SHASS News
The sweet taste of a new idea
Behavioral economist Sendhil Mullainathan has never forgotten the pleasure he felt the first time he tasted a delicious crisp, yet gooey Levain cookie. He compares the experience to when he encounters new ideas. “That hedonic pleasure is pretty much the same pleasure I get hearing a new idea, discovering a new way of looking at […]
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Study in India shows several tactics together boost vaccination against deadly diseases
Around the world, low immunizations rates for children are a persistent problem. Now, an experiment conducted in India shows that an inexpensive combination of methods, including text reminders and small financial incentives, has a major impact on immunization. Led by MIT economists, the research finds that a trifecta of incentives, text messages, and information provided […]
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Usha Lee McFarling named director of the Knight Science Journalism Program
The Knight Science Journalism Program (KSJ) at MIT has announced that Usha Lee McFarling, national science correspondent for STAT and former KSJ Fellow, will be joining the team in August as their next director. As director, McFarling will play a central role in helping to manage KSJ — an elite mid-career fellowship program that brings […]
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SHASS celebrates its 2025 Infinite Mile Award winners
SIx staff members were recognized for their contributions to the MIT community.
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Steven Truong ’20 named 2025 Knight-Hennessy Scholar
MIT alumnus Steven Troung ’20 has been awarded a 2025 Knight-Hennessy Scholarship and will join the eighth cohort of the prestigious fellowship. Knight-Hennessy Scholars receive up to three years of financial support for graduate studies at Stanford University. Knight-Hennessy Scholars are selected for their independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset. Troung is dedicated […]
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