ESP Biography



EVAN EHRENBERG, MIT graduate student studying neuroscience




Major: Computation/BCS

College/Employer: MIT

Year of Graduation: G

Picture of Evan Ehrenberg

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I am an MIT Ph.D. student researching computational neuroscience, focusing on face detection and recognition performance in humans and computers.

At MIT's Spark and Splash events I teach fun courses on the Star Wars expanded universe based on materials from the novels and movies.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

X6945: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (Part 1) in Spark! 2013 (Mar. 16, 2013)
This is class 1 of a 3-part course on the history of the Star Wars galaxy. Class 1 of this series will cover history from 100,000 BBY to 5,000 BBY. This includes events prior to the creation of the Star Forge, discussing the Celestials and their technology, and will continue all the way up to the end of the Great Hyperspace War. We will also start the rise of Freedon Nadd. Class 1 also introduces some key information about the galaxy, the force, and technology that will be relevant for other classes. This is a three-part course focusing on character profiles, important events, weapons and technology, and vehicles and vessels with a focus on the use and development of the force by the Jedi Order, the Sith, and other lesser known factions throughout. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 3 years. Also they're awesome!


X6946: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (Part 2) in Spark! 2013 (Mar. 16, 2013)
This is class 2 of a 3-part course on the history of the Star Wars galaxy. Class 2 of this series will cover history from 5,000 BBY to 3,958 BBY. This includes Freedon Nadd’s rise to power, The Great Sith War, the Mandalorian Wars, and The Second Great Sith War. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 3 years. Also they're awesome!


X6947: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (Part 3) in Spark! 2013 (Mar. 16, 2013)
This is class 2 of a 3-part course on the history of the Star Wars galaxy. Class 3 of this series will cover history from 2,000 BBY to 11 BBY. This includes events such as the Battle of Ruusan, the Mandalorian Civil War, the Clone Wars, and the Clone Rebellion. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 3 years. Also they're awesome!


X6948: Lightsaber Dueling and Stage Combat in Spark! 2013 (Mar. 16, 2013)
This class will cover proper stance and grip when holding a lightsaber, basic spins, how to strike, and how to defend. We will also teach basic choreography and impromptu dueling techniques. Students will also be taught how to construct their own duel, which they will have time to practice. We will also be available to critique and assist in creating and learning your own choreography. This course is part of a larger Star Wars series, including the History of the Star Wars Galaxy (3 parts). These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. They’re super awesome!


X6297: History of Star Wars Part 1 in Splash! 2012 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2012)
This is class 1 of a 2-part course on the history of the Star Wars galaxy. Class 1 of this series will cover history from 100,000 BBY to 5,000 BBY. This includes events prior to the creation of the Star Forge, discussing the Celestials and their technology, and will continue all the way up to the end of the Great Hyperspace war. Class 1 also introduces some key information about the galaxy, the force, and technology that will be relevant for other classes. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. This two-part course is part of a larger Star Wars series which includes 2 sections of Lightsaber Dueling and Stage Combat. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. They're really awesome!


X6298: History of Star Wars Part 2 in Splash! 2012 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2012)
This is class 2 of a 2-part course on the history of the Star Wars Galaxy. Class 2 of this series will cover history from 5,000 BBY to 3,958 BBY. This includes Freedon Nadd’s rise to power, The Great Sith War, the Mandalorian Wars, and The Second Great Sith War. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. This two-part course is part of a larger Star Wars series which includes 2 sections of Lightsaber Dueling and Stage Combat. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. They're really awesome!


X6299: Lightsaber Dueling and Stage Combat in Splash! 2012 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2012)
This class will cover proper stance and grip when holding a lightsaber, basic spins, how to strike, and how to defend. We will also teach basic choreography and impromptu dueling techniques. Students will also be taught how to construct their own duel, which they will have time to practice. We will also be available to critique and assist in creating and learning your own choreography. This course is part of a larger Star Wars series, including the History of the Star Wars Galaxy (2 parts). These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. They’re super awesome!


A5623: Introduction to Lightsaber Dueling and Stage Combat in Spark! 2012 (Mar. 10, 2012)
This class will cover proper stance and grip when holding a lightsaber, basic spins, how to strike, and how to defend. Once everyone is comfortable wielding their lightsaber we will expand on these skills, using them to teach students how to construct their own choreographed duel, which they will have time to practice. We will be available to critique and assist in creating and learning your own choreography. We tried this class out at Splash 2011 and it was a huge success. Every team made an extremely impressive ~1 minute long duel which blew me away. Due to the class' success we are teaching the class multiple times during Spark.


