Seminar Series
The development of a domestic biofuel industry has been a major policy thrust of the United States federal government in the first decade of the 21st century. Cellulosic biofuels have been identified as the primary candidate for meeting long term sustainability and energy security goals. In this work cellulosic biofuels produced via thermochemical processing are analyzed. Thermochemical processing utilizes well established chemical synthesis technology and allows for both feedstock and product flexibility relative to traditional enzymatic biofuel production routes. Here, both Spark Ignition Engine fuels (Methanol, Ethanol, Mixed Alcohols, and Methanol-to-Gasoline Synthetic Gasoline) and Compression Ignition Engine fuels (Dimethyl Ether and Fischer-Tropsch Diesel) are considered.
These fuels are analyzed on a lifecycle basis using identified criteria affecting each fuels adoptability including: (1) energy efficiency, (2) cost of production and shipping, (3) integrability into the current distribution infrastructure and (4) compatibility with regulatory and policy landscape. A primary conclusion from this analysis is that no one fuel is optimal with respect to all metrics. Instead, it is likely that a variety of fuels should be employed for different applications.
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): RGD Lab
For more information, contact:
Patrick Kirchen
pkirchen@mit.edu
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Haiti Relief RoundRound Table Discussion with MA State Reps Marie St-Fleur and Linda Dorcena Forry
Speaker: State Reps. Marie P. St. Fleur & Linda Dorcena Forry, Moderated by Dr. Dale Joachim
Time: 2:00p–3:30p
Location: E15-070, Bartos Theatre, MIT Media Lab
"Sustainable Cooperation with Haiti" Lecture Series
Lectures & discussion of response to the Haiti crisis with an emphasis on applicable roles of energy and communication technologies in the long nation re-building efforts to come. What began as an IAP workshop at the Media Lab focusing on the January 12th crisis in Haiti will continue as a lecture series, a string of projects and continued discussions on the history, re-construction and nation-building of Haiti.
The unprecedented challenges facing Haiti after the earthquake on January 12 invite us to analyze foundational aspects of Haitian society as rebuilding projects are being put in place to restore virtually every single component of the country's infrastructure---physical, health-related educational, socio-economic, political, etc.
This round table, with Massachusetts State Representatives Marie P. St. Fleur and Linda Dorcena Forry (both of whom are Haitian-American), and Prof. Steven Lerman, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Graduate Education will explore the anticipated contributions of research universities in Haiti's rebuilding efforts and how these contributions will bear on these universities' traditional missions of research and teaching. Both state representatives represent districts in Boston and have been instrumental as leaders in working with the Haitian community and the Mayor's office to support the local Haitian community in Boston.
The round table will be moderated by Dr. Dale Joachim and will take place at 2:00pm, February 17th?in the?Bartos Theater at the Media Lab (E15-070)
This event is being held as part of the lecture series "Sustainable Cooperation with Haiti" (http://krikkrak.media.mit.edu/lectureseries).
Web site: http://krikkrak.media.mit.edu/lectureseries
Open to: the general public
Cost: Free
Sponsor(s): Media Lab Haiti Initiative
For more information, contact:
Dale Joachim
617-452-5635
kristin@media.mit.edu
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future
Speaker: Chris Mooney, Senior Correspondent, The American Prospect Magazine
Time: 4:00p–5:00p
Location: 54-915
Special DLS/MASS Seminar Series
Special DLS/MASS Seminar Lecture
Web site: http://eapsweb.mit.edu/news/dls.html
Open to: the general public
Cost: 0.00
Tickets: N/A
Sponsor(s): Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
For more information, contact:
Jacqui Taylor
253-2127
jtaylor@mit.edu
Thursday, February 18, 2010
MIT CEER Kick-off Event: China's climate change policy, technologies, and investment in the post-Copenhagen era
Speaker: Prof. Gang Chen, Dr. John Parsons, Prof. Kelly Sims Gallagher, Ms. Amy Corinne Smith
Time: 3:00p–5:00p
Location: 32-155
What is the deadlock between USA and China on climate change cooperation? How to break the deadlock? What's the trend of the carbon market, and the implication for China's investment in clean energy?
If you want to discuss any of these interesting questions, or want to hear how some of our experts response, please join us for the MIT China Energy and Environment Research Group (CEER) kick-off event on China's climate change policy, technologies, and investment in the post-Copenhagen era on Thursday Feb 18.
We will be honored to present a panel discussion given by
Prof. Gang Chen (Warren and Towneley Rohsenow Professor, MIT Mechanical Engineering)
Dr. John Parsons (Executive Director of Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, MIT Sloan Management)
Prof. Kelly Sims Gallagher (Fletcher College, Tufts University and Harvard China project, Harvard University)
Ms. Amy Corinne Smith (Managing Director, Co-Head of Alternative Energy Banking, Barclays Capital).
The panel discussion is followed by a social session, fruit/beverage/refreshment will be served.
See you at 3:00 pm, Thursday Feb 18 in MIT 32-155!
Web site: http://ceer.mit.edu/event
Open to: the general public
Date: Friday, February 19 2010
Time: 1:00PM to 2:00PM
Refreshments: 12:45PM
Location: Kiva Conference Room 32-G449
Combining Minds: Coordination and Social Sensemaking
Speaker: Niki Kittur, Carnegie Mellon University
Host: Rob Miller, MIT CSAIL
Contact: Michael Bernstein, msbernst@mit.edu
Relevant URL: kittur.org
The amount of information available to individuals today is enormous and rapidly increasing. Continued progress in science, education, and technology is fundamentally dependent on making sense of and finding insights in overwhelming amounts of data. However, human cognition, while unparalleled at discovering patterns and linking seemingly-disparate concepts, is also limited in the amount of information it can process at once. One promising solution to this problem is through social collaboration, in which groups of individuals work together to produce knowledge and solve problems that exceed any individual's cognitive capacity.
In this talk I describe a series of studies examining the importance of coordination in harnessing the power of the crowds for complex information processing tasks in Wikipedia and beyond. I also present research into visualization and machine learning tools aimed at increasing the effectiveness of these systems. Finally, I discuss early forays into extending social collaboration to support insight and discovery.
Speaker Biography:
Aniket Kittur is an assistant professor in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA in cognitive psychology and did his undergraduate work at Princeton University in psychology and computer science. His research focuses on understanding and augmenting how humans make sense of large amounts of information. At the group level he studies the dynamics of social collaborative systems such as Wikipedia and Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, and how visualization and machine learning tools can increase their effectiveness. At the individual level, his research interests center on human information processing in categorization and memory. His research employs multiple complementary techniques, including empirical experiments, statistical and computational modeling, visualization, data mining, and machine learning.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Seminar on Enviromental and Agricultural History
Speaker: Ellen Stroud, Bryn Mawr College
Time: 2:30p–4:30p
Location: E51-095
"Dead as Dirt: An Environmental History of the Dead Body"
Web site: http://web.mit.edu/history/www/nande/modTimes.html
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): History Office, STS
For more information, contact:
Margot Collet
253-4965
history-info@mit.edu
Sponsor(s): MIT China Energy and Envrionment Research Group, MITEI, MIT CEEPR
For more information, contact:
Lei Chen
ceer_board@mit.edu
Harvard
Caspian Energy: Phase II
Brown Bag Lunch
Series: Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies and International Security Program Seminar
Open to the Public - CGIS South, 1730 Cambridge Street, S354
February 16, 2010
12:15-2:00 p.m.
Speaker:
Brenda Shaffer, Senior Lecturer, University of Haifa
Related Project: International Security
Description:
Caspian energy production and export is entering its second phase. With the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC), Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum (BTE), and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) operating fully, regional and international focus has shifted to examining the second phase of Caspian energy production and export: Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Two, additional markets for Turkmen natural gas, and export of Kazakhstan's natural gas. A number major geopolitical question marks will affect the destiny of these energy sources: Russia's reassertiveness in the Caspian region, instability in Iran, transit disputes with Turkey, unclear U.S. policy toward the region, and amplification of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict resolution process.
Dr. Brenda Shaffer will discuss these geopolitical quagmires and their impact on the prospects for a new round of major production and export projects from the Caspian region.
This seminar is co-sponsored by the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University.
Speaker Info:
Dr. Brenda Shaffer is the author of the book Energy Politics (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2009) and a faculty member at the University of Haifa. Dr. Shaffer previously served as the Research Director of the Caspian Studies Program at the Harvard Kennedy School. She is also a visiting professor at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy. She is also the author of Borders and Brethren: Iran and the Challenge of Azerbaijani Identity (MIT Press, 2002) and the editor of The Limits of Culture: Islam and Foreign Policy (MIT Press, 2006). She serves as a lecturer and consultant on the Caspian region to a number of public organizations, governments, and regional security organizations, including NATO. Dr. Shaffer's op-eds have appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Wall Street Journal, the International Herald Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, and the Boston Globe.
Contact:
The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
3rd Floor- CGIS 1730 Cambridge Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Harvard University
Email: pskalnik@fas.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-495-4037
Url: http://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/
February 16, 2010
7:00-9:00 pm
Film Screening & Panel: Food Fight and discussion about Slow Money Alliance
Where: Science Center Lecture Hall A, Cambridge campus
Does the term “foodie” inspire, irritate, or intrigue you? Do you wonder what the big deal is about food that is locally grown, organic, or “sustainable”? Do you wonder whether your food choices really matter? Join the Harvard University Dining Services Food Literacy Project for a screening of the award-winning documentary Food Fight and a discussion with filmmaker Chris Taylor and Woody Tasch, the founder of Slow Money Alliance. Food Fight explores the political and social changes that shaped 20th century American agricultural policy and food culture and the changing relationship between consumers and big agribusiness. Slow Money Alliance is a new nonprofit that combines principles of philanthropy and investing to “bring money back down to earth” by encouraging investment in small food enterprises, local food systems, and local economies. Questions? Contacttheresa_mcculla@harvard.edu for information. The event is free and open to the public.
