March 2018 - Volume 81 Issue 1

Volume 81 Issue 1

The Bronx High School of Science

www.thesciencesurvey.com

Annual Can Drive is Most Successful Ever

“This is actually the biggest donation I’ve ever seen from a school,” remarks a City Harvest worker.

Kristen Parness/The S.O.

By MIAN HUA ZHENG From juicy green room senators were rebeans to flour-dusted quired to donate cans, macaroni, homeless shelwhile this year they were ters receiving food from not. Senate leader ArCity Harvest, a nonprofit tea Brahaj ’19 explained, organization dealing with “What many people food rescue and distridon’t know about Senate bution, were filled with is how much they conmore donations than usutribute to so many S.O. al on Christmas and New events. All senators were Year’s Day thanks to the mandated to donate canhard work of Bronx Scidy for both the Monster ence students. Each year, Mash and Spirit Week, Bronx Science sets out to something we had not collect 3,000 cans for its done in the years prior. annual can drive. In 2017, Since we had asked so that goal was met for the much from them already, first time, as students The S.O. collaboratively hoists a heavy box onto the City Harvest truck. we decided not to make donated a total of 3,037 can donations mandaies teacher Mrs. Stephanie Kountourakis cans. The drive began on November 13th was a major contributor. tory.” Cans donated by senators usualand was scheduled to end on December Well-known for being up-to-date with ly contribute to a moderate portion of 20th, but was extended to the 21st when student-run events like the bake sale the total number of cans accrued by the the Student Organization realized that to raise funds for hurricane victims of drive. This year, even without an official the school was the closest to the goal of Puerto Rico, Mrs. Kountourakis adver- requirement, the Senate donated 104 3,000 they had ever been – a mere 600 tised the can drive in her classes. Each cans. cans away.

The student body’s generosity and day, students would walk into her class As incentive to donate, students were to see “Donate to the Can Drive!” written compassion for the less fortunate in their promised a no-homework day on Janu- in colorful dry erase bubble letters on her community was especially clear this year. ary 5, 2018 should they meet the goal. blackboard.

A worker from City Harvest tearfully reSuch a reward was thought to be unatThese reminders paid off: from her marked, “This is actually the biggest dotainable; in prior years, students had classes alone, over 307 cans, more than nation I’ve ever seen from a school—and brought in only about 1,500 cans in total, 10% of the can drive goal, were collected. that’s no exaggeration.” The worker also only halfway reaching the goal.

“We’ve got to thank Mrs. K’s tireless ad- stated that Bronx Science’s contribution While the no-homework incentive vocacy for can donations!” Ester Liu ’19 this year was equal to the usual sum certainly motivated students to donate said. of winter donations from twelve other to the drive, its success can also be atMeeting the can goal was especially schools. tributed to help from members of the impressive, since previously all homeContinued on Page 6 Bronx Science community. Social stud-

Shedding Light on Harvey Weinstein

Michelangelo: The Superhero of the Year

How Ronan Farrow brought justice to the most powerful man in Hollywood

Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

By OONA ZLAMANY

By LAKHSMI CHATTERJEE It all started with a tape.

In 2015, Italian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez accused Harvey Weinstein of groping her. She went straight to the nearest police precinct, which had her meet Weinstein again with a wire. The resulting tape showed Gutierrez confronting Weinstein about the earlier Lakhsmi Chatteejee, incident, to which he said, “I’m used to that,” and told her to meet Staff Reporter him in his room for five minutes.

Weinstein thought he successfully killed the story-until Ronan Farrow got his hands on it two years later.

By now, the world has heard of Harvey Weinstein, the countless women he has assaulted, and the secrets Hollywood has hidden for decades. We’ve all seen the collateral effects of these revelations — bringing down powerful men like Louis C.K. and Matt Lauer, both accused of similar acts.

“It is a very important issue that is finally getting national recognition, and shows how widespread such horrors are,” Ryan Chung ’18 said. But who is the journalist that brought the situation into the national spotlight?

Meet Ronan Farrow, the man many are now calling “the finest journalist in the world.” He is the son of actress Mia Farrow and filmmaker Woody Allen, which pushed him into the spotlight as a child.

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Michelangelo Buonarroti (Italian, Caprese 1475–1564 Rome) Archers Shooting at a Herm 1530–33 Drawing, red chalk; 8 5/8 x 12 11/16 in. (21.9 x 32.3 cm) ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST / © HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II 2017, www.royalcollection.org.uk

The largest Michelangelo exhibition in history — and truly, the art show of the season— is “Michelangelo: Divine Draftsman and Designer” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which displays 200 works (including 133 drawings) of one of the greatest artists of all time.

Michelangelo, an Italian born in 1475, embodies the term Renaissance man (an individual well versed in many fields) and has left an amazing legacy that few can compare to: an entire body of work that encompasses sculptures Continued on Page 10

Regeneron Names 17 from Science as Scholars

By MAGGIE WONG Alex Thorp/The Science Survey

March 2018

The 2018 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars.

On January 9, 2018, the new Bronx Science Regeneron Scholars were named, making history with 17 semifinalists, the most ever named from our school in a single year.

Bronx Science students have competed in the Regeneron Science Talent Search for over seventy-five years. The competition, formerly known as the Intel Science Talent Search and originally known as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, is an esteemed, nation-wide science competition in which students can submit original professional-level research. Since 1942, students at Bronx Science have had the opportunity to pursue their interests by completing research projects at labs belonging to prestigious institutions around the city.

Following research tracks in math, biology, physical science, or social science, these projects are then submitted to receive awards and recognition.

A Narrow Escape for Students with GOP Tax Plan

By ALYSA CHEN and JONATHAN RODRIGUEZ Following protests by students and complaints by congresspeople from both parties, the final version of the Republican tax bill came into effect on December 19, 2017, when the Senate narrowly voted for it 51-48. Bronx Science students, especially those with plans to attend graduate school, may take a breath of relief in knowing that large, unpopular education-related proposals from earlier drafts of the bill have been rejected.

A recent poll of the Bronx Science upperclassmen showed that 12% of students believe that a scholarship entirely defines their choice of college, with another 40% stating it is a large and substantial part of their choice.

For these students, the originally proposed GOP tax plan could have had a devastating impact on their futures in academia. Fortunately, these negative effects won’t be occurring in the near future.

In brief, the GOP tax plan introduced in mid-November would have slashed corporate taxes by $1.5 trillion and eliminated several tax breaks. In this earlier version of the bill, students, in particular, would have paid for many of these tax cuts, slated to face harsh tax surges. For example, one of the initial provisions would have eliminated student loan interest deductions. These deductions currently allow students with eligible income to scrape off $2,500 from their amount of owed interest.

Ending these deductions would have resulted in a huge loss for students; according to the IRS—or Internal Revenue Service, a branch of the U.S. Department of Treasury — the student loan interest deduction 40 Continued on Page 6

EDITORIAL

NEWS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

How to Fix the MTA

By MALIHA AKTER

Newest Barbie Wears a Hijab

By ANISA PERSAUD

The MTA is improving, but they need to get their priorities straight. The city must address urgent repairs before anything else.

In a display of inclusivity and diversity, the newest of Mattel’s line of Barbie dolls will wear a hijab; students react.

Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Nets

By JEANETTE LEE and BRIDGET KULCSAR

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A look at Yayoi Kusama’s stunning exhibit, “Infinity Mirrors,” at the David Zwirner gallery in Chelsea.

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Editorial

2 Editors-in-Chief Anna Clevenger Skylar Kleinman Anastasia Koutavas Jeanette Lee Talia Protos Ronin Rodkey Managing Editors Alexa Asch Sinaia Keith Lang Bridget Kulcsar Brianna Le Rena Masoutis Christina Papageorgiou Oona Zlamany Business Managers Jehiel Butt Andrew Lee Yan Fen (Yanny) Liang Meghan Tan Rahma Tasnim Alia Yeancades

2017-18 Editorial Board Front Page Editors Artea Brahaj Alysa Chen Nuzat Zaman

News Editors Joahim Romanosky William Fisher Haeun (Hollie) Park

Editorial Editor Lakhsmi Chatterjee Payel Islam Jemma Lasswell

Online Editors Jason Cheung Ahana Chowdhury Stephanie Weng

Features Editors Tiffany Chen Sarane James Mian Hua Zheng

Sports Editors Adam Israelevitz Theodore Lowen Vivan Ma Marco Zembo-Palzer

Arts and Entertainment Editors Alexandria Ang Radiah Khandokar Jessin Wang

Spotlight Editors Tasmia Kabir Max Steiker Angie Yang

Layout Designers Sara Buklan Imaan Hoque Victoria Levy Ilomai (Lolo) Rohner Rebecca Singer Leah Yoes Newspaper Layout Designers Melissa Cen Dora Cham She-Vaughan Edwards Joselyn Kim Jeanette Lee Talia Protos Ronin Rodkey Political Cartoonists Ria Cha Science Survey Facebook Editors Alexandra Ang Haeun (Hollie) Park Faculty Advisor Alexander Thorp

The Science Survey Staff Reporters

Maliha Akter, Kristina Ang, Samira Ashif, Melina Asteriadis, Emily Bedolis, Ada Cheng, Oliver Chin, Lauren Choi, George Crooks, Katherine Doss, Chloe Frajmund, Sadia Haque, Labiba Hasan, Tahira Hasan, Michael Ho, Susan Huang, Taylor Huang, Elizabeth Jung, Lyn Kajihara, Christi Kim, Ivan Lacroix, Brianna Le, Andrew Lee, Hyein Lee, Sofie Levine, Annie Liu, Matilda Melkonian, Gearod Murphy, Nicole Neil, Christina Pan, Anisa Persaud, Sofija Radulovic, Farhan Rahman, Jonathan Rodriguez, James Snyder, Eileen Tan, Sydney Teh, Pietro Topa, Maggie Wong, Lin Xiang (Aaron) Wu, Kelly Xiao, Winni You

Corrections Policy The Science Survey welcomes all non-anonymous corrections to any published material. Submissions must arrive within two weeks of release date for printed articles, and within one week for online articles. Corrections should be e-mailed to the Managing Editors.

Mission We strive to provide information that is accurate, thorough, and unbiased. We aim to enlighten as well as to inform, and we seek to intellectually engage our readers. We wish to serve as a journalistic voice for our diverse student body, and we strive to achieve the highest degree of journalistic integrity, both in our written articles and in our photojournalism.

About The Science Survey is the award-winning student newspaper of The Bronx High School of Science, and it has been published continuously since our high school was founded in 1938. It is planned, researched, written, edited, and designed entirely by students as part of the elective 'Journalism: Newspaper & Yearbook' class, and is published once every two months in a print edition and also continually published online.

EDITORIAL SECTION HIGHLIGHTS - READ THEM ONLINE: "GOP Tax Plan: Trump’s First Win, or Just Another Fluke?"

By PIETRO TOPA - A Conservative take on the GOP Tax Plan "The Importance of Effective Whistleblowers in an Age of 'Fake' News"

By ALYSA CHEN - Examining and encourging effective whistleblowing today " Weinstein Sex Crimes Encourage Students to Speak Out, But is it Enough?"

By SADIA HAQUE - Looking at the #MeToo movement from the perspective of sexual assault on college campuses. Overhaul is needed. " Full of Sound but Lacking in Fury: The Trump Administration On Year One"

By GEORGE CROOKS - Examining the Trump Administration one year in "Joe Biden: Too Old to be President"

By WILLIAM FISHER - Why Joe Biden should not run in 2020 "Shedding Light on Harvey Weinstein," (continued from A1) But he took his extraordinary circumstances in stride, graduating from Bard College at the mere age of 15 and Yale Law School at 21. At 22, Farrow got his first job, working for the Obama administration as a Special Advisor for Humanitarian and NGO Affairs, and Hillary Clinton as the Director of New York State’s Office of Global Youth Issues.

At 24, Farrow received The Rhodes Scholarship, which allowed him to study international relations at Oxford University.

Armed with a résumé worthy of someone double his age, Farrow easily found opportunities to have his voice heard . His first jobs in journalism were writing op-eds for newspapers such as The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, and The Los Angeles Times.

Farrow’s first notable story on sexual assault, published in The Hollywood Reporter, regarded his high-profile family. His sister, Dylan Farrow, accused their father, Woody Allen, of sexually assaulting her when she was only 7 years old. Although an investigation came up empty and charges against Allen were dropped, Farrow stood by his sister, saying, “I believe my sister. This is true as her brother who trusted her, and, even at 5 years old, who was troubled by our father’s strange behavior around her.”

In 2015, he became a correspondent at MSNBC, working on the 'Today' show, 'NBC Nightly News', and his own show, 'Ronan Farrow Daily.' It was MSNBC that assigned Farrow to the Weinstein story in its infancy. The tape by Gutierrez was the only lead he had at the time.

