Sometimes what matters isn’t where you go or how you get there, but who’s by your side. For Dr. Alvin D. Harvey, a postdoctoral fellow at MIT’s Space Enabled Research Group, that journey has taken him from a rural childhood to the forefront of Indigenous-led space research.

Growing up in a multi-generational household on the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning, Mont., Ispitaki Chelle Brown set her heart on a career in health care. She was inspired by her great-grandmother, who was a nurse, and her great-grandfather, who passed along her legacy. “I was born to serve my people,” Brown says. “Serving others in my community keeps me tied to my culture.” 

Angélica Noel Lozano-Romines became an aunt at the age of seven. As the youngest of five, Lozano-Romines often took care of her nieces and nephews. That experience solidified what she had always known: that she wanted to support children and their development.

Lozano-Romines grew up in a predominantly BIPOC community in Ardmore, Okla., then moved to a smaller rural area for high school, where only a few students looked like her. This experience gradually led her to assimilate, which resulted in experimenting with blue-colored contacts during her early college years. 

Tackling a double major in computer science and mathematics didn’t faze Fraser McLeod. On the contrary, he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan (USASK) last year with a double honors degree and was recognized as the most distinguished computer science graduate. In his first year at USASK, McLeod was set on a business concentration until he took an introductory computer science course. “It spurred me to completely change my degree,” he says. “Eventually, I was enjoying my math classes so much that I decided to double-major.”

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more mainstream every day. From customer service bots to writing aids, the average consumer is able to access and utilize a wide variety of applications. The power of AI is also impacting today’s workplace. The technology is expected to increase efficiency, reduce costs, limit human error, and help with decision-making. Currently, AI on the job is primarily used to help with automation, data collection, and improving the employee experience.
 
Automation

A lot of emphasis is placed on college applicants’ academic records leading up to the college application process. But while grades and extracurriculars are important, they do not tell your whole story. Colleges also are interested in learning who you are, what values you hold, and how you might enhance their community. There are opportunities throughout the application to reveal skills and aspects of your personality not captured by lists and stats. Here are five skills to consider highlighting on your college application — and how to do it.
 
Commitment

If you question whether your work is right for you, it’s likely an indication that something is off or you’re not fulfilled. You’re not alone. Less than 4 percent of professionals globally — 13 percent in United States — report that their work fits their interests and needs. While facing a major change can seem daunting, it’s important to pay attention to the signals your mind and body are sending. Consider what the ideal work situation would be for you — both short- and long-term — and choose a life that allows you to thrive. Here are some tips when considering a career change.

Have you ever experienced a churning stomach before giving a presentation, or gotten goosebumps upon hearing a beautiful singing voice? These physiological reactions are caused when the brain releases a chemical — cortisol in times of stress or oxytocin in times of pleasure — in response to whatever emotional event you’re experiencing. The response also demonstrates how closely our mental and physical health are linked. One can have a direct impact on the other, which can affect your overall health and wellbeing. It's known as the mind-body connection.
 

Solid presentation skills are important in today's workplace. Not only do they demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, but they also enhance confidence and engagement with the audience. Mastering the art of presenting can lead to improved professional relationships, increased influence, and even career advancement. Whether you’re new to your field or a seasoned professional, it’s always smart to sharpen your presentation skills. Here are a few key elements of a successful presentation to keep in mind:

With roughly 6,000 colleges in the United States, choosing the right one can seem like an overwhelming task. Factors such as programs, academic rigor, size, location, and available resources need to be considered by a prospective student and their family. While visiting college websites is important, there’s nothing like a campus visit to help get a good feel for a school and what it’s like to be a student there. Here are some tips for a productive campus visit.