Vol. CII Issue 3 by The Vector

ector

The

The Voice of NJIT with Magnitude and Direction Since 1924

Vol. CII | Issue 3 Week of February 13, 2022

Amazon Prime Video Features NJIT in Virtual College Tour By Yukthi Sangoi | Managing Editor During the COVID-19 pandemic, everything has seemed to go virtual, including college visits for students applying to universities. Alex Boylan, host and producer of “The College Tour,” decided to provide a series for prospective college students to understand “what life is truly like on college campuses across the country and around the world” according to the series description on Amazon Prime Video. The third season of the show covers fifteen universities, one of which being NJIT. “While our campus has been featured as a location in several television series and movies, it has never been the highlight of a show,” said Matthew Golden, NJIT’s chief communications and marketing officer. “Because of the changing landscape in media and the reach that streaming platforms provide, this project was a unique opportunity to reach prospective students, their influencers, alumni and others in a new way.” The production team of “The College Tour” reached out to NJIT with this opportunity. “We had immediate interest because of the high production value and ability to show the episode on multiple platforms,” Golden mentioned, “but we thoroughly analyzed the proposal for several weeks to determine if it was a good fit for NJIT.” As part of “The College Tour”’s outreach, its teams frequently update high school guidance counselors with new episodes. Having the NJIT episode shared with high school students across the country is a constructive way to in-

Photo from NJIT/The College Tour crease NJIT’s profile beyond our region. While planning out the episode, the producers of the series provided NJIT with a basic framework of timing, but NJIT was able to make sure that all of the colleges were represented. It was also ensured that some of NJIT’s unique features, such as the Makerspace and VentureLink, were included either as part of the student experience or as a location at which a scene was filmed. “Campus features were selected based on feedback from students, staff and the production team to determine what would look appealing in this format,” Golden added. “‘The College Tour’ provided guidance on best practices along the way, so when it came to the week of shooting, we were well prepared.” Similar to how many in-person tours are given by students, the episode only has students talking about different parts of the college campus. There were several casting calls put out throughout the summer to generate interest in participating. Students sent in audition videos of under two minutes sharing their unique NJIT experience. The team of “The College Tour” then reviewed the audition clips and made recommendations, and the NJIT team made sure that a wide variety of university programs and experiences were included. To begin the tour, third-year mechanical engineering major Jason Morlock spoke about the Makerspace. “I was assigned to represent engineering and

a big part of that was talking about the Makerspace,” he said. “I love the Makerspace, so I was happy to go into detail.” He added that “I spent a day writing my script. [The production team] gave me a detailed outline of topics to hit for the script as well as key details it wanted me to hit. It also wanted me to film myself reciting the script from memory, which was really hard to get done, but I was so happy when I finally got it.” Morlock noted that the crew was supportive and complimented a lot of his takes. Additionally, the Makerspace team helped with demonstrating machinery and setting up great shots of the building. The episode then featured Suzanne Hlinka, who described her experiences with game design as a student in both Ying Wu College of Computing and Hillier College of Architecture and Design. Diego Sanchez went into detail about NJIT’s research opportunities and its R1 classification. Regsan Watkins, a graduate student, focused on the Division 1 athletics on campus, as he is an international student who plays soccer for NJIT. He emphasized in his segment of the episode that NJIT provides students the opportunity to excel in both academics and athletics. As a marketing major, “it felt amazing to impart my experiences to prospective students and use some of my marketing skills, which I know will benefit me later in life,” Watkins said.

Being a part of this show made him feel like a “movie star” during the filming. “The most challenging part was actually bringing what I memorized [from the script] and delivering it in as personable a manner as I could,” he added. “My favorite parts were talking about my experiences and talking with the production crew to learn about what they do.” In “The College Tour” episode, Carla Blandura spoke about the diversity at NJIT, and Samir Peshori covered VentureLink as well as the university’s entrepreneurship initiatives. Showing some of his favorite parts on campus, Matt Kotowski emphasized the importance of making connections throughout college, and many NJIT organizations hold many activities and events of which students can take advantage. Fifth-year architecture major Casey Crown focused her segment on her time in studio and the feedback she gets from peers and professors. She was excited to be asked to be part of this episode because “I'm not always the most vocal or the most obvious choice.” Crown explained her process of contributing to the show. “I was assigned a topic, but I strayed a little bit when writing my script. I wanted my segment to be as personal and truthful as possible,” she said. “I wanted to stress how interesting my own experience has been and how NJIT's architecture program has shaped me.” It took her a little while to get used to the lighting and the camera in her face, continued on page 3

NEWS

FEATURE

ENTERTAINMENT

TACKLING "CODED BIAS"

CLUB SPOTLIGHT: S.A.C.