Over a 10-month investigation, Ronan followed the other reports filed against Weinstein for sexual assault and misconduct. He soon convinced more and more accusers to go on the record for him, until NBC decided not to go on

Breitbart News: Once Pro-Israel, Now Friendly to Anti-Semites

By SKYLAR KLEINMAN Breitbart News is both one of the most also more familiar and more intertwined reviled and influential news sites today. with the religious history of people of EuroMost people know it as the go-to news pean descent. After all, the Old Testament source for the alt-right. Most people don’t is the Torah. know that Breitbart started out much more A huge target audience and base of innocuously than what it is today. support for conservatives is Evangelical Andrew Breitbart was a conservative, Christians. Some Evangelicals believe that Jewish journalist who founded the epon- supporting Israel means that they are folymous Breitbart News in 2007. He was lowing a Biblical injunction to protect it as also a friend and collaborator to Arianna well as that Israel will play a role in hastenHuffington, helping her found the Huffing- ing the second coming of Christ. ton Post in 2005. This may sound strange, While American neo-Nazis would rathconsidering the conflicting “conservative vs er that Jews not exist at all, they also think liberal politics” of the two websites. How- that an easy way to at least get Jews out of ever, as Breitbart contributor Jeremy D. America is to reaffirm Israel as the Jewish Boreing noted, “[Andrew Breitbart] wasn't homeland. actually very political–that is, he had alSteve Bannon has most no interest at all in policy… What he hated were bullies." even called himself the Breitbart News actually started off as a “Riefenstahl of the GOP.” pro-freedom and pro-Israel platform. In the past, Breitbart even had journalistic Breitbart News often claims that they integrity, with Andrew Breitbart receiving are not anti-Semitic. Though it was built the Reed Irvine Accuracy in Media Award on the values of a pro-Israel, Jewish conin 2010. Everything changed in 2012, when servative and has a significant number of Andrew Breitbart died of heart failure at Jewish contributors, this claim is still disthe age of forty three. His death precipi- ingenuous. Steve Bannon has even called tated a power struggle with Steve Bannon, himself the “Riefenstahl of the GOP." The a former board member of Breitbart, win- comparison to Leni Riefenstahl, a German ning out. director who made propaganda films for Bannon identifies as conservative but the Nazis, is especially indicative of the has been frequently perceived to be a white flagrant insensitivity towards the Jewish nationalist, an allegation he denies. Ban- community. When known white nationalnon aligned Breitbart News with the alt- ist Tim Gionet (“Baked Alaska” on Twitter) right and white supremacists - a move that was hired by Breitbart, his employers told would seem counterintuitive to most, espe- him to delete his anti-Semitic tweets, clearcially considering the first purpose of the ly demonstrating how the news site is comwebsite. Neo-Nazis, white supremacists, fortable working with anti-Semites if that and the alt-right at large, of course, have anti-Semitism can be hidden. a profound hatred of Jewish people. Being The attraction between the alt-right and pro-Israel is not the same as being pro-Jew, Breitbart in itself is indicative of how proband the far-right often takes advantage of lematic Breitbart News has become. Breitthis misconception to appeal to more peo- bart had an anti-Semitic headline calling a ple, especially other conservatives. political commentator a “renegade Jew." One strategy of the far-right in gener- Milo Yiannopoulos, who is associated with al is to appear pro-Israel in order to chal- the alt-right and neo-Nazism, is a former lenge any claims that they are anti-Semitic. senior editor of Breitbart. Many readers of As the vastly Christian alt-right stresses Breitbart News are virulently and openly “Judeo-Christian ideals," they see align- anti-Semitic. Even though they are pro-Ising themselves with Jews as preferable to rael and say they are not anti-Semitic, asaligning themselves with their other major sociating themselves with white suprematarget, Muslims. Muslims are seen as too cists, by virtue, is anti-Semitic.

“Other," too at odds with white Christian It is disrespectful of Breitbart News’ American values, and too big of a threat to current leadership to co-opt an initialWestern civilization. Anti-Muslim senti- ly Jewish-run platform and then align ment is also not restricted to conservatives, it with the alt-right and white supremand it has only grown in popularity in re- acists. Breitbart is a complete distorcent years. This is while anti-Jewish senti- tion of and is diametrically opposed ment is almost universally condemned in to Andrew Breitbart’s original vision. a post-Holocaust world. Genocide is not something with popular support. Jews are

with the story.

Although he has never spoken in depth about why NBC decided to stop pursuing his story, Farrow felt a need to continue his investigation, stating on “CBS Sunday Morning” that, “in terms of the gravity of the evidence, it would have been impossible for me to live with myself or answer to the many women I have already interviewed if I had stopped.”

But as the evidence stacked up against him, Weinstein caught wind of his imminent demise. In a 'New Yorker' article published on November 6, 2017, Farrow detailed how the film producer hired agents from the private Israeli intelligence firm Black Cube to intimidate those who were coming forward and stop the publication of Farrow’s story.

Agents went so far as to invite Rose McGowan, an actress who went on the record about Weinstein, to speak at a fake women’s rights gala so they could extract information about the story from her. The agents were recruited to “kill forthcoming stories and ferret out information about which women were talking,” Farrow explained in The New Yorker.

Soon thereafter, Weinstein’s lawsuits began. In an interview with ‘CBS Good Morning,' Farrow said that, “when Harvey Weinstein threatened to sue me, it was like the scene in ‘Harry Potter’ where an invitation to Hogwarts is coming in through every window and fireplace and every opening in the house.” Jake Fogelnest of The Hollywood Reporter described the situation as “‘Gaslight’ meets ‘Spotlight’ meets ‘All The President’s Men.’” After ten months of investigation, on October 23, 2017, Ronan finally compiled all the evidence, walked into 'The New Yorker' headquarters, and published his now-famous story: ‘From Aggressive Overture to Sexual Assault: Harvey Weinstein's Accusers Tell Their Stories.’ The story

caused a firestorm, brought sexual assault into the spotlight, and led to a flood of women coming forward to tell their stories of sexual harassment and abuse.

But even with everything he’s gone through, Farrow won’t accept credit for everything that is happening. In every article that he’s written since the scandal broke, he has never failed to give credit to the women who came forward to him and put their careers and reputations on the line in the process.

And with that, the seemingly endless number of women coming forward now has to be addressed. Many feel that there are too many accusations coming forward now. People are getting frustrated over how many of the celebrities they loved are being revealed as monsters.

But no matter what, women and men should be given the benefit-of-the-doubt when they come forward with these claims. Reporters like Ronan Farrow, who trusted the women he interviewed and gave them a reliable platform to speak out on, have created a ripple effect in the media, giving more people the courage to come forward and finally have their voices be heard. We need to understand how hard it is to make such claims when you don’t think anyone will listen to you.

Plus, the fact that celebrities are coming forward gives other accusations a more believable stance. “The media is currently focusing this issue on celebrities and recognized individuals committing sexual offenses and not regular everyday people. Sexual assault happens all the time, throughout the world, let alone in America,” James Snyder ’18 said. As this issue becomes less taboo in our society, we can hope for stricter penalties and change for the better.

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Editorial Trump and North Korea: Fiery Words Can Spark an Inferno

With the end of World War II in 1945, there came a concern that has affected all major powers of the world since: atomic weapons and the potential of nuclear war.

For the last seven decades, all nations have managed to restrain themselves from using atomic weapons against a foreign power, in order to prevent sparking a conflict with the potential to quickly destroy life as we know it.

The Cuban Missile Crisis brought us close to such a such a conflict, but we averted war through diplomatic action, part of the reason being that people in the past were well aware of the implications of a nuclear war.

In our current world, a crisis seems to be on the horizon once again, only this time, it appears that not everyone in power understands what war could mean.

Tensions are rising between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea. The U.S. has placed sanctions on Kim’s regime, as North Korea develops its military technology and attempts to build up a nuclear arsenal.

There is one aspect that makes the current diplomatic tensions different from any similar post-World War II scenario in the past: the United States’ use of incredibly belligerent, confrontational, and provocative rhetoric, rhetoric that our representatives should avoid when handling a delicate situation such as this. President Donald Trump has derided Kim Jong-Un with epithets such as “rocket man” and “sick puppy.” Such language only heightens tensions and brings us closer to a war with unprecedented destructive potential.

In a speech to the UN in September 2017, Trump claimed “if the righteous many do not confront the wicked few, then evil will triumph.” During his UN speech, Trump also called the North Korean regime “a band of criminals” and stated “the United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.”

One of our history teachers at Bronx Science, Mr. Frederic Schorr, had this to say about Trump’s strategy of diplomacy: “The current President of the United States, in terms of foreign affairs, carries on like a reverse shadow of Teddy Roosevelt: Speak loudly, and hope that you can find the big stick when you force yourself to use it. His need to personalize every quarrel reaches the level of lethal danger in an arena such as this. But those he refers to as ‘my generals’ have a big hand in trying to manage the situation. I can only hope they have a clear idea of what they, at least, are doing.” Mr. Schorr also claimed, “North Korea is not going to give up the bomb.

How to Fix the MTA

By MALIHA AKTER At the brink of dawn, numerous Bronx Science students arrive on the subway platform of 59th St-Lexington Avenue. Upon what seems like a 24 hour wait, the 4 train arrives while generating a windstorm. Within mere seconds, the train’s interior transforms into a battleground for the competition of limited seats for students to either study, work on homework, or, most likely, sleep.

Despite the crowds that seem to thicken on the platforms, subway ridership has significantly dropped and is still in fact, plummeting. Compared to last year, the number of riders dramatically decreased by 105,000. Above ground, the decline in ridership has been even steeper.

The number of people riding the bus this November fell to 1.946 million from 2.927 in November of last year.

MTA authorities interpreted the citizens’ abandonment of the troubled transit system as an indication of the need to modernize public transit quickly.

As a result, they have decided to add “customer service ambassador” positions. Instead of occupying a post behind glass booths, these ambassadors will roam around station entrances and platforms to assist commuters with questions regarding anything from service changes to utilizing MetroCard machines. They will also be equipped with iPhones, which will allow employees to communicate with each other and relay real time updates or any other transit related information to riders. The MTA will prioritize installing such workers in the most foot-trafficked stations, including Times Square, Grand Central and Penn Station.

Although a specific date has not been determined as to when the ambassadors will appear, the contract between the MTA and Transport Workers Union has been recently finalized, thus assuring the arrival of the helpers within 2018. The deal will open 355 ambassador positions to current booth workers. The title even comes with a pay bump of $1 per hour. Not only will riders receive the presumed better quality of customer service, but employees will get access to new, better-paying jobs.

Besides implementing the newfound ambassadors, plastic MetroCards will be traded for an app. Rather than swiping a MetroCard, passengers will wave a smartphone or a credit or debit card. Ultimately, this involves the removal of rusty subway turnstiles in exchange for an advanced fare payment system.

In addition, the MTA plans on pursuing upgrades on more than twenty-one new routes over the next ten years, reaching a half-million more bus riders each day. In particular, these routes will be catered by the Select Bus Ser-

By JOACHIM ROMANOSKY It just has to be made clear to them, quietly and firmly, that a really reckless action on its part would first and foremost mean their own national suicide. The infantile name calling has got to go.”

Threatening and insulting Kim and his regime is unlikely to motivate North Korea to cooperate diplomatically with the U.S.. Diplomacy is what the United States should prioritize in any scenario involving nuclear weapons, in order to try and prevent a war with more destructive potential than any previous conflict in our recorded history. The United States should not look at the issue terms of what it will do if it is forced to defend itself, as much as in terms of how can it prevent a scenario in which it is forced to defend itself from nuclear attack from becoming a reality.

As far as confronting the wicked few goes, if Trump chooses to launch an aggressive strike on Kim, he may be going up against more than North Korea. An article from the Chinese state-run newspaper ‘The Global Times’ published on August 10, 2017 argued that “China should Ben Wade/ The Science Survey

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Mr. Schorr has spoken about North Korea and expressed his concerns over the current situation. also make clear that if North Korea launches missiles that threaten US soil first, and the US retaliates, China will stay neutral. If the US and South Korea carry out strikes and try to overthrow the North Korean regime and change the political pattern of the Korean Peninsula, China will prevent them from doing so.”

Even already, the United States’ aggressive stance against North Korea has become a source of diplomatic tension with other nations. Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, has stated “it seems, [the U.S. has] done everything on purpose, to make Kim lose control and make another desperate move,” and has also argued against additional diplomatic sanctions, stating, “we have said more than once that the sanctions pressure has in fact exhausted itself.” vice, a system that has been operating since 2008. The program’s aim is to provide a much more efficient and reliable service to local corridors.

Meanwhile, North Korea continues to develop its own weapons. On November 28, 2017, the North Koreans performed a test launch of their new Hwasong-15 missile. North Korea claims that its new missile reached an altitude of about 4,475 km (2,780 miles) and flew 950 km. It is hypothesized that this is the first North Korean ICBM with the capability to hit any target within the continental United States, including the Eastern Seaboard.

That means that New York City, Washington, D.C., and all other East Coast cities are, for the first time, potentially vulnerable to a North Korean attack.

United States representatives responded to the Hwasong-15 test with more forceful rhetoric. At an emergency meeting of the UN security council, U.S. ambassador Nikki Haley stated “the dictator of North Korea made a choice yesterday that brings the world closer to war, not farther from it. We have never sought war with North Korea, and still today we do not seek it. If war does come, it will be because of continued acts of aggression like we witnessed yesterday. And if war comes, make no mistake, the North Korean regime will be utterly destroyed.”

On December 18, 2017 in an article published by the Korean Central News Agency, North Korea not only discussed the opposition with North Korea among Americans, but warned about a North Korea preemptive strike, claiming “the iron-willed DPRK’s preemptive nuclear attack against provocateurs is just not hot air.” Both sides claim that they want to avoid war, but exchanging threats exacerbates the situation not only for the two main powers, but for all nations potentially involved, bringing the world closer to a war with unprecedented catastrophic potential.

At the start of 2018, Kim Jong-un made an announcement that North and South Korea should work together to lower military tensions. Kim also offered to send a delegation to the 2018 Olympic Games, held in South Korea in February.

