Blog from October, 2011

Dear ESS,

Please join us for the ESD Student Society Research Forum on Wednesday (11/2), 12pm-1pm given by Paul Grogan. Details below.

If you plan to attend, RSVP by tomorrow (Tuesday) at noon.

Best,
Regina
-----------------------------------------------
Date: Wednesday, November 2
Time: 12pm-1pm
Location: E40-298
Speaker: Paul Grogan

Title: Strategic Engineering Gaming for Decentralized Engineering Systems Design

Abstract: System-of-systems are often developed without a central authority such that constituent system designs may be developed with a narrow perspective of the larger system. Furthermore, engineering systems exhibit complexities beyond internal and behavioral "technical" complexities – there also exist social dimensions of evaluation nested within a larger institutional sphere. My research seeks to apply wargaming - techniques and technologies developed for military strategy - in the context of engineering systems design. In a strategic engineering game decision-makers participate in a multi-player interactive simulation using their natural roles to communicate, learn, and ultimately, develop strategy for constituent system design. I propose an exploratory study to apply strategic gaming to the conceptual design of two resource infrastructure system-of-systems: a space-based resource economy and hard infrastructure on the Arabian Peninsula. Quantitative analysis of recorded games combined with qualitative insights from decision-makers would lead to an evaluation of the effectiveness of this methodology to aid in the design of system-of-systems.
Upcoming Speakers:
November 9, 12pm-1:00pm: DJ Ramberg
November 16, 12pm-1:00pm: Candace Brakewood
Monday, November 21, 12pm-1:00pm: Regina Clewlow (special day, as part of MIT ESD Open House)

–
Regina Clewlow | PhD Candidate, Engineering Systems Division
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
rclewlow@mit.edu | http://web.mit.edu/rclewlow/www

The PhD Movie! film screening with Jorge Cham, creator of PhD Comics!
November 3, 2011
6:30–8:30pm
Rm 26-100

Movie Screening at 6:30: "Piled Higher and Deeper" The Movie is a live-action adaptation of the popular comic strip by Jorge Cham (featured in The Tech, and online at www.phdcomics.com). The movie was filmed on location at and was produced in partnership with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The film introduces audiences to the unique and funny culture of Academia and follows four graduate students (Cecilia, Mike, Tajel and the ?Nameless Grad Student?) as they struggle to find balance between research, teaching and their personal lives with humor and heart.

Q & A following the movie with Jorge Cham and MIT alums! Those of you who are fans of the comic are in for a rare treat - Jorge Cham will be with us for the screening! There will be a live Q&A following the movie with Jorge Cham, cast member - and MIT alum - Evans Boney (Mike Slackenerny), and Producer - and MIT alum - Meg Rosenburg! Savvy, delightful and humorous, we are excited to welcome Jorge Cham back to MIT. Web site: http://www.phdcomics.com/movie/index.php

The screening is FREE and open to students with MIT ID; open seating
Sponsors: Graduate Student Council and MIT Global Education & Career Development
For more information, contact mcwilson@mit.edu
AND Pre-screening reception with Jorge Cham - see http://gsc.mit.edu/2011/10/phd-comics-is-coming-to-mit/

Marilyn C. Wilson, PhD
Assistant Director, Career Counseling & Exploration
MIT Global Education & Career Development
77 Mass. Ave, Rm 12-170
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-258-9149
mcwilson@mit.edu

It is with great pleasure that I write to invite you to the MacVicar Faculty Fellows Lecture Series on Wednesday, November 2 at 3:30 pm in Killian Hall, 14W-111. Refreshments will be available beginning at 3 pm.

Ian Waitz, Dean of Engineering, will share his thoughts on the future of engineering education. Ian is himself a MacVicar Faculty Fellow, one of a select group of faculty members recognized for exemplary and sustained contributions to the teaching and education of undergraduates at MIT.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to hear how one of MIT's finest classroom teachers is bringing his commitment to education to the leadership of MIT's largest school. There is a preview of his talk at http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/eng-ed-waitz-macvicar.html

I'd also like to point out that nominations for the MacVicar Faculty Fellows Program are due on Monday, November 14. For more information, please visit http://web.mit.edu/macvicar.