NBA ALL-STAR GAME 2022

See page 3

See page 6

See page 7

THE VECTOR

Week of February 13, 2022

About THE

MEET THE TEAM

VECTOR

ADVISORS

As the official student newspaper of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, our mission is to inform and entertain our readers, cultivate awareness of issues concerning the NJIT community and provide a forum for purposeful, constructive discussion among its members. Deadline for Articles or Letters to the Editor is Thursdays prior to publication at 10 P.M. For more information on submissions, e-mail: managing-editor@njitvector.com. Advertisement Reservations are due two weeks prior to publication and should be sent to: business-manager@njitvector.com

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EXECUTIVE BOARD eboard@njitvector.com Editor-in-Chief Sandra Raju editor-in-chief@njitvector.com

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Photography Editor Ethan O'Malley photography-editor@njitvector.com

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Web and Multimedia Editor Nick Merlino multimedia-editor@njitvector.com

VECTOR STAFF Copy Editors Sreya Das Karim Gueye Mustafa Shaikh Evan Markowitz Mrunmayi Joshi Alicia Tedesco Staff Writers Saanika Joshi Rushi Desai Matthew Bleich Ali Jamil

Memory of Dr. Herman A. Estrin and Roger Hernande

Senior Staff Sreya Das Sean Slusarz Samira Santana Areej Qamar Yash Kewlani Alfred Simpson Mrunmayi Joshi Evan Markowtiz Photographers Sean Slusarz Hannah Lenkowski Ali Jamil Akash Patel Sebastian Lopez Sreya Das

Layout Assistants Areej Qamar Yash Kewlani Matt Exil Sebastian Lopez Graphic Designers Sreya Das Evan Markowitz Allison Wong

Upcoming Events FRIDAY, Feb. 18th 11:00 am - 1:00 pm 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Know Your Code Table Peanut Butter & Jelly Making Event Cultural Arts Exhibition

CC Lobby Greek Way House 23 CC Gameroom

MONDAY, Feb. 21st 8:30 am - 3:30 pm 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Highlander Experience II Valentine's Day Cards NJIT Esports: Game Night

CC Lobby CC Lobby CKB 116

TUESDAY, Feb. 22nd 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm

TUBS Family Feud

CC Ballroom A

POLICE BLOTTER

2/05/2022 2:49PM A Rutgers student stated, while at a frat party, their coat was stolen along with other personal items in the pockets. Rutgers Police Department was notified of the incident and stated they would complete a report and investigate the incident. 8:57PM A non-affiliate male was arrested in the Wellness and Events Center after officers posted at the basketball game were notified that the individual was stealing cell phones out of jackets that were left unattended. 2/07/2022

NJIT Vector Summary 2/14/2022 For 2/05/22 through 2/11/22 Times Shown are Times Reported

7:29PM A non-affiliate homeless male was asking people if he can stay with them outside of Fenster Hall. Individual was given information for nearby shelters and sent on their way. 2/08/2022 12:04PM A non-affiliate male was sent off cam-

pus after being observed touching people’s food in Campus Center. 2/10/2022 5:44PM NJIT student reported being a victim of fraud after responding to an email about a potential job offer and sending the company $2,000 to get started but never heard back from the company. Investigation is ongoing. 2/11/2022 4:06PM Officers responded to Campus Center on the report of a suspicious individual not complying to wear a mask and talking incoherently. Individual was gone prior to officers’ arrival at Campus Center but was located at the Wellness and Events Center at 4:40PM. Individual stated they were an alumnus but could not produce any documentation. Individual was warned not to trespass and sent on their way.

THE VECTOR

Features

Week of February 13, 2022

Amazon Prime NJIT School Tour continued from page 1

but the camera crew was very patient. She added, “the biggest challenge was figuring out how to get the right message across while being as concise as possible. I loved writing about the experience I've had with my studio friends; that is definitely my favorite part of my story at NJIT.” Vincent Jackson graduated in 2021 as a business major, and he talked about the bridge between business and technology at NJIT. As he was going through the filming process, he mentioned that “the [production] team I worked

with was really organized so they really helped to make it smooth!” Fourth-year industrial engineering major Will Andrews stated, “The most rewarding part was getting to talk about NJIT in such a positive light because of the impact the school has had in my time here.” He spoke about the diverse set of opportunities that are always offered on campus and how NJIT sets the standard for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education.