Sustainability Film Screening: Food Fight
WHEN
Tue., Feb. 16, 2010, 7 – 9 p.m.
WHERE
Hall A, Science Center, One Oxford St., Cambridge, MA
TYPE OF EVENT
Environmental Sciences, Film, Health Sciences, Presentation/Lecture, Social Sciences, Special Events
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Harvard University Dining Services' Food Literacy Project
SPEAKER(S)
Filmmaker Chris Taylor and Woody Tasch, the founder of Slow Money Alliance
COST
Free and open to the public.
NOTE
Join the Harvard University Dining Services Food Literacy Project for a screening of the award-winning documentary "Food Fight" and a discussion with filmmaker Chris Taylor and Woody Tasch, the founder of Slow Money Alliance. "Food Fight" explores the political and social changes that shaped 20th century American agricultural policy and food culture and the changing relationship between consumers and big agribusiness. Slow Money Alliance is a new nonprofit that combines principles of philanthropy and investing to “bring money back down to earth” by encouraging investment in small food enterprises, local food systems, and local economies.
Green Public Diplomacy: Sustainability as Finland's Message in the U.S.
WHEN
Wed., Feb. 17, 2010, 2:10 – 4 p.m.
WHERE
Belfer Center Library, Harvard Kennedy School
TYPE OF EVENT
Presentation/Lecture, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
SPEAKER(S)
Pekka Lintu, Finland ambassador to the U.S.
COST
Free
CONTACT INFO
jed_willard@hks.harvard.edu
NOTE
In this seminar, Finland's ambassador to the United States, Pekka Lintu, will discuss public diplomacy in U.S. and European relations as well as its role in bringing about comprehensive climate change policies in the United States.
The Fast Track to Finding a Habitable Exoplanet
WHEN
Wed., Feb. 17, 2010, 4 – 5 p.m.
WHERE
Room 1068, Biological Laboratories Lecture Hall, 16 Divinity Ave.
TYPE OF EVENT
Presentation/Lecture, Science
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Harvard Origins of Life Initiative
SPEAKER(S)
David Charbonneau
COST
Free
Biodiversity, Ecology, and Global Change Series: "Acute Infectious Diseases in Space and Time"
WHEN
Wed., Feb. 17, 2010, 5 p.m.
WHERE
Sherman Fairchild Lecture Hall, 7 Divinity Ave.
TYPE OF EVENT
Environmental Sciences, Presentation/Lecture, Science, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Harvard University Center for the Environment
SPEAKER(S)
Bryan Grenfell, Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University
COST
Free and open to the public
NOTE
Reception to follow.
LINK
www.environment.harvard.edu
Marcel Smets: "Infrastructure Design in the Contemporary Landscape"
WHEN
Wed., Feb. 17, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE
Harvard Graduate School of Design, Piper Auditorium, 48 Quincy St.
TYPE OF EVENT
Art/Design, Environmental Sciences, Humanities, Presentation/Lecture, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Harvard Graduate School of Design, Department of Urban Planning and Design and Department of Landscape Architecture
SPEAKER(S)
Marcel Smets, state architect to the Flemish government and professor of urbanism, University of Leuven, Belgium
COST
Free
NOTE
The design of infrastructure is a formative element of the contemporary landscape. It inevitably produces a physical presence that affects its environs and constitutes a layer of a new totality. Infrastructure is not just an isolated entity for organizing transport or generating motion. It acts as the cornerstone for generating an inclusive new environment.
In this lecture, Marcel Smets will analyze the basic attitudes that dominate the design of transport infrastructure in the world today. He characterizes five basic approaches:
- Hiding
- Camouflage
- Assimilation
- Detachment
- Fusion
Each of these design approaches will be clearly identified and amply illustrated by archetypical examples of different programmatic nature (roads, bridges, parking, rail, and airport infrastructures). Indirectly, the lecture pleads for a more integrated design effort that addresses a new public space typology. Such conception of infrastructure as an inclusive landscape design is presented as a major requirement for enhancing the quality of today's built environment.
This lecture also announces the publication of the book, "The Landscape of Contemporary Infrastructure" (written by Kelly Shannon and Marcel Smets, Nai-Publishers, Rotterdam, 2010). More information can be found onwww.naipublishers.nl…
LINK
www.gsd.harvard.edu…
Ecologies of Human Flourishing: A Case From Pre-modern South India
WHEN
Thu., Feb. 18, 2010, 12 – 2:30 p.m.
WHERE
Center for the Study of World Religion, HDS, 42 Francis Ave.
TYPE OF EVENT
Humanities, Presentation/Lecture, Religion
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
CSWR, Harvard Divinity School
SPEAKER(S)
Anne Monius, professor of South Asian religions, Harvard Divinity School. Response will be given by Archana Venkatesan, assistant professor of religious studies and comparative literature, University of California, Davis
COST
Free, but reservations are required.
CONTACT INFO
617.495.4476
NOTE
A light lunch will be served at noon; the lecture will begin at noon.
LINK
www.hds.harvard.edu…
PlanIT Valley: 21st-Century Solutions for Sustainable Urbanization
WHEN
Thu., Feb. 18, 2010, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE
Piper Auditorium, Harvard Graduate School of Design
TYPE OF EVENT
Art/Design, Business, Environmental Sciences, Presentation/Lecture, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Graduate School of Design
SPEAKER(S)
Celso Ferriera, president (mayor) of Paredes, Portugal; Steve Lewis, CEO, Living PlanIT
CONTACT INFO
617.496.3146, jwolfe@gsd.harvard.edu
Eco-Smart Cities and the Convergence of Technology, Design, and Public Policy
WHEN
Thu., Feb. 18, 2010, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
WHERE
Starr Auditorium, Belfer Building, Harvard Kennedy School campus
TYPE OF EVENT
Art/Design, Environmental Sciences, Presentation/Lecture, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Professors Amy Edmondson and Robert Eccles, Harvard Business School; Graduate School of Design; Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School; Leadership Institute at Harvard College
SPEAKER(S)
Celso Ferreira, president (mayor) of Paredes, Portugal; Steve Lewis, CEO,Living PlanIT
CONTACT INFO
617.495.4663, loren_gary@hks.harvard.edu
Thanks to Fred Hapgood's Boston Lectures on Science and Engineering list
http://fhapgood.fastmail.fm/site02.html
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Multi-Criteria Lifecycle Evaluation of Transportation Fuels Derived from Biomass Gasification
Speaker: Addison Stark - MIT, Dept. Mechanical Engineering
Time: 4:30p–5:30p
Location: 5-314
Center for 21st Century Energy - Reacting Gas Dynamics Laboratory Seminar Series
The development of a domestic biofuel industry has been a major policy thrust of the United States federal government in the first decade of the 21st century. Cellulosic biofuels have been identified as the primary candidate for meeting long term sustainability and energy security goals. In this work cellulosic biofuels produced via thermochemical processing are analyzed. Thermochemical processing utilizes well established chemical synthesis technology and allows for both feedstock and product flexibility relative to traditional enzymatic biofuel production routes. Here, both Spark Ignition Engine fuels (Methanol, Ethanol, Mixed Alcohols, and Methanol-to-Gasoline Synthetic Gasoline) and Compression Ignition Engine fuels (Dimethyl Ether and Fischer-Tropsch Diesel) are considered.
These fuels are analyzed on a lifecycle basis using identified criteria affecting each fuels adoptability including: (1) energy efficiency, (2) cost of production and shipping, (3) integrability into the current distribution infrastructure and (4) compatibility with regulatory and policy landscape. A primary conclusion from this analysis is that no one fuel is optimal with respect to all metrics. Instead, it is likely that a variety of fuels should be employed for different applications.
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): RGD Lab
For more information, contact:
Patrick Kirchen
pkirchen@mit.edu
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Haiti Relief RoundRound Table Discussion with MA State Reps Marie St-Fleur and Linda Dorcena Forry
Speaker: State Reps. Marie P. St. Fleur & Linda Dorcena Forry, Moderated by Dr. Dale Joachim
Time: 2:00p–3:30p
Location: E15-070, Bartos Theatre, MIT Media Lab
"Sustainable Cooperation with Haiti" Lecture Series
Lectures & discussion of response to the Haiti crisis with an emphasis on applicable roles of energy and communication technologies in the long nation re-building efforts to come. What began as an IAP workshop at the Media Lab focusing on the January 12th crisis in Haiti will continue as a lecture series, a string of projects and continued discussions on the history, re-construction and nation-building of Haiti.
The unprecedented challenges facing Haiti after the earthquake on January 12 invite us to analyze foundational aspects of Haitian society as rebuilding projects are being put in place to restore virtually every single component of the country's infrastructure---physical, health-related educational, socio-economic, political, etc.