During the Cold War, leaders did everything in their power to prevent a nuclear war. It was recognized as having the power to destroy modern human civilization in a relatively short timespan. The nuclear weapons of today are even more powerful. If modern human civilization is to be preserved, there should be more effort to prevent war, not less. If the President wants to have successful diplomacy, he should not be tweeting about Kim Jong-un and North Korea using language such as “short and fat,” “madman,” or “won’t be around much longer.”

The Survey Strip

By RIA CHA

“Despite the MTA’s ambitions, they must first prioritize repairing the current flaws within the system.”

Despite the MTA’s ambitions, they must first prioritize repairing the current flaws within the system. The decline in ridership is down to two percent; in total, this strains the budget by 45 million dollars. Approximately half of the MTA’s annual budget of 14.6 billion dollars relies on the fares utilized by the riders. Therefore, if the trend of absent customers continues, the budget will shrink to a total of 7 billion dollars. Thus, rather than spending, it is extremely crucial that the transportation system immediately deal with the mechanical failures and track maintenance, which ultimately costs 8 billion dollars.

The Bronx Science student body is divided over such an issue. “Having roaming personnel is a complete waste of money. Commuters don’t rely whatsoever on human interaction; we have metrocard machines, and we have Google maps,” said Issac Rjavinski ’20. On the other hand, Hao Chen ’18 suggests another proposition. “The ambassador position isn’t that bad of an idea, but considering that one of the most frustrating experiences is not being able to know about delays and change in schedules, I believe that a machine is far superior in achieving that goal.”

“I don’t agree with replacing the MetroCard with an app, because not everyone can afford smartphones, and that is totally unnecessary,” Chen ’18 added. The costs of the app and the amount of customers the system would lose would further limit the budget.

“They need to improve upon the existing infrastructure.

The current MTA system is unclean and slow compared to public transportation in places in Taiwan and Japan,” noted Chen. “New York City should implement congestion pricing and divert money away from useless and fiscally irresponsible programs in order to pay for a complete repair and overhaul of the metro,” suggested Issac.

If the MTA is not cautious about their expenditures and the declining budget, they may be compelled to implement fare hikes and remove benefits given to senior citizens and students. This includes the possibility of removing Bronx Science’s lifeline, the student MetroCard.

News

Newest Barbie Wears a Hijab

By ANISA PERSAUD Anisa Persaud/ The Science Survey

The original Barbie doll made by Mattel had blonde hair, blue eyes, and an unrealistically proportioned figure. She’s come a long way since then, with Mattel’s latest doll having dark skin, a toned figure, and most surprisingly, a hijab. This new Bar- Rajaa Elhassan ’19, president of the Muslim Student bie is modeled after Association, gives her opinion on the new Barbie.

Ibtihaj Muhammad, an American Olympian fencer, and is dren preferred the white dolls to the the newest member of the “Shero” doll darker skinned dolls. The children said family. Muhammad won a bronze med- the darker skinned dolls were “bad” al in the team saber event in the 2016 and that the white dolls looked most Rio de Janeiro Olympics as the first like them. To the Clarks, these tests American athlete to compete in the provided solid proof that lack of proper representation in the world caused AfOlympics with a hijab.

Muhammad’s doll is the tenth to join rican-American children to feel inferithe “Shero” line of dolls that Mattel has or.

To many, learning that there is a recently created. This line celebrates model that they can identify with is women who challenge the boundaries and social norms in their fields of work. an astonishing feeling. “Knowing that It features women such as U.S. Olym- there is a hijabi Barbie is crazy! It’s repic gymnast Gabby Douglas, “Selma” ally comforting to know that even childirector Ava DuVernay, and ballerina dren’s toy brands are trying to promote Misty Copeland. Now joining the ranks that everyone is strong and beautiful in is Muhammad. Her doll will debut in their own way,” said Shaira Jafar ’21.

2018 and is expected to rapidly sell Mattel has been working hard to make out. “I’m proud to know that little girls their dolls more diverse, in an effort to everywhere can now play with a Bar- increase their appeal. Not only do Barbie who chooses to wear hijab! This is bie dolls come in petite, tall, and curvy a childhood dream come true,” wrote versions, Ken dolls now come in seven different skin tones and three body Muhammad in a tweet.

Many children grew up playing with types.

Muhammad thinks that this repdolls or action figures. However, most of these toys didn’t resemble or repre- resentation is not only a big step for sent the children playing with them in women, but also for Muslims everyany way. Kenneth and Mamie Clark, where. In a nation where anti-Muslim a team of psychologists, performed a hate crimes have risen by over 20% in famous social experiment that played the last year, many Americans need to a major role in exposing how repre- realize that being Muslim is not being sentation in toys affects a child’s mind. anti-American. There is too much atIn these experiments, the Clarks gave tention on the ‘oppression’ of the hijab a group of African-American children and how being a Muslim is synonyfour dolls. The dolls were identical, mous with being a terrorist, but not except two dolls had light skin and nearly enough focus on the prejudice blond hair and the other two had dark that Muslims face for practicing their skin and black hair. The children were first amendment rights.

A Barbie doll and hate crimes asked questions such as which dolls may not be the first connection were nice, which were bad, and which dolls looked most like them. The re- that people make, but with the sults of this experiment showed that new Barbie dolls of the “Sheroes” the majority of African-American chil- line, we can move on to a new era.

Bronx Science Gives Back to Women in Need

By KATHERINE DOSS From November 17, 2017, to January 2, 2018, Project FIRE, which stands for “Feminism: Inclusion, Rights, Equality,” hosted a pad and tampon drive in order to help hurricane victims in Puerto Rico. The group began in order to promote gender equality and counter the heightened sexism resulting from the most recent election season. The donated pads and tampons were sent to Legion of Goodwill, an organization that has contributed to many relief efforts.

Although Hurricane Maria made landfall back in late September, additional help is still needed. The Category 4 hurricane left Puerto Rico desperate for outside aid in order to reconstruct itself after the extreme devastation. “We can’t forget about the thousands of people who are in great need of our assistance and we need to continue to support them throughout the year,” said Ms. Elise Caldarola, an adviser of Project FIRE. She urged the Bronx Science community to donate to the drive in order to alleviate the stress produced by the hurricane’s destruction.

When most people think about hurricane relief, they often list food, clean water, electricity, and healthcare as the most pressing issues.

While these essentials are very important, other urgent needs are often neglected.

For women between the ages of about ten to fifty five, menstruation is a monthly process that is completely unavoidable. Without using necessary sanitary products,

Katherine Doss / The Science Survey

to pull through. Mentors have supervised and guided our researchers since their first days in their labs. Nusrath Jahan ’18 researched the development of a pediatric tumor of the brainstem: Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).

“I attribute most of my success to my mentor, Dr. Chul-Hwan Lee. He was always eager to teach the fundamentals of pursuing this topic and ensured that each step of the process was exciting.

His willingness to help me learn about DIPG further stimulated my passion for research and neuroscience. Without his assistance, I would have never been able to accomplish all that I did!” said Jahan.

Our faculty has also contributed greatly to the research projects. Students and teachers have the opportunity to work together to hone the projects.

In classroom settings, the teachers and students have worked closely together for two years or more. “Small groups are essential because of the time required to work individually with each student,” said Biology Research teacher Mr. Richard Lee. The collaborative efforts of students, teachers, and mentors make Bronx Science’s research program uniquely remarkable. Awards aside, being able to develop and conduct an independent study as a high school student is a rare and rewarding experience. “The skills that I have gained from this program are invaluable. The mindset of ‘success is doing better than you expected’ is one that I have learned through the research program. The people whom I’ve met are now my strongest network of support. It is a wonderful environment that pushes me to the best version of myself,” said Jennifer Cheung ’18.

John Aidan Feighery ’19, Chloe Frajmund ’19, and Alif Matin ’19 stand in front of the donated pads and tampons before giving them to Legion of Goodwill.

women can contract serious infections that can become fatal.

With a population constisting of nearly two million women, the majority of whom fall between normal menstruation ages, many Puerto Ricans could potentially suffer from these dire consequences. Many people view feminine hygiene products as luxury items rather than necessities, causing them to be neglected in hurricane relief efforts.

“It’s important to change that mindset throughout the country. Periods don’t stop for hurricanes, nor do they stop for flooding, so no one’s period should be an inconvenience to how they live their lives,” said Chloe Frajmund ’19, a member of Project FIRE. Bronx Science students did not shy away from

the chance to help out.

Donator Mazed Hossain ’19 stated, “I believe that everyone should have access to necessities. The victims of the Hurricane may now find themselves lacking these necessities or have difficulty acquiring them.”

Project FIRE’s goal was to collect one hundred boxes of pads and tampons by the beginning of January 2018. The early weeks of the drive were very successful and the group received many donations, leaving a lot of hope that they would reach their goal.

Project FIRE is grateful to everyone that donated and hopes that Bronx Science’s contribution will help all of those in need.

Foreign Language Department Renamed The newly renamed Bronx Science World Language Department has made its debut.

The change reflects a growing nationwide trend among many high schools and colleges renaming their language departments.

Even as the word “foreign” has grown more controversial within American political discourse, the Bronx Science World Language Department has retained its celebration of diversity and culture, one that it has pursued since its inception in 1938.

One concern of many educators in support of the movement is that amidst recent debates on immigration, the term “foreign” has developed a negative and exclusionary connotation.

Neither the United States nor New York State has an official language, and for many students with a first language other than English, the categorization of their languages as “foreign” in schools can be an alienating distinction.

Spanish is the most popular “foreign” language studied at Bronx Science. Bronx Science provides accommodation in advanced classes for many students each year

By JEMMA LASSWELL with prior knowledge or who speak the language at home.

When the department was first named the “Foreign Lan-

its many diverse traditions like the annual Japanese “Kohaku” singing event, or the Latin Club sponsored art mask comp e t i t i o n .

“The spirit of the change within the department has been easy — there was nothing to change,” said Assistant Principal to the World Language Department Lisa Rocchio. “It’s really Mr. Qiu, Chinese teacher, instructs just been more his students in Chinese by singing of a clerical task.” a popular song in the language.

The department name has been guage Department,” the in- quietly edited on the school tention was never to alienate website and on school docany student populations: the uments after a poll of all the department has always cele- language teachers revealed brated diversity and consis- resounding support for the tently offered a well-rounded decision. curriculum with many lanThey are easing into the guage and culture options change, but it’s no easy task for students from which to considering that the name of choose. the department has stayed In fact, Bronx Science the same since its inception. offers AP language classThe change in name serves es in Chinese, French Lan- to more accurately reflect guage, Italian, Japanese, our school’s core values. As Latin and Spanish Language. the previous name is phased The language faculty is out, the World Language Decomprised of teachers from partment will continue to ofaround the world, and the fer its truly unique language department is known for program to our students.

Ben Wade / The Science Survey

“Regeneron Names 17 From Science as Scholars” (continued from A1) This year’s Regeneron’s Top 300 Scholars are Alexa Asch, Philippe Baron, David Carter, Tainon Chen, Jennifer Cheung, Quincy Edwards, Nusrath Jahan, Swara Kalva, Mateo Massey, Ryoha Mitsuya, Max Porlein, Justin Qi, Theodore Sandler, Natasha Stamler, Jessica Su, Rachael Sue, and Vera Zarubin.

The results of the Regeneron STS were highly anticipated, as these students have been working on their research projects since their sophomore year. They started by reaching out to principal investigators and potential mentors at many different institutions.

High schoolers are younger than most people who apply for positions at labs, making it even more difficult to find volunteer positions. Despite these circumstances, over one hundred Bronx Science students were able to find mentors and perform research.

This year, the researchers of the Class of 2018 made history not only in Bronx Science, but also on the national stage. Bronx Science students accounted for 5.6% of the 300 semi-finalists in a competition in which they made up about 0.1% of the applicant pool. With 6 more semi-finalists than the second top schools, Jericho Senior High School and Montgomery Blair High School, Bronx Science had the largest number of winners in the country. Additionally, with 231 STS Scholars since the program’s inception, Bronx Science has more semifinalists than any school in the history of the competition.

Despite our undoubtedly talented researchers in the program, the help of their mentors and teachers helped them

5

News

6

A Time to Unwind From School — at School

Though Mr. Cogliano has only been at Bronx Science for a few months, he is quickly trying to improve student life. balancing extracurriculars, and making the effort to get enough sleep, it seems that adding anything else to a typical Bronx Science student’s already busy schedule would be impossible.

However, Cogliano is working to help students better strike a balance between work and leisure. He is adamant about opening resources to all students to ensure that they do not forget one of the most important aspects of high school, having fun. “I never see mental health as a problem.

In fact, it affects everyone sometime in their life,” Cogliano contends. “It’s just the way that we deal with it that impacts us day-to-day.”

Starting in February 2018, Cogliano plans to host mental health sessions during 10th period, so that

this “SGI,” though all students will be welcome to come.

Mental health SGI differs most from usual SGI classes in that during these periods, small groups of students from all grades can come together to create an open forum to discuss personal and school-related issues with both Mr. Cogliano and their peers. Furthermore, Mr. Cogliano expects these sessions to foster a greater sense of community among students of all different grades, who would offer moral support and advice after listening to others during this time and vice versa.

