Harvard in News on 1/13/2025

 

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Given One-Night Chance To Fulfill A Lifelong Dream

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson will make her Broadway debut on Saturday, performing in the musical comedy & Juliet and participating in a post-show Q&A. A former theater student at Harvard, Jackson described in her memoir Lovely One how she dreamed of becoming both a Supreme Court justice and a Broadway performer. This one-night-only appearance fulfills a lifelong ambition for Jackson, who studied drama alongside law at Harvard, where she once acted opposite Matt Damon. Her role in & Juliet, which reimagines Juliet’s story, remains undisclosed.

 

Who is Jamie Dimon’s Wife? Judith Kent’s Job & Relationship History

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co., is married to Judith Kent, a business executive and philanthropist. Kent, originally from Bethesda, Maryland, has a background in organizational psychology and business, having studied at Tulane University, Catholic University, and Harvard Business School. She worked at American Express before becoming involved in philanthropy, supporting various causes, including education and healthcare. Dimon and Kent met at Harvard Business School and married in 1983. Despite initial tensions over religion, they crafted their own vows and had a brief ceremony. The couple has three daughters.

 

Voice of a Generation? Dylan’s Is Much More Than That. - Classics professor who wrote ‘Why Bob Dylan Matters’ on the challenge of capturing a master of creative evasion

James Mangold's film A Complete Unknown explores Bob Dylan’s transformative years from 1961 to 1965, featuring Timothée Chalamet as Dylan. Classics professor Richard F. Thomas discusses Dylan’s dynamic artistry, emphasizing his ever-evolving performances that defy categorization. He praises Dylan's lyrics as enduring poetry, akin to classical literature, and reflects on the challenge of portraying such a multifaceted figure on screen. While Mangold’s direct approach contrasts with Todd Haynes’ experimental I’m Not There, Thomas acknowledges the film’s aim to celebrate Dylan’s genius for a broader audience, transcending biographical accuracy.

 

Trump’s tariffs may hit China’s export sector ‘badly,’ Harvard professor says

Anthony Saich, Daewoo professor of international affairs at Harvard Kennedy School, discusses the potential impact of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s trade policy on China’s economy.

 

MIT, Harvard experts disagree on the next steps for Cambridge’s multifamily zoning ordinance

A panel of urban planning experts from Harvard and MIT debated Cambridge's multifamily zoning proposal, which aims to increase housing supply by allowing four- to six-story buildings in areas currently zoned for single- or two-family homes. While all agreed zoning reform is necessary, they diverged on timing and implementation. Harvard's Maurice Cox urged immediate action to address the housing crisis, while MIT's Chris Zegras advocated caution to avoid irreversible mistakes. Concerns included design standards, affordability, and reduced special permit oversight. The proposal faces a mid-February City Council vote amid divided community opinions.

 

Tell me about yourself: Harvard Business Review suggests how to answer this common job interview question

The Harvard Business Review suggests approaching the common interview question "Tell me about yourself" by positioning yourself as the best fit for the role. Instead of reiterating your resume or discussing personal details, focus on addressing the organization's needs.

1. Go Beyond Your Bio: Treat the interview like an audition. Visualize yourself in the role, aligning with the team's goals and showcasing your value.
2. Identify the Need: Study the job description to understand key requirements and the company's culture. Highlight qualities they are explicitly seeking.
3. Fill the Need: Begin your response with phrases like “I’m someone who…” and share examples from your professional experience that demonstrate how you meet their needs.

This tailored approach not only answers the question but also shows why you’re essential for the organization.

 

Here's how much top university presidents make in Massachusetts

Harvard (Alan M. Garber): Current salary unreported; the former president earned $1.33M in base pay and $423K in additional compensation. This is slightly less than MIT (Sally Kornbluth), whose predecessor earned $1.33M in base pay and $518K in additional compensation, though her current salary is also undisclosed.

 

Brain damage linked to religious fundamentalism, Harvard study finds

A study published in PNAS links brain damage to increased religious fundamentalism, analyzing lesions in Vietnam War veterans and rural Iowans with brain injuries affecting reasoning, belief formation, and moral decision-making areas. The findings reveal overlapping brain regions tied to fundamentalism, confabulation (false belief creation), and criminal behavior, highlighting shared neuroanatomy. Religious fundamentalism, characterized by rigid adherence to doctrine, has been associated with traits like authoritarianism and resistance to doubt. While often studied through social factors, this research underscores the potential role of brain networks in shaping fundamentalist thinking.

 

Improve your heart health up to 50% with superfood snack Harvard experts say 'works'

Regularly eating nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or peanuts, can significantly improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death. Studies from Harvard and other researchers link nut consumption to a 30-50% lower risk of cardiovascular conditions, improved cholesterol levels, and reduced inflammation. Nuts are rich in healthy fats, omega-3s, fiber, and essential nutrients, but moderation is key to avoid weight gain. Incorporating nuts into a balanced diet, alongside a healthy lifestyle, maximizes benefits while reducing risks associated with processed foods or unhealthy habits.