This round table, with Massachusetts State Representatives Marie P. St. Fleur and Linda Dorcena Forry (both of whom are Haitian-American), and Prof. Steven Lerman, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Graduate Education will explore the anticipated contributions of research universities in Haiti's rebuilding efforts and how these contributions will bear on these universities' traditional missions of research and teaching. Both state representatives represent districts in Boston and have been instrumental as leaders in working with the Haitian community and the Mayor's office to support the local Haitian community in Boston.
The round table will be moderated by Dr. Dale Joachim and will take place at 2:00pm, February 17th?in the?Bartos Theater at the Media Lab (E15-070)
This event is being held as part of the lecture series "Sustainable Cooperation with Haiti" (http://krikkrak.media.mit.edu/lectureseries).
Web site: http://krikkrak.media.mit.edu/lectureseries
Open to: the general public
Cost: Free
Sponsor(s): Media Lab Haiti Initiative
For more information, contact:
Dale Joachim
617-452-5635
kristin@media.mit.edu
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future
Speaker: Chris Mooney, Senior Correspondent, The American Prospect Magazine
Time: 4:00p–5:00p
Location: 54-915
Special DLS/MASS Seminar Series
Special DLS/MASS Seminar Lecture
Web site: http://eapsweb.mit.edu/news/dls.html
Open to: the general public
Cost: 0.00
Tickets: N/A
Sponsor(s): Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
For more information, contact:
Jacqui Taylor
253-2127
jtaylor@mit.edu
Thursday, February 18, 2010
MIT CEER Kick-off Event: China's climate change policy, technologies, and investment in the post-Copenhagen era
Speaker: Prof. Gang Chen, Dr. John Parsons, Prof. Kelly Sims Gallagher, Ms. Amy Corinne Smith
Time: 3:00p–5:00p
Location: 32-155
What is the deadlock between USA and China on climate change cooperation? How to break the deadlock? What's the trend of the carbon market, and the implication for China's investment in clean energy?
If you want to discuss any of these interesting questions, or want to hear how some of our experts response, please join us for the MIT China Energy and Environment Research Group (CEER) kick-off event on China's climate change policy, technologies, and investment in the post-Copenhagen era on Thursday Feb 18.
We will be honored to present a panel discussion given by
Prof. Gang Chen (Warren and Towneley Rohsenow Professor, MIT Mechanical Engineering)
Dr. John Parsons (Executive Director of Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, MIT Sloan Management)
Prof. Kelly Sims Gallagher (Fletcher College, Tufts University and Harvard China project, Harvard University)
Ms. Amy Corinne Smith (Managing Director, Co-Head of Alternative Energy Banking, Barclays Capital).
The panel discussion is followed by a social session, fruit/beverage/refreshment will be served.
See you at 3:00 pm, Thursday Feb 18 in MIT 32-155!
Web site: http://ceer.mit.edu/event
Open to: the general public
Date: Friday, February 19 2010
Time: 1:00PM to 2:00PM
Refreshments: 12:45PM
Location: Kiva Conference Room 32-G449
Combining Minds: Coordination and Social Sensemaking
Speaker: Niki Kittur, Carnegie Mellon University
Host: Rob Miller, MIT CSAIL
Contact: Michael Bernstein, msbernst@mit.edu
Relevant URL: kittur.org
The amount of information available to individuals today is enormous and rapidly increasing. Continued progress in science, education, and technology is fundamentally dependent on making sense of and finding insights in overwhelming amounts of data. However, human cognition, while unparalleled at discovering patterns and linking seemingly-disparate concepts, is also limited in the amount of information it can process at once. One promising solution to this problem is through social collaboration, in which groups of individuals work together to produce knowledge and solve problems that exceed any individual's cognitive capacity.
In this talk I describe a series of studies examining the importance of coordination in harnessing the power of the crowds for complex information processing tasks in Wikipedia and beyond. I also present research into visualization and machine learning tools aimed at increasing the effectiveness of these systems. Finally, I discuss early forays into extending social collaboration to support insight and discovery.
Speaker Biography:
Aniket Kittur is an assistant professor in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA in cognitive psychology and did his undergraduate work at Princeton University in psychology and computer science. His research focuses on understanding and augmenting how humans make sense of large amounts of information. At the group level he studies the dynamics of social collaborative systems such as Wikipedia and Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, and how visualization and machine learning tools can increase their effectiveness. At the individual level, his research interests center on human information processing in categorization and memory. His research employs multiple complementary techniques, including empirical experiments, statistical and computational modeling, visualization, data mining, and machine learning.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Seminar on Enviromental and Agricultural History
Speaker: Ellen Stroud, Bryn Mawr College
Time: 2:30p–4:30p
Location: E51-095
"Dead as Dirt: An Environmental History of the Dead Body"
Web site: http://web.mit.edu/history/www/nande/modTimes.html
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): History Office, STS
For more information, contact:
Margot Collet
253-4965
history-info@mit.edu
Sponsor(s): MIT China Energy and Envrionment Research Group, MITEI, MIT CEEPR
For more information, contact:
Lei Chen
ceer_board@mit.edu
Harvard
Caspian Energy: Phase II
Brown Bag Lunch
Series: Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies and International Security Program Seminar
Open to the Public - CGIS South, 1730 Cambridge Street, S354
February 16, 2010
12:15-2:00 p.m.
Speaker:
Brenda Shaffer, Senior Lecturer, University of Haifa
Related Project: International Security
Description:
Caspian energy production and export is entering its second phase. With the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC), Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum (BTE), and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) operating fully, regional and international focus has shifted to examining the second phase of Caspian energy production and export: Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Two, additional markets for Turkmen natural gas, and export of Kazakhstan's natural gas. A number major geopolitical question marks will affect the destiny of these energy sources: Russia's reassertiveness in the Caspian region, instability in Iran, transit disputes with Turkey, unclear U.S. policy toward the region, and amplification of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict resolution process.
Dr. Brenda Shaffer will discuss these geopolitical quagmires and their impact on the prospects for a new round of major production and export projects from the Caspian region.
This seminar is co-sponsored by the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University.
Speaker Info:
Dr. Brenda Shaffer is the author of the book Energy Politics (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2009) and a faculty member at the University of Haifa. Dr. Shaffer previously served as the Research Director of the Caspian Studies Program at the Harvard Kennedy School. She is also a visiting professor at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy. She is also the author of Borders and Brethren: Iran and the Challenge of Azerbaijani Identity (MIT Press, 2002) and the editor of The Limits of Culture: Islam and Foreign Policy (MIT Press, 2006). She serves as a lecturer and consultant on the Caspian region to a number of public organizations, governments, and regional security organizations, including NATO. Dr. Shaffer's op-eds have appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Wall Street Journal, the International Herald Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, and the Boston Globe.
Contact:
The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
3rd Floor- CGIS 1730 Cambridge Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Harvard University
Email: pskalnik@fas.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-495-4037
Url: http://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/
February 16, 2010
7:00-9:00 pm
Film Screening & Panel: Food Fight and discussion about Slow Money Alliance
Where: Science Center Lecture Hall A, Cambridge campus
Does the term “foodie” inspire, irritate, or intrigue you? Do you wonder what the big deal is about food that is locally grown, organic, or “sustainable”? Do you wonder whether your food choices really matter? Join the Harvard University Dining Services Food Literacy Project for a screening of the award-winning documentary Food Fight and a discussion with filmmaker Chris Taylor and Woody Tasch, the founder of Slow Money Alliance. Food Fight explores the political and social changes that shaped 20th century American agricultural policy and food culture and the changing relationship between consumers and big agribusiness. Slow Money Alliance is a new nonprofit that combines principles of philanthropy and investing to “bring money back down to earth” by encouraging investment in small food enterprises, local food systems, and local economies. Questions? Contacttheresa_mcculla@harvard.edu for information. The event is free and open to the public.
Sustainability Film Screening: Food Fight
WHEN
Tue., Feb. 16, 2010, 7 – 9 p.m.
WHERE
Hall A, Science Center, One Oxford St., Cambridge, MA
TYPE OF EVENT
Environmental Sciences, Film, Health Sciences, Presentation/Lecture, Social Sciences, Special Events
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Harvard University Dining Services' Food Literacy Project
SPEAKER(S)
Filmmaker Chris Taylor and Woody Tasch, the founder of Slow Money Alliance
COST
Free and open to the public.
NOTE
Join the Harvard University Dining Services Food Literacy Project for a screening of the award-winning documentary "Food Fight" and a discussion with filmmaker Chris Taylor and Woody Tasch, the founder of Slow Money Alliance. "Food Fight" explores the political and social changes that shaped 20th century American agricultural policy and food culture and the changing relationship between consumers and big agribusiness. Slow Money Alliance is a new nonprofit that combines principles of philanthropy and investing to “bring money back down to earth” by encouraging investment in small food enterprises, local food systems, and local economies.
Green Public Diplomacy: Sustainability as Finland's Message in the U.S.
WHEN
Wed., Feb. 17, 2010, 2:10 – 4 p.m.
WHERE
Belfer Center Library, Harvard Kennedy School
TYPE OF EVENT
Presentation/Lecture, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
SPEAKER(S)
Pekka Lintu, Finland ambassador to the U.S.
COST
Free
CONTACT INFO
jed_willard@hks.harvard.edu
NOTE
In this seminar, Finland's ambassador to the United States, Pekka Lintu, will discuss public diplomacy in U.S. and European relations as well as its role in bringing about comprehensive climate change policies in the United States.
The Fast Track to Finding a Habitable Exoplanet
WHEN
Wed., Feb. 17, 2010, 4 – 5 p.m.
