The case for a liberal arts education Harvard University 2024-10-09 | College is expensive. Even with ramped-up financial aid efforts from universities, people are still trying to decide if tuition will lead to a smart return on their investment. Is a liberal arts education worth the price tag? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with economist David Deming, educator Nancy Hill, and philosophy Professor Susanna Siegel about how to make a liberal arts education attractive again.
Harvard’s Gary Ruvkun awarded Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Harvard University 2024-10-08 | Gary Ruvkun, professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School and an investigator at Massachusetts General Hospital, is a recipient of the 2024 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for the discovery of microRNA, a class of tiny RNA molecules that regulate the activities of thousands of genes in plants and animals, including humans. Music courtesy of Extreme Music.
Inside Harvard’s Amazon Rainforest Immersion: A Journey to Understand the Biomes Future Harvard University 2024-10-03 | In August 2024, Harvard University launched the Harvard Amazon Rainforest Immersion, an interdisciplinary program that brought together faculty, students, and young academics to explore one of the planet's most vital ecosystems. Follow their journey, from engaging with local communities to conducting field research at the heart of the rainforest. Witness how participants gain firsthand insights into the Amazon's biodiversity, challenges, and the urgent need for conservation. This program offers a unique perspective on the Amazon and highlights the importance of collaboration in protecting its future.
Five surprising banned books Harvard University 2024-09-26 | Each year, hundreds of books are banned or challenged across the United States.Music credit: "The Labrat Pack" by Stem via Extreme Music
Why school cellphone bans are spreading Harvard University 2024-09-25 | Schools are banning cellphones. And some states and cities are passing legislation that restricts student phone use in the classroom. Both parents and students have pushed back, yet schools say the removal of phones eliminates distractions and fosters face-to-face interactions that students themselves have come to appreciate. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with psychologist Laurie Santos, private school administrator Joy McGrath, and psychiatrist Susan Linn about what it would look like to take phones out of classrooms.
First class of Du Bois Scholars spend the summer at Harvard Harvard University 2024-08-15 | The Du Bois Scholars program is a 9-week internship program that brings students from Historically Black College and Universities to Harvard University to receive mentorship and hands-on research experience. Evan Spann from Morehouse College and Oluwatomisin "Tomi" Salami from University of Maryland Eastern Shore are two of the students participating in the first year of the program. Both were paired with Harvard mentors, spent time conducting research, and had the opportunity to meet students from other HBCU's.Music credit: Courtesy of Extreme Music"Cheer Goggles"Fray, Horton, Fingers, Fingers
Harvard rowing coach Tom Siddall trains Paralympic PR3 4+ boat for Paris 2024 Harvard University 2024-07-23 | Tom Siddall, the assistant coach for Harvard University's men's heavyweight rowing, is coaching the Paralympics PR3 4+ boat as they prepare for the Paris 2024 games. The five-person boat is made up of coxswain Emelie Eldracher from MIT and four rowers: Alex Flynn from Tufts University, Ben Washburne from Williams College, Gemma Wollenschlaeger from Temple University, and Skylar Dahl from the University of Virginia. Each of the athletes committed to training in Boston for the summer. The Paralympics PR3 designation means that the athletes have full use of their upper bodies and residual function of their legs.
Harvard Reads: Alessandra Seiter Harvard University 2024-07-18 | Alessandra Seiter, Community Engagement Librarian at Harvard Kennedy School, shares her book pick for your summer 2024 reading list.
Harvard Reads: Colin Lukens Harvard University 2024-07-16 | Colin Lukens, Senior Repository Manager at the Harvard Library, shares his book pick for your summer 2024 reading list.
25 Variable Stars exhibition celebrates Henrietta Swan Leavitt Harvard University 2024-07-11 | Harvard astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt is now the subject of a public art exhibition created by artist Ligia Bouton. Leavitt studied and catalogued the night sky using glass plate negatives, leading to important scientific discoveries. Bouton created 25 lenticular photographs that depict the luminosity of 25 unique stars that Leavitt studied. The work is now on view in the Kendall/MIT MBTA stop in Cambridge, MA. Music credit:Courtesy of Extreme Music"The Planets - Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity" by Gustav Holst
Harvard Reads: Matthew Noe Harvard University 2024-07-08 | Matthew Noe, Lead Collection & Knowledge Management Librarian at Harvard Medical School Countway Library, shares his book pick for your summer 2024 reading list.