X5135: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (PART 1) in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
This is class 1 of a 4-part course on the history of the Star Wars galaxy. Class 1 of this series will cover history from 100,000 BBY to 5,000 BBY. This includes events prior to the creation of the Star Forge, discussing the Celestials and their technology, and will continue all the way up to the end of the Great Hyperspace war. Class 1 also introduces some key information about the galaxy, the force, and technology that will be relevant for other classes. This is a four-part course focusing on character profiles, important events (including the Great Hyperspace War, the Sith War, the Mandalorian War, the Second Sith War, the Battle of Ruusan, the Clone Wars, the Galactic Civil War, the Birth of the New Republic, and the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion), weapons and technology, and vehicles and vessels with a focus on the use and development of the force by the Jedi Order, the Sith, and other lesser known factions throughout. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. This four-part course is part of a larger Star Wars series which includes other classes such as: Introduction to Lightsaber Dueling, Grand Army of the Republic, Xenolinguistics (Languages), Weapons and Technology of the Star Wars Galaxy, and two discussion courses. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. Also they're awesome!


X5137: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (PART 2) in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
This is class 2 of a 4-part course on the history of the Star Wars Galaxy. Class 2 of this series will cover history from 5,000 BBY to 3,958 BBY. This includes Freedon Nadd's rise to power, The Great Sith War, the Mandalorian Wars, and The Second Great Sith War. This is a four-part course focusing on character profiles, important events (including the Great Hyperspace War, the Sith War, the Mandalorian War, the Second Sith War, the Battle of Ruusan, the Clone Wars, the Galactic Civil War, the Birth of the New Republic, and the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion), weapons and technology, and vehicles and vessels with a focus on the use and development of the force by the Jedi Order, the Sith, and other lesser known factions throughout. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. This four-part course is part of a larger Star Wars series which includes other classes such as: Introduction to Lightsaber Dueling, Grand Army of the Republic, Xenolinguistics (Languages), Weapons and Technology of the Star Wars Galaxy, and two discussion courses. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. Also they're awesome!


X5139: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (PART 3) in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
This is class 3 of a 4-part course on the history of the Star Wars Galaxy. Class 3 of this series will cover history from 2,000 BBY to 11 BBY. This includes events such as the Battle of Ruusan, the Mandalorian Civil War, the Clone Wars, and the Clone Rebellion. This is a four-part course focusing on character profiles, important events (including the Great Hyperspace War, the Sith War, the Mandalorian War, the Second Sith War, the Battle of Ruusan, the Clone Wars, the Galactic Civil War, the Birth of the New Republic, and the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion), weapons and technology, and vehicles and vessels with a focus on the use and development of the force by the Jedi Order, the Sith, and other lesser known factions throughout. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. This four-part course is part of a larger Star Wars series which includes other classes such as: Introduction to Lightsaber Dueling, Grand Army of the Republic, Xenolinguistics (Languages), Weapons and Technology of the Star Wars Galaxy, and two discussion courses. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. Also they're awesome!


X5140: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (PART 4) in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
This is class 4 of a 4-part course on the history of the Star Wars Galaxy. Class 4 of this series will cover history from 4 ABY to 25 ABY. This includes events such as the Truce at Bakura, the rise of Grand Admiral Thrawn, the Rebirth of the Emperor, and the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion. This is a four-part course focusing on character profiles, important events (including the Great Hyperspace War, the Sith War, the Mandalorian War, the Second Sith War, the Battle of Ruusan, the Clone Wars, the Galactic Civil War, the Birth of the New Republic, and the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion), weapons and technology, and vehicles and vessels with a focus on the use and development of the force by the Jedi Order, the Sith, and other lesser known factions throughout. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. This four-part course is part of a larger Star Wars series which includes other classes such as: Introduction to Lightsaber Dueling, Grand Army of the Republic, Xenolinguistics (Languages), Weapons and Technology of the Star Wars Galaxy, and two discussion courses. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. Also they're awesome!


X5143: Weapons and Technology of the Star Wars Galaxy in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
This class will cover the unique variety of weapons, starships, and technology found in the Star Wars Galaxy. We'll discuss the inner-mechanisms of lightsabers and blasters and the 7 forms of lightsaber combat. You'll learn about the different weapons and starship manufacturers, and we'll discover some of the most exotic weapons and technology this galaxy has to offer. This course is part of a larger Star Wars series which includes other classes such as: Introduction to Lightsaber Dueling, Grand Army of the Republic, Xenolinguistics (Languages), History of the Star Wars Galaxy (4 parts), and two discussion courses. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. Also they're awesome!