WHERE
Room 1068, Biological Laboratories Lecture Hall, 16 Divinity Ave.
TYPE OF EVENT
Presentation/Lecture, Science
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Harvard Origins of Life Initiative
SPEAKER(S)
David Charbonneau
COST
Free
Biodiversity, Ecology, and Global Change Series: "Acute Infectious Diseases in Space and Time"
WHEN
Wed., Feb. 17, 2010, 5 p.m.
WHERE
Sherman Fairchild Lecture Hall, 7 Divinity Ave.
TYPE OF EVENT
Environmental Sciences, Presentation/Lecture, Science, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Harvard University Center for the Environment
SPEAKER(S)
Bryan Grenfell, Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University
COST
Free and open to the public
NOTE
Reception to follow.
LINK
www.environment.harvard.edu
Marcel Smets: "Infrastructure Design in the Contemporary Landscape"
WHEN
Wed., Feb. 17, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE
Harvard Graduate School of Design, Piper Auditorium, 48 Quincy St.
TYPE OF EVENT
Art/Design, Environmental Sciences, Humanities, Presentation/Lecture, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Harvard Graduate School of Design, Department of Urban Planning and Design and Department of Landscape Architecture
SPEAKER(S)
Marcel Smets, state architect to the Flemish government and professor of urbanism, University of Leuven, Belgium
COST
Free
NOTE
The design of infrastructure is a formative element of the contemporary landscape. It inevitably produces a physical presence that affects its environs and constitutes a layer of a new totality. Infrastructure is not just an isolated entity for organizing transport or generating motion. It acts as the cornerstone for generating an inclusive new environment.
In this lecture, Marcel Smets will analyze the basic attitudes that dominate the design of transport infrastructure in the world today. He characterizes five basic approaches:
- Hiding
- Camouflage
- Assimilation
- Detachment
- Fusion
Each of these design approaches will be clearly identified and amply illustrated by archetypical examples of different programmatic nature (roads, bridges, parking, rail, and airport infrastructures). Indirectly, the lecture pleads for a more integrated design effort that addresses a new public space typology. Such conception of infrastructure as an inclusive landscape design is presented as a major requirement for enhancing the quality of today's built environment.
This lecture also announces the publication of the book, "The Landscape of Contemporary Infrastructure" (written by Kelly Shannon and Marcel Smets, Nai-Publishers, Rotterdam, 2010). More information can be found onwww.naipublishers.nl…
LINK
www.gsd.harvard.edu…
Ecologies of Human Flourishing: A Case From Pre-modern South India
WHEN
Thu., Feb. 18, 2010, 12 – 2:30 p.m.
WHERE
Center for the Study of World Religion, HDS, 42 Francis Ave.
TYPE OF EVENT
Humanities, Presentation/Lecture, Religion
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
CSWR, Harvard Divinity School
SPEAKER(S)
Anne Monius, professor of South Asian religions, Harvard Divinity School. Response will be given by Archana Venkatesan, assistant professor of religious studies and comparative literature, University of California, Davis
COST
Free, but reservations are required.
CONTACT INFO
617.495.4476
NOTE
A light lunch will be served at noon; the lecture will begin at noon.
LINK
www.hds.harvard.edu…
PlanIT Valley: 21st-Century Solutions for Sustainable Urbanization
WHEN
Thu., Feb. 18, 2010, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE
Piper Auditorium, Harvard Graduate School of Design
TYPE OF EVENT
Art/Design, Business, Environmental Sciences, Presentation/Lecture, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Graduate School of Design
SPEAKER(S)
Celso Ferriera, president (mayor) of Paredes, Portugal; Steve Lewis, CEO, Living PlanIT
CONTACT INFO
617.496.3146, jwolfe@gsd.harvard.edu
Eco-Smart Cities and the Convergence of Technology, Design, and Public Policy
WHEN
Thu., Feb. 18, 2010, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
WHERE
Starr Auditorium, Belfer Building, Harvard Kennedy School campus
TYPE OF EVENT
Art/Design, Environmental Sciences, Presentation/Lecture, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Professors Amy Edmondson and Robert Eccles, Harvard Business School; Graduate School of Design; Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School; Leadership Institute at Harvard College
SPEAKER(S)
Celso Ferreira, president (mayor) of Paredes, Portugal; Steve Lewis, CEO,Living PlanIT
CONTACT INFO
617.495.4663, loren_gary@hks.harvard.edu
Thanks to Fred Hapgood's Boston Lectures on Science and Engineering list
http://fhapgood.fastmail.fm/site02.html
Monday, February 08, 2010
Energy (and Other) Events - February 8, 2010
MIT
Monday, February 08, 2010
Dynamic Response to Environmental Regulation in Electricity Markets
Speaker: Joseph Cullen (Harvard)
Time: 2:30p–4:00p
Location: E52-244
Dynamic Response to Environmental Regulation in Electricity Markets
Web site: http://econ-www.mit.edu/files/5255
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): IO Workshop (Sponsored by Analysis Group)
For more information, contact:
Theresa Benevento
theresa@mit.edu
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Sustainable Transportation/Accessibility: A Grand Challenge for the World ? and MIT.?
Speaker: John Sterman, Sloan School of Management
Time: 4:00p–5:00p
Location: 3-270
Transportation@MIT Seminar Series
In Spring 2010, the Transportation@MIT seminar series continues by drawing knowledge from MIT research that is applicable to transportation. Our goal is to strengthen the community of MIT researchers by sharing information in the following areas: airlines, automation, behavior and economics, energy sources, environmental impacts, logistics and supply chains, networks, propulsion, system control, urban challenges, and vehicles.
Web site: http://transportation.mit.edu/events.php
Open to: the general public
Cost: Free Admission to MIT and General Public
Sponsor(s): Transportation@MIT
For more information, contact:
Rebecca Fearing
transportation@mit.edu
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
MIT Food and Agriculture Collaborative Kick Off Meeting
Time: 6:00p–7:00p
Location: E51-145
We had a fabulous fall semester, full of dynamic discussions, provocative Food@MIT speakers, and a mapping of the ag ecosystem at MIT - it's clear that MIT students, staff, and faculty have a keen interest in these issues. At the MITFAC kickoff meeting we will be breaking into working groups to carry forward last semester's work. These include:
* MITFAC 2010 Speakers series
* Local Food Access
* MITFAC poster session
* Campus food systems
* Communication and web spaces
* A Monthly Food & Ag Happy Hour
* and more (insert your ideas here)!
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): MIT Agriculture Forum
For more information, contact:
Elizabeth McVay Greene
elizabeth.greene@sloan.mit.edu
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
MIT Energy Club lecture series: Solar Power Satellites
Speaker: Geoffrey Landis, NASA Glenn researcher
Time: 6:00p–7:00p
Location: 4-163
With the increases in energy cost and recent interest in finding ways to produce energy with reduced emission of greenhouse gasses, there has been renewed interest in the concept of producing power using solar panels in space, and then beaming this power downward to provide electrical power for use on the Earth. This concept, called the "Solar Power Satellite," was first proposed by Peter Glaser in 1968, and, in revised and updated form, has been proposed many times since as a possible solution to the energy crisis.
In the original concept, the power-generating satellite features a large (many square kilometer) solar array in geosynchronous orbit, which produces power at the multiple gigawatt level, and uses this power to generate a microwave beam to the surface of the Earth, where it is converted back into electrical power with a rectifying antenna ("rectenna"). Some alternate versions use higher frequency electromagnetic beaming or lasers to transmit the power.
Does the concept make sense on the level of basic physics? Can it be implemented in a way that makes economic sense? The basic concepts behind satellite solar power for Earth will be analyzed and evaluated.
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): MIT Energy Club
For more information, contact:
Elsa Olivetti
elsao@mit.edu
Date: Friday, February 12, 2010
Research at Google
Speaker: Alfred Spector, VP of Research, Google
Time: 3:00PM to 4:00PM
Location: 34-401/Grier Room
Contact: Victoria Palay, 617.253.8924, palay@csail.mit.edu
Alfred Spector
VP of Research and Special Initiatives
Alfred joined Google in 2007 and is responsible for research across Google and also a growing collection of special initiatives, such as open source, health, university relations, and more. Alfred speaks widely on research and innovation, and spends much time helping Google connect to the university research community.
Previously, Alfred was Vice President of Strategy and Technology IBM's Software Business, and prior to that, he was Vice President of Services and Software Research across IBM. He was also founder and CEO of Transarc Corporation, a pioneer in distributed transaction processing and wide area file systems, and was an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, specializing in highly reliable, highly scalable distributed computing.
Alfred received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford and his A.B. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the IEEE, and the ACM, and the recipient of the 2001 IEEE Computer Society's Tsutomu Kanai Award for work in scalable architectures and distributed systems.
Tufts
February 11, 2010
Optimization of Concentrated Solar Power
Assistant Professor, Alexander Mitsos from the Mechanical Engineering Department at MIT
3:00 AM to 4:15 PM
Location: Medford/Somerville Campus
Anderson Hall
Nelson Auditorium
Thanks to Fred Hapgood's Boston Lectures on Science and Engineering list
http://fhapgood.fastmail.fm/site02.html
Links to greater Boston college and university lectures and events at http://hubevents.blogspot.com
Monday, February 08, 2010
Dynamic Response to Environmental Regulation in Electricity Markets
Speaker: Joseph Cullen (Harvard)
Time: 2:30p–4:00p
Location: E52-244
Dynamic Response to Environmental Regulation in Electricity Markets
Web site: http://econ-www.mit.edu/files/5255
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): IO Workshop (Sponsored by Analysis Group)
For more information, contact:
Theresa Benevento
theresa@mit.edu
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Sustainable Transportation/Accessibility: A Grand Challenge for the World ? and MIT.?
