I attended the (Re)Imagining Liberal Arts & STEM Education in the Age of GenAI conference at Harvey Mudd College on May 21-22, 2026. The keynote speaker, Alex Hartemink, a professor at Duke University, titled his presentation “What should we know about AI?” He discussed AI fluencies and awareness, posing questions like, “Is AI truly intelligent,…
Future-ready skills encompass personal, social, and cognitive abilities that allow students to effectively engage with others and handle real-world challenges. These skills, distinct from academic or technical knowledge, emphasize communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and emotional management. Developing these skills is crucial for students to become independent and responsible. They enable learners to articulate ideas confidently, form…
Graduate and professional students aiming for academic positions often express to mentors their eagerness to teach but uncertainty about gaining experience or showcasing it on their CVs. Due to varying TA opportunities across programs and budget constraints, departments and teaching centers can offer equitable pathways by structuring small, credible experiences that provide tangible evidence. Coordinated…
May 22, 2026 — Washington, D.C.U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced a major policy shift stating that Adjustment of Status will generally be treated as an extraordinary form of relief rather than a routine pathway to a Green Card for temporary visa holders inside the United States. Under the new USCIS policy memorandum, adjustment…
Blake Mincey, captured in photos by Grace DuVal, has had an eclectic journey. At 39, the former soldier and professional drummer is completing a physics degree at Harvard, balancing life as a father to a young child while pondering his next steps. Mincey, originally from Adairsville, Georgia, always sought to understand the workings of the…
Seth Rosenberg, a student known for his unique combination of military experience and academic prowess, has shifted his focus from combat photography to studying the psychology of power. Rosenberg, originally from Minnesota, joined the military in 2017, following his family’s tradition. As a Marine Corps combat photographer, he collaborated with various military branches and traveled…
Ronny Chieng, an Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, and writer, will be the speaker for Harvard College’s Class Day on May 27, preceding the institution’s 375th Commencement. Charisma Chen, the first marshal of the 2026 Class Committee, expressed enthusiasm about Chieng’s participation, highlighting his ability to transform everyday occurrences into relatable comedic narratives. Chieng is recognized…
Australia was the pioneer in barring children under 16 from using major social media platforms, a move initiated in December 2025 aimed at reducing negative cognitive, social, and mental health impacts on youth. However, initial findings indicate poor compliance. Research shows nearly 75% of 14- and 15-year-olds in Australia are not adhering to the ban,…
Harvard’s history is rich with trivia, but how well do you really know the university? This quiz, part of the 2026 Commencement series celebrating Harvard’s 375th graduation, challenges your knowledge of the institution’s 390-year legacy. Question 1: What is the nickname of the John Harvard Statue, located in Harvard Yard? Options are Big Harv, The…
While many graduate students equate a 4 a.m. bedtime with a night well spent, for a group of MIT students, it marked the beginning of their workday. Their schedule was aligned not with the sun, but with the aurora borealis, as they aimed to study plasma phenomena using this natural light display as their laboratory….