“I have done some other pieces for the university, so this felt like a scaledup version of those experiences,” Andrews said. “The Amazon crew was fun, and the whole thing was very laid-back.” “The College Tour” episode about NJIT is part of a larger effort to show a full picture of what the university has to offer — a vibrant and diverse campus life, innovative academic programs, unique undergraduate research opportunities, competitive Division 1 athletics and pathways to a fulfilling career.

“We couldn’t have done this without the hard work of the students involved and all who participated. Without their enthusiastic support and dedication to the project, it would not have been a success,” Golden said. “They did a fantastic job representing NJIT in positive and compelling ways.”

Tackling“Coded Bias” “Our faces may well be the final frontier of privacy” By Karim Gueye | Business Manager

Machine learning is the latest technological craze. Machine learning algorithms — a subset of artificial intelligence — are algorithms designed to be fed data to make predictions. Major companies such as Meta, Amazon and Google are funneling their massive vaults of data into machine learning algorithms. Google Maps, for example, uses a combination of historical traffic patterns and aggregate location data to avoid traffic jams and determine best routes. The hottest machine learning algorithms are the types that can be used to identify the faces of people. Some believe that these algorithms are more biased and invasive than the public has been led to believe. Director Shalini Kantayya’s documentary, “Coded Bias,” argues against the use of machine learning algorithms in un-

fair, biased ways. “Coded Bias” follows various authors and researchers to show misuses of machine learning in modern society. The documentary heavily focuses on Dr. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League. Kantayya had no experience with machine learning algorithms prior to the creation of this documentary. “I was brand new to the subject matter, so the journey that the audience goes on with Coded Bias, is the steep learning curve that I myself went on.” She was shocked by the lack of regulations or government oversight in the use of machine learning algorithms used to identify people. “Coded Bias” makes the point that machine learning, a concept considered by many to be absolute and unbiased, is nothing more than an echo of society’s existing biases. The documentary shows

various places where machine learning is used, in addition to various areas where machine learning could be misused. One such place was Atlantic Plaza Towers, an apartment complex in Ocean Hill, Brownsville. Prior to the creation of “Coded Bias,” the building’s landlord made a request for the inclusion of facial recognition software to its key fob system, requiring residents to scan their faces to enter their apartments. Buolamwini met with some residents as they aired complaints. At the same time, the documentary follows Buolamwini’s fight against the use of biased facial recognition algorithms. Buolamwini’s journey began when facial recognition software consistently failed to recognize her face. She soon realized that the software was more effective at recognizing men and light-

er-skinned people. The documentary alternates between issues in facial recognition software, greater fundamental issues in machine learning and personal grievances with machine learning. Common societal conception of machine learning is challenged by people such as Cathy O’Neil, mathematician and author of “Weapons of Math Destruction,” where O’Neil “exposes the black box models that shape our future, both as individuals and as a society.” The harvesting of face data also requires guidelines and oversight. The documentary concludes with Buolamwini’s testimony to Congress: “Our faces may well be the final frontier of privacy.” More information on “Coded Bias” can be found at https://www.codedbias.com/. This documentary can be streamed on Netflix.

THE VECTOR

Snapshots

Week of February 13, 2022

OST Hot Chocolate The Office of Student Transition offered hot chocolate, candy and NJIT swag in their Kupfrian office as their first event of Spring 2022.

Photos by Sreya Das

S'mores with Senate After rain delayed its initial unveiling, the ribbon cutting ceremony, for NJIT's new firepit was held on Friday, Feb. 11. Following the ceremony, students were treated to s'mores courtesy of Student Senate. Photos by Sreya Das

THE VECTOR

Week of February 13, 2022

Entertainment

Forte PIZZERIA

Campus Center Lobby 11AM - 8PM Mon. - Fri. 11AM - 5PM Saturday

Week of February 6

THE VECTOR

Features

Week of February 13, 2022

Club Spotlight Student Activities Council By Nick Merlino | Web and Multimedia Editor Attending college is oftentimes a stressful experience, especially given the unique challenges presented by attending a technological institution and living in the modern day. Between COVID-19 restrictions and closures, exams for classes, job applications and more, students at NJIT need moments to relax and find peace and fun in their hectic lives. The Student Activities Council does a wonderful job of providing students with opportunities to do just that. The club is one of the most active university student organizations at NJIT, boasting a large population of members. Its main goal is to provide engaging campus-wide events and experiences to the student body as a whole. Events range in content from chill and relaxing to bombastic and fun. For example, its next planned event is an upcoming “DIY Day” on Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Atrium. This event will feature a Stuff-A-Bear shop, T-Shirt shop and many other fun craft-based activities! Each semester, the organization plans a wide array of events for students with all kinds of backgrounds and interests in mind. Look out for events happening later this semester, such as an Easter Egg Hunt and Carnival in April! The club is very open and welcoming to new members, with meetings often revolving around coming up with ideas for new activities and planning out events. The organization’s office is a lowstress environment and a great place to make new friends. Members of the club enjoy supporting the lives of students outside of the classroom by bringing fun

to the campus, as well as allowing people to have a medium in which they can meet and make friends. The club does a fantastic job of living up to its motto, “Less Stress, More Fun!”

