Campus Profile
8.01 Professor ‘Eddie’ Farhi shares insights into life and freshman physics
By Brian LouxNEWS EDITOR
The Tech had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with MIT physics Professor Edward H. Farhi the day before fall classes began. This semester marks the third year that Farhi has taught the notorious freshman class -- 8.01, Physics I.
The Tech: Do you have any nicknames?
Professor Farhi: Everyone calls me Eddie. It just started as a kid. My mom called me Eddie and it became my name.
TT: Where did you grow up?
Farhi: I grew up in the Bronx. I attended the Bronx High School of Science. I already became interested in physics when I was in high school. A lot of my friends went to MIT.
TT: But you didn’t?
Farhi: No, I went to Brandeis University in Waltham, MA. It’s about 10 minutes away from Boston.
TT: So after being there and here for a while, do you feel like you are a resident of Boston or not?
Farhi: I still feel that my roots are from New York. I wish that MIT was in Manhattan. That would be perfect.
TT: What other courses do you teach?
Farhi: I’ve taught every single possible quantum mechanics and relativity class at MIT. Those are my real interests.
TT: So how did you become the teacher for freshmen physics?
Farhi: They basically said, “say yes now or say yes later.” (Laughs.) It’s a different adventure.
TT: Were you initially interested in teaching?
Farhi: No, more in research actually. I would say that I dreamt more of being a research scientist than a teacher when I was growing up. But I like teaching.
TT: How do you stay on track when you are giving a lecture that is one hour or longer?
Farhi: Hmm ... I don’t really think about it too much. I basically just follow my instincts. I don’t plan every word I say. So each class is different, and I hope to improve some things in the second class of the day.
TT: Do kids that sleep during the lectures tick you off?
Farhi: I’ve gotten used to it. Well, over it, I’ll say.
TT: Do the kids that sit up front and correct you tick you off?
Farhi: That I don’t mind. Students who are engaging I like. But what I don’t like is when I say I’m covering something deep like the origin of the universe and “it won’t be on the test” and people leave.
TT: How well did you do on your first college physics exam?
Farhi: I did very well on it. I was a good college physics student.
TT: Do you guys really do the exams to be sure you can do them?
Farhi: Yes, we do. We don’t sit in a quiet room and do them, but it is definitely checked over by the staff.
TT: Has the line “I’m an MIT Professor” ever given you unusual special privileges?
Farhi: I would say it brings you acceptance in any social circle.
TT: Who is your role model in the realm of physics?
Farhi: Lots of physicists I respect. As scientists in terms of achievement. The living physicists I respect the most are Murray Gellman, Steven Weinberg, and Gerard ’t Hooft. It’s not important that they have Nobels, it’s important what they accomplished.
TT: What is the most interesting thing that people at MIT do not know about you?
Farhi: (thinks for a minute) I was rejected from the astronauts. I applied to NASA and they didn’t accept me.
TT: Do you like physics jokes?
Farhi: Yeah. I like any jokes as long as they’re funny.
TT: What kind of car do you own?
Farhi: A 1989 Toyota Camry.
TT: Pretty dependable, eh?
Farhi: Very much so.
TT: Using the laws of Physics, explain why the Boston Red Sox will win or lose the World Series.
Farhi: Hmm ... who are the Red Sox?
TT: All right, last question. What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Farhi: Anything from Tosci’s.
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