Speaker: John Sterman, Sloan School of Management
Time: 4:00p–5:00p
Location: 3-270
Transportation@MIT Seminar Series
In Spring 2010, the Transportation@MIT seminar series continues by drawing knowledge from MIT research that is applicable to transportation. Our goal is to strengthen the community of MIT researchers by sharing information in the following areas: airlines, automation, behavior and economics, energy sources, environmental impacts, logistics and supply chains, networks, propulsion, system control, urban challenges, and vehicles.
Web site: http://transportation.mit.edu/events.php
Open to: the general public
Cost: Free Admission to MIT and General Public
Sponsor(s): Transportation@MIT
For more information, contact:
Rebecca Fearing
transportation@mit.edu
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
MIT Food and Agriculture Collaborative Kick Off Meeting
Time: 6:00p–7:00p
Location: E51-145
We had a fabulous fall semester, full of dynamic discussions, provocative Food@MIT speakers, and a mapping of the ag ecosystem at MIT - it's clear that MIT students, staff, and faculty have a keen interest in these issues. At the MITFAC kickoff meeting we will be breaking into working groups to carry forward last semester's work. These include:
* MITFAC 2010 Speakers series
* Local Food Access
* MITFAC poster session
* Campus food systems
* Communication and web spaces
* A Monthly Food & Ag Happy Hour
* and more (insert your ideas here)!
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): MIT Agriculture Forum
For more information, contact:
Elizabeth McVay Greene
elizabeth.greene@sloan.mit.edu
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
MIT Energy Club lecture series: Solar Power Satellites
Speaker: Geoffrey Landis, NASA Glenn researcher
Time: 6:00p–7:00p
Location: 4-163
With the increases in energy cost and recent interest in finding ways to produce energy with reduced emission of greenhouse gasses, there has been renewed interest in the concept of producing power using solar panels in space, and then beaming this power downward to provide electrical power for use on the Earth. This concept, called the "Solar Power Satellite," was first proposed by Peter Glaser in 1968, and, in revised and updated form, has been proposed many times since as a possible solution to the energy crisis.
In the original concept, the power-generating satellite features a large (many square kilometer) solar array in geosynchronous orbit, which produces power at the multiple gigawatt level, and uses this power to generate a microwave beam to the surface of the Earth, where it is converted back into electrical power with a rectifying antenna ("rectenna"). Some alternate versions use higher frequency electromagnetic beaming or lasers to transmit the power.
Does the concept make sense on the level of basic physics? Can it be implemented in a way that makes economic sense? The basic concepts behind satellite solar power for Earth will be analyzed and evaluated.
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): MIT Energy Club
For more information, contact:
Elsa Olivetti
elsao@mit.edu
Date: Friday, February 12, 2010
Research at Google
Speaker: Alfred Spector, VP of Research, Google
Time: 3:00PM to 4:00PM
Location: 34-401/Grier Room
Contact: Victoria Palay, 617.253.8924, palay@csail.mit.edu
Alfred Spector
VP of Research and Special Initiatives
Alfred joined Google in 2007 and is responsible for research across Google and also a growing collection of special initiatives, such as open source, health, university relations, and more. Alfred speaks widely on research and innovation, and spends much time helping Google connect to the university research community.
Previously, Alfred was Vice President of Strategy and Technology IBM's Software Business, and prior to that, he was Vice President of Services and Software Research across IBM. He was also founder and CEO of Transarc Corporation, a pioneer in distributed transaction processing and wide area file systems, and was an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, specializing in highly reliable, highly scalable distributed computing.
Alfred received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford and his A.B. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the IEEE, and the ACM, and the recipient of the 2001 IEEE Computer Society's Tsutomu Kanai Award for work in scalable architectures and distributed systems.
Tufts
February 11, 2010
Optimization of Concentrated Solar Power
Assistant Professor, Alexander Mitsos from the Mechanical Engineering Department at MIT
3:00 AM to 4:15 PM
Location: Medford/Somerville Campus
Anderson Hall
Nelson Auditorium
Thanks to Fred Hapgood's Boston Lectures on Science and Engineering list
http://fhapgood.fastmail.fm/site02.html
Links to greater Boston college and university lectures and events at http://hubevents.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Events - February 1, 2010
MIT
Monday, February 01, 2010
"Technology X will save the world" and other myths of social entrepreneurship
Speaker: Manish Bharadwaj
Time: 3:00p–5:00p
Location: 1-277
The Fellows Series
Fellows of The Dalai Lama Center for Ethics & Transformative Values at MIT share their work.
Predicting the success of any new enterprise is difficult, but most social entrepreneurs face an added challenge: their lives bear little resemblance to the people they serve. This can significantly impede their understanding of what matters most to their customer, her priorities and concerns, resources, the constraints imposed by her environment, and the interplay between agents. Bridging this gap, and not technology per se, is arguably the chief determinant of success. While there is no substitute for gaining a deeper understanding of the community, in part by immersing oneself in it, this talk will draw lessons from past successes and failures to help us avoid common traps, and improve our chances of meaningfully serving our communities.
(Acknowledgment: The title myth is courtesy Kentaro Toyama, Microsoft Research India.)
Web site: http://thecenter.mit.edu/events/upcoming/
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values
For more information, contact:
The Dalai Lama Center for Ethics & Transformative Values
4-6030
info@thecenter.mit.edu
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Susan Tierney: Why is Modernizing Our Energy Technologies So Darn Hard, But Worth the Effort?
Speaker: Susan Tierney, Managing Principal, Analysis Group
Time: 4:15p–5:30p
Location: 66-110
MITEI Seminar Series
A year-long series of seminars given by leaders in the energy field sponsored by the MIT Energy Initiative.
So much work is underway to advance energy technologies to make them more efficient, have a lower carbon footprint, more accessible to communities, and so forth. And yet, it is so hard to put new energy technologies into place in domestic (and many international) markets. Why is that? Tierney discusses the array of factors arising out of national energy policy, regulatory approaches and practices, energy and other politics, investment settings, and so forth, that create tenacious barriers to the introduction of advanced energy technologies into existing systems. She also will address what is happening to overcome those obstacles and why more is needed.
Sue Tierney, a Managing Principal at Analysis Group in Boston, is an expert on energy economics, regulation and policy. Her previous positions included Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Energy, Massachusetts Secretary of Environmental Affairs, Commissioner at the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities Chairman of the Board of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and executive director of the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Council. She co-chaired the DOE Agency Review Team for the Obama Presidential Transition Team. Currently, she co-chairs the National Commission on Energy Policy, chairs the board of the Energy Foundation, chairs the Advisory Council of NREL; and is a director of World Resources Institute, Clean Air Task Force, Clean Air - Cool Planet, Evergreen Solar, and Ze-gen.
Web site: http://mit.edu/mitei/news/seminars/darn-hard.html
Open to: the general public
Cost: Free
Sponsor(s): MIT Energy Initiative
For more information, contact:
Jameson Twomey
4-2408
jtwomey@mit.edu
Thursday, February 04, 2010
LIDS Special Seminar Series: Future Challenges in Energy Systems and Networks
Speaker: Richard O'Neill (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)
Time: 2:00p–3:00p
Location: 56-154
LIDS Special Seminar Series
Web site: http://www.eecs.mit.edu:8008/cgi-bin/calendar.cgi?page=2010/data/22.d
at
at
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): LIDS Events Calendar
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Donovan
617-253-2142
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Old-fashioned Futures and Re-fashionable Media
Speaker: Joel Burges and Wayne Marshall
Time: 5:00p–7:00p
Location: E14-633
CMS Colloquium Series
Joel Burges and Wayne Marshall, MIT's Mellon Fellows in the Humanities (2009-11), will contribute to the rethinking of media studies at MIT by taking up the shared metaphor of fashion?the fashionable, the old-fashioned, the re-fashioned. Burges will talk about the turn away from the digital in contemporary cinema, particularly the case of Fantastic Mr. Fox, in an attempt to think about the uneven development of media over time. Marshall will discuss how popular but privatized platforms like Facebook and YouTube, pop culture fashion?and the negotiable refashionability of both?present crucial challenges to the study of media today.
Web site: http://cms.mit.edu/events/colloquiaforums.php#020410
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Comparative Media Studies
For more information, contact:
Andrew Whitacre
617.324.0490
cms@mit.edu
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Petroleum 102: Reservoir Modeling
Speaker: Professor Ruben Juanes
Time: 5:30p–7:00p
Location: TBA
Professor Ruben Juanes, ARCO Assistant Professor in Energy Studies in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, will present an introduction to petroleum reservoir simulation. This talk is part of the Petroleum 102 lecture series of the Oil & Gas Subcommunity of the MIT Energy Club.
