Dear Octet,

Another vibrant academic year is coming to a close. Our Octet team is so encouraged by all that has happened in 2022-23—our first fully in-person year of engagements. Thanks to your generosity and interest, we have experienced how much is possible when we champion an integrated understanding of what it means to be human, one that includes the heart, soul, mind, and body. Hospitality breaks down barriers, updates on the vibrant MIT faith-ecosystem inspire hope in the work God is doing through His people, and classes in science, technology, and ethics catalyze conversations around God's creation and our shared future. We are grateful for your interest in this work and for staying in touch through this newsletter! We look forward to being back in touch this fall at the start of the next academic year. Until then, have a blessed summer of rest and renewal.

With gratitude,

Mia Chung-Yee

Executive Director

• Read an essay by Eric Wooten, Editor-in-Chief of et Spiritus, a journal of Christian thought at MIT.
• Listen to a conversation between Carolina Warneryd, UCO Coordinator and graduating MIT senior, and Nathan Barczi, Octet Senior Theologian.
• Listen to Octet's third installment of the Infinite Corridors podcast with Jack Collins, Old Testament Professor at Covenant Theological Seminary.

Easter Eucatastrophe

This month, as we continue to celebrate the seven weeks of Easter, we welcome a guest essay from Eric Wooten, a graduating senior in Course 1 (Civil Engineering) and an editor at MIT’s Christian student journal, et Spiritus!

2023-2024 Diálogos Events

The Octet Collaborative will host four Diálogos Intellectual Hospitality events next academic year under the theme of The Role and Work of the University. Speakers and specific event topics will be announced at a later date, but please mark your calendars to join us in the Samberg Conference Center at MIT on October 19th, December 15th, February 15th and April 25th.

Double Your Donation to Octet

Together with faculty, staff, students, and alumni, Octet promotes human flourishing at MIT as informed by the historic Christian faith. This work is so important because MIT is literally changing the world and how we live. Octet is working to make the case for an integrated understanding, one that includes the heart, soul, mind, and body. A generous cohort of donors has pledged $25,000 toward a matching effort to raise $50,000 in total for Octet. Will you consider contributing before June 30th so we can unlock this pledge?

Carolina Warneryd

United Christian Organization (UCO) Coordinator & Graduating Senior, Course 2 Major (Mechanical Engineering) & Course 6 Minor (Computer Science)

Scholarly News

Cullen Buie, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, participated in a faculty panel to discuss research advances and how it's benefitting the public.

Katie Galloway, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, was awarded the Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering Rising Star Award earlier this year.

Randolph Kirchain, Principal Research Scientist at Materials System Lab, is a key contributor on a project focused on sustainable microchips that received funding from the National Science Foundation's Convergence Accelerator Program.

Jing Kong, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, contributed to a paper on a new technology for more powerful computer chips.

Mingda Li, Associate Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering, leads a team for the "Sustainable Topological Energy Materials (STEM) for Energy-efficient Applications" project that was awarded a $750,000 one year Phase 1 grant from the National Science Foundation.

Infinite Corridors Podcast

Jack Collins, Old Testament Professor at Covenant Theological Seminary in Saint Louis, Missouri, MIT '76, SM '78 discusses the relationship between faith and science, both for a general pursuit of truth, and in his own career in engineering and the study of biblical language.

• Sally Kornbluth was installed as MIT's 18th President, and in her inaugural address she urged the MIT community to join together to address the world's pressing crises.
• MIT President Sally Kornbluth was featured on the Baystate Business Hour podcast.
• Dan Hastings, Octet Faculty Advisor, was appointed Interim Associate Provost and Interim ICEO (Institute Community and Equity Officer).

Ministry News & Events

• MIT InterVarsity is providing a PEARL (PEace and Rest Lounge) study space for interested students in W-15 at various times throughout the exam period.
• The Tech Catholic Community at MIT is hosting a dinner and discussion for graduate students and young professionals on Thursday, May 18th at 6 pm in W-11. Learn more.
• The MIT Asian Christian Fellowship is hosting a Worship night on Saturday, May 20th at 7 pm at the McCormick East Penthouse. Learn more.

Thoughts From You

Tim Chambers, MIT '84 listened to the conversation with Troy Van Voorhis and submitted a helpful tip for remembering the fruit of the spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. First, there are nine fruits of the spirit. Three sets of three (3+3+3). Second, each of the three sets increases in syllables. The fruit in the first set have one syllable: love, joy, peace. The second set is two syllables: patience, kindness, goodness. The third set is three syllables: faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.