Stories

Beyond the Lab: Women at MIT and the Future of STEM

What does it mean to be a woman in STEM today? Through conversations with five MIT researchers and students, this piece explores the challenges, inspirations, and experiences shaping their paths—from imposter syndrome and mentorship to interdisciplinary research and the pursuit of meaningful impact.

SEP 1

Emily: Navigating STEM at MIT

MIT master's student Emily Gan never followed a straight path. From bioengineering to computer science, research to quantitative finance, her story explores the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and creating your own path in STEM.

FEB 6

Jessy: Bridging Computer Science, Social Justice, Ethical AI

From criminal justice to healthcare, MIT PhD student Jessy Han applies computer science and causal inference to address real-world inequalities. Her story highlights the power of interdisciplinary research and the importance of building technology that serves society.

FEB 6

Jia: A Journey Through Math, AI, and the Humanities

From a small town in China to MIT, Jia Wan's academic journey has been shaped by curiosity, interdisciplinary learning, and a passion for applying mathematics to real-world problems. In this interview, she reflects on research, academia, ethical AI, and finding creativity beyond the lab.

FEB 6

Katarina: Navigating Computer Science, Research, AI's Future

From falling in love with cryptography to navigating the uncertainty of research, MIT student Katarina Cheng's journey highlights the importance of curiosity, resilience, and embracing failure. In this profile, she reflects on research, teaching, and the future of privacy and security in an AI-driven world.

FEB 6

Mansi: Bridging Math, Art, and Mentorship in Academia

MIT postdoctoral researcher Mansi Sood is exploring how mathematical models and computation can improve decision-making in an increasingly interconnected world. In this profile, she reflects on mentorship, interdisciplinary research, and why creativity and curiosity are essential to both science and life.

FEB 6

Is the Oura Ring Worth It? A Dive into the Future of Health Tech

As wearable technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, the Oura Ring has emerged as a leader in health tracking. This article explores the technology behind the ring, its impact on personal wellness, and the broader questions surrounding data, accessibility, and the future of health tech.

MAY 20

The Age of Spyware: Pegasus, Privacy, and the Future of Surveillance

Originally marketed as a tool to combat terrorism and serious crime, Pegasus spyware has become emblematic of the growing tension between national security and personal privacy. This article examines the rise of commercial spyware, the technological capabilities behind Pegasus, and the ethical, legal, and societal questions surrounding digital surveillance in an increasingly connected world.

SEP 4

The Climate Cost of AI: Examining the Environmental Cost of Large Language Models

As AI systems grow more powerful, concerns about their environmental impact are also increasing. This article explores the energy demands and carbon footprint of modern AI, separating common misconceptions from reality while examining how innovation, infrastructure, and sustainability can shape a greener future for artificial intelligence.

NOV 26

The Rise of Wearable Technology

Smart glasses represent the next frontier of wearable technology, blending artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and fashion into everyday life. This article explores how devices like the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and Apple Vision Pro are reshaping digital interaction while raising important questions about privacy, ethics, and the future of wearable tech.

MAY 4

Still in the Backseat: Why Self-Driving Cars Haven’t Taken Over (Yet)

Self-driving cars promise safer roads, reduced congestion, and a fundamental transformation of transportation. Yet despite rapid advances in autonomous vehicle technology, significant technical, regulatory, and societal challenges remain. This article explores the current state of autonomous driving and asks how close we truly are to a fully autonomous future.

APR 15

Monopoly or Merit? Why Google Faced the Biggest Tech Trial in Decades

Can one company control too much of the internet? This piece explores Google's historic antitrust case, the arguments surrounding its dominance in online search, and the broader implications for competition, data, and the future of Big Tech.

DEC 12

Revolutionizing Education: The Role of AI in Modern Learning

The rise of generative AI has sparked fears about cheating and academic integrity. Yet these technologies also present an opportunity to rethink education itself. This piece examines how AI can support more creative, personalized, and effective learning when integrated thoughtfully into the classroom.

JAN 25