Conversations
Fifteen Questions: Alison Frank Johnson on the Power of Stories, Lacrosse, and Why She Speaks Up
The Germanic Languages and Literature department chair sat down with Fifteen Minutes to talk about how history enables reasoned debate, her research on post-war Germany, and her most recent reads.
Fifteen Questions: Leslie Fernandez on Techno-Orientalism, AI Ethics, and an Ethnic Studies Concentration
The Program Director for the Committee on Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights sat down with Fifteen Minutes to discuss their favorite sci-fi novels, multiculturalism, and Blade Runner.
In the Eye of the Storm
“Getting ready to respond to an emergency, building capacity to respond to an emergency, and educating leaders so that they can better respond to emergencies” are the goals that guide Michael J. VanRooyen’s life.
Former Secretary of Homeland Security Slams Sanctuary Cities as ‘Irresponsible’ at IOP
Former Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas condemned sanctuary cities as “irresponsible” in a Wednesday Institute of Politics forum, criticizing Democratic mayors and governors who refuse to cooperate with immigration authorities.
Time-Capped Faculty, In Their Own Words
We talked to 16 time-capped FAS faculty members past and present — in their offices, favorite cafes, and over call — to understand the living realities and reflections of faculty members on the clock.
The Blond Boy in the Big Blue Bus
Aidan’s lived in his repurposed school bus for the past five years and three months, traversing the U.S. in pursuit of the “Great American Novel.”
Fifteen Questions: Christina Maranci on Medieval Armenian Churches, Crumbling Grandeur, and the Best Kardashian
The Armenian Studies professor sat down with Fifteen Minutes to discuss Armenian art history, architectural palimpsests, and the necessity of coffee in the ghost city of Ani.
Fifteen Questions: Daniel L. Smail on Deep History, Lateral Learning, and Bike Lanes
The Professor of History sat down with Fifteen Minutes to discuss 19th century forgeries, his new book, and why he considers himself a "non-traditional historian."
Most Harvard Students Do Not Feel Comfortable Sharing Controversial Opinions in Class, Survey Finds
Only one third of Harvard’s last graduating class felt comfortable expressing opinions about controversial topics during their time at the College, per the University’s 2024 senior survey, a 13 percent decrease from the Class of 2023.
Fifteen Questions: David Sinclair on Age Reversal, Exercise, and Immortal Yeast Cells
The Professor of Genetics sat down with Fifteen Minutes to discuss anti-aging research, the wellness industry, and his grandmother.
Fifteen Questions: Anna Wilson on Fanfiction, Medieval Literature, and Interdisciplinarity
The Assistant Professor of English sat down with Fifteen Minutes to discuss "The Book of Margery Kempe," coffee shops AUs, and the gender politics of fanfiction.
Fifteen Questions: Reginald Dwayne Betts on Vulnerability, Collective Memory, and Freedom Reads
The visiting professor of English sat down with Fifteen Minutes to discuss poetry, prison literature, and collective memory.
For Sara Jane Ho, Etiquette is Everywhere
An etiquette expert, Ho is best known as the host of the Netflix series “Mind Your Manners” and for founding Institute Sarita, China’s first finishing school.
Are We Doing Friendship Wrong?
Alex Chueh wants to turn to anyone anywhere and strike up a conversation. Which is exactly what he’s done — over 1,000 times since 2022.
Fifteen Questions: Theda Skocpol on The Election, The Ivory Tower, and The New England Patriots
The sociologist sat down with FM to discuss U.S. authoritarianism, campus protest, and her favorite football team.
For Alejandra Caraballo, the Next 4 Years Are About Survival
Caraballo anticipates dark days ahead for the trans community. “We are going to lose a lot of people,” she says. “I don’t want to sugarcoat it, these next four years are going to be about survival.”
Alejandra Caraballo portrait
Caraballo’s visible role in the trans community has added another layer to her experience of the election. On social media, she is outspoken about anti-LGBTQ policy, using her 100K followers on Bluesky and 34K followers on Threads to raise awareness around anti-LGBTQ legislation and rhetoric.
Meet Nina Howe-Goldstein, the Real Hater of Cambridge, Mass.
When Howe-Goldstein transferred to Harvard, she expected to find a rigid academic environment. Then she heard about the $30,000 HUFPI scandal. “I thought to myself, ‘Wait, this place is a complete freak show, but I’m gonna have so much fun here,’” she says.