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): MIT Energy Club
For more information, contact:
Francisco Flores
fflores@mit.edu
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Energy Discussions: Demand Response - Managing Peak Electricity Demand
Speaker: Dan Livengood
Time: 6:00p–7:00p
Location: 26-204
A well-known challenge facing system operators on the electric grid is being able to generate enough megawatts to meet peak electricity demand. As the peak electricity demand grows, the traditional way to continue to meet the peak is to build more power plants. Instead of building more generation, an alternative strategy is to slow or prevent the growth of the peak electricity demand via demand side management. One of the many demand-side strategies for managing peak electricity demand is demand response, which targets electricity reductions during the peak hours via responses from all types of consumers. Some programs focus on securing large reductions of electricity usage from commercial and industrial consumers when called upon by the system operator. Other strategies include implementing time-varying pricing for all consumers, including residential consumers. We will discuss the pros and cons of these and other demand response strategies and the tradeoffs facing the different stakeholders when implementing these strategies as a means of producing ?negawatts? instead of megawatts during the peak hours of electricity demand.
Please prepare for the discussion by reading the articles provided on the event website. Refreshments will be served.
Web site: http://www.mitenergyclub.org/events-and-programs/discussion-series
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): MIT Energy Club
For more information, contact:
Rebecca Walsh Dell
rwdell(at)mit.edu
Friday, February 05, 2010
UEA Spring Lecture - Paul Krugman
Speaker: Paul Krugman
Time: 4:15p–5:15p
Location: 32-123
Paul Krugman PhD '77, Nobel Laureate, and columnist for the New York Times, will speak on the current economic crisis and related topics in his talk titled "What have we learned, if anything?". Professor Krugman is an esteemed writer and economist, famous for his self-avowed liberal perspective. A reception will follow.
Open to: MIT-only
Cost: 0
Tickets: N/A
Sponsor(s): Undergraduate Economics Association
For more information, contact:
Gary King
617-253-0951
uea-officers@mit.edu
Friday, February 05, 2010
Building an Ethical Economy: Theology & the Marketplace
Time: 5:00p–9:00p
Location: W32-141
February 5 5pm-9pm
February 6 9am-4pm
* Theology & Economics: Two Different Worlds?
* Is Capitalism a Belief System
* What is Wealth?
* What Do We Owe the Future?
Video keynote addresses by Archbishop Rowan Williams, ethicist Kathryn Tanner, and economist Sir Partha Dasgupta. On-site reflection groups to deepen learning and prepare for action. Local experts to respond to keynote addresses, answer questions, and participate in conversation. Advice and insight on organizing for justice from leaders of Boston Faith and Justice Network and Mass. Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice.
Advanced registration required.
To register: Christina English for registration details: cenglish@mit.edu
Info also at http://web.mit.edu/tac
Web site: http://web.mit.edu/tac/upcoming/index.html#theo
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): The Technology and Culture Forum at MIT, Boston Faith and Justice Network, Episcopal Divinity School, the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, Life Together: The Young Adult Internship Programs of the Diocese of MA, and Mass. Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice
For more information, contact:
Christina English
617-253-4101
cenglish@mit.edu
Harvard
Climate Change & the Media Series
February 4, 2010 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Contact Name:
Christine RussellCristine_Russell@hks.harvard.edu
Harvard Kennedy School Nye B/C, Taubman Building, 5th Floor 79 JFK Street Cambridge, MA
"The Public Divide Over Climate Change: Scientists, Skeptics and the Media."
Speakers:
Andrew Revkin: The New York Times "Dot Earth" blogger and journalist; senior fellow, Pace University Academy for Applied Environmental Studies
Matthew Nisbet: Assistant Professor, American University School of Communication; "Framing Science" blogger; climate change public opinion expert
Thomas Patterson (discussant): Bradlee Professor of Government and the Press, Shorenstein Center, HKS
Moderator: Cristine Russell, senior fellow, Belfer Center Environment and Natural Resources Program
First in a new spring seminar series on "Climate Change & the Media," sponsored by the Belfer Center's Environment and Natural Resources Program and the Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy.
Climate change coverage has greatly increased in the international mainstream press and in the opinion-driven blogosphere in recent years, including the recent focus on "Climategate" science emails, the US congressional debate and the United Nations Copenhagen conference. Surveys show that the American public is among the most divided in terms of agreement with scientific findings that climate change is a serious manmade threat that requires urgent action in the United States and abroad. The public divide appears to be increasing in this country, the United Kingdom and elsewhere.This seminar will focus on the role of the media in communicating about climate change science, policy and politics to the general public and the influence on public opinion. The seminar will look at ways to improve the public dialogue over climate change.
All are welcome and invited to attend. Lunch will be served. Admittance will be on a first-come, first serve basis.
Bioenergy, Biodiversity, Food and Global Change Mitigation – Can We Have It All?
WHEN
Thu., Feb. 4, 2010, 5 p.m.
WHERE
Biolabs Lecture Hall, 16 Divinity Ave.
TYPE OF EVENT
Environmental Sciences, Presentation/Lecture, Science, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Harvard University Center for the Environment
SPEAKER(S)
Stephen Long, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
COST
Free and open to the public
NOTE
Reception to follow. Part of the Biodiversity, Ecology, and Global Change Series.
LINK
www.environment.harvard.edu
Thanks to Fred Hapgood's Boston Lectures on Science and Engineering list
http://fhapgood.fastmail.fm/site02.html
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Events - January 25, 2010
MIT
Monday, January 25, 2010
Seminar Series: Self-Assembling Biological Systems
Speaker: Scott Stagg, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida State University
Time: 11:00a–12:00p
Location: NE30-1154
The Structure of a Novel COPII Tubule
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Biology
Monday, January 25, 2010
Transformative Values and Designing Cities
Speaker: Aseem Inam
Time: 3:00p–5:00p
Location: 1-277
The Fellows Series
Fellows of The Dalai Lama Center for Ethics & Transformative Values at MIT share their work.
Based on professional practice and scholarly research, this workshop will present ideas about how cities are designed and built, and the values that underlie the city-building process. Using illustrative examples and case studies, the workshop will offer alternative sets of values that can transform cities in fundamental ways.
Web site: http://thecenter.mit.edu/events/upcoming/
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values
For more information, contact:
The Dalai Lama Center for Ethics & Transformative Values
4-6030
info@thecenter.mit.edu
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Seminar Series: Self-Assembling Biological Systems
Speaker: Wes Sundquist, Professor of Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah
Time: 11:00a–12:00p
Location: NE30-1154
Hexagonal Assemblies of the HIV-1 Capsid and its Restriction Factor, TRIM5alpha
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Biology
Tue Jan 26,
02-03:30pm
E52-175
Fighting Poverty with Scientific Evidence: Findings from the work of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)
Rachel Glennerster, Executive Director, J-PAL
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Policy makers need scientific evidence about what approaches are most effective if they are to make decisions such as how to spend limited education budgets to increase learning, or whether to tackle corruption with top down or bottom up monitoring. The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) within the economics department at MIT rigorously tests different policy options in close cooperation with local partners through the use of randomized evaluations.
This session will cover a brief overview of why randomized impact evaluations are being increasingly used by governments, agencies, and nonprofit groups to evaluate important policy questions. It will also briefly summarize some of the most recent results from J-PAL research.
Contact: Ruth Levitsky, E52-232, x3-3399, levitsky@mit.edu
Wed Jan 27,
10-11:00am
N52-496
The ABCs of Environmental Compliance
Dan Kallin
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Audience: Entrepreneurs, startups and Industrial or manufacturing engineers H&S people interested in Environmental Compliance
CAA, CWA, SDWA, EPCRA, RCRA, CERCLA, SARA, TSCA, MEPA, WPA, and now CFATS!
These are just some of the rules administered by the EPA, DEP, MWRA, ConComs and the DHS
Will you need a permit? Do you need to report? To whom and how often?
This seminar will provide an overview of the major environmental Laws which can have direct impacts to entrepreneurs and manufacturing operations. Many of these rules have information reporting requirements which require data and support from designers, builders and the manufacturing floor.
Contact: Melissa Kavlakli, N52-496, x2-3233, mjpotter@mit.edu
Sponsor: Environment, Health and Safety Office
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Adaptive Technology Open House
Time: 1:00p–3:00p
Location: 7-143
The IS&T Adaptive Technology Information Center (ATIC) invites you to its annual open house, showcasing the latest adaptive technologies for persons with disabilities.
Web site: http://web.mit.edu/atic
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): IS&T ATIC Lab
For more information, contact:
ATIC Lab
253-7808
atic@mit.edu
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Child Education in Afghanistan: A Presentation From Barakat
Speaker: Chris Walter, co-founder of Barakat
Time: 6:00p–8:00p
Location: E51-325
Barakat is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that does work in Afghanistan and the region around it. Their mission is to advance literacy and to strengthen education systems in these areas. Come learn directly from representatives of Barakat about the work they have been doing and how you can take action to aid the human rights situation in Afghanistan.
Web site: web.mit.edu/amnesty
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Amnesty International, GSC Funding Board
For more information, contact:
Kayvan Zainabadi
mitai-exec@mit.edu
Thu Jan 28
01-03:00pm
Chipman Room, 6-104
The Magic of Carbon Nanotubes: Properties, Growth, and Applications
Gilbert D. Nessim PhD Alum
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 25-Jan-2010
Single session event
Prereq: none
Carbon nanotubes, one of the most interesting structures in the nanotechnology landscape, are the closest implementation to a one-dimensional structure. Their exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties have made them a hot subject of research for many future applications. Carbon nanotube reinforced tennis racquets are already in the market. Research labs have already developed prototypes of electrical devices such as field effect transistors or field emission displays using nanotubes. The futuristic space elevator project has focused on carbon nanotubes as the material of choice for its super-strong cable.
