Dear members of the MIT community and friends,

This fall term has been like no other. Faculty and staff have worked diligently to adapt courses with a focus on interactivity, delivery, and flexibility, while students have resiliently navigated new ways of connecting, engaging, and learning.

As the term unfolds, we continue to move forward toward our mission to educate, to advance knowledge, and to best serve the nation and our world. The necessity of our work across the school has never been clearer. Our research and advances probe pathways and chart possibilities. Notable highlights include: progress toward a revolutionary zero-emissions power source; the development of a fisheye lens that could be adapted for a range of applications including smartphones and medical imaging devices; a new collaboration that will explore how the convergence of industry and technology will transform global business; and enhancements to a system that can extract drinkable water directly from the air. In addition to featuring these exciting advancements, this issue of The Infinite shines a light on some of our incredible students and celebrates the remarkable career of the first female faculty member in the MIT School of Engineering—Institute Professor Emerita Sheila Widnall. 

Our community continues to draw inspiration from one another regardless of where we are currently working, teaching, or studying. Every moment, whether challenging, gratifying, or simply uncertain—is teachable. These moments remind us of why we’re here…and that is to educate and to learn.

I hope that in the coming weeks and months we will continue to be intentional about staying connected. That we will resume vigilance and care—for one another and for our MIT community.

Sincerely,