Hope to see you on Wednesday afternoon!

Best wishes,
Diana

Diana Henderson
Professor of Literature
Dean for Curriculum and Faculty Support
MacVicar Faculty Fellow

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

The Residential Life Programs office has begun the process of recruiting and selecting Graduate Resident Tutors for MIT's undergraduate residential communities for the 2012-2013 academic year. As you probably know, GRTs play an integral role in the lives of our students and have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our community as a whole. We have been told that most GRT candidates hear about the opportunity through e-mail or word-of-mouth, so we'd like to ask for your help: if you know a grad student who would make a great mentor and community-builder, please make sure he or she is aware of this opportunity.

Eligibility
Applicants must be MIT graduate students who have been at MIT for at least one year, or MIT seniors who are continuing as grad students next year. International students are encouraged to apply if the role (which is considered employment of 10 hours per week) is compatible with their legal work eligibility in the US. Preference will be given to candidates who are likely to remain in the role for two or more years.

Benefits
GRTs receive free housing for 12 months, a stipend of $1,460 per academic year, and opportunities to work closely with MIT faculty and undergads.

Timeline
The online GRT application is available now. The deadline for applications is February 10, 2012. Candidates may be called for interviews with House teams in February or March, and offers will be made in early April. The GRT appointment lasts from mid-August 2012 until early June 2013.

Information and Application
Candidates may find more information and apply online by visiting greta.mit.edu/apply . They may also contact the Residential Life Programs office at 617-452-4280 or be-a-grt@mit.edu with any questions. We plan to hold four optional information sessions for prospective candidates in November, December, and January— I will be in touch about dates.

Thank you for you help,

Joshua Kastorf
Senior Administrative Assistant
Residential Life Programs
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Ave., W59-200
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-452-4280

When & Where:

November 21, 2011: 5PM-7PM in the new Media Lab building, E14-674

Present your research...

• if you are getting ready for generals this year.
• if you have passed your generals but haven't yet graduated.
• if you are a 2nd+ year ESD master's student who wants to present a poster.
• if you are a post-doc or an ESS colleague.
INVITE EVERYONE to attend! This is ESS biggest annual community outreach. We are also hosting an Open House for prospective students that day.

How Will You Participate?

Let us know how you are available to participate in the Poster Session and the Open House for Prospective Students. http://www.doodle.com/bv6qkprrpumr24sm

Logistics:

Check out the wiki to download the template; upload your poster (by November 4 – if you want your poster early, like for INFORMS – otherwise by November 11); find out your volunteer assignments for the day-of; and to print-out the gallery plan, ads, and invitations (available soon): https://wikis.mit.edu/confluence/display/ESSLounge/Poster+Session

Questions?

Email Beth for logistical questions. Talk to fellow ESSers for advice on poster and presentation content.

Representatives from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS - Japan’s equivalent of NSF) visited MIT yesterday to present a couple of programs MIT graduate students are eligible to apply for. The applicant does not have to a Japanese speaker, but is required to find a host researcher in Japan before submitting an application. The programs provide opportunities to do research in Japan.

1. JSPS Summer Program http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-summer/

2. JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (short-term) – Predocs are also eligible. http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/postdoctoral.html#short

3. JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Foreign Researchers – Postdocs only, but application process can start while still in PhD program. http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/postdoctoral.html#long

Details can be found on the web pages above, but if you have any question, please let me know.

Thank you.

Keiko

Keiko Tanaka
Administrative Officer
The Office of the Dean for Graduate Education (ODGE)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue 3-138
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: 617-253-3582
Email: ktanaka@mit.edu

Reminder: The Brunel Lecture on Complex Systems on Tuesday, Nov. 1 will be presented by Richard K. Miller, President of the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering. His talk, “From the Ground Up: A Comprehensive Systems Approach to the Redesign of Engineering Education,” will be at 4-5:30pm in Bartos Theater. (Reception from 3-4pm in the Lower Atrium.)

This talk will outline the motivations, inquiries and research, methods used, and results of building an independent college—such as Olin College—that aims to address the educational imperatives of the 21st century within a four-year undergraduate engineering program. Miller will also share some of the challenges involved in managing a project of this magnitude. More details available here.

