We’re thrilled to announce our next book selection. Start reading now and get ready for an engaging discussion!Book: Normal People by Sally RooneyAll are welcome, even if you haven't read the book. Please feel free to bring your own tea/coffee to the discussion. If you are interested in joining the discussion, please email this.is.jemma.koo@gmail.com

Ten minutes for your mind@2:50 every day at 2:50 pm in multiple time zones:Europa@2:50, EET, Athens, Helsinki (UTC+2) (7:50 am EST) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88298032734Atlantica@2:50, EST, New York, Toronto (UTC-4) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85349851047Pacifica@2:50, PST, Los Angeles, Vancouver (UTC=7) (5:50 pm EST) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85743543699Almost everything works better again if you unplug it for a bit, including your mind. Stop by and unplug. Get the benefits of mindfulness without the fuss.@2:50 meets at the same time every single day for ten minutes of quiet together.No pre-requisite, no registration needed.Visit the website to view all @2:50 time zones each day.at250.org or at250.mit.edu

Speaker: Andrew Riesen (MIT)In person or on Zoom: https://mit.zoom.us/j/92441268505Title: Orbifolds of Pointed Vertex AlgebrasAbstract: This talk is based on joint work with Terry Gannon. We will discuss the interplay of tensor categories $\mathcal{C}$ with some group action $G$ and orbifolds $\mathcal{V}^G$ of vertex operator algebras $\mathcal{V}$ (VOAs for short). More specifically, we will show how the categorical structure of $\mathrm{TwMod}_G \mathcal{V}$ allows one to not only simplify previous results done purely through VOA techniques but vastly extend them. One such example is the Dijkgraaf-Witten conjecture, now a theorem, which describes how the category of modules of a holomorphic orbifold should look like. Additionally, our techniques also allow us to expand the modular fusion categories known to arise from VOAs, we show that every group-theoretical fusion category comes from a VOA orbifold. Lastly, we will discuss how VOAs with group actions give concrete realizations of $G$-Tambara Yamagami categories for nilpotent $G$.

Please join MIT Anthropology Professor Sonya Atalay (NSF CBIKS founder & director) for the first Indigenous Sciences Speaker Series speaker of 2025.This talk shares insights from a collaborative field school bringing together students and Tribal members from the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their Land Trust. Informed by cultural perspectives and priorities, participants learned archaeological field methods developed by the Tribe and archaeologists over the last decade to study and preserve Indigenous cultural heritage.The U.S. National Science Foundation Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science (NSF CBIKS) invites you to the third speaker in the Indigenous Sciences Speaker Series: Dr. Gabe Sanchez. Gabriel Sanchez is an Indigenous Anthropologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Native American and Indigenous Studies at the University of Oregon (UO). Gabriel currently participates in collaborative and community-based participatory research projects with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County, and California State Parks, to investigate the native range of California’s endangered salmon species, which are vulnerable to extinction or extirpation. Collaborative research is a relatively niche but growing component of archaeological practice. While academic institutions and professional societies highlight the importance of Indigenous, collaborative, and decolonizing research strategies, opportunities to train students in these techniques are still generally lacking. This talk shares insights from a collaborative field school bringing together students and Tribal members from the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their Land Trust. Informed by cultural perspectives and priorities, participants learned archaeological field methods developed by the Tribe and archaeologists over the last decade to study and preserve Indigenous cultural heritage. In this talk, I consider how Indigenous-led efforts in central coastal California archaeology, focusing on site stewardship, access, research, and education, can broadly benefit field schools. Join us in welcoming Dr. Sanchez to our community and enjoy an engaging presentation and Q&A.

Experience the immediate benefits of myofascial release with this simple and effective self-care practice. Learn specialized ball rolling techniques that help penetrate through layers of skin, fascia and muscle and massage into your high-tension areas.Each class includes guided exercises using the Roll Model therapy balls, breath work and stretching techniques specifically designed to ease overburdened muscles and encourage deep mind-body relaxation. Explore various muscle groups and needy body areas each week to eliminate strain and discomfort from sitting too long, working on screens and living with stress.You will find greater self-awareness, freedom and ease in your body. Put the power of self-massage into your own hands.All levels welcome! This is a movement class and workout attire is strongly encouraged.Registration is required on our wellness class website. If you do not already have an account on this website, you'll need to create one. This is a fee-based class and open to the entire MIT community.

The MIT wrestling club holds practices in the du Pont Wrestling Room on weeknights 5:30-7pm. All levels of experience welcome! Whether you're looking to learn how to grapple or just want to get in a good workout, wrestling practice is a good time to learn technique, get in some live goes, and have fun with a great group of people.Current schedule is: structured practice MTRF, open mats W, and technique sessions 9-10:30am on Saturday. For more information, contact wrestling-officers@mit.edu.