Student Spotlight: Mustafa Al-Obaidi, MechE and Theater
The philosophical puzzle of rational artificial intelligence
World-class
research
Without human understanding, there is no understanding. We are home to scholars and artists doing transformative work in fields vital to addressing the world’s most important challenges. Our faculty develop the values, vision, and ethical compass of tomorrow’s leaders.
Our faculty are among the world’s leading experts in their fields. Here you’ll find a selection of recent publications from SHASS scholars.
This new tool could tell us how consciousness works
MIT philosopher Matthias Michel co-authored research that proposes a roadmap for using transcranial focused ultrasound, a noninvasive way to stimulate the brain and see how it functions. “There are very few reliable ways of manipulating brain activity that are safe but also work,” he says.
How drones are altering contemporary warfare
A new book by scholar and military officer Erik Lin-Greenberg examines the evolving dynamics of military and state action centered around drones. “People thought if drones were used all over the place, this would lead to more escalation,” he says, “but in many cases where drones are being used, we don’t see that escalation.”
MIT graduates share how their SHASS education prepared them to take on the world’s greatest challenges.
Rujul Gandhi ’22
Linguistics and Philosophy (Course 24-2)
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Course 6)
“SHASS classes, such as in theater or political science, gave me a chance to learn about human connection at levels from individual to global. My current work on communication falls into this broad theme of how people connect to each other.”
Ankita Reddy ’19
Anthropology (Course 21A)
Biology (Course 7)
“My classes, discussions, and connections fostered through SHASS taught me the value of deep listening, priming me to ask difficult questions about technological solutions (and to have the courage to do so).”
Music & Theater Arts gives students the opportunity to explore these disciplines as artistic practices and as cultural, intellectual, and personal avenues of inquiry and discovery.
Students learn theater design through the power of play
MIT Theater faculty invite students to draw upon their personal experiences to create evocative set, sound, and lighting designs.
Travels with Rambax
MIT’s Senegalese drumming ensemble ventured to West Africa during IAP to practice the art of sabar.
Broadening student minds
If you want to make the world a better place, you need to understand how it works. SHASS plays an essential role at MIT, ensuring our students have a deep understanding of the human implications of the world’s biggest challenges.
Latest news from SHASS
Our work has broad impact at MIT and across the globe. Read the latest about new ideas coming out of SHASS.
Enhancing maritime cybersecurity with technology and policy
Strahinja Janjusevic brings an international perspective and US Naval Academy education to his graduate research in the MIT Technology and Policy Program.
Bridging science and society in the emerging bioeconomy
In STS.059 (The Bioeconomy and Society), students explore the social and political factors at work in the biology, biotech, and biological engineering sectors.
New J-PAL research and policy initiative to test and scale AI innovations to fight poverty
Project AI Evidence will connect governments, tech companies, and nonprofits with world-class economists at MIT and across J-PAL’s global network to evaluate and improve AI solutions.
In the media
Xi’s purges of China’s military run deep, new study shows
They are in love but don’t speak the same language
The Nobel laureate who co-wrote ‘Why Nations Fail’ warns U.S. democracy won’t survive unless these two things change
New research finds reducing immigration does not help U.S. workers
SHASS videos
The Edward and Joyce Linde Music Building