Sneha Shrestha, aka IMAGINE, shares the inspiration behind her art Harvard University 2024-06-21 | Artist Sneha Shrestha Ed.M. '17, known as IMAGINE, draws inspiration from her Nepali culture and time spent in Cambridge. She is the first contemporary Nepali artist to have a painting acquired by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
2024 Harvard Alumni Day Address - Courtney B. Vance Harvard University 2024-06-04 | Courtney B. Vance AB ’82 delivers the 2024 Harvard Alumni Day Address on May 31, 2024.
2024 Harvard Alumni Day Harvard University 2024-06-04 | On May 31, 2024, Harvard celebrated alumni communities across all Harvard Schools and around the globe. Harvard Alumni Day included the all-alumni parade and a program hosted by Harvard Alumni Association President Ty Moore AB ’06 featuring a keynote address by Emmy- and Tony-winning actor Courtney B. Vance AB ’82, remarks by Interim President Alan Garber AB ’77, PhD ’82, musical performances, and the celebration of the 2024 Harvard Medalists.
Blooms across campus Harvard University 2024-05-31 | Check out our springtime campus, with flowers blooming and sun shining. #HarvardUniversity #Harvard #Boston Don't forget to subscribe: youtube.com/@UCLv7Gzc3VTO6ggFlXY0sOyw Follow Harvard everywhere:TikTok: tiktok.com/@harvard Instagram: instagram.com/harvard LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/harvard-university Facebook: facebook.com/HarvardWebsite: https://www.harvard.edu/ #Cambridge #springtime
Celebrating the Class of 2024 Harvard University 2024-05-24 | The Harvard community gathered to honor the Class of 2024.
Maria Ressa delivers the Commencement Address | Harvard Commencement 2024 Harvard University 2024-05-23 | On May 23, 2024, Maria Ressa, a recipient of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, addressed the graduating Class of 2024.
Harvard Commencement 2024 Harvard University 2024-05-23 | Tune in to Harvard Commencement for the Class of 2024 on Thursday, May 23, 2024, featuring an address by Maria Ressa.
Harvard Class Day 2024 Harvard University 2024-05-22 | Class Day celebrates the graduating Harvard College Class of 2024.
Harvard ROTC Commissioning Ceremony 2024 Harvard University 2024-05-22 | Watch the livestream of graduating Harvard cadets and midshipmen being commissioned into the United States Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force.
Harvard Class of 2024: Ananda Birungi Harvard University 2024-05-15 | Senior Ananda Birungi had an unconventional introduction to Harvard College, beginning over Zoom and then transitioning to campus. The communities that she found here shaped her college experience and taught her valuable lessons.
Harvard Class of 2024: Saif Kamal Harvard University 2024-05-14 | Saif Kamal shares his inspiring journey from adversity to triumph. After surviving open-heart surgery, a stroke, and collapsed lungs, he found strength at Harvard's Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology program. Learn more about how he now embraces life with hope and possibility.
Harvard Class of 2024: Ivan Specht Harvard University 2024-05-08 | Passionate about both science and music, Harvard College student Ivan Specht wasn't sure what topic he wanted to focus on when he first arrived on campus. The Covid-19 pandemic changed the course of his studies and led him to the lab of Prof. Pardis Sabeti at the Broad Institute. Learn more about his research and plans for the future.
How far has COVID set back students? Harvard University 2024-05-08 | American schools have not recovered from the pandemic. On average, schools have lost half a grade level in math and a little less than that in reading. Some students have rebounded, but others are in even worse shape than they were before — and that’s when you can get them in the classroom in the first place. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with economist Thomas Kane, education policy and program expert Heather Hill, and New York State Master Teacher Stephanie Conklin about how to regain pandemic learning losses.
Harvard Class of 2024: Julia Tellides Harvard University 2024-05-06 | In 2022, Harvard College student Julia Tellides traveled to Greece with the school's study abroad program. Now a graduating senior, she reflects on how the trip changed the course of her studies.
