Artificial Intimacy: Who Do We Become When We Talk to Machines?
MIT Alumni Association
MIT Alumni Association
MIT Alumni Association
Wednesday, April 30, 3:00pm - 4:00pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
Members of the Cardinal & Gray Society, Emma Rogers Society, and School of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences (SHASS) alumni are invited to hear from Sherry Turkle, the Abby Rockefeller Mauzé Professor of the Social Studies of Science and Technology in the Program in Science. She will discuss her work at the intersection of psychology and AI and its effects on human connection.
Contact
Lizzie Army - earmy@mit.edu
Learn MoreMIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Thursday, May 1, 5:00pm - 8:00pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Joint School Alumni Spring Happy Hour
Come join us, the partnered alumni groups at San Francisco Bay Area, to celebrate the Spring time together!
Event Details
Let's reconnect and celebrate the spring together! The partnered groups of top U.S. University's alumni groups jointly host the happy hour for alumni to network and cheer for the beautiful weather of the Bay Area!
*Cash Bar: each participant pays for the drinks and food they order.*
Cost: No Charge to attend
Where
Blackbird Bar
2124 Market Street
San Francisco, California
Jointly-hosting schools (alphabetical order):
Berkeley Haas Silicon Valley Chapter
Chicago Booth: Bay Area Alumni Community
Columbia Club of Northern California
MIT Club of Northern California
Kellogg Alumni Club of San Francisco and Silicon Valley
Northwestern Club of San Francisco
NYU Alumni Club in the Bay Area
University of Chicago Alumni Club of the Bay Area
Wharton Club of Northern California
Learn More
MIT Alumni Association
Friday, May 2, 6:00pm - Sunday, May 4, 2:00pm (America/New_York)
MIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Saturday, May 3, 6:30am - Sunday, May 4, 9:30pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Yosemite Trip - Peak to Peak Challenge
Embark on an unforgettable weekend adventure, hiking the stunning waterfalls of Yosemite Valley! Immerse yourself in one of nature’s greatest masterpieces—Yosemite National Park—where towering waterfalls, ancient sequoias, and iconic cliffs like Half Dome and El Capitan await. In May, the park comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and lush greenery. It’s the perfect time to experience Yosemite in all its glory. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking beauty that surrounds you at every step!
We'll depart from the Bay Area early Saturday morning, May 3rd, for a scenic 4-hour drive to the park. Upon arrival, we'll hike the beautiful Vernal and Nevada Falls in the afternoon, then settle in for the night at Curry Village in cozy canvas tent cabins. On Sunday, May 4th, we'll tackle the Upper Yosemite Falls trail before heading back to the Bay Area in the evening.
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🚌 Transportation
Yosemite National Park is approximately 190 miles (about 4 hours) from the Bay Area. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. To help facilitate carpooling, we’ll connect interested participants through WhatsApp or email. We highly encourage coordinating rides to make the journey more fun and eco-friendly.
🪪 Yosemite Entrance Fee: $35 per private vehicle. 🔗 View Yosemite Fees & Passes
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🥾 Hikes Overview
Day 1: Vernal & Nevada Falls
💪 Difficulty: Hard
📏 Distance: 6.4 miles
📈 Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft
⏱️ Duration: ~4 hours
🌊 Highlights: Mist Trail, footbridge views, waterfalls up close
Day 2: Upper Yosemite Fall
💪 Difficulty: Hard
📏 Distance: 6.6 miles
📈 Elevation Gain: 3,254 ft
⏱️ Duration: ~5.5 hours
🏞️ Highlights: Panoramic valley views, top of Yosemite’s tallest waterfall
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🍽️ Food & Beverages
All participants are responsible for covering the cost of their own food and drinks during the trip. Refer to the Detailed Itinerary below for planned dining locations and menus along the way.
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🏕️ Accommodation
We’ve reserved 19 unheated canvas tent cabins at Curry Village, a scenic spot right in the heart of the Yosemite Valley — near the base of Half Dome. While the lodging offers a campground vibe, Curry Village also provides: Public shower houses, Restrooms, Several on-site dining options
📍 More details about Curry Village. 🖼️ Take a VR tour of the tent cabins
Tent Assignment Breakdown (price included in ticket): 10 tents (Double Occupancy, $120 per person), 6 tents (Triple Occupancy, $80 per person), 3 tents (Quad Occupancy, $65 per person)
During registration, please list the names of those you'd like to share a tent with. Solo travelers? No worries — we’ll help match you with others and handle the coordination.
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🗓️ Detailed Itinerary
Saturday, May 3, 2025
6:00–10:30 AM – Drive from Bay Area to Yosemite (191 mi, ~4 hrs). ☕ Grab breakfast en route.
