Dear Physics Community,
Many things were pushed from the week before last to last week, which I am hearing was miserable. Also, many, including me, spent a good deal of time distracted, anxious, and out of sorts, for the reasons we all know. I am surprised to find myself mildly optimistic. The vaccines present good news, but I am also cheered to offer a little more in-person instruction in the Spring than this Fall, a small step towards getting everyone back to MIT.
This takes place against the backdrop of a huge increase in the number of COVID-19 cases — Massachusetts was running 2,000 new cases a day compared with 200 a few weeks ago. The wastewater monitors at Deer Island show we a nearing a peak…maybe. MIT and the local community seem to be managing well — the hospitalization rate much lower than Spring, and most are complying with the COVID-19 rules on campus. Our students will have the next week off, while faculty and staff will work until Wednesday. We have less than a week to go before Thanksgiving day.
I am grateful for all these things and how everyone in the Department has worked hard under these hard circumstances. Thank you.
Peter
Above the Fold
- Science article on Political Secratianism in America
- Kenneth G. Wilson Award for Phiala
Announcements
- Nominate for Infinite Expansion Award for Post Docs
- Nominate a colleague for MLK Visiting Professor
- Assistant Professor Position at University of Tennesee
- Job posting: NSA Research Director
Physics
- Anna Frebel on Chalk Radio
- End of Aricebo