After decades of cheering pedestrians during the long trek across the Harvard Bridge, the Smoot marks turn fifty tomorrow, and MIT students and alumni are gearing up to celebrate a tradition that spans generations with a shoreline cleanup, a concert by famed oldies group “The Platters,” and a 1950s-themed party.

MIT’s week-long period of Greek recruitment commences tomorrow as potential new members begin exploring MIT’s twenty-seven fraternities and six sororities to try for a fit.

This is the last interview in a five-part series introducing incoming students to some of MIT’s faculty, staff, and student leaders. Today, The Tech features an interview with Moungi G. Bawendi, a professor in the Department of Chemistry who teaches 5.112 (Principles of Chemical Science), among other courses. Bawendi discusses his background and research, and his experience advising students.