Harvard Class of 2024: David Velasquez Harvard University 2024-04-29 | In 2023, David Velasquez graduated from Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School. This year, he will graduate from Harvard Medical School. Learn more about his journey.
Forgiving what you can’t forget Harvard University 2024-04-24 | We’ve all held a grudge. As humans, we’ve all been hurt — and have hurt others. Forgiveness can be a way to release those negative emotions. What’s more, recent research shows forgiveness is linked to better health outcomes. So why is it so difficult? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with Christian theologian Matt Potts, public health expert Tyler VanderWeele, and psychologist Laura Thompson to discuss forgiving when you can’t forget.
Unlocking Intelligence: The Kempner Institute Harvard University 2024-04-18 | The Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence at Harvard University aims to cultivate a diverse community of scholars who work across disciplinary boundaries and are equipped to tackle some of the most compelling mysteries of our time. Coming together to learn, collaborate, and discover, Kempner Institute scientists seek to fundamentally and radically advance our understanding of natural and artificial intelligence.To learn more about the Kempner Institute, visit www.kempnerinstitute.harvard.edu
The promise and peril of AI Harvard University 2024-04-10 | The capabilities of artificial intelligence have fallen short of human imagination. They’re now catching up, advancing at an alarming rate. It raises the question: How do we develop these technologies ethically? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas discusses AI with legal expert Sheila Jasanoff, computer scientist Martin Wattenberg, and statistician Susan Murphy.
Harvard Medical student Kelsey Biddle on living with narcolepsy Harvard University 2024-04-01 | Kelsey Biddle HMS'25 shares her journey from her diagnosis with Type 1 narcolepsy to her time at Harvard Medical School.
What dying people actually need Harvard University 2024-03-27 | Nothing is certain except death and taxes. Yet the inevitability of death doesn’t prevent the discomfort and uncertainty felt by those facing the end of their lives. Many experience long deaths in hospitals, while others wrestle with whether to undergo invasive life-extending treatments. How do we confront death — as patients, counselors, and healthcare professionals — in a way that honors the fullness of life? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas joins Buddhist chaplain Chris Berlin, bioethicist Mildred Solomon, and radiation oncologist Tracy Balboni to talk about end-of-life care.
Maria Ressa named 2024 Harvard Commencement speaker Harvard University 2024-03-19 | Maria Ressa, a leading journalist in the fight for freedom of the press and champion for democracy will be the principal speaker at Harvard’s 373rd Commencement on May 23rd.
Climate alignment is no easy task Harvard University 2024-03-13 | The planet is only getting hotter. Significant resources need to be devoted to both climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, requiring cooperation at all levels of governance. But what do we do when the need for long-term cooperation is overshadowed by short-term interests? Host Samantha Laine Perfas is joined by environmental economist Robert Stavins, historian Emmanuel Akyeampong, and global health expert Caroline Buckee to talk about the challenges in addressing climate change.
Musicologist examines Taylor Swifts lyrics Harvard University 2024-03-05 | Sharri Hall, a Historical Musicology PhD candidate at Harvard and tried-and-true Swiftie, analyzes Taylor Swift's song "The Man."
Our democracy problem Harvard University 2024-02-28 | In recent years, American democracy has withstood the damage of bitter polarization and a growing distrust of institutions, but there are some who worry the worst is yet to come. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with political theorist Danielle Allen, best-selling author Steven Levitsky, and constitutional law Professor Stephen Sachs about what it will take to re-energize and protect our system of government.
A look inside the Harvard Herbaria Harvard University 2024-02-26 | Founded in 1842, the Harvard Herbaria is dedicated to enriching and expanding knowledge about plants and fungi. Through the preservation of specimens, cutting edge genomic research, and the digitization of the collection, scholars can track changes in biodiversity across locations and centuries. Charles Davis, Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Curator of Vascular Plants at the Herbaria, explains the value of this unique collection.Read more in the Harvard Gazette: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2024/02/herbarias-use-and-importance-grows-with-climate-change/
An inside look at Harvards Taylor Swift and Her World class Harvard University 2024-02-22 | "English 183ts: Taylor Swift and Her World" examines the music star as a lyricist and songwriter while also taking a look at her influences and precursors. The course also explores related works about song and performance by poets and novelists. Prof. Stephanie Burt, teaching fellow Sharri K. Hall, and student Cormac Savage discuss the class and what makes Taylor Swift such a compelling artist.Photo credits for thumbnail image: Octavio Jones/TAS23/Getty Images for for TAS Rights ManagementTerence Rushin/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights ManagementKevin Winter/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Lonely? You’re not alone. Harvard University 2024-02-14 | Occasional loneliness is normal, but what’s happening in the U.S. right now is not. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas welcomes public health expert Jeremy Nobel and education researcher Milena Batanova for a conversation exploring how loneliness became a crisis and how we might reconnect.