In addition to helping students to destress by discussion, Cogliano hopes to teach students other methods to relieve anxiety, in-

Zimbabwe’s Coup and the End of an Era

By MAX STEIKER On Tuesday November 21, Robert Mugabe stepped down as the president of the Nation of Zimbabwe, after thirty-seven years of rule marked by corruption with the seizure of Rhodesian Corporations, prejudice and genocide Ndebele people, and severe inflation during a nationwide 2006 recession. Robert Mugabe had been notorious for being politically ruthless, purging dozens of ministers and clergy members over his tenure as president. After leading the Zimbabwe African Nationalist Union- Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF for short), he became the leader of the nation of Zimbabwe at the end of the Rhodesian Bush War. Only three years into his reign, Mugabe demonstrated his prowess at eliminating threats to his power, and revealed his intention to rule unopposed. Mugabe ordered the massacre of upwards of twenty thousand native Ndebele people in a targeted genocide in the Matabeleland region of Zimbabwe. His motive for the massacre, known as the Gukurahundi, was to eliminate his political opposition, which was comprised of the Ndebele.

Mugabe then spent decades implementing failed socialist policies that bankrupt-

cluding muscle relaxation and aromatherapy, specifically introducing calming scents to students that would help them unwind from the external pressures of school.

“I work very closely with the school’s guidance counselors,” said Cogliano. “If a student is noticed to be struggling in a class, oftentimes, his or her guidance counselor will refer them to me to speak with them to see if anything else is wrong besides the material.”

Cogliano aims to hold a test run with some of these students as he explores the possible activities that he could carry during these meetings before officially setting a date for the first session.

Though he believes in the importance of addressing mental health, Cogliano notes how it is ultimately the student’s choice if they want to talk to him. “In the end, it’s only a person’s choice if they want to come to me or not,” he reasoned.

“However, I’ll always try to make time for anyone who needs to talk to me about anything.”

“You’ll only be in school for so long, but how you treat yourself internally affects you for your whole life,” Cogliano also noted.

“It’s important that a person maintains their mental health, because that lasts with them forever.”

So far, the mental health SGI program seems to have already generated much interest amongst the student body.

“I would stay after school for Mental Health SGI. A lot of students in the school are really stressed and struggle to manage everything. If we learned how to relax and manage our stress, it would be really beneficial,” said Katherine Doss ’19.

So stay tuned, Bronx Science, as Cogliano brings you a way to rest your minds.

ed the country. In 2000, Mugabe forcefully reappropriated white-owned farms to political allies, destroying Zimbabwe’s last functioning industry. By 2006, the debt created by Mugabe’s failed initiatives caused runaway hyperinflation, leading to an 85 billion percent devaluation in the Zimbabwean currency. Under Mugabe, Zimbabwe went from being the second richest country in Africa to one of the poorest in the world.

Robert Mugabe is now ninety-three years old, and on November 8, he purged his cabinet of members who were opposed to his wife, Grace, who he hoped would take power after his retirement. The firing of his Vice President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, on November 6 sparked a military coup that led to Mugabe’s forced resignation on November 21. With Mugabe gone, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has stepped up as Zimbabwe’s second President in thirty-seven years of existence. Zachary Lee ‘18, an avid follower of geopolitics, describes Mnangagwa’s prospective reign as leader somewhat pessimistic. “Despite my continued optimism for the southern African region as a whole, I remain dubious of the new resident’s ability to lead Zimbabwe into a new era. Many members of the current administration remain in power from Mugabe’s era and Emmerson Mnangagwa himself had a long standing relationship with the dictator.”

Continued Online

“A Narrow Escape for Students with GOP Tax Plan” (continued from A1) million Americans currently remain in student debt.

“The government is neglecting the future of the country to ‘compensate’ for the astronomical decrease in tax revenue that tax cuts to the upper class will get,” Sebastian Baez ’19 commented. Baez raised an important point that reinforced the controversy of the tax bill provisions: why should students be responsible for tax cuts on the upper class?

Additionally, another proposal from the original tax bill would have taxed tuition waivers as income. This meant that students would have had to pay taxes on so-called income they were not receiving. This primarily targeted graduate students who receive tuition discounts, mainly those who work as teachers or research assistants or are working towards a doctorate degree.

For a graduate student with a $40,000 tuition break, that would more than triple their typical taxable income, making some graduate degrees not financially viable at all, and thus affecting the participation at research programs in many universities.

“This bill is not about your welfare as a student,” Dr. Todd Davis, a history teacher, commented. Reflecting on his experience as a graduate student, he said, “I would be obliged to pay taxes on a bunch of money that would not have been mine. It would have resulted in poverty, and I would not have been able to go to school, nor would most.”

In response to those proposals, student protests of higher education swept the country to prevent the bill from being passed. Eight students were arrested during a Capitol Hill demonstration, and many other rallies and walkouts occurred under organized efforts of

graduate students. Through protest and debate, this controversy eventually propelled the Republican House to rescind the interest deduction and taxable income provisions from the tax bill.

Many families could have also been impacted by changes to the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit that ultimately failed to pass through Senate. Under the final plan, which preserves the current American Opportunity Tax Credit, eligible families receive $2,500 in tax credit annually for every child enrolled in college, usable for four years of a child’s education. The plan also preserves the Lifetime Learning Credit, which bestows up to $2,000 per year for eligible families, usable for every year they use in higher education.

In the earlier drafts of the tax bill, however, the Lifetime Learning Credit would have been eliminated, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit would have been expanded to a fifth year at a reduced benefit. Therefore, current and future eligible students pursuing higher education past their first four years of college would have essentially lost these valuable benefits, which would have made the entire process more financially difficult for graduate students.

Bronx Science boasts a 98.3% graduation rate, with most students immediately enrolling into top colleges having received scholarships or merit-based financial aid. With college costs growing by the year, students are often dependent upon those scholarships to attend the prestigious schools into which they are accepted.

With around 715 students graduating each year from Bronx Science, embarking on their journey into higher education, the fight for equal, accessible education remains relevant to all current and prospective graduates of our storied public high school.

“Annual Can Drive is Most Successful Ever” (continued from A1) Julia Gonzales ’19 explained why she donated. “I contributed because I think it’s important to provide for the less fortunate, especially during the holiday season when food is such a culturally significant thing, and I encouraged people to donate for the same reason.”

One thing many students agree on is how the student organization’s efforts in advertising the can drive facilitated its success. Anthony Lim ’21 admitted, “The can drive was successful this year because of the ad-

mos shown in homeroom, and mentions in daily morning announcements, the student body was made well aware of the drive. John Aidan Feighery ’19, the social media chair of the S.O., was proud to see that the S.O.’s hard work paid off. “This year, the S.O. Cabinet made a huge effort to get fellow students to donate. By continuing the advertising practices employed this year and making this a strong part of Bronx Science tradition, I firmly believe Bronx Science can continue to be a major force in contributing to the welfare of our city’s less fortunate.”

Indeed, the can drive has motivated students and increased their school pride. Can drive co-chair Ryan Yam noted that “this success shows our school has potential to do greater things than just school work, and that we can work together to accomplish things—that even with a little bit of motivation, we can achieve The S.O. and City Harvest representatives work things that have never hard together to cart heavy packages of cans been done before.” Can to the truck for donation. drive co-chair Umayma Hasan agreed: “The vertisements that were on the morning success of this can drive just shows how announcements and all of the posters.” motivated Bronx Science students acThe drive was also published during tually are, and how if we put our mind monthly senate meetings held during to it, we can accomplish anything.” lunch periods and through weekly With donors ranging from the staff and faculty to clubs, NHS members, emails to all homeroom senators.

Through large colorful posters lining and the general student body—from hallways and stairwells, flyers placed in freshmen to seniors—this year’s bathrooms, weekly Wolverine TV pro- can drive was truly a great victory for Bronx Science as a whole.

Image Courtesy of Kristen Parness / The S.O.

By TAYLOR HUANG students have an opportunity to de-stress together.

Conveniently taking place during 10th period, when a majority of students can easily get home afterwards, these sessions allow students to create time for relaxation without worrying about leaving school late and falling behind in their studies.

Cogliano hopes that these sessions will run much like SGI for academic classes, where teachers offer their students individualized help after school. Unlike for academic subjects, students will never be madated for Ben Wade / The Science Survey

After only a few months at Bronx Science, the school’s new social worker, Anthony Cogliano, has already made much progress in addressing students’ mental health — by making it an official part of the school day.

As a specialized high school, Bronx Science is notorious for its rigorous academics and competitive atmosphere; it’s a given that many of its students often sacrifice their schoolwork at the expense of their physical and mental health.

Yet, between scrambling to finish class assignments,

Feature

By SAMIRA ASHIF

Samira Ashif / The Science Survey

Nothing shows true commitment like by becoming a doctor,” he said. “Everyone participating in the school’s research in my lab is very determined and devoted program. Introduced to them in their to their research, and they inadvertently sophomore year, this three year course is convinced me to pursue research as my available for those who have an interest career.” in research and want to develop their own Allison has already spent three years projects with a mentor. Although this is a studying the production of stable T-cell course taken in school, most of the work lines with overexpression and deletion is done outside of Bronx Science. Whether of P2X1 and P2X7 purinergic receptors. it’s commuting to and from their research His work involved creating competent institution or spending multiple hours an- cell lines and using CRISPR technology alyzing data from their experiments, these to delete genes for purinergic receptors. students often lead busy lives.

Through the use of cloning and other geOver a hundred students in each class netic techniques, he was able to create the pursue the program for its full three years. cells needed to study HIV infection. AlOne of these students is Uma Balachan- though he personally plans to discontinue dran ’18, who is planning on pursuing a this study after the research program, the career in medicine. Her long-standing in- cell lines that he created will be infected terest in orthopedic surgery, in addition to and analyzed by his lab to further study her fascination with the practicality of the the interactions between purinergic recepfield, led her to continue researching at a tors and HIV infection. hospital in hopes of gaining a greater unOn the other hand, others do hope to derstanding of her future occupation. continue the work they’ve begun in Intel.

Her project, entitled, “The Effect of Ed- By researching tumor cells and discoverucation on Patient Awareness of Vitamin ing a novel therapeutic targets (ERβ2 and D Deficiency,” aims to raise awareness of ERβ1), Nicole Wang ’18 was able to learn vitamin D deficiency and compliance rates of new ways to enhance ionizing radiation with vitamin D supplementation. therapy. When asked about future plans, “I think the most rewarding part were she reveals a decision that she had made the experiences that I gained along the by her third year in the program. way,” said Balachandran. “Getting to “I want to continue my research in the spend that much time in the best orthope- future and hope to start a clinical trial,” dic hospital in the country, alongside some Wang said. “I will be designing a lentiviral of the most disand nanoparticle tinguished people based delivery sysin the field is a tems to reintroduce once in a lifetime ERβ1 into prostate experience.”

In cancer cells in Vivo the future, she using mouse modplans on expandels.” ing her studies No matter what and conducting their research enmore clinical retails, these accomsearch. plished individuals Other reare dedicated to search students, Seniors Uma Balachandran and Alexandria Ang their work. It is no such as Maxwell work on poster presentations doubt that the hard Allison ’18, also for their Senior Research Poster Session. work they put into continued retheir final research search in order to explore his career in- projects will be greatly beneficial to them as terests. “I had always been interested in they pursue their future careers in the hard science and biology, but the only way that sciences, mathematics, and social sciences.

I thought that I could pursue science was

Winter Crossword

By ALEXA ASCH, BRIANNA LE, and JAMES SNYDER Across 4. Small pieces of colored paper thrown during a celebration such as a wedding or parade 5. Month that Taylor Swift goes back to all the time in song 9. Under the chimney 10. Frosty the ______ 12. The offspring of watermint and spearmint, a classic winter flavor 14. New Year’s kiss at _____ 17. Traditional Chinese festival celebrated with red envelopes and firecrackers 18. Zodiac signs of Capricorn and Aquarius pertain to this month 20. Piece of clothing worn to stay warm or impersonate Steve Jobs 21. Common reason for having days off from school 22. The shape of an ice crystal, coming in infinite possibilities 23. Brumation for warm blooded animals such as bears, bats, groundhogs, and bumble bees 25. Feliz _____!

26. Symptoms include shivering, weak pulse, red skin, and loss of consciousness as a result of extreme cold 28. Santa has twelve of these Down 1. Coffee and hot chocolate 2. “If _____ doesn’t knock, build a door” 3. Shake slightly and uncontrollably as a result of being cold, frightened, or excited 6. A sweet delicacy made from a bitter ingredient which is grown 10 degrees around the equator and fermented 7. (lim (x--> 1)(4x/2))*(103 + 33) 8. Mythological god representing affection and love, often portrayed as an arrow shooting baby 10. Roman Saint associated with love and born in 226 AD 11. X-game icon Shaun White’s ride 13. Source of January stress for Bronx Science students 15. Explosive art display in the sky seen during celebrations 16. Holiday clothing trend beginning in 2001 and often worn for contests 19. ____ phone, who dis?

24. What is life?

26. Mood when you’re hungry and angry 27. A recollection stored in the brain that people can reminisce about

College + Acceptance = Money?

