The MIT community is deeply saddened by the passing of Anna Simmons, a student whose vibrant presence and unwavering commitment left an indelible mark on campus life.
Hailing from Wilmington, North Carolina, Anna was a junior majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. Her academic pursuits were complemented by hands-on experience, notably her internship with John Deere's Intelligent Solutions Group, where she served as an IT intern.
Anna's research endeavors included a UROP with the MIT Energy Initiative, analyzing how mergers and acquisitions affect power plant efficiency. She also contributed to the Device Research Lab, focusing on advancements in condenser technology to improve energy efficiency in power plants.
As a midfielder for the MIT Field Hockey team, Anna's dedication was evident both on and off the field. In the 2023 season, she played in 14 games, starting one, and recorded six assists, highlighting her playmaking abilities.
Her commitment to the sport and her teammates was recognized through multiple honors, including selection to the NEWMAC All-Sportsmanship Team in 2023 and the NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Team in consecutive years.
Her academic and athletic excellence also earned her a spot on the NFHCA National Academic Squad and the distinction of NFHCA Scholar of Distinction in 2022.
Beyond her academic and athletic commitments, Anna was an active leader in the MIT community. She was involved with the Little Beavers Running Club, sharing her enthusiasm for running and promoting wellness among students.
Within the Sigma Kappa sorority, she took on leadership roles, including House Manager and Intramural Chair, fostering a supportive and engaging environment for her sorority sisters.
Anna's favorite moments at MIT were deeply rooted in the connections she made and the experiences she shared with others. She fondly remembered the NCAA tournament game against SUNY Cortland, where the team's unity and performance created an unforgettable experience. Such memories reflect the profound sense of community and belonging that Anna both experienced and contributed to during her time at MIT.
Anna Simmons' legacy is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her contributions to academics, athletics, and community life have left an enduring impact, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