MIT graduate students collaborate, study, eat, relax... but where?
Be heard, help design the future!

The GSC Forum on Student Space
6:30pm Wednesday, November 2nd
Pritchett Lounge, 50-258

PLEASE RSVP at http://gsc.mit.edu/space

Food and drinks will be served

• We are also running a photo competition. Submit your photos documenting where you study, relax and live your life here at MIT. Information at http://gsc.mit.edu/space.

Graduate Women at MIT (GWAMIT) invites all graduate students to the 2011 GWAMIT Leadership Conference (November 7-10). Join us for any or all of our events!

When: November 7-10, 2011
Where: MIT campus
More info: leadership.gwamit.org
RSVP: http://bit.ly/gwamitrsvp
Contact: gwamit-leadership@mit.edu

Event Details:
Opening Keynote - "Unlock Your Leadership Potential"
Christine Furstoss will offer her insight about leadership potential and how to unlock it.
When: Monday, November 7th, 5-6 pm (with reception to follow)
Where: MIT, 32-155

How to Give a Scientific Talk *RSVP Required*
Learn how to create a comprehensive presentation and give a professional level talk.
When: Monday, November 7th, 10-11 am (breakfast served at 9:30 am)
Where: MIT, 68-181

Entrepreneurship Panel
Do you want to start your own business or lab? Learn what it takes to make it happen!
When: Tuesday, November 8th, 4:30-6 pm (with reception to follow)
Where: Whitehead Institute, Ground Floor Auditorium

Time and Stress Management Workshop ** RSVP Required**
Explore strategies for stress resilience and time management. Hands-on self-assessments followed by helpful instruction.
When: Wednesday, November 9th, 10-11:30 am (breakfast served at 9:30)
Where: MIT, 32D-463

Networking Workshop ** RSVP Required**
Gain skills in networking such as creating a good first impression, promoting your ideas effectively and more.
When: Wednesday, November 9th, 5-6 pm (with reception to follow)
Where: MIT, 32D-463

Networking Reception
Practice your networking skills in this reception with invited industry and academic professionals.
When: Wednesday, November 9th, 6-7 pm
Where: MIT, Stata R&D Dining Area (4th floor)

Closing Keynote Address: "From Unlocked to Unleashed: Leadership in Your Life"
You know the "keys to success", so now what? Lila Ibrahim will provide insight into practical strategies to integrate leadership into your daily life.
When: Thursday, November 10th, 10-11 am (breakfast served at 9:30 am)
Where: Whitehead Institute, Ground Floor Auditorium
For More Information: leadership.gwamit.org and RSVP at: http://bit.ly/gwamitrsvp

Events Sponsored by: GWAMIT, GSC, ODGE GSLG, MIT Division of Student Life, MIT School of Science, MIT School of Engineering, Lemelson-MIT, and GE.

I invite you to hear the next practitioner in our Humanitarian Speaker Series Next Week
Monday, October 31, 2011
MIT Humanitarian Speaker Series
Irina Dolinskaya, Northwestern University
“Dynamic Multi-Period Humanitarian Relief Routing Problem”
Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm
Location: E62-650
Irina Dolinskaya is an assistant professor of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences at Northwestern University. She obtained M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan, and B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Florida.

Her research interests include operations research with emphasis on large scale and computationally demanding dynamic programming problems, optimal path finding in evolving systems, and effective planning under limited information. Applications include problems in humanitarian logistics, optimum vessel performance in evolving nonlinear wavefields, and autonomous navigation for amphibious vehicles.

Dr. Dolinskaya is the winner of the 2010 INFORMS Transportation Science & Logistics Society Dissertation Prize. She is also the 2008 recipient of the Bonder Scholarship for Applied Operations Research in Military Applications.
Looking forward to seeing you next week!

Tara Faulkner
Director of Communications
MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics
1 Amherst St. E40-267
Cambridge, MA 02142
ph: 617-253-4592
cell: 978-828-8913 http://ctl.mit.edu

original post

13th Annual Sponsored by Harvard Business School

November 4 – 5, 2011

For the last decade, the Harvard Business School Strategy Research Conference has been a focal point for scholars and practitioners to present, discuss and reflect on cutting-edge research in Strategy.