11:00–12:00 PM – Lunch Packaged Sandwiches, or (if time permits) @ Taqueria at Meadow Grill 🌮
12:30–5:00 PM – Hike Vernal & Nevada Falls (6.4 mi, 2,200 ft gain) 🥾
5:30–7:00 PM – Dinner @ Stevens Tent 🍽️
7:30–8:00 PM – Check-in @ Curry Village Canvas Tents (unheated) ⛺
9:00 PM – Drinks @ 1899 Bar 🍻
Sunday, May 4, 2025
8:00–9:00 AM – Breakfast TBD + pack lunch 🥪
9:00–10:00 AM – Check out of Curry Village 🧳
10:00–4:00 PM – Hike Upper Yosemite Fall (6.6 mi, 3,254 ft gain) 🏞️
4:30–6:00 PM – Scenic stops (if time permits): El Capitan, Tunnel View 📸
6:00–10:30 PM – Drive back to Bay Area (~4 hrs). 🍔 Dinner on the road
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🎒 What to Bring
Here’s an initial checklist of must-haves to help you stay comfortable and prepared:
🔦 Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
🛏️ Sleeping bag (Linen and light blanket provided, but a sleeping bag is still essential)
🧥 Layers: Warm jacket, rain jacket (needed for mist trail even on a clear day)
💧 Refillable water bottle (1L minimum)
👟 Hiking gear: Shoes with ankle support, hiking poles, sunhat, sunglasses
🧳 Duffle bag for 2 days + a daypack for hikes
🩴 Shower shoes (for public facilities)
😴 Earplugs (Quiet hours: 10 PM – 6 AM)
🧺 Sealable plastic containers to store food, snacks, and scented toiletries in bear-proof lockers
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🎒 Other Notes
Fitness: Both hikes of this trip are classified as hard and require participants to be in good physical condition. Please reach out to us if you want to go on the trip, but may not be interested in / doubtful about completing the hikes.
Travelling with Children: A limited number of tickets are available for children (6-10 years) and infants/toddlers (under 6 years). The two planned hikes are hard and may not be suitable for the small children. We will share recommendations for other activities suitable for children - the Yosemite Valley has plenty to offer for people of all ages.
Safety: Please visit Yosemite Safety page to familiarize with various hiking safety, environmental hazards, and wild animals.
Cellphone: Cellular network is only available in very few spots in and around Yosemite National Park. Ensure to download google maps ahead of time to navigate inside the park.
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About Peak to Peak Challenge
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with the Peak to Peak Challenge! Calling all thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts to join us on a journey through the breathtaking Bay Area landscape. Gather your friends and immerse yourselves in the beauty of the great outdoors as you conquer five awe-inspiring peaks together. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a unique way to connect with friends, this challenge promises unforgettable vistas and shared triumphs. Revel in the camaraderie, challenge your limits, and create lasting memories as you scale the heights of nature's grandeur. Don't miss out on the opportunity to forge stronger bonds while exploring the stunning peaks of the Bay Area. Lace up your boots, embrace the adventure, and join us for the Peak to Peak Challenge!
Contact
Learn MoreMIT Alumni Association
Saturday, May 3, 11:45am - 9:00pm (America/New_York)
MIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Thursday, May 15, 5:00pm - 8:00pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Join us and other Sloanies in SF at the popular Spark Social SF for happy hour on Thursday, May 15 from 5-8pm PT!
We will cover light apps. Excited to see everyone in good weather conditions!
Contact
Learn MoreMIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Sunday, May 18, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Explore the World of Textured Art and bring home your masterpiece!
Are you curious about textured art? Unleash your creativity and join us for an inspiring workshop where you’ll create your own unique masterpiece!
Includes:
- A canvas to bring your vision to life
- High-quality texture paste for dynamic effects
- All necessary painting tools
- Refreshing drinks to keep you energized
- A selection of light snacks to enjoy
Don’t miss this opportunity to experiment with textures and express yourself artistically in a fun and supportive environment!
Registration:
- Fee: $30 per participant, Limit 8
About your Event Leader:
Janice Lam (MBA' 23)
I'm thrilled to be your host for this exciting themed party series. With a passion for creativity and a love for hosting seasonal events, I'm here to ensure we have fun while being creative. Join me to make each season a special celebration of our Sloan community!
About the Themed Parties:
Join us at our Seasonal Themed Party Series, where every season brings a new reason to connect, create, and celebrate! Immerse yourself in vibrant themes, hands-on DIY projects, and delicious seasonal treats that will inspire your creativity and warm your heart.
Let's make each season a special celebration of our Sloan community! Whether you're a crafty enthusiast or just love a good party, these gatherings are the perfect opportunity to reconnect with fellow Sloanies, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. Come together to design stunning decorations and share laughter-filled moments.