X5144: Star Wars Discussion in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
This course will consist of a one hour lecture covering such topics as weapons and technologies, starships, planets, alien species and cultures, and the Force (of course!), and will be followed by an hour of discussion where students will break in to groups to critically discuss provided topics in Star Wars, followed by a summary where groups will present their findings. While it is required that students have taken at least one of my History of the Star Wars Galaxy courses, it is still strongly recommended that you take all four of the history classes prior to this course, as they each cover very different and important topics which will provide vital background knowledge for this class. This course is part of a larger Star Wars series which includes other classes such as: Introduction to Lightsaber Dueling, Grand Army of the Republic, Xenolinguistics (Languages), Weapons and Technology of the Star Wars Galaxy, History of the Star Wars Galaxy (4 parts), and two discussion courses. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. Also they're awesome!


X5145: Advanced Star Wars Discussion in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
In this class, students will break in to groups to critically discuss provided topics in Star Wars, followed by a summary where groups will present their findings. This class will cover more advanced questions and topics than the normal (Star Wars) discussion class. While it is required that students have taken at least one of my History of the Star Wars Galaxy courses, it is still strongly recommended that you take all four of the history classes prior to this course, as they each cover very different and important topics which will provide vital background knowledge for this class. This course is part of a larger Star Wars series which includes other classes such as: Introduction to Lightsaber Dueling, Grand Army of the Republic, Xenolinguistics (Languages), Weapons and Technology of the Star Wars Galaxy, History of the Star Wars Galaxy (4 parts), and two discussion courses. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. Also they're awesome!


X5146: Introduction to Lightsaber Dueling in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
This class will cover proper stance and grip when holding a lightsaber, basic spins, how to strike, and how to defend. We will also teach basic choreography and impromptu dueling techniques. These skills will be further developed in the advanced lightsaber class in order to teach you a complex choreographed duel. This course is part of a larger Star Wars series which includes other classes such as: Grand Army of the Republic, Xenolinguistics (Languages), Weapons and Technology of the Star Wars Galaxy, History of the Star Wars Galaxy (4 parts), and two discussion courses. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. Also they're awesome!


X5147: Advanced Lightsaber Dueling in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
This class will expand on the skills learned in Introduction to Lightsaber Dueling, using them to teach students how to construct their own duel, which they will have time to practice. We will also be available to critique and assist in creating and learning your own choreography. This course is part of a larger Star Wars series which includes other classes such as: Introduction to Lightsaber Dueling, Grand Army of the Republic, Xenolinguistics (Languages), Weapons and Technology of the Star Wars Galaxy, History of the Star Wars Galaxy (4 parts), and two discussion courses. These classes are adapted from a lecture series at UC Berkeley, and we have been teaching them for 2 years. Also they're awesome!


H4582: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (Part 1) in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
Part one of this course will cover history from 100,000 BBY to 3,986 BBY. This will cover events prior to the creation of the Star Forge up to Ulic Qel Droma's death on Rhen Var. This class series will cover an overview of the history of the Star Wars Galaxy covering material from 100,000 BBY to 25 ABY. This is a three-part course focusing on character profiles, important events (including the Great Hyperspace War, the Sith War, the Mandalorean War, the Second Sith War, the Battle of Ruusan, the Clone Wars, the Galactic Civil War, the Birth of the New Republic, and the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion), weapons and technology (everything from blasters and lightsabers to energy shields and cloaking devices), and vehicles and vessels with a focus on the use and development of the force by the Jedi Order, the Sith, and other lesser known factions throughout. Class will consist primarily of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material.


H4583: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (Part 2) in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
Part two of this course will cover material from 3,965 BBY to 1,000 BBY. This will cover material from the beginning of the Mandalorian War to the Battle of Ruusan. This class series will cover an overview of the history of the Star Wars Galaxy covering material from 100,000 BBY to 25 ABY. This is a three-part course focusing on character profiles, important events (including the Great Hyperspace War, the Sith War, the Mandalorean War, the Second Sith War, the Battle of Ruusan, the Clone Wars, the Galactic Civil War, the Birth of the New Republic, and the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion), weapons and technology (everything from blasters and lightsabers to energy shields and cloaking devices), and vehicles and vessels with a focus on the use and development of the force by the Jedi Order, the Sith, and other lesser known factions throughout. Class will consist primarily of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material.


