an important result of x.-j. wang states that a convex ancient solution to mean curvature flow either sweeps out all of space or lies in a stationary slab (the region between two fixed parallel hyperplanes). we will describe recent results on the construction and classification of convex ancient solutions and convex translating solutions to mean curvature flow which lie in slab regions, highlighting the connection between the two. work is joint with theodora bourni and giuseppe tinaglia.