This presentation will provide the audience with an understanding of the properties, growth methods, future applications, and challenges for integration of carbon nanotubes in future products.
Contact: Gilbert D. Nessim, gdnessim@mit.edu
Sponsor: Materials Science and Engineering
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Applied Storytelling--How to talk so they will listen
Time: 9:00a–12:00p
Location: E15-209
Reach people when describing your research and projects so they "get it." Learn to present with confidence in front of any audience. People want to hear a good story; learn how to tell one that leaves sponsors and faculty wanting to hear more and asking you the questions you want them to ask. In this 3 hour introductory workshop with optional follow-up coaching sessions, students will Identify, develop and craft a story from their own lives and work; Learn theories of applied storytelling for performance and public speaking.
This workshop is led by seasoned performing storyteller and Media Lab alum Kevin Brooks.
Sign up by emailing Kevin Brooks
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Media Lab
For more information, contact:
Kevin Brooks
brooks@media.mit.edu
Thu Jan 14
Fri Jan 29,
10am-06:30pm
E14-526
How Will We Pay for Things in the Future?
Kwan Hong Lee
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 13-Jan-2010
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)
The payment landscape has been rapidly changing in recent years with many potential disruptions on the horizon. Large financial institutions still dominate the landscape with little disintermediation, but are vulnerable. PayPal has become the standard in online transactions and payment services and now threatens to invade the physical world. Existing large institution infrastructures neither provide for rapid adaptation to these market changes nor rapid adaptation to customer requirements as they have all grown through mergers & acquisitions. And emerging technology is readily available to precipitate the paradigm shift. Introduce revolutionary disruption into payments system and make it fun (dreary old bankers); and win prizes! Come join us in reinventing a $5 trillion a year business model that is ripe for change!
Contact: Mutsumi Sullivan, E14-574L, x3-1908, msullivan@media.mit.edu
Sponsor: Media Arts & Sciences
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Seminar Series: Self-Assembling Biological Systems
Speaker: Shuguang Zhang, Associate Director, Center for Biomedical Engineering, MIT
Time: 11:00a–12:00p
Location: WI-Auditorium
Follow Nature's Lead: Designer Self-assembling Peptides
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Biology
Thursday, January 28, 2010
IDEAS Competition - Monster Challenge workshop
Time: 6:00p–8:00p
Location: 2-136
The IDEAS Competition is pleased to announce a new and exciting opportunity with Monster.com! Come meet and speak with Giles Phillips, Director of Innovation; Matthew Mund, Vice President, Global Applications; and Damon Dimmick, Interaction Designer.
Monster.com is teaming up with the IDEAS Competition and challenging students to come up with innovative ideas and implementable solutions to help change web and search technology. This is an exciting chance for students to work with Monster.com to develop feasible, innovative and effective solutions to revolutionize the way that people look for jobs.
To find out more about this new IDEAS Competition challenge, come to the workshop to connect, share your ideas and skills, and meet potential team members!
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 25-Jan-2010
Single session event
For more information, contact:
Samantha Cooper
5-5474
ideas-rsvp@mit.edu
Web site: http://web.mit.edu/ideas
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Graduate Student Life Grants, MIT IDEAS Competition, Public Service Center
For more information, contact:
Samantha Cooper
5-5474
coopers@mit.edu
Friday, January 29, 2010
Seminar Series: Self-Assembling Biological Systems
Speaker: Katharina Ribbeck, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Engineering, MIT
Time: 11:00a–12:00p
Location: WI-Auditorium
From Nuclear Pores to Biofilms - a Study of Biological Filters
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Biology
Harvard
Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human
WHEN
Wed., Jan. 27, 2010, 6 – 7 p.m.
WHERE
Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St.
TYPE OF EVENT
Presentation/Lecture, Science, Social Sciences, Special Events
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Harvard Museum of Natural History
SPEAKER(S)
Richard Wrangham
COST
Free and open to the public
NOTE
Lecture & booksigning with Richard Wrangham. In his latest book, Harvard biological anthropologist Richard Wrangham puts forth a bold theory — that our Paleolithic homo ancestors tamed fire and began cooking 1.8 million years ago, much earlier than conventionally believed. Wrangham will discuss how the cooking kick started a revolution in human evolution — driving whole scale changes in our physiology, behavior, and cognition that define our species to this very day.
LINK
www.hmnh.harvard.edu
Global Climate Change Mini-Conference
WHEN
Thu., Jan. 28, 2010, 1 p.m.
WHERE
First Parish, 3 Church St., Cambridge, MA
TYPE OF EVENT
Environmental Sciences, Presentation/Lecture, Science, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Cambridge Forum
COST
Free and open to the public.
NOTE
During the afternoon, scientists explore the impact of atmospheric methane on the earth's temperature, as well as the impact that climate change will have on human health, environmental migration, agricultural production, and sea level. The impact of the 350.org movement, the Copenhagen talks, and the likely follow-up on the part of individual governments will be the focus of the 7:00 p.m. closing address by James Hansen.
LINK
www.cambridgeforum.org
Other
Boston Bookfuturists: Introducing experiments in storytelling and publishing — exploring the intersection of books and technology.
The first ever Bookfuturists Meetup is this month at Microsoft New England Research & Development Center near the MIT campus in Kendall Square. Come listen to presentations on experiments in storytelling and publishing. The event is free. Please RSVP:
Boston Bookfuturists 1
7-9pm
January 29
Microsoft New England Research & Development Center
One Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA
Interested in presenting at future events? Please contact us: info@bookfuturists.com
Please visit our website: http://bookfuturists.com/
Host: Joanne McNeil, The Tomorrow Museum
Presenting:
Joshua Glenn, a Boston-based journalist and scholar, is coeditor of Hilobrow.com and co-curator ofSignificant Objects, an online experiment that pairs writers with secondhand junk, then sells the junk on eBay (using the story as an item description), in an effort to answer this question: "What makes things meaningful?"
Peggy Nelson is a new media artist whose work encompasses film, augmented reality, performance art, and reenactments. In Search of Adele H is a Twitter movie, a re-imaging of the life and fictionalizations of Victor Hugo's daughter Adèle. But as with a book, the moving images are intentionally missing. The Twitter movie happens in your head, much as the main character's life happened in hers.
Stona Fitch writes powerful novels that have earned an international following. His novel SENSELESS is now a UK feature film and a cult classic that critics often refer to as the most disturbing novel ever written. St. Martin's is publishing his next novel, Give + Take, in April. He has been selected as one of the Boston Public Library's 2010 "Literary Lights." In 2008, Stona and other writers/thinkers founded theConcord Free Press, the world's first generosity-based publisher, which publishes original novels and gives them away in exchange for voluntary donations to worthy causes or people in need.
Matthew Battles has written about technology, language, and culture for such publications as the American Scholar, the Atlantic, and the Boston Globe. He's cofounder of the blog Hilobrow.com and author of the book Library, an Unquiet History.
Thanks to Fred Hapgood's Boston Lectures on Science and Engineering list
http://fhapgood.fastmail.fm/site02.html
Links to greater Boston college and university lectures and events at http://hubevents.blogspot.com
Monday, January 25, 2010
Seminar Series: Self-Assembling Biological Systems
Speaker: Scott Stagg, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida State University
Time: 11:00a–12:00p
Location: NE30-1154
The Structure of a Novel COPII Tubule
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Biology
Monday, January 25, 2010
Transformative Values and Designing Cities
Speaker: Aseem Inam
Time: 3:00p–5:00p
Location: 1-277
The Fellows Series
Fellows of The Dalai Lama Center for Ethics & Transformative Values at MIT share their work.
Based on professional practice and scholarly research, this workshop will present ideas about how cities are designed and built, and the values that underlie the city-building process. Using illustrative examples and case studies, the workshop will offer alternative sets of values that can transform cities in fundamental ways.
Web site: http://thecenter.mit.edu/events/upcoming/
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values
For more information, contact:
The Dalai Lama Center for Ethics & Transformative Values
4-6030
info@thecenter.mit.edu
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Seminar Series: Self-Assembling Biological Systems
Speaker: Wes Sundquist, Professor of Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah
Time: 11:00a–12:00p
Location: NE30-1154
Hexagonal Assemblies of the HIV-1 Capsid and its Restriction Factor, TRIM5alpha
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Biology
Tue Jan 26,
02-03:30pm
E52-175
Fighting Poverty with Scientific Evidence: Findings from the work of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)
Rachel Glennerster, Executive Director, J-PAL
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Policy makers need scientific evidence about what approaches are most effective if they are to make decisions such as how to spend limited education budgets to increase learning, or whether to tackle corruption with top down or bottom up monitoring. The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) within the economics department at MIT rigorously tests different policy options in close cooperation with local partners through the use of randomized evaluations.
This session will cover a brief overview of why randomized impact evaluations are being increasingly used by governments, agencies, and nonprofit groups to evaluate important policy questions. It will also briefly summarize some of the most recent results from J-PAL research.
Contact: Ruth Levitsky, E52-232, x3-3399, levitsky@mit.edu
Wed Jan 27,
10-11:00am
N52-496
The ABCs of Environmental Compliance
Dan Kallin
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Audience: Entrepreneurs, startups and Industrial or manufacturing engineers H&S people interested in Environmental Compliance
CAA, CWA, SDWA, EPCRA, RCRA, CERCLA, SARA, TSCA, MEPA, WPA, and now CFATS!