This year, the Strategy unit will team with MIT's Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management (TIES) group to deliver a schedule focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, hearing & discussing ideas from both academia & practice to set up what promises to be a riveting two days in Boston!

This year's conference will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 4 – 5, 2011.

The MIT Engineering Systems Division (ESD) invites applications for a tenure track faculty position. ESD includes 24 dual and primary faculty with 60 faculty overall having an affiliation with the division. ESD has the 3rd largest graduate population of any department or division in the School of Engineering at MIT, and focuses on important global challenges: http://esd.mit.edu/about/strategic-report.html.

This is a broad search in engineering systems that will focus on applying engineering systems methodologies to address challenges in complex sociotechnical systems.

Some areas of emphasis include:

• Global Product Design, Manufacturing and Supply Chains
• Systems Safety for Major Infrastructures
• Complex service systems, with special emphasis on health care, or education
• Statistics and Data Visualization for Complex Systems
  However, candidates in any number of areas related to complex, socio-technical systems are encouraged to apply.

We expect to appoint an assistant professor or an associate professor without tenure. In special cases, a senior faculty post will be considered.

This faculty member will develop a significant research program and teach related courses. The successful candidate will also collaborate effectively with cross-disciplinary teams of faculty, students and external stakeholders (e.g., industry and government). The selected candidate will hold a dual appointment with another academic department in the School of Engineering at MIT.

Applicants with an advanced degree in engineering or related fields (e.g., operations research, statistics, service science) are strongly encouraged. Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant field before the beginning of the MIT appointment period. We value further academic, government or private sector experience. Strong teaching skills and demonstrated excellence in research are critical.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications in November 2011, with a view to inviting candidates for a campus visit beginning in January 2012. Applicants should submit a current curriculum vita, names and addresses of three references, up to three publications, and a three-page statement of teaching and research interests at http://esd-search.mit.edu. Please ask your references to submit their letters at http://esd-search.mit.edu/letters by December 15, 2011.

MIT is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer. Women and under-represented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Public Service Center would like to remind you that we have multiple exciting opportunities throughout the year as well as program application deadlines. Our opportunities are for undergraduates and graduates and in some cases staff are able to participate. If you have any questions or would like to know more about how the PSC can help you with a service initiative please feel free to stop by the PSC in 4-104, email the appropriate contact listed below, or email psc@mit.edu. To join our mailing list please sign up at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/psc-volunteers. Thank you!
-MIT Public Service Center

11/2
IDEAS Global Challenge – Fall submit deadline
Working on a new way to deliver social impact? Teams have four chances to submit an Initial Scope Statement and gain feedback from IDEAS staff. If teams need funding as they develop their idea over the next six months, they can submit an (optional) Development Grant Request. All teams must submit at least one Initial Scope Statement. Submit early, submit often. Submit now for funding over IAP. The first chance to submit: November 2 by 11:59PM; details online at http://globalchallenge.mit.edu or email globalchallenge@mit.edu

11/3
Cambodian Dream – Rebuilding Cambodia by Empowering its Women
7:30pm, 32-123 (reception to follow in R&D Commons)
MIT PSC presents in conjunction with the Program in Women & Gender Studies, CIS, Writing and Humanistic Studies and D-Lab, Professor Alan Lightman in this lecture event. Professor Lightman will present his work over the past 6 years to empower a new generation of women leaders in Cambodia. The lecture will include slides and videos around their education. More details can be found at http://writing.mit.edu

11/21
2011 Giving Tree begins!
Please join your fellow MIT community members in supporting this great MIT holiday tradition. Through the Giving Tree, you can donate gifts to children in the Boston and Cambridge area. Each year, over 500 MIT faculty, staff, students, and partners provide gifts to over 600 children affiliated with 13 local service agencies. Co-sponsored by the MIT Public Service Center and the Panhellenic Association and currently in its 20th year, the Giving Tree allows participants to choose specific gifts for specific children, making the gift-giving process a more personalized one for all.
Here's how to participate:
1.) Stop by the MIT Public Service Center (PSC) at 4-104 between November 21 and December 12 (Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm).
2.) Pick up a gift label for a child--or choose more than one!
3.) Purchase, wrap, and place the gift label on your gift, and return it to the PSC in 4-104 NO LATER than 10AM on Tuesday, December 13. We will also gladly accept your monetary donation if you are unable to purchase a gift, but want to participate. Questions? Email mitgivingtree@mit.edu. More info can be found at: http://web.mit.edu/mitpsc/programs/givingtree/
Happy Holidays!

