Dear Octet,

The Spring Equinox is upon us. And now with clocks set forward, we are enjoying a lot more daylight and time outdoors. At the same time, we, Christ's followers, are in the middle of the Lenten season, a time of reflection and introspection leading up to Good Friday, Christ's death on the cross, and Easter, our lasting hope. May the meaning of this season restore you with the fullest measure of freedom, life, and flourishing in Christ. It is what animates Octet and its work at MIT. May it inspire you anew wherever you live and work.

With blessings,

Mia Chung-Yee

Executive Director

• Read Nathan Barczi's latest essay on humility and ambition.
• Watch a short conversation between Nathan Barczi and Ian Hutchinson.
• Become a monthly Octet supporter and receive a Vidl Life water bottle as our gift of appreciation.
• Listen to Andy Crouch's presentation on gender, sexuality and technology from Octet's Intellectual Hospitality event in February.

What's a Little Ambition?

Senior Theologian Nathan Barczi explores ambition and humility and considers how Thomas Aquinas can aid in our understanding of these two complex concepts.

Recap of Diálogos: Gender, Sexuality & Technology with Andy Crouch

On February 23, the Octet Collaborative hosted its third intellectual hospitality event with Andy Crouch, Partner for Theology and Culture at Praxis. More than 40 MIT faculty, staff and alumni enjoyed dinner, an engaging discussion and a musical performance by Valerie Chen.

Save the Date for Diálogos: A Conversation on Mental Health, Neuroscience & Faith with Nii Addy

On Wednesday, April 12th, the Octet Collaborative invites faculty, staff and alumni for the fourth and final Diálogos event of the academic year with Nii Addy, Albert E. Kent Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology at Yale School of Medicine. Addy will present on how neuroscience and faith illuminate an approach to the topic of mental health.

Join Octet's Circle of Contributors (C²)

The Octet Collaborative's programs and events are made possible through your partnership. When you set up a monthly gift, you'll join Octet's Circle of Contributors, a group of supporters who are critical to the sustainability and future of Octet's mission to promote human flourishing.

With your monthly gift of $50 or more, you'll receive an Octet-branded Vidl Life water bottle as a small token of our appreciation. We hope it will serve as a tangible reminder of your impact on the MIT faith community.

Ian Hutchinson

Professor of Nuclear Science & Engineering, with Senior Theologian

Nathan Barczi

Scholarly News

Troy Van Voorhis was featured on the Veritas Forum podcast to discuss the interpretation of facts and how his Christian faith informs his approach to certainty.

Daniel Hastings was elected president of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Muriel Médard co-authored a paper announcing the development of a new chip that decodes data transmission with energy efficiency.

Mingda Li co-authored an article in Nature Communications on one dimensional corrosion in metals.

Rosalind Picard appeared on The Feedback Loop by Singularity podcast to discuss affective computing.

Andy Crouch's Diálogos Presentation

Andy Crouch, Partner for Theology and Culture at Praxis, discussed gender, sexuality and technology at Octet's third Diálogos Intellectual Hospitality event in February.

• Institute Community and Equity Officer John Dozier discusses the new campus series, Dialogues Across Difference.
• MIT Engineers found human-informed AI, combining AI efficiency with human knowledge and expertise, to be more effective than independent AI systems.
• Admission decisions for the MIT Class of 2027 have been released.
• A MIT Professor appeared before a Congressional panel, urging government authorities to ask questions to ensure AI is consistent with society's goals.

Ministry News & Events

• The MIT Tech Catholic Community is hosting a lecture on April 3rd at 7:30 pm with Br. Guy J. Consolmagno, S.J., MIT alumnus and Director of the Vatican Observatory, titled "From Galileo to Laudato Si: Why Science Needs Faith."
• MIT Graduate Christian Fellowship's Large Group meeting on March 17th will feature Cullen Buie, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, at 6:45 pm in Wong auditorium.
• MIT Graduate Christian Fellowship will host its spring retreat April 14-16. More details will be available soon on the MIT GCF website.