Hi. My name is Christine Pilcavage. HAJIMEMASHITE!

I look forward to showcasing where I live—Cambridge, Massachusetts in the USA during the next few months. I work at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) managing the MIT Japan Program. My program is part of the MIT International Science and Technology Initiative. Since I work at MIT (and MIT is one of the top places to visit in Greater Boston!), please allow me to tell you little about MIT.

MIT was founded in 1861 and was originally located in the City of Boston. MIT moved to the City of Cambridge, across the Charles River 100 years ago. We had a very big celebration this year to commemorate this anniversary with a parade, symposia, dance parties, and more! MIT is conveniently located near the Kendall/MIT subway stop, but I usually walk and take the bus to work. MIT is known for its science, technology and engineering programs and research. Even former president Bill Clinton mentioned MIT has “the best technology-transfer program in the county.” The students of MIT have created many start-up companies and MIT produces more patent applications than nearly any other university in the world (1).

MIT also has a very beautiful campus where you can enjoy a public art collection that includes works by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, and Pablo Picasso. We also have buildings designed by famous architects. My favorite is the MIT Chapel created by Eero Saarinen, and is also where I was married!

Jya-ne—until next time!

(1) Boston Magazine, November 2012: http://www.bostonmagazine.com/2012/10/mit-important-university-world-harvard/