11/28
Grants application preferred deadline
5pm, 4-104
Are you working on a sustainable public service project over IAP? Are you looking for funding? The PSC offers grants that can help cover individual or group work in areas such as travel to the community in need, materials and food that helps facilitate the service. We also have funding available for training, such as workshops and conferences in the public service arena. Projects can range from exploratory to the implementation of a sustainable solution. For more information and to apply, please visit http://web.mit.edu/mitpsc/whatwedo/grants/apply/index.html or contact psc-grants@mit.edu.

Upcoming

2/2
Davis Projects for Peace deadline
Deadline to apply: noon, Thursday, Feb 2, 2012
Develop a proposal for a Davis Projects for Peace $10,000 fellowship!
Davis Projects for Peace typically offers a $10,000 fellowship for an MIT undergraduate student project that promotes peace, to be implemented in the summer. The aim is to "help young people launch some immediate initiatives that could bring new thinking to the prospects for peace in the world." MIT will select several compelling proposals to send forward, and at least one is guaranteed to be funded! Think creatively, innovatively, and entrepreneurially — this is a chance to formulate and test ideas for peace. The award will be made to an MIT undergraduate, but the undergraduate may use the funds to also support team members as appropriate.
Application requirements:
• A detailed two-page, single-spaced proposal (who, what, when, where, how, anticipated outcomes and prospects for future impact) that includes confirmation of the participation of any partner organizations or people
• A detailed one-page budget for carrying out the project in summer 2012
• The proposal heading must include the following: name of the participating institution, name of all student participants, title of project, country where the project will be performed
See http://web.mit.edu/mitpsc/opportunities/davis/index.html for more details.
Have questions? Need help planning or writing? Contact Alison at hynd@mit.edu <hynd@mit.edu>

***********************************
Jennifer Currie
Senior Administrative Assistant
MIT Public Service Center
77 Massachusetts Avenue, 4-104
Cambridge, MA 02139
Direct Tel: 617-258-9361
Main Office Tel: 617-253-0742
Fax: 617-258-9357 http://web.mit.edu/mitpsc
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MITPublicServiceCenter

Every two years, we speak to thousands of CEOs and public sector leaders worldwide about changes occurring in the business world. For our Global CEO Study in 2010. we also surveyed students on many of the same questions. More than 3,600 students participated and expressed some very distinct views, especially around issues of globalization and sustainability. We published the results in our study, "Inheriting a complex world: Future leaders envision sharing the planet," In both academic and business communities, the study was received enthusiastically, and served as a focal point for discussions about future needs and directions.

We are now conducting the second edition of the IBM Global Student Study, in conjunction with the 2012 Global CEO Study. Again,the questions we ask will be very similar to those we are asking CEOs. Side by side, students and CEOs will provide a distinct view of leadership across generations, and give us a glimpse of what leadership may look like in the future.

In today's complex, interconnected world almost every aspect of the 21st century organization is subject to change: from its business model and operating strategies to the ties that enable connection to customers and employees. We are eager to understand how your students view these changes and their role as future leaders.

We appreciate your support in distributing this survey to your students and will provide you and your students with the published study later in the spring. http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22DGS6PNJJW

Please have all surveys completed in the next three weeks so that the data can be included in our analysis.

We very much look forward to working with you and your students.

Many thanks, Dick!
Dianne

IBM University Programs
fodell@us.ibm.com

One of the events the Engineering Student Society puts on monthly is an informal conversation between students and faculty. It’s a great opportunity for students to get to know ESD faculty outside their research area, learn about our faculty’s varying career paths, and generally pick their brains about anything you’re curious about.

Our first cake and coffee for the semester will be next Monday, October 31 in the student lounge with Professor Noelle Selin (http://web.mit.edu/selin/www/about_me.html). There will not be cake, but there will be pastries from Flour (and I take suggestions for pastry choice).

I look forward to seeing y’all there!

Best,
Pearl