By ELIZABETH JUNG Although the cost of attending a top all over the place and got advice on writcollege has dramatically increased in the ing, and returned the favor,” said finalist past decade, competition to attend those Andy Zheng ’18. elite institutions has also risen. College For Bronx Science QuestBridge finalcan be financially intimidating to many, ists, the hard work paid off. “I would say but increased interest and participation in that the tedious application process was scholarship programs has done much to worth it, due to receiving great news of bebridge the gap. coming a finalist and being prepared with One such scholarship is the Quest- the college application process much earliBridge scholarship, coveted by many Bronx er than most students,” said finalist WenScience study Lau ’18. Many dents. Queststudents like Bridge is an Lau believe organization that the applithat strives to cation is reconnect low warding if one income high receives the school seniors scholarship. with the naHowever, this tion’s top insticomes at a cost tutions. These of stress and institutions time as the aprange from plication proIvy League cess is tedious. universities to Many Bronx Science students have worked tirelessly The Posse well-known Foundation throughout the first semester of their senior year to liberal arts apply for scholarships. Wendy Lau ’18 applied to the S c h o l a r s h i p colleges across QuestBridge National College Match this fall and was is another nothe country. table scholarannounced as a finalist.

Each year, ship that has QuestBridge releases the National College gained in popularity. The Posse FounMatch application which serves as a way dation connects students with selective for seniors to apply early for QuestBridge’s colleges who conduct a selection process college partners. Many Bronx Science through which ten students are accepted seniors have been announced as Quest- to attend each college. Posse is especially Bridge finalists with the chance to be ad- unique because of its selection process. mitted to these colleges.

The selection process puts heavy emphasis The National College Match application on interviews, both group and individual. requires multiple supplemental materials In the end, just ten students are selected to that allow students to showcase their abili- become Posse scholars at each college or ties. However, filling out the National Col- university that is partnered with the Posse lege Match application is not an easy feat Foundation. as the application requires a lot of effort Matthew Burke ’18 is a Posse scholar and hard work. “My experience with the who believes that the emphasis on characNCM application was stressful because it ter instead of just grades makes the Posse was extremely time consuming and had an scholarship unique and worthwhile. “The extremely early deadline (9/27/17). In ad- application experience was really great bedition, the application also demanded fi- cause Posse is an organization that looks nancial information that I thought I would at the individual rather than just grades. only need later. That made the application Most scholarships are solely based on havall the more stressful,” said finalist Brian ing a 98 average or getting a perfect score He ’18. on your standardized tests, but Posse is an The feeling of becoming one step clos- organization that focuses on leadership er to gaining a full-scholarship to a top and promoting diversity on these elite institution motivates Bronx Science stu- University campuses. This is not an ordidents to persevere until the end. “The nary scholarship, but more a program that National College Match would give me a looks to mold young leaders into successbetter chance to get into top tier colleges. ful members of universities and the world It would also lessen the load my parents afterwards,” said Burke. would need to pay for my college tuition. I Scholarship programs such as was also motivated to get everything done QuestBridge and The Posse Foundabecause of the QuestBridge Facebook tion are providing the means for stugroup. The QuestBridge Facebook group dents to apply to top universities and was very helpful, as I met new people from colleges that they deserve to attend.

Lyn Kajihara / The Science Survey

Science Research Seniors: Profiles in Dedication

7

Feature Beating the Winter Blues Christina Pan / The Science Survey

By CHRISTINA PAN With the arrival of winnegative ions are prevalent. ter comes dreary days, cold Health is another importweather, early sundowns, ant factor in fighting the winand, unfortunately, a deter blues. During the winter, crease in happiness. This we’re more likely to coop up is a symptom of the winter in our homes to avoid the doldrums, or winter blues, harsh weather and as a result which millions of people face we get less of the nutrients with the onset of each winter. we usually get from being The start of winter doloutside (such as vitamin D, drums varies from person which we produce from the to person; some people exsun) and eat less healthily. A perience symptoms in late few solutions include getting August and others in late Nothese nutrients in the form of vember. Winter doldrums are vitamins and avoiding heavy seasonal, as symptoms lessen carbohydrates that spike with the beginning of spring. blood sugar levels that can negaThis is due to the decreased tively affect your mood (instead, Bronx Science students play after the first snowfall amount of sunlight that we try fruits or foods high in proof the winter. receive in the winter, and tein and healthy fats). Socially, toms, try to get as much light exposure additional factors such as getry to partake in more events, ography, genetics, and brain chemistry. as possible. Lack of sunlight causes like joining a club or team at Bronx SciThough they affect most people mildly, the brain to produce more melatonin, ence. there is a percentage of those who suffer which regulates sleep. Remedies include Other options include volunteering from winter doldrums who are suffering bright light therapy, which involves a at community events in your area. “An from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), light therapy box, a type of lamp that important thing to remember is that you which results in major depressive ep- makes up for missing sunlight by emit- are most likely not the only one affected isodes every winter. “I think it is very ting strong artificial light. Also, take ad- by this type of mood disorder,” Sofman important for the student body and fac- vantage of light outside by taking walks advises. “Talking to friends, guidance ulty to be informed about this condition or doing outdoor activities and increase counselors, parents, teachers and other which is classified as a mood disorder,” the amount of light entering your home people surrounding you is very helpful. says AP Psychology teacher Ms. Olga (i.e. drawing up the shades during the Sharing how you feel with others will Sofman. Both SAD and winter doldrums day). make you understand your condition are characterized by increased fatigue, better and might make you actually feel “Lack of sunlight causlarger appetite, and a greater desire for a bit better. Remember, humans are soes the brain to produce sleep. “Symptoms such as apathy, loss of cial animals.” interest, sadness and anxiety are hard to Whether you have recurring winter more melatonin, which deal with on their own, not to mention doldrums or the occasional mood drop, regulates sleep.” when these are coupled with a normal don’t be afraid to look for help. Bronx workload of a student,” Sofman said.

Additionally, scientists support the Science has many resources, as do your If you do experience these symptoms use of a negative ionizer, as it is shown doctors and specialists. during the winter season, there are a few that the presence of negative ions in the So next time the cold weather makes ways that are scientifically supported to air is effective in improving one’s mood. you feel like being a homebody for the prevent or treat them. First, since the This effect is evident near the seashore day, get up and enjoy the light outdoors amount of time we are exposed to light or after a spring thunderstorm, when while you can. is a huge factor in causing these symp-

Food Combinations: Two is Better than One

By MELISSA CEN cial media is bubble tea ice cream at Bar Pa Tea. Tea flavored ice cream is served there with an option of tapioca pearls— Melissa Cen / The Science Survey

Social media is constantly surprising us with new food combinations. With new food creations on the rise, you will never have to choose between your favorite foods. Edible mashups are constantly being created, from sushirritos to bubble tea ice cream, so make sure you keep up!

Many of these creations are made right here in New York City.

Chick’n’Cone is paradise for the fried chicken lovers, where they serve fried chicken in a waffle cone, taking waffles and chicken to the next level. Also located in Midtown Manhattan is The Ram, a lively and rustic restaurant. This place is home to the Pancake Burger, where they draw no line between breakfast and lunch. Rather than buns to hold the burger together, pancakes are used to add sweet to the savory.

At Chikalicious, a dessert bar in East Village, you can find one of the most famous food mashups—the churro cone.

This dessert is a classic churro, but in the shape of a cone, served with ice cream.

If churros are not your thing, you can find the donut ice cream sandwich, at multiple locations in the Lower East Side. Stax and Stuffed Ice Cream both serve their own variation of the sweet delicacy—or as they call it, Cremella and Cruffs. A donut is cut in half like a bagel with ice cream served in between. They offer various toppings, such as oreo crumbs and cereal to decorate their new creation.

Nearby Stax is Milk & Cream Cereal Bar, where they recreate breakfast as dessert. Combining ice cream and cereal, this bar attracts customers from all over New York City. Another place with both breakfast and dessert is the Milk Bar. A recent creation blowing up on so-

Fruit Berry Bliss at Milk and Cream Cereal Bar. the bubbles you find in bubble tea—as a topping. To many, the tapioca pearls are delicious and aesthetically pleasing additions to the ice cream. “It caught my attention when I saw it on my friend’s snapchat,” said Yusen Lin ’19, a fan of Bar Pa Tea’s creative new ice creams.

“Some argue that these mashups have gone overboard and that certain foods are off limits.”

Food combinations gained popularity through their aesthetic value and

unique looks. Trending all over social media, these creations have been tagged as creative, as well as overwhelming.

Some argue that these mashups have gone overboard and that certain foods are off limits, such as the Ramen Burger, for instance, available at Smorgasburg.

People point out the nutritional value of the “burger,” claiming the combined fat of the ramen and burger is unhealthy.

Another burger combination that received criticism is the Avoburger, served at Avocaderia in Brooklyn, which consists of smoked salmon and other ingredients placed between two halves of an avocado. Many question the naming of the “burger,” since the Avoburger cannot be eaten like one. Others question the design of the “burger,” claiming that the avocado should just be left alone instead of being made into a burger. Aside from the savory food mashups, sweet creations have also received criticism of their own.

Some dessert combinations from Max Brenner, such as the Chocolate Chunks Pizza and the Chocolate Crepe Pasta, have been marked as a chocolate disaster. Many argue that while certain desserts are delicious independently, combining them would be too much.

Another dessert creation, the Cotton Candy Ice Cream, which can be found at Binki Cafe in Lower Manhattan, is considered a sugary overload for many.

Overall, the desserts could be summarized as hell for the health conscious or heaven for the chocolate lovers.

However, despite the criticism, these restaurants should be given credit for their imagination and originality. From combining ice cream and bubble tea to a sushi and burrito combo, New York City eats have never failed to amaze us all.

Second Semester Study Tips

By SYDNEY TEH With midyears finished and the second semester in full swing, the average Bronx Science student often has her head in a book studying for an exam. The stress is understood, but fear not, as our students also have the greatest insider advice on how to best study for your class exams. From the standard helpful tips to the unconventional habits of our student body, we have you covered.

When it comes to studying, the majority of students find solace in the wealth of resources online.

Crash Course is a fan favorite, especially for history and science; the company makes review books, but their Youtube videos seem to be preferred due to their overarching topic overviews.

Sydney Teh / The Science Survey

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Chloe Frajmund ’19 uses Crash Course videos to study for her history tests.

“I’m a visual learner and Crash Course videos are perfect because they have a lot of graphics to explain the subject. For example, in AP Biology last year, I used it to supplement to my notes. It’s so much easier to see it in a video than in tiny drawings from your notebook’s class notes,” said Sanweda Mahagabin ’18. Chloe Frajmund ’19 explained that Crash Course made studying a lot more enjoyable as commentator John Green cracked jokes to break up the information. “The jokes helped me remember facts through association,” she said. She explained that the site was also easily accessible to use either at home on her laptop, or on a computer in our library during a free period.

Other students prefer methodical systems when it comes to their studying process. Having a set schedule helps to offset the inevitable procrastination.

Yassine Elwafi ’19 champions the effectiveness of the Pomodoro Method which combines relaxing breaks and intense studying to help retain the maximum amount of information. This is a time management technique developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s that he swears by. “You use a timer or an app to study without distractions for 25 minutes followed by a 5 minute break. Each 30 minute interval is a pomodoro, and after 4 pomodoros you take 15 minute break,” Elwafi explains. The small breaks decrease overload and stop excess anxiety from building up.

Even if an app is not for you, Shane Kass ’19 recommends making your own schedule or list of things you need to do and making it your phone lockscreen.

Therefore, you stay organized, do not forget anything, and have a constant reminder to motivate you to study!

Students can agree that getting into a focused position to study is the hardest part, especially with Netflix and social media as a distraction. While it is not effective for everyone, music can be a great way to become motivated or to take a quick concentration break. Anika Lamina ’18 explains, “I sit at my dining table and blast country music for as many hours as needed. Country warms my soul and helps me to focus by giving me good vibes when I’m under stress and lacking sleep.”

“I

like to reward myself with little snacks that I like.”

Julia Haberfield ’19 and Elisa Pappagallo ’19 explain that their favorite way to complete their study sessions is by giving themselves a little incentive to get through the material. “I like to reward myself with little snacks that I like. For example, for every chapter that I read in a textbook, I’ll give myself either a Hershey’s kiss or a Reese’s peanut butter cup,” said Haberfield. Pappagallo agreed, and added that “any food that you love works, especially when you’re a little hungry.” Her personal favorite studying snack is cheese wedges.

It’s clear that Bronx Science students are no stranger to sleepless nights and caffeine fueled exam study sessions. However, you can all find your inner motivation and push through this coming semester. It’s not as daunting as it may seem!

Arts & Entertainment

By JAMES SNYDER

By ANNA CLEVENGER

James Snyder / The Science Survey

On January 28th, the 60th September 30th cutoff date.

Annual Grammy Awards took (Swift did receive two nominaplace at Madison Square Gartions, however, for songwriting den, hosted by late-night encredits and a single that she retertainer James Corden of leased in August).

“Carpool Karaoke.” This cereMany have viewed this as a mony was created to celebrate reflection of the push towards the works of influential memacceptance and diversity on bers of the recording industry a cultural and social level. “It for the Hollywood Walk of shows that the music and reFame. Realizing the number cording world has gotten a lot of performers, orchestrators, more diverse and shows progand executives who deserved “I am very happy to see that the nominations ress for America as a multirecognition, the selection com- are fairly different in that there are different styles national country,” said Kevin mittee decided instead of brass of songs [reflected in the top nominations],” said Gao ’19, “especially in times of stars on California sidewalks, racial tensions.”

Kateryna (Kate) Slinchenkova ’18. these contributors should be “I think it really shows how nees included ‘Awaken, My Love!’ given awards similar to Oscars diverse the music scene is beby Childish Gambino, ‘4:44’ by and Emmys. Originally, the Recoming,” noted Sadia Haque ’19.