These are just some of the rules administered by the EPA, DEP, MWRA, ConComs and the DHS
Will you need a permit? Do you need to report? To whom and how often?
This seminar will provide an overview of the major environmental Laws which can have direct impacts to entrepreneurs and manufacturing operations. Many of these rules have information reporting requirements which require data and support from designers, builders and the manufacturing floor.
Contact: Melissa Kavlakli, N52-496, x2-3233, mjpotter@mit.edu
Sponsor: Environment, Health and Safety Office
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Adaptive Technology Open House
Time: 1:00p–3:00p
Location: 7-143
The IS&T Adaptive Technology Information Center (ATIC) invites you to its annual open house, showcasing the latest adaptive technologies for persons with disabilities.
Web site: http://web.mit.edu/atic
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): IS&T ATIC Lab
For more information, contact:
ATIC Lab
253-7808
atic@mit.edu
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Child Education in Afghanistan: A Presentation From Barakat
Speaker: Chris Walter, co-founder of Barakat
Time: 6:00p–8:00p
Location: E51-325
Barakat is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that does work in Afghanistan and the region around it. Their mission is to advance literacy and to strengthen education systems in these areas. Come learn directly from representatives of Barakat about the work they have been doing and how you can take action to aid the human rights situation in Afghanistan.
Web site: web.mit.edu/amnesty
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Amnesty International, GSC Funding Board
For more information, contact:
Kayvan Zainabadi
mitai-exec@mit.edu
Thu Jan 28
01-03:00pm
Chipman Room, 6-104
The Magic of Carbon Nanotubes: Properties, Growth, and Applications
Gilbert D. Nessim PhD Alum
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 25-Jan-2010
Single session event
Prereq: none
Carbon nanotubes, one of the most interesting structures in the nanotechnology landscape, are the closest implementation to a one-dimensional structure. Their exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties have made them a hot subject of research for many future applications. Carbon nanotube reinforced tennis racquets are already in the market. Research labs have already developed prototypes of electrical devices such as field effect transistors or field emission displays using nanotubes. The futuristic space elevator project has focused on carbon nanotubes as the material of choice for its super-strong cable.
This presentation will provide the audience with an understanding of the properties, growth methods, future applications, and challenges for integration of carbon nanotubes in future products.
Contact: Gilbert D. Nessim, gdnessim@mit.edu
Sponsor: Materials Science and Engineering
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Applied Storytelling--How to talk so they will listen
Time: 9:00a–12:00p
Location: E15-209
Reach people when describing your research and projects so they "get it." Learn to present with confidence in front of any audience. People want to hear a good story; learn how to tell one that leaves sponsors and faculty wanting to hear more and asking you the questions you want them to ask. In this 3 hour introductory workshop with optional follow-up coaching sessions, students will Identify, develop and craft a story from their own lives and work; Learn theories of applied storytelling for performance and public speaking.
This workshop is led by seasoned performing storyteller and Media Lab alum Kevin Brooks.
Sign up by emailing Kevin Brooks
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Media Lab
For more information, contact:
Kevin Brooks
brooks@media.mit.edu
Thu Jan 14
Fri Jan 29,
10am-06:30pm
E14-526
How Will We Pay for Things in the Future?
Kwan Hong Lee
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 13-Jan-2010
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)
The payment landscape has been rapidly changing in recent years with many potential disruptions on the horizon. Large financial institutions still dominate the landscape with little disintermediation, but are vulnerable. PayPal has become the standard in online transactions and payment services and now threatens to invade the physical world. Existing large institution infrastructures neither provide for rapid adaptation to these market changes nor rapid adaptation to customer requirements as they have all grown through mergers & acquisitions. And emerging technology is readily available to precipitate the paradigm shift. Introduce revolutionary disruption into payments system and make it fun (dreary old bankers); and win prizes! Come join us in reinventing a $5 trillion a year business model that is ripe for change!
Contact: Mutsumi Sullivan, E14-574L, x3-1908, msullivan@media.mit.edu
Sponsor: Media Arts & Sciences
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Seminar Series: Self-Assembling Biological Systems
Speaker: Shuguang Zhang, Associate Director, Center for Biomedical Engineering, MIT
Time: 11:00a–12:00p
Location: WI-Auditorium
Follow Nature's Lead: Designer Self-assembling Peptides
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Biology
Thursday, January 28, 2010
IDEAS Competition - Monster Challenge workshop
Time: 6:00p–8:00p
Location: 2-136
The IDEAS Competition is pleased to announce a new and exciting opportunity with Monster.com! Come meet and speak with Giles Phillips, Director of Innovation; Matthew Mund, Vice President, Global Applications; and Damon Dimmick, Interaction Designer.
Monster.com is teaming up with the IDEAS Competition and challenging students to come up with innovative ideas and implementable solutions to help change web and search technology. This is an exciting chance for students to work with Monster.com to develop feasible, innovative and effective solutions to revolutionize the way that people look for jobs.
To find out more about this new IDEAS Competition challenge, come to the workshop to connect, share your ideas and skills, and meet potential team members!
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 25-Jan-2010
Single session event
For more information, contact:
Samantha Cooper
5-5474
ideas-rsvp@mit.edu
Web site: http://web.mit.edu/ideas
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Graduate Student Life Grants, MIT IDEAS Competition, Public Service Center
For more information, contact:
Samantha Cooper
5-5474
coopers@mit.edu
Friday, January 29, 2010
Seminar Series: Self-Assembling Biological Systems
Speaker: Katharina Ribbeck, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Engineering, MIT
Time: 11:00a–12:00p
Location: WI-Auditorium
From Nuclear Pores to Biofilms - a Study of Biological Filters
Open to: the general public
Sponsor(s): Biology
Harvard
Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human
WHEN
Wed., Jan. 27, 2010, 6 – 7 p.m.
WHERE
Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St.
TYPE OF EVENT
Presentation/Lecture, Science, Social Sciences, Special Events
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Harvard Museum of Natural History
SPEAKER(S)
Richard Wrangham
COST
Free and open to the public
NOTE
Lecture & booksigning with Richard Wrangham. In his latest book, Harvard biological anthropologist Richard Wrangham puts forth a bold theory — that our Paleolithic homo ancestors tamed fire and began cooking 1.8 million years ago, much earlier than conventionally believed. Wrangham will discuss how the cooking kick started a revolution in human evolution — driving whole scale changes in our physiology, behavior, and cognition that define our species to this very day.
LINK
www.hmnh.harvard.edu
Global Climate Change Mini-Conference
WHEN
Thu., Jan. 28, 2010, 1 p.m.
WHERE
First Parish, 3 Church St., Cambridge, MA
TYPE OF EVENT
Environmental Sciences, Presentation/Lecture, Science, Social Sciences
ORGANIZATION/SPONSOR
Cambridge Forum
COST
Free and open to the public.
NOTE
During the afternoon, scientists explore the impact of atmospheric methane on the earth's temperature, as well as the impact that climate change will have on human health, environmental migration, agricultural production, and sea level. The impact of the 350.org movement, the Copenhagen talks, and the likely follow-up on the part of individual governments will be the focus of the 7:00 p.m. closing address by James Hansen.
LINK
www.cambridgeforum.org
Other
Boston Bookfuturists: Introducing experiments in storytelling and publishing — exploring the intersection of books and technology.
The first ever Bookfuturists Meetup is this month at Microsoft New England Research & Development Center near the MIT campus in Kendall Square. Come listen to presentations on experiments in storytelling and publishing. The event is free. Please RSVP:
Boston Bookfuturists 1
7-9pm
January 29
Microsoft New England Research & Development Center
One Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA
Interested in presenting at future events? Please contact us: info@bookfuturists.com
Please visit our website: http://bookfuturists.com/
Host: Joanne McNeil, The Tomorrow Museum
Presenting:
Joshua Glenn, a Boston-based journalist and scholar, is coeditor of Hilobrow.com and co-curator ofSignificant Objects, an online experiment that pairs writers with secondhand junk, then sells the junk on eBay (using the story as an item description), in an effort to answer this question: "What makes things meaningful?"
Peggy Nelson is a new media artist whose work encompasses film, augmented reality, performance art, and reenactments. In Search of Adele H is a Twitter movie, a re-imaging of the life and fictionalizations of Victor Hugo's daughter Adèle. But as with a book, the moving images are intentionally missing. The Twitter movie happens in your head, much as the main character's life happened in hers.
Stona Fitch writes powerful novels that have earned an international following. His novel SENSELESS is now a UK feature film and a cult classic that critics often refer to as the most disturbing novel ever written. St. Martin's is publishing his next novel, Give + Take, in April. He has been selected as one of the Boston Public Library's 2010 "Literary Lights." In 2008, Stona and other writers/thinkers founded theConcord Free Press, the world's first generosity-based publisher, which publishes original novels and gives them away in exchange for voluntary donations to worthy causes or people in need.
Matthew Battles has written about technology, language, and culture for such publications as the American Scholar, the Atlantic, and the Boston Globe. He's cofounder of the blog Hilobrow.com and author of the book Library, an Unquiet History.
Thanks to Fred Hapgood's Boston Lectures on Science and Engineering list
http://fhapgood.fastmail.fm/site02.html
Links to greater Boston college and university lectures and events at http://hubevents.blogspot.com
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