October 20 - Spooktacular Halloween Party with Pumpkin Carving
November 3 - Fall Party with Pumpkin Pie & Leafy Creations
December 8 - Christmas Party with Wreath Making
January 12 - Lunar New Year Party with Dumpling Making
February 9 - Love in Bloom: Valentine's Day Party with Flower Arrangement
May 18 - Spring into Textured Art
Learn MoreMIT Alumni Association
Tuesday, May 20, 1:00pm - 2:00pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
Join researchers from MIT’s K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Center as they share cutting-edge water and agriculture projects underway across the MENA region. Focused on creating solutions that can feed a growing society in the face of water stress, climate change, and energy limitations, the Yang GEAR Center has realized low-cost, renewable-powered technologies in drip irrigation and desalination that dramatically cut water and energy use while being cost effective for farmers. Now it’s time to bring them to market! Learn how the center’s pioneering approach is building resilience across the region—and how MIT alumni and friends can help drive lasting impact for low-resource communities across MENA.
Amos Winter
Germeshausen Professor of Mechanical Engineering; Director, K. Lisa Yang GEAR Center at MIT
Amos Winter leads MIT’s Yang GEAR Center, where he and his team engineer bold, high-performance, low-cost technologies that tackle critical challenges in water, agriculture, health, and energy in resource-limited settings. His work blends deep technical expertise with user-centered design and global partnerships to deliver real-world impact. Winter earned his PhD in MIT’s Mechanical Engineering Department before joining the faculty in 2012.
Mohamed Naouri
Hock E. Tan Postdoctoral Fellow, K. Lisa Yang GEAR Center at MIT
Mohamed Naouri designs smart, sustainable irrigation and desalination systems for smallholder farmers in North Africa and beyond. With a background in agricultural sciences and hands-on engineering and policy experience across Africa, Asia, and Canada, he brings a deep commitment to water access, farmer-led innovation, and scalable solutions tailored to local needs. Naouri holds dual PhDs from L'École Nationale Supérieure Agronomique d'Alger and Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II.
Fiona Grant
PhD candidate, Mechanical Engineering
Fiona Grant is a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering focused on designing solar-powered drip irrigation systems that meet the needs of farmers in resource-constrained and water-stressed environments. Before joining the Yang GEAR Center, she earned her SB and SM degrees in mechanical engineering at MIT. Grant has previously conducted research on small-scale desalination for villages in India, underwater vehicle propulsion, and the effects of dust deposition on solar plant production in the Atacama Desert. Her research interests include system optimization, controls, and human-centered design, and she is excited about bringing a multi-disciplinary engineering approach to address global climate challenges.
Contact
Learn MoreMIT Chinese Alumni Group
Wednesday, May 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
Contact
Learn MoreMIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Wednesday, May 21, 5:30pm - 8:00pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Trust is the currency of leadership - without it, teams flounder and visions stall. Join us for an interactive and intimate workshop with leadership development expert Jason McClain of Evolutionary Companies, designed to deepen your understanding of how trust is built, lost, and regained in leadership.
Drawing from his decades of experience coaching executives and entrepreneurs, Jason will lead participants through a dynamic and experiential session exploring the three pillars of evolved leadership
Through guided exercises and real-time reflections, you'll walk away with practical tools and personalized insights on how to strengthen your leadership presence and earn the trust of those you lead.
Who Should Attend:
Key Takeaways:
Contact
Learn MoreMIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Thursday, May 22, 5:30pm - 8:00pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
After the conversation with Dr Conti, you will have the opportunity to expand your professional network, connecting with fellow alumni from other leading business school associations (Bocconi, MIT Sloan, NYU Stern, IMD, ESADE).
An award-winning negotiation and influencing Professor & Lecturer at leading Business Schools throughout Europe (Cambridge, ESADE, HEC Lausanne, HEC Paris, IESE, IMD, Imperial College, INSEAD, London Business School, Oxford, RSM, SDA Bocconi, UBIS, University of Geneva and University of St Gallen) and a former Procurement leader known for making a tremendous difference to the bottom-line, Dr Conti is recognized for his pragmatic and interactive training workshops.
20+ years of Strategic Procurement experience, leading Global/Regional teams with Procter & Gamble, Novartis, Firmenich and Merck, Dr Conti led Advanced Negotiation training to leading corporations in four continents (10,000+ individuals from over 90 different countries attended Giuseppe’s workshops) , of which many are corporate leaders from multinational corporations.
AGENDA:
Registration 5.30 - 6:00 pm
Speech 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Q&A 6:30 - 6:45 pm
Networking 6:45 - 8.00pm
Reference: https://lu.ma/i5a822n2?locale=it
MIT Alumni Association
Thursday, May 29, 12:00am - Sunday, June 1, 12:00am (America/New_York)