H4584: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (Part 3) in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
Part 3 of this course will cover material from 60 BBY to 30 ABY. This will cover the beginning of the Mandalorian civil war to the Yuuzhan Vong invasion. This class series will cover an overview of the history of the Star Wars Galaxy covering material from 100,000 BBY to 25 ABY. This is a three-part course focusing on character profiles, important events (including the Great Hyperspace War, the Sith War, the Mandalorean War, the Second Sith War, the Battle of Ruusan, the Clone Wars, the Galactic Civil War, the Birth of the New Republic, and the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion), weapons and technology (everything from blasters and lightsabers to energy shields and cloaking devices), and vehicles and vessels with a focus on the use and development of the force by the Jedi Order, the Sith, and other lesser known factions throughout. Class will consist primarily of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material.


H4585: Advanced Star Wars Discussion (Part of the History of the Star Wars Galaxy classes) in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
This course will consist of a one hour lecture covering such topics as weapons and technologies, starships, planets, alien species and cultures, and the Force (of course!), and will be followed by an hour of discussion where students will break in to groups to critically discuss provided topics in Star Wars, followed by a summary where groups will present their findings. While it is required that students have taken at least one of my History of the Star Wars Galaxy courses, it is still strongly recommended that you take all three of the history classes prior to this course, as they each cover very different and important topics which will provide vital background knowledge for this class.


H4380: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (Part 1) in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
Overview of the history of the Star Wars Galaxy covering material from 30,000 BBY to 25 ABY. This is a four-part course focusing on character profiles, important events (including the Great Hyperspace War, the Sith War, the Mandelorean War, the Second Sith War, the Battle of Ruusan, the Clone Wars, the Galactic Civil War, the Birth of the New Republic, and the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion), weapons and technology (everything from blasters and lightsabers to energy shields and cloaking devices), and vehicles and vessels with a focus on the use and development of the force by the Jedi Order, the Sith, and other lesser known factions throughout. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. Part one of this course will cover history from 30,000 BBY to 1,000 BBY. This will cover events from the creation of the Star Forge to the Battle of Ruusan. Part 2 of this course will cover material from the Clone Wars to the Galactic Civil War (22 BBY to 5 ABY).


H4381: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (Part 2) in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
Overview of the history of the Star Wars Galaxy covering material from 30,000 BBY to 25 ABY. This is a four-part course focusing on character profiles, important events (including the Great Hyperspace War, the Sith War, the Mandelorean War, the Second Sith War, the Battle of Ruusan, the Clone Wars, the Galactic Civil War, the Birth of the New Republic, and the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion), weapons and technology (everything from blasters and lightsabers to energy shields and cloaking devices), and vehicles and vessels with a focus on the use and development of the force by the Jedi Order, the Sith, and other lesser known factions throughout. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. Part 2 of this course will cover material from the Clone Wars to the Galactic Civil War (22 BBY to 5 ABY).


H4382: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (Part 3) in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
Overview of the history of the Star Wars Galaxy covering material from 30,000 BBY to 25 ABY. This is a four-part course focusing on character profiles, important events (including the Great Hyperspace War, the Sith War, the Mandelorean War, the Second Sith War, the Battle of Ruusan, the Clone Wars, the Galactic Civil War, the Birth of the New Republic, and the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion), weapons and technology (everything from blasters and lightsabers to energy shields and cloaking devices), and vehicles and vessels with a focus on the use and development of the force by the Jedi Order, the Sith, and other lesser known factions throughout. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. Part three of this course will cover history from 5 ABY to aprox. 25 ABY. This will cover events from the creation of the New Republic to the beginning of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion.


H4383: History of the Star Wars Galaxy (Part 4) in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
Overview of the history of the Star Wars Galaxy covering material from 30,000 BBY to 25 ABY. This is a four-part course focusing on character profiles, important events (including the Great Hyperspace War, the Sith War, the Mandelorean War, the Second Sith War, the Battle of Ruusan, the Clone Wars, the Galactic Civil War, the Birth of the New Republic, and the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion), weapons and technology (everything from blasters and lightsabers to energy shields and cloaking devices), and vehicles and vessels with a focus on the use and development of the force by the Jedi Order, the Sith, and other lesser known factions throughout. Class will consist mostly of lecture with short breaks for discussion of the material. Part 4 of this course will cover material regarding weapons and technology, as well as the various ships and characters from Star Wars. If students are interested, Legacy Era (40-137+ ABY) history may be discussed.