Carson Reynolds | In Memory | (1976-2013)

On July 4, 2013 the Media Lab lost a long-time member of our community with the passing of Carson Reynolds. Carson worked with Rosalind Picard in the Affective Computing group, earning his SM in 2001, and then his PhD in 2005.

As a PhD candidate, Carson’s research focused on detecting and alleviating frustrating computer interactions. This built on his earlier work that drew on both electronics and biology to better understand how people could comfortably express emotions using computer sensors and interfaces. In addition to his MIT degrees, he held a BS in technical communications with a minor in philosophy from the University of Washington in Seattle.

We remember Carson as a super-bright and passionate member of our community. Originally from Colorado, Carson relocated to Japan, where he was an assistant professor and lecturer at the University of Tokyo’s Department of Creative Informatics in the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology. He worked hard to learn Japanese and adapt to his new culture, marrying Yoshiko and honoring ancient Japanese traditions.

The Media Lab has established a fund in memory of Carson Reynolds. This fund will be used to support Lab activities focused on better understanding work-related stress and to find new and creative ways to alleviate the pressures that can often become unbearable.

Those who would like to contribute to this fund may donate online or by mail. If you have any questions regarding a donation, you may contact Bonny Kellermann at bonnyk@mit.edu or 617-253-9722.

How to donate

Donations by mail:

Checks may be made payable to MIT and mailed to Bonny Kellermann, Director of Memorial Gifts, 600 Memorial Drive, W98-500, Cambridge, MA 02139. Please write in the intent of the check as "In memory of Carson Reynolds."

Donations by Web:

Submit your donation online using your credit card. All gifts are tax deductible, and you will get a receipt. Follow these instructions to make a donation:

Go to Give to MIT Media Lab Fund.

Confirm that the Media Lab Discretionary Fund number 2736595 appears on the screen and that the gift is noted as being in memory of Carson Reynolds. The Carson Reynolds Memorial Fund is administered through this fund.

Complete the donation form with the amount of your gift. Follow the instructions to enter payment information.

NOTE: Although your gift will be confirmed as a gift to the Media Lab Discretionary Fund, it will be credited to the Carson Reynolds Memorial Fund.