Jay-Z, ‘DAMN.’ by Kendrick Lamar, cording Academy wanted to name “More people of color are able to ‘Melodrama’ by Lorde, and ‘24K the award after the inventor of the make and produce music. I think Magic’ by Bruno Mars. Four of the phonograph, Thomas Edison, hence that has a lot to do with how confive albums nominated in this catecalling it an “Eddie.” Ultimately, nected people are now by social gory are primarily R&B or rap, the they settled on titling the award a media. People are able to get their only exception being Lorde’s pop “Grammy” after the gramophone, music and message out there better album ‘Melodrama.’ the original “record player.” and aren’t restricted by music comThis trend was consistent Now, after being held in Los Anpanies and prejudice.” throughout the Grammy nominees. geles for the past fifteen years, the A contrary opinion has prevailed Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar, two of Grammy ceremony returned to New among other students, advising the most prominent and accoladed York City. From the Harlem Renaispeople to look past race as a factor rappers of the 21st century, respecsance popularizing jazz to the birth nominating artists. “If people betively received eight and seven nomof hip-hop in the Bronx, it is only lieve that this is a big deal, then they inations. Bruno Mars also received fitting that the Big Apple hosted are not treating minorities as equals six nominations for his album 24K this special event. New York City is to others,” reflected Bruno DelmonMagic, which crossed the line behome to a multitude of renowned te Sandoval ’21. Furthermore, “the tween funk and pop. Many R&B music venues such as Carnegie Hall, nominees deserved it, regardless of artists who achieved breakthroughs the Apollo Theater, and the Garden their race,” added Eduardo Rivera with their music in 2017, includitself that have hosted memorable ’20. “Sure it’s cool that they are miing Khalid, Childish Gambino, and performances representing the pinnorities, but it’s not up to race, it’s SZA, garnered recognition as well, nacle of an artist’s career. up to qualification.” each receiving five nominations.

“New York City has such a diIn a surprising twist, Bronx SciEd Sheeran, on the other hand, verse and rich music history,” said ence alumnus Neil deGrasse Tyson’s received just two nominations Ann Garbowski ’18. “The punk audiobook ‘Astrophysics for People for his album ‘÷’ (Divide), which scene flourished here in the 1970s in a Hurry’ received a nomination produced the chart-topping song at places like CBGB’s, and so many for Best Spoken Word Album. In “Shape of You.” Other pop stars iconic bands, like The Ramones, the category, Bernie Sanders, Bruce such as Katy Perry and Harry Styles came from New York too, which is Springsteen, Shelly Peiken, and the were completely left off the ballot why I’m excited to see it broadcastlate Carrie Fisher were also nomidespite both releasing albums that ed from such a monumental locanated for their audio memoirs. reached #1 on the Billboard Top tion as the Garden.”

Carrie Fisher ended up winning 200 in 2017. Additionally, fans of Coinciding with the feel of the in this category. If Mr. Tyson had Sam Smith and Taylor Swift will “city that never sleeps,” nominawon, he would have become the secneed to wait until the 2019 Gramtions for Album of the Year turned ond Wolverine to receive a Grammy mys to see their favorite artists reaway from the pop-dominated muAward after Bobby Darin won two ceive honors for their albums, both sic industry in favor of more urban, Grammys in 1960. of which were published after the contemporary albums. The nomi-

Art Crawl with Anna

By SUSAN HUANG Susan Huang / The Science Survey

As the conductor begins to a different sound, tone, sway his arms, the sounds of the and melody that bring the orchestra, band, and chorus come compositions together. to life. After months of practice For the performers, and preparations, the musicians the most popular piece is of Bronx Science starred in one of definitely the instrumenthe most popular performances tal soundtrack from ‘Harin the school: the Winter Concert. ry Potter and the Deathly The annual Winter Concert Hallows’. “It has a wide happened on December 12 and range of themes, and the 13, 2017, as friends, family and French Horns have a reteachers came to show support ally nice part in the song,” for the performers. “Ever since I said Timothy Zhao ’19.

Cellists from the Orchestra play together in harmony. saw the rehearsal for the Winter Another favorite enConcert in SGI last year, I have joyed by many students form in the Winter Concert is to bond always wanted to see the whole show. was Mueva Los Huesos, a Latin enwith their friends that share the same This year, I got the opportunity and semble. “It has a fast and groovy musical passions as them. Olivia Yip it did not disappoint. I will definitely Latin tune, which means percussion ’18 describes playing for the Winbe back for the spring concert,” said plays a really big part in keeping evter Concert as a “sense of belonging Margaret Wong ’19. eryone together and making the muwhen everyone plays together.” The Many find performing in the sic flow,” said Akihito Gorai ’19. audience definitely feels the sense of winter concert a very enjoyable and Besides the melodies from the community among the performers, unique experience that sets it apart instruments, the chorus is always a watching as each song is played flufrom other events in Bronx Science. fundamental part of the show. After idly and confidently.

From sight reading to improving months of vocal exercises and pracOther responses of reasons people rhythm, students from concert band, tice, the chorus gave a powerful perchose to perform in the Winter Conorchestra, and jazz band have been formance. They began with a holiday cert was the thrill of performing and practicing for months to perfect the classic, Carol of the Bells, and ended the excuse to wear formal clothes. skills they will be showcasing in their with an a capella version of the song However, the ultimate reason is that performance. Under the leadership ‘Hallelujah’ by Pentatonix. they all share the same affection for of Mr. Paul DeSilva, Orchestra and The Winter Concert was unmusic and performing arts. “Music Chorus director, and Mr. Juan Mandoubtedly a success. “I did not realprovides me an outlet to express my tilla, Intermediate Band, Jazz Band, ize how much musical talent Bronx emotions, and to do something that and Concert Band director, the stuScience students have as I’ve always is relaxing to take my mind off my dents were brought to a high level of seen our school as solely based on academics,” said Nathaniel Chin ’19. performance. academics. I am definitely going Every instrument plays a different Besides being able to improve again next year to see what the Murole in making the performance come their skills for the instrument they sic Department has in store for the to life. Ranging from percussion to play, one of the many reasons to pernext concert,” said Joselyn Kim ’19. string, each instrument produces

The Broadhurst Theater, where the musical ‘Anastasia’, based on a movie of the same name, is performed.

There’s nothing better than curling up on a couch with a bowl of popcorn and watching a classic 1990’s or mid-2000’s movie, whether it is ‘Mean Girls’ or ‘13 Going On 30.’ These movies aren’t cinematic masterpieces that will be watched generations from now, but they make up for it in entertainment value.

But can that entertainment be carried from the screen to the stage?

Nostalgia is a driving force behind ticket sales for many shows currently running, including the new Broadway production of ‘Anastasia’ and the Off-Broadway production of ‘Cruel Intentions’. Both are based on movies from the 90’s

“Seriously?”

Screen-to-stage adaptations are not exclusive to movies. A brand new production of ‘Spongebob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical’ opened December 4 and has been met with mixed reactions. “Is this just a cash grab from Nickelodeon?” asked Julia Maher ’18.

“At first I wondered: Why? What happened to art? Why is art dead?” Juliet Godwin ’18 said, “but honestly now I’m sort of into it,” Godwin concluded.

Review: Yayoi Kusama at the David Zwirner

By JEANETTE LEE and BRIDGET KULCSAR around the world, with people flocking to her exhibits whenever they’re in town. The long lines resulting from the popularity of the exhibits can be an hours-long wait. “It was amazing to be able to see the exhibits in person, but I was a really frustrated by the fact that I waited in 30°F weather for over two hours. It was even more frustrating considering that we were rushed through the exhibit, and spent about ten minutes indoors,” said Nicole Neil ’18.

You walk down 69th street in the Upper East Side and turn to the left; across from an apartment with an open window that reveals a well-lit Christmas tree is a white building with heavy black doors. Push open the heavy black doors, and walk down A corner of the room in Kusama’s three white stairs, your footsteps echoing in the empty hallpiece “With All My Love for way that makes way to a small the Tulips, I Pray Forever.” room where two interns sit at out blasts of warm air into the a table that holds a pamphlet of frigid winter night. the paintings of Yayoi Kusama’s The reason for all the com- recent exhibition Infinity Nets. motion? Yayoi Kusama’s “Infin- Ascend a set of black spiral stairs ity Mirrors” exhibit, which was to a second floor where a stoic on display at the David Zwirner security guard stands next to YKGalleries from November 15 to KINOO. December 15, 2017. Kusama, There are three rooms at this an 88-year-old Japanese artist, installment of Kusama’s work, created her first infinity mirror with five in the right room, four piece in 1963, and has created in the left, and one in the center. hundreds of pieces since, includ- The empty white rooms focus ing sculptures and paintings. She your attention to the canvases, began having visual hallucina- the white empty space drawing tions from the age of ten which you into them. were later incorporated into her Yayoi Kusama’s exhibiartwork. Her polka-dot halluci- tions play with your percepnations have inspired multiple tion of space; the patterns and pieces, including the room in the contrasting colour schemes New York exhibit called “With that she uses brings you on All My Love for the Tulips, I Pray her hallucinogenic adventure.

Forever.”

But if you feel wavy and need Kusama’s artwork is mesmer- to steady yourself, make sure izing and has captured audiences that you don’t touch the walls.

When walking down West 19th street in Chelsea, a long line can be seen from a block away, snaking around the corner and disappearing from view. Two 15-foot-tall white doors open in the building time to time, letting

Jeanette Lee / The Science Survey

A Harmonious End to the Year

that are still cult favorites.

These successful productions, as well as past musical adaptations of popular movies such as ‘Legally Blonde,’ and ‘Heathers,’ have inspired a new wave of shows reminiscent of the 90’s. Many of the decade-old movies that everyone knows and loves are set to come to life off the screen — and on the stage. Productions of ‘Clueless’, ‘17 Again,’ ‘Mean Girls,’ and ‘13 Going on 30’ are among the many shows in the works to hit the stange in coming months.

Certain productions have attracted a lot of attention, such as the upcoming ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ as it is currently being written by Elton John. “Seriously?” wondered Christina Papageorgiou ’18.

Anna Clevenger / The Science Survey

Grammys Take NYC, Recognize Urban Influence of City

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Michelangelo Buonarroti (Italian, Caprese 1475–1564 Rome) Studies for the Libyan Sibyl (recto); Studies for the Libyan Sibyl and a small Sketch for a Seated Figure (verso) Ca. 1510–11 Red chalk, with small accents of white chalk on the left shoulder of the figure in the main study (recto); soft black chalk, or less probably charcoal (verso) Sheet: 11 3/8 x 8 7/16 in. (28.9 x 21.4 cm) The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1924 24.197.2

of the show at the Metropolitan Museum, are a spectacular feat. It is remarkable to think that Michelangelo created them when he was only seventeen.

Michelangelo’s talent did not end on paper; he was also very skilled with stone.

The most notable sculpture in the new Met exhibit, entitled the ‘Young Archer,’ has undergone much scrutiny. In 1996, the sculpture was identified as a Michelangelo, but only after years of obscurity in the French Embassy on Fifth Avenue.

While historians continue to debate the authenticity, those who believe that the sculpture is a Michelangelo (the Met included) believe it would have been produced between 1496 and 1497, when Michelangelo was only twenty-one.

The beauty of the Michelangelo show is that it allows the viewers to see how Michelangelo went from point A to point B, from paper to canvas, from pencil to paint.

Viewers can understand where the art came from. It almost feels like you have been let in on a secret by the very man himself, as if Michelangelo has floated down from the heavens and shown you the hidden world behind his magic. The fact that the drawings lack paint only allows you to appreciate the texture even more.

This show is both time and light sen-

Review: Spielberg’s ‘The Post’

By TIFFANY CHEN If you were given the choice between losing your job in the interest of the truth, or keeping it and further perpetrating your government’s lies to the public, what would you do? This is the question posed in Steven Spielberg’s new film, ‘The Post.’ Released in theaters on December 22, it is based on the Pentagon Papers scandal of the 1970s, focusing on Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham’s perspective as a journalist revealing the truth despite the risks.

Daniele da Volterra (Daniele Ricciarelli) (Italian, Volterra 1509–1566 Rome) Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564) Probably ca. 1544 Oil on wood 34 3/4 x 25 1/4 in. (88.3 x 64.1 cm) The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Clarence Dillon, 1977 1977.384.1 sitive. The drawings are very fragile, so they can only be exposed to light for a maximum three-month period. The drawings, which were done in red chalk, black chalk, or brown ink, depict many a male nude in states of motion. The drawings depict male figures raising an arm, twisting at the waist, or balancing on one foot. Michelangelo’s subjects range from religious tales (such as the resurrection of Jesus Christ) to classical ones (such as Hercules wrestling the fabled lion).

The figures’ expressive postures and curvy silhouettes differ from the standard medieval figures which resembled wooden dolls with rigid postures. Michelangelo’s figures feel alive and tangible; they could almost jump off of the page.

The final, almost theatrical, and most thrilling part of the show is the mock Sistine Chapel. A lit-up, moving screen (attached to the ceiling) with images of the iconic motif adds to the surrealness. The cherry on top: wooden scaffolding. Positioned strategically, almost to suggest that Michelangelo is merely on a coffee break and will soon be back, on his back, painting his masterpiece.

This is one of those shows that one might look back on years from now and think, “I was there,” because it is very unlikely that a Michelangelo show of this magnitude will be assembled within your lifetime. Keep that in mind the next time you find yourself aimlessly watching T.V. or playing video games, because you are truly missing out.