Erin Hecht on dog behavior and evolution Harvard University 2024-02-12 | How have dogs have been affected by their close relationship with humans, and how that has shaped their personalities? Dr. Erin Hecht, who leads The Canine Brains Project at Harvard, discusses how the evolution of canine brains has affected their personalities. Learn more about the research in the Harvard Gazette: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/11/what-shapes-your-dogs-personality/
Harvards Kimmie Ng discusses the rise in colorectal rates among younger people Harvard University 2024-02-07 | Kimmie Ng, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the founding director of Dana-Farber’s Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center, discusses a new report that detects higher rates of colorectal cancer among younger people.Music credit:"Mr Ice Guy" by Martin Tillman & Tom VedvikCourtesy of Extreme Music
Welcome to Harvards Science Center Harvard University 2024-02-06 | Did you know that most Harvard undergraduate students will take at least one class at the Science Center? Harvard tour guide Perrin offers an introduction to the building and plaza.
How much drinking is too much? Harvard University 2024-01-31 | Is drinking any amount of alcohol bad for you? Studies are mixed, leaving people confused about the type of relationship they should have with alcohol. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks drinking with economist and physician Bapu Jena, bestselling author Emily Oster, and neuroscientist Marisa Silveri.
Introducing “Harvard Thinking” Harvard University 2024-01-24 | Join us in welcoming “Harvard Thinking,” a new podcast where the life of the mind meets everyday life.
Meet Harvard: Cory Gillis Harvard University 2023-12-18 | Meet Cory Gillis, the Coordinator of Affiliate Services for the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs and a lifelong cyclist. In additional to his usual work, Gillis helps out colleagues, fellows, and grad students by repairing bikes in his office.Music credit: "Music For A Movie - Instrumental"by Phillip TorresCourtesy of Extreme Music
Harvard Square: A Love Story Harvard University 2023-11-29 | In her latest book, "Harvard Square: A Love Story," Catherine J. Turco, an economic sociologist and professor at MIT, has a loving relationship with Harvard Square. After growing up in Cambridge, and receiving a BA in economics, MBA, and PhD from Harvard University, she moved away from the area. Upon her return, she noticed the square had changed. In this video, Turco walks us through Harvard Square, and explains why we look to our markets for stability and security, even as they inevitably evolve.
Meet Vicky and Bess, the Harvard rhinos Harvard University 2023-11-28 | Did you know that a pair of life-size rhinos stand outside the doors to Harvard's BioLabs building? Harvard tour guide Gage explains the history of the sculptures. Music credit:"Introduction and Royal March of the Lion"by Camille Saint-SaensCourtesy of Extreme Music
Harvard student rows across the Charles River in a pumpkin Harvard University 2023-11-07 | Harvard senior Benjamin Chang rowed a hollowed-out pumpkin over the Charles River as part of a fundraiser for Harvard OpenBio, a burgeoning student-run laboratory aimed at democratizing biology. #Harvard #shorts Lost Horizon by Velvet Ears, courtesy of Extreme Music
Harvard professors explain the history of the Electoral College Harvard University 2023-11-07 | Professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt discuss the history of the United States' electoral college and why it's unique among democracies.#shorts #ElectionDay #ElectoralCollege Music courtesy of Extreme Music"Dream Punk" by Velvet Ears
Annenberg Hall: The Hogwarts of Harvard Harvard University 2023-10-26 | Welcome to Hogwarts, AKA Annenberg, Harvard's first year dining hall! Music credit: “Mystic Tryst” by James Michael DooleyCourtesy of Extreme Music
A Message from President Claudine Gay Harvard University 2023-10-13 | President Claudine Gay shares a message as the war in Israel and Gaza continues.
