From gingerbread-based architectural challenges to skits filled with light-hearted lampoons, the holiday traditions of MIT’s departments, labs, and centers bring people together for some fun and relaxation. Seasons greetings, and best wishes for a restorative winter break!

“Being at MIT has got me interested in technology both as a subject matter and a form,” says playwright Ken Urban, who collaborated with director Jay Scheib on “The Conquered,” a suspenseful new work inspired by advances in neurotechnology.

Luqiao Liu seeks to use a quantum property known as electron spin as the basis for low-power, high-performance computer memory devices. But his path to spin electronics began with refrigerator magnets: As a young child, he wondered why they adhered.

Philosophy PhD student Eliza Wells wrestles with ethical questions that have implications well beyond her field, studying morality and facilitating discussions about ethics and technology. “I believe that philosophy can change lives,” she says.

This semester, students in 2.002 (Mechanics and Materials II) held a competition to design nanoscale materials. “As an undergrad taking 2.002, I was able to do very graduate-level research and use very high-level facilities,” Peter Williams says.

With a major in management and a minor in German, senior Valeria Robayo is putting her own twist on the pre-med experience. She says she wants to pursue a medical career “where I’m serving people both inside and outside of the clinic.”