All images courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Michelangelo Buonarroti (Italian, Caprese 1475–1564 Rome) Portrait of Andrea Quaratesi 1532 Drawing, black chalk; 16 3/16 x 11 1⁄2 in. (41.1 x 29.2 cm) The British Museum, London

Student journalist Nuzat Zaman reads today’s ‘Washington Post.’

Graham, played by Meryl Streep, has to choose between holding onto her career and revealing the secrets the Nixon government has been hiding about the Vietnam war. Not only that, but as a female publisher at ‘The Post,’ Graham also faces discrimination as a woman who, in the eyes of others, “lacks the ambition and bravery to take the company a step further.” In a time when the United States’ foundational values went through immense changes, ‘The Post’ recalls how the press and White House went head to head, fighting over the First Amendment.

Compared to Spielberg’s classic films like ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘Jaws,’ and ‘E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial,’ ‘The Post’ takes place in a more common workplace setting. The movie begins in 1966 with Ellsberg, an analyst stationed in Vietnam during the war. The opening depicts an intense battle where a Vietnam patrol group was attacked. Gunshots ring through the the audience’s ears while watching this grisly and realistic portrayal of the violence of the Vietnam war.

In general, the storyline of the film is clear.

First, Ellsberg fights in the war, and sees that conditions are not improving even with more troops. Back in the States, Secretary of

Defense Robert McNamara lies to the press that the war is going “better than expected” moments after Ellsberg argues that there was little to no progress. Ellsberg steals the Pentagon Papers, a classified study of the war conducted by the Secretary of Defense. The rest of the movie unfolds as a result of this one decision.

The main issue throughout the film is that Graham is losing control over her company, and publishing an article on the leaked papers may push the paper over the edge. There is also the ethical question of whether the paper’s success and advantage in the industry should be a result of exploiting a friendship and risking the employees of the company.

While the U.S. government claims success on the warfront, the study stolen by Ellsberg points out that the state of the war is deteriorating.

Until the climax of the movie, at which point Graham’s decision to print regarding the study is revealed, she has to withstand overbearing men around her telling her what she should do. After enduring a career full of holding back and silencing her voice, she finally breaks free in a male-dominated world to do what she thinks is right.

In the end, both ‘The New York Times’ and ‘The Washington Post’ are in the same situation, as they wait nervously for the response to their publication of the classified documents.

Through these tense moments, viewers are able to empathize with Graham, especially during touching moments with her daughter, where she reveals her fear and loneliness from having to handle the company and its issues alone.

Though anyone who took high school U.S. History knows the ending of the movie, ‘The Post’ does a good job of retelling the story to give a more personal in-depth look at journalistic writing and how it plays a critical role in our democracy.

The film celebrates constitutional rights and civil liberties and encourages people to utilize their right free speech. Moreover, the outcome, although it may be expected, is portrayed such that the viewer feels a sense of relief knowing justice reigns supreme.

For Fans of Harry Potter: Read ‘The Night Circus’

By ALEXANDRIA ANG Debut author Erin Mor- together with their magic, is genstern published her book transforming beyond the au‘The Night Circus’ seven dience’s eyes. Read more to years ago, but the interna- find out what happens next. tional bestselling novel just recently caught my attention and instantly became one of my favorite books of the year. Despite all the praise that this book received from fellow reviewers and acclaimed authors, it sat on my shelf for three years before I decided to pick it up. Now after finally completing the novel, I understand the hype.

The circus arrives with- This book is best enjoyed with a out warning. When it arcup of coffee on a rainy day. rives, circus-goers line up at the front gate anxiously Out of all the books I’ve waiting for the sun to set and ever read, ‘The Night Circus’ the doors to open. Striped has the best writing. It’s very tents, breathtaking circus atmospheric and descriptive, acts and sweet-smelling pop- without being too lyrical or corn stands furnish the cir- obnoxiously metaphorical. cus grounds. It is called Le The imagery is so intense Cirque des Rêves, and it is you will feel like you’re walkonly open at night. ing through the curtains with Behind the curtains, two the audience, watching the magicians, Celia and Mar- magic unfold. The use of draco, duel to become the last matic irony gives the reader one standing in an ancient a sense of control over the challenge. As the two meet characters when the stakes and begin to develop feelings are life and death. for each other, the challenge One of my only reservaonly becomes more burden- tions with the book was that some. Meanwhile the circus, the story was not told in a sustained on the lives of the linear sequence. As the story two magicians that hold it jumped from year to year in

a non-chronologic sequence, my understanding of when the events happened became hazy. A few chapters in, I got used it.

The story actually has quite a dark tone to it.

Betrayal, deception, and even death characterize this seemingly lighthearted tale of two magicians falling in love. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a book that undermines their initial expectations and brings a new and adventurous twist to what might have been a simple love story.

Lovestruck magicians at odds, chocolate mice and clocks that come to life?

Sounds like the perfect read to me. If you’re still torn over the fact that the Harry Potter series ended, I’d recommend this book to any Harry Potter fans out there! Both ‘The Night Circus’ and the Harry Potter series will make you want to run away to an imaginary world.

Sadly, this is Erin Morgenstern’s only published book, leaving her readers waiting in anticipation for more of her work. However, not to fear because there’s a good chance she is working on something huge as we speak!

Alexandria Ang / The Science Survey

(“Michaelangelo: The Superhero of the Year” continued from A1) painting, architecture, and poetry. Michelangelo contributed to the humanity of art through his desire to glorify the human form. All of his creations—the David, the figure of God in the Sistine Chapel, and the Pieta—bulge with defined curves and musculature. Michelangelo spurred the movement of the Italian Renaissance, where mankind were the model of ideals, rather than the underlying form of the gods. Michelangelo depicted man as the greatest creation of God: heroic, taught, and muscular.

Michelangelo achieved great fame in his lifetime and as a result, his career is extremely well documented. Michelangelo was the first western artist to have a biography published in his lifetime.

In fact, Michelangelo was so popular when he was alive that two rival biographies were published at the same time.

Even though Michelangelo liked to pretend that he was untrained, he was an apprentice at the workshop of Domenico Ghirlandaio as early as thirteen.

Historians speculate that he learned to make “blueprint” drawings before moving on to more solid mediums. These methods, though common now, were unusual during his time. Lucky for us, the drawings, which make up the maority

Arts & Entertainment

Tiffany Chen / The Science Survey

10

Spotlight

Payel Islam / The Science Survey

By PAYEL ISLAM The end of October marked the com- istry-related courses this year, I was mencement of crystal growing for the looking for something else that I could annual U.S. Crystal Growing Competi- do related,” said Dion Sukhram ’19. tion, and this year over fifty Bronx SciThe U.S. Crystal Growing Competience students grew and entered crystals tion began in 2014, as a celebration of in one or more categories of the com- the 100th anniversary of x-ray crystalpetition: ‘highest quality,’ ‘coolest crys- lography. In addition to overseeing the tal,’ and ‘overall crystal.’ Participants competition, Mrs. Weedon has entered her own crystal to the ‘Teacher Crystal’ category. According to Mrs. Weedon, “It’s a time where students can experiment in the lab without the stress of grades or worrying about getting a right answer. Students have to learn to be creative, patient, and to solve problems.”

While guiding students as they grow their own crystals, Mrs. Weedon grows Mrs. Jessica Weedon showcasing her own crystal using the same materiher impressive crystal. als and general procedure. In 2016, Mrs. Weedon won first place for the Teacher followed a set procedure along with the Crystal category and has entered again formal guidelines of the competition, in this year. order to grow their crystals. Working Although the competition occurs in groups to grow one or more crystals, every year, many of the contestants some dyed theirs different colors, placed had never heard of it prior to this year. objects inside their crystals, or chose to Most of the contestants either found simply grow regular seed crystals. out about it through word of mouth, The crystal growing took place in the or through Mrs. Weedon. Regardless Advanced Placement Chemistry labo- of whether this was their first time enratory. Participants were instructed to tering the competition or if they had use no more than one hundred grams of participated multiple years in a row, all starting substance, which included ei- of the contestants thoroughly enjoyed ther aluminum sulfate or copper sulfate. their experience. “I had a lot of fun They created a saturated solution of the growing the crystal,” said Jialin Zhuo substance and distilled water, then pro- ’19. “I’ve always loved doing hands on ceeded to heat the solution in order to activities and science experiments; this allow for the residual substance to dis- was a great chance for to me do what I solve. As seed crystals formed, students enjoy.” chose the best ones to grow further, When asked if they’d recommend dissolving the rest. The chosen crystals entering the competition to other stuwere suspended in solution and allowed dents, this year’s contestants vehementto continue growing, with frequent ex- ly encouraged others to do so. Danielle amination from members of the team.

Chan ’18 said, “This is my third and, unStudents who participated did so for fortunately, last year entering the coma variety of reasons. “I heard about it petition. I expected it to be a lot of work, from my friends, and I decided to join but the directions were pretty straightthem at the interest meeting,” Jiwon forward. I would definitely recommend Yi ’20 said. “We ended up becoming a everyone participate next year!” team and made a pretty cool crystal!”

Official results of the competition While some joined the competition came out in late December 2017, and after hearing about it from their friends, Bronx Science was ranked Second Overothers chose to enter simply due to their all in the Competition for High Schools. love for chemistry. “I really like chemis- try, and since I’m not taking any chemContinued Online

Genes in Space Finalists Announced Winni You / The Science Survey

By WINNI YOU A Bronx Science research team con- search, which involved using CRIPSR to sisting of Elena Li ’18 and Maxwell Al- delete receptors on T cells to test their lison ’18 have been involvement in HIV named one of the five infection.

They finalists in the annual took the knowlU.S. Genes in Space edge they gained science competition. from working The team conducted with their menresearch regarding tors into their bone loss in microGenes in Space gravity and the inresearch project. volvement of genetic “Besides the techcomponents in the nical procedures Elena Li ’18, one of the Bronx problem. They prethat I learned Science Genes in Space Finalists sented their research from my mentor, proposals at the 2017 International I have also learned the importance of Space Station Research and Develop- determination, with many of the procement Conference in Washington, D.C. dures we were using to be imperfect and from July 17-20, 2017 and were also not precise. I took this into my work for given the opportunity to be mentored Genes in Space,” said Li ’18. by scientists from MIT and Harvard Li and Allison were both enthusiasUniversity. tic about conducting research contribLi and Allison’s Biology class required uting to space exploration. At the ISS that they submit their research to Genes Conference in Washington D.C., the two in Space, and the two students chose proposed to use a 4C chromosome conto collaborate on their project over the formation assay to examine the promotsummer, while balancing research with er-enhancer interactions at the Sclerostheir mentors at separate research labs. tin gene in microgravity. In addition to Li worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering their proposal, the team were also given lab under Dr. Daniel Garaulet, studying the chance to listen to lectures by memthe role of Bithorax Complex microR- bers of the space research community like NAs in the development of neurons that Elon Musk. “It was incredible to present underlie sexual behaviors in Drosophila at the ISS Research and Development flies. In her junior year, Li was named Conference because we got to share our a Siemens semifinalist for the project ideas and research with accomplished she worked on with her mentor. Allison scientists,” said Li, “I was really honon the other hand, worked in a HIV lab ored to be a finalist and happy to have at Mount Sinai conducting genetic re- the opportunity to present my work.”

School Launches Sexual Assault Board

By CHLOE FRAJMUND As sexual assault and harassment stories harassment and assault is and looks like, as blow up across the country, Bronx Science has well as methods on how to report an incident. decided to take a stance on the issue by start“A big part of this campaign and this board ing its very own Sexual Assault Board: a group is changing the stigma that comes with stepspecifically designed to address and prevent ping forward,” said Julia Catrambone ’19, sexual assault, harassment, and discrimina- another student on the Sexual Assault Board. tion within the school. Starting as a collab- “We need victims to feel safe enough to come oration between Project FIRE (‘Feminism: forward with their stories.”

Inclusive, Rights, Equality,’ a Bronx Science The Board wants to insure that incidents feminist initiative that was started last year), can be reported and prevented. Students are the Administration, and the Guidance Depart- often unaware of what they can and cannot rement, the group hopes to create a community port, and are reluctant to say anything, espein which people are not afraid to come forward cially if the topic makes them uncomfortable. and tell their stories.

“If it happens on school grounds, it’s releElise Caldarola, World Language Depart- vant, if it happens on Vallo, it’s relevant, if it ment teacher and Project FIRE advisor, said happens online, it’s relevant,” said Caldarola, that although the D.O.E has clear rules when “We don’t stop being a part of the Bronx Scidealing with sexual harassment and assault ence community simply because we’ve exited within schools, she believes that the D.O.E the doors.” policy feels “disconnected from the topic, and The Board hopes to get organizations and that [our board is] needed to adjust and spec- professionals to come in and talk to the stuify things to better fit our school and our com- dent body about topics such as dating violence, munity.” Phoebe Cooper, the Assistant Princi- consent, and harassment. Matin believes that pal of Organization, said that she took part in “lessons on sexual assault and harassment are establishing the Board because she has “col- just as important as sex-ed and HIV lessons, lege-aged children and believes that men and and students should be exposed to this inforwomen, boys and girls, should feel protected mation at school.” and empowered on any campus.”

Students on the Sexual Assault Board have The Board is not only made up of adults, drafted a letter to Mariska Hargitay, an acbut of passionate students as well. “For stu- tress on the popular NBC show ‘Law and Ordents to have a body made to protect them, der: Special Victims Unit’ as well as president they need to be a part of the process,” said of the organization ‘Joyful Hearts’ which aims Cooper. to “transform society’s response to sexual asMatilda Melkonian ’18, a student on the sault, domestic violence, and child abuse.”

