Ideas

Marisa J. Fuentes, Friends of the Institute for Advanced Study Member in the School of Historical Studies (2024–25), describes how conversations at IAS with scholars from varied disciplinary backgrounds have shown her that the heart of research lies in shared deep thinking and collaborative discussion.

Peniel Joseph, Friends of the Institute for Advanced Study Member in the School of Social Science (2025–26), discusses revisiting James Baldwin through an interdisciplinary lens—as a historian, sociologist, and artist shaped by Beauford Delaney and jazz-like prose. 

Matt Kleban, Member in the School of Natural Sciences (2003–06, 2012–13), recalls how a brief conversation at an AMIAS gathering—with Professor Emeritus in the School, Edward Witten—opened a new line of thinking in his research on string theory. AMIAS, the Association of Members of the Institute for Advanced Study, connects all accepted, current, and former IAS scholars and keeps those chance encounters alive even after a scholar's time at IAS ends.

Anne-Renée Rice-Soumeillant, Assistant Sous Chef at the Institute for Advanced Study, explains how cooking at IAS differs from restaurant routine: menus shift daily with what’s seasonal, colorful, and on hand. She also recalls a standout dish—a beet and mushroom Wellington—that let the vegetarian station shine.

Vera Gluscevic, IBM Einstein Fellow in the Institute for Advanced Study’s School of Natural Sciences (2025–26), explains that every galaxy sits in a vast halo of dark matter—often far more massive than what we can see. She describes how dark matter’s early-universe clumps became the seeds of cosmic structure, forming the galaxies we know today.

Mitch Swirsky, Master Electrician at the Institute for Advanced Study, shares what it means to be an electrician on campus. From the iconic Fuld Hall clock tower to Marquand House, he reflects on maintaining what was built to last—and dedicating his trade to IAS.

Nataly Shahaf, Member in the School of Historical Studies (2024–26), explains the historical practice of ghost photography and reflects on the Institute for Advanced Study’s Halloween celebration inspired by Albert Einstein’s performances for trick-or-treating children.

Barbara Paca, Visitor in the School of Historical Studies (1996–97), reflects on the early Members who shaped the Institute Woods’ paths and found sanctuary there. She also discusses her work with AMIAS, the Association of Members of the Institute for Advanced Study, which works to sustain the Institute's mission of supporting discovery. 

Govind Menon, Erik Ellentuck Fellow in the Institute for Advanced Study's School of Mathematics (2025–26), introduces the Mathematical Folklore Project, an initiative to reconnect with centuries of mathematical culture. He reflects on the exhilaration of contact with the past—and the discipline of letting ideas shine through.

Ken Ono, Member in the School of Mathematics (1995–97), reflects on how his father came to the U.S. from Japan after World War II at the invitation of André Weil, Professor in the School (1996–2001), and returned to IAS several times as a Member. Ono recalls the poetry of coming back to a scholarly community that feels like an extended family.