Sexual Assault Board, was inspired to join be“We chose Mariska Hargitay because her cause of the school’s lack of involvement when SVU character, Olivia Benson, has done great it comes to teaching about sexual harassment. things to change the narrative of a survivor “I felt that it should become a part of our cur- in respects to speaking up, testifying, and riculum or a mandatory lesson in gym classes. fighting back. We hope to embrace a similar I went to the Administration with these ideas change from within our school, ideally with and they directed me towards the board!” Mel- her help.” said Catrambone. konian said.

This effort to stop victim-blaming and to “I joined the Board because the idea of educate ourselves on sexual harassment, aschanging how the school regards women’s sault, and violence is not only an effort by the rights along with the guidelines and social Sexual Assault Board, but one that should be understandings of what is considered sexual school-wide. Teachers, staff, administration, harassment in our community is very import- and especially students need to know what ant to me,” Alif Matin ’19 said. “This is an im- will not be tolerated within our community, portant transitioning step for the school, and and that there will be repercussions if such the idea of being a male in a movement where things happen. Being a Bronx Science student there is not enough male presence and sup- means that you contribute to this community port empowers me to fight so that other men both in and outside of school. stand up for women and women’s rights.”

“When students become involved, it goes The Sexual Assault Board plans to start beyond the administration following D.O.E their campaign in March 2018. This school- rules. Students stand by students, especialwide campaign will consist of posters in the ly at a school like ours,” Melkonian said. hallways reminding students of what sexual

Gymnast Flips Bronx Science Gymnastics Team Around

Brian Josephson ’18, captain of the Boys’ Varsity Gymnastics team.

Brian Josephson ’18, captain of the Boys’ Varsity Gymnastics team, has been flipping around for most of his life. When his mother noticed his love for tumbling around the house, she signed him up for lessons at Chelsea Piers.

Josephson, having done gymnastics for almost thirteen years, is now a level 10 Junior Olympic gymnast and travels with his outside team to Florida and Virginia to compete. When he was level 8, he placed 2nd in New York State in both the high bar and the parallel bar. He competes all-around, which consists of a variety of events such as floor exercise, still

By MEGHAN TAN rings, vault, parallel bars, pommel horse, and Josephson’s personal favorit,- the high bar. On the Wolverines’ Boys’ Varsity Gymnastics team, his position as captain is crucial.

With his extensive experience, he helps to teach his teammates new skills he acquired from his outside team. “The members are all very motivated and willing to try new things,” commented Josephson.

Denis Huang ’18, one of the co-captains on the team, is grateful to have Josephson helping the others to hone their skills. He marvels at how Josephson is humbly sharing his knowledge of gymnastics to freshmen team members.

Huang himself continues to learn from Josephson and is currently learning the front handspring. Theodore Nacos ’18 has also been on the team for two years and is also thankful for Josephson’s leadership. Josephson has taught Nacos how to do a muscle-up on the rings, an

Meghan Tan / The Science Survey

A Crystal-Clear Competition

11

exercise that helps to build body strength. Nacos is currently learning how to do a backflip and is comfortable in trying this risky stunt under Josephson’s expert guidance.

In PSAL, the gymnastics ace ranked 1st in high bar and parallel bars, and 2nd in the city for all-around in 2017, hoping to be the all around champion in 2018. His experience with gymnastics has propelled him to develop a better work ethic and character.

Josephson reflects on his overall experience on the team, noting that “Gymnastics has not only been great for me physically, but it has taught me so many valuable lessons that I couldn’t have learned otherwise. It has taught me the value of perseverance, determination, and self motivation.”

In summary, he noted, “It wasn’t easy managing 17.5 hours of practice a week for all of these years,but focus and discipline allowed me to make it work.”

12

SURVEY SPORTS

Bronx Science Sweeps Division Championships Over and Over Again

Running Towards Victory: Cross Country Team Places 4th in the City Championships

By ALEXA ASCH

By JOSELYN KIM

Continued Online

Winter Olympics Bring Fire, Ice, and Everything Nice

By MATILDA MELKONIAN With the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, countries from all over the world put their athletic abilities on display. In this year’s Olympics, composed of seven different sports, athletes competed in 102 events from February 9 to February 25, 2018. Here at Bronx Science, students prepared to support their choice countries, see their favorite athletes, or just enjoy watching the sports.

Eighty-five countries had at least one athlete participating in the Winter Olympics, and with Bronx Science comprised of students from so many different backgrounds, it is rare to find a student who does not have ties to another country. For Yan Fen (Yanny) Liang ’19, the Olympics gave her a doorway between her American identity and her family in China. “I was born in China, and I still have family there. However, I now live in America and have family here as well, so I feel allegiance to both countries,” Liang said.

Many students also feel that the Olympics are necessary for our country to step back and take a breather from political and social tensions. “The United States is in much disunity in this political climate,” said Aidan Domondon ’21. “One thing that has never failed to unify people is sport.

Rooting for the United States somehow gives us as viewers the same pride the ath-

letes have,” Domondon.

In early December 2017, Russia was banned from participating in the Winter Olympics of 2018 due to an investigation led by the International Olympic Committee, in which Russia was caught in a doping scandal during several recent Olympics. Many students find the punishment to be fair, feeling that it sends a concise message to the nation and to President Putin that such behavior is unacceptable, and that it sets a precedent for other countries. Simultaneously, many also feel that athletes uninvolved deserved the chance to participate in the games.

“I think that athletes who were not involved should be able to compete under the Russian flag, said Alexander (Sasha) Izeman ‘18. ‘Russians are very patriotic, and to not be able to compete under their own flag is demoralizing.”

Despite rising tensions in foreign relations, many still find the Winter Olympics to be a good excuse to enjoy some sports and root for their countries. “The opening ceremony always captures the spirit of the Olympics for me; it's fun to see all the countries and people who are participating in the Olympics,” said Sarane James ’19. “And the performance that the host country puts on is always amazing!”

The end of another great sports season ensuring that all the runners are well preis always bittersweet: we are grateful for pared for their meets. Running a 5K at yet another amazing season, but feel lugu- meets is a very tiring and challenging feat, brious that the season has ended. On No- but the Wolverines feel a huge sense of vember 11, 2017, the Bronx Science Boys’ accomplishment after finishing each race.

Cross Country Team ran to victory, placing The entire team has shown tremendous fourth in the PSAL City Championships as improvement, moving up from 8th in the well as first in the City Freshman Sopho- city last year to 3rd place this year. Their more Championships and Bronx Boroughs success has definitely made their coach Championships. and captains proud of being a part of the The City Championships are held at the action. end of the “All of us Cross Counare distance try season, runners for with players the most from schools part, and all over New compared York City to the track participatseason, it ing.

The is a much Bronx Scismaller ence Cross team, so evCountry eryone gets team has along and is The Boys' Cross Country Team placed third been prefriendly with in the PSAL City Championships. paring for one another, this event which is my fasince the start of the season. Hoping to vorite part of Cross Country,” said Wade. make their team proud, runners always ex- Since all the runners run long distance, ert themselves beyond their limits in order the team is united, close-knit, and interto perform their best. Coach Mei, the coach dependent. The unity of the team conof the Boys’ Cross Country team, constant- tributed immensely to the runners winly challenges the runners to do even better ning 3rd place in the City Championships. at the next meet. Not only does the Coach Not only have the boys placed third in the motivate the team, but their captain, Ben City Championships, but they also won Wade ’19, does as well. the Freshmen and Sophomore Championships (Frosh Champs, for short), as well "Running with my as the Bronx Boroughs Championships.

While this may not seem like a big win for team pushed me to the team given their success in previous do my best." seasons, new runners feel especially proud to have won so much in their first year of Itamar Pres ’21 said, “Not only did Ben being on the team. Winning Frosh Champush the pace of all our practices, making pionships gave the boys confidence for the us work harder, but he also believed that next Cross Country season. each one of us would do well, and he moti“I think that both the Freshmen Champs vated us to run as best as we can.” and the Sophomore Champs races were The boys always do different exercises superb indications of how good we can during practices, such as running up and be in the future,” said Sawyer Cooper ’20. down the stairs and working ladder ropes, Miles Conn / The Science Survey

stems from another PSAL problem as a result of the faulty division organization, playoff seeding.

When it comes time for playoffs, PSAL needs to organize the top teams to play each other. Quantitatively looking at a Bronx Science team in comparison to a team from a borough such as Staten Island, Bronx Science can easily appear much more talented, due to the large number of wins from the lack of competition within the Bronx division. This could result in Bronx Science being seeded much higher than a team that is far more talented than Bronx Science.

Many students have opinions about the reasons for the discrepancy between other Bronx teams and Bronx Science teams, one being the difference in motivation and hard work.

“Almost all of our players have been playing soccer for our whole lives and that we have a very smart coach who pushes us to be competitive and committed to the sport. I can’t speak for other teams, but from what I’ve observed, it looks like a lot of our competitors in the Bronx just don’t take soccer as seriously as the Bronx Science team does,” said Bedolis.

While these discrepancies in level of competition do occur between many teams within the Bronx divisions that Bronx Science plays in.

It is also important to note that this isn’t true for every Bronx Science team. For example, the Bronx Science Girls’ Varsity Tennis team, which is in a division comprised of teams from other boroughs and is a more accurate depiction of skill level, has a rivalry with Beacon. Perhaps, the competition for the tennis team has something to do with a better PSAL divided division. Many other Bronx Science teams know going into games that they will win, but for tennis, there is always competition.

“Our division is not easy to win. Beacon made it to the championship last year and other teams like Stuyvesant and Hunter put up a good fight. When we play Beacon the team wears our uniforms to school and puts on face paint. For many of our other games, each match is close and we have to play our best as a team to win,” said Brett Zakheim ’19.

Five Swimmers Take On NY State Championship

By CHRISTI KIM The score was tied. The water was ing family who never stopped cheering or churning. Managers and team members encouraging their fellow members. “Even were shouting and cheering for their re- when I had a bad race and was disappointspective team. It was the quarterfinals of ed in myself, they always found a way to the Girls' Varsity make me feel betSwimming city ter and more championship, encouraged,” and Bronx Sciexclaimed Roence had all their jas-Tineo. hopes on VictoC o a c h ria O’Hara ‘18.

Mark Maraj Shouts emanatalso played ed from the left a large role side of the swimin the team’s ming pool. The lives. He imLady Wolverines plemented a Renee Su ’18 practices for were moving on! lot of taper an upcoming diving competition.

“The members practices -- high of the boys' team intensity exwho manage the girls' team were so excited ercises with plenty of rest -- helping the to be pushed into the pool (a tradition with athletes to prepare their bodies for upcomwins) that they actually came rushing out ing meets. These exercises would include onto the pool deck, only to be told by the sprinting and focusing on underwater Swim Commissioner that if they touched kicks, starts, and turns. “I believe that it the water, our win would be disqualified!” has shaped me into a focused, goal-orientrecalled O’Hara. ed, and persistent person. It has made me But the success of the team was far from very aware of my health, my body, and my over, as five of the team members made mental state,” O’Hara said. their way to the New York State ChampiAlthough our Girls' Varsity Swimming onship: Jasmin Bouzarouata ’18, Victoria team did not win the New York State O’Hara ’18, Renee Su ’18, Sarah Green championships, the Bronx Science swim ‘20, and Mairene Rojas-Tineo ‘21. All plan team had an amazing season. Not only was to see success at the next level. However, Bouzarouata ’18 awarded the Sportsmantheir own talent is far from the only thing ship award at states, but the team has imthat has brought them to this point. They proved drastically from years prior and is continued to swim, largely due to their only looking to improve in years to come. love for the members to the Bronx Science swim team. The team was an ever-expandChristina Pan / The Science Survey

Bronx Science is not only home to strong academics. It is home to dominating many sports division titles! Soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, and table tennis, for example, clinch the division championship year after year.

However, these titles can come with a grain of salt. The fact is that many of the other teams in our divisions are just not as competitive as Science’s teams.

PSAL divides sports divisions based on location, not skill.

While there are different levels of competition within each borough, oftentimes skill levels are not best met by schools within the Bronx borough. “It is extremely easy to win the division. In the last 3 years we have lost 1 game to teams in our division while winning 42. We win by an average of 12 runs or more, which is ridiculous. We won a game 50-0. That's a lopsided score even if you're playing football,” said Anna Leidner ’18 of the varsity softball team.

The Bronx Science Girls’ Varsity Soccer teams experiences something similar.

They used to be in the Manhattan division but since moving to the Bronx division, they “stopped getting challenged in the regular season,” said Emily Bedolis ’18.

For these reasons, many teams do not feel well prepared going into playoffs based on regular season games. A solution for this is interleague games, where the best teams in each division play each other during the regular season.

However, PSAL has since decided to stop organizing these interleague games due to complaints over the long distances needed to be traveled to reach other boroughs.

Bronx Science teams in the past have had to travel up to two hours to reach teams in places such as Staten Island and have had to opt out of classes and leave school early just to account for the immense travel time, affecting students’ education.

However, for many students these interleague games were the only way to get a real feel for what the playoff games would be like.

“After learning from last season that playing teams far less skilled than us damages our performance in the playoffs, our coach tried to schedule scrimmages against more talented teams like Hunter this season,” said Bedolis.

This lack of preparedness for playoffs,