Some quotes from happy SAC members: "SAC is a really chill place and everyone is really cool to hang out with!" - Puis Mwemba "SAC is amazing. I love Dustin La!" Anonymous "I originally joined SAC because I knew a few people in it; I ended up really enjoying my time there. The events are really fun and make the NJIT community feel tight knit. The people make me feel welcome and are really accepting and kind. I really feel like I can be myself in SAC!" - Jillian Jacinto

Student Activities Council meetings occur every week on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. in its office, located in Room 476 of the NJIT Campus Center. To keep updated with its events, you can stop by the office or follow its social media accounts listed below.

Discord: njitsac.org/discord Instagram: @njitsac

COLLECTIONS voices from around campus

Does President's Day even deserve to be a thing? Why or why not? " I get off work, keep it" " we can rename it to whatever but I’d still like the holiday" "no because our government still operates on guidelines set by past presidents that are outdated" "tbh I forgot about it" "If Biden doesn't come over and

serve pancakes with Joel Bloom then I don't want it" "As we approach World War 3, it seems like President's Day has become obsolete" "I propose Kanye Day to overtake President's Day #mypresident" "Change it to Naruto day cause they got a cooler Mount Rushmore"

bruary 6, 2022

THE VECTOR

Opinion

Week of February 13, 2022

Is the age of 20 extended adolescence? By Mrunmayi Joshi | Senior Staff Writer

Every student attending NJIT today is legally an adult — that is, over the age of 18. In previous years, this was considered the “hard cut-off” for teenagers, and they were expected to shoulder responsibilities such as holding a job, finding a place to live and starting a family within the next five or six years. This idea was defined in the 1940s and ‘50s, as the United States developed and prospered. As new factors such as evolving criteria for adulthood, new pathways to traditional success and influence from other parts of the world have begun to determine the trajectory of young adults today, it’s time to reconsider the idea that 20-year-olds can be seen as fullfledged adults. The first and arguably most important distinction between the mid-20th century and today is the vast increase in the importance of college degrees. In 1940, the U.S. census found that just 4.6% of adults 25 and older had a bachelor’s degree. Today, that number has risen to 36%, almost a ninefold increase. Bachelor’s degrees are usually four-year degrees, as NJIT students know, which

are awarded after the completion of high school. The general age of graduation with a bachelor’s degree is 22, compared to 18 for high school graduates. These additional four years continue the education of the student and delay the point at which they find a full-time job. In today’s society, a degree in higher education is highly valued. The unemployment rate for those with a bachelor’s degree is 2.3% compared to 4.6% for high school graduates. Additionally, bachelor’s degree holders tend to earn more. High school graduates earn only about 62% of the salaries that degree holders of the same age do and may find it difficult to save enough to afford a home or support a family. In summary, college has become an important time investment that delays the age of starting a career but has rewards including higher pay and more job stability. This means that people start looking for long-term work at age 22 rather than at age 18. Additionally, the concept of adulthood and independence starting just out

of the late teens is a concept that may be limited to the United States and Western Europe. Across the world, including the Middle East and North Africa, East Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Eastern Europe, young adults tend to live with their parents until at least their late 20s, after which they find a job or marry. ABC News reports that in Egypt, it is customary for children to live with their parents until marriage. In India, it is traditional for students to live with their families at least until they complete their college education and often until they are married as well. The overall age of children moving out of their parents’ home is likely understated in the media as well – even in Europe, the average age of departure is 26.4, and well over 30 in countries like Italy, Portugal, Spain, Bulgaria and others. It’s clear that most of the world does not consider 18 or 20 the first step into adulthood, at least not anymore. So, the question is: What does being an adult mean, exactly? Does it only mean living separately from your parents? Does it mean financial indepen-

dence or being married or starting a family? At 20 years old, are we mature enough to fully take responsibility for our own actions? Science says no. The brain does not fully finish growing and developing until the mid-20s to around age 30. Of course, people shouldn’t wait for their brain to stop developing to make critical decisions about their education and future. However, it does mean that people from ages 18 to 24 could be grouped in a separate category called “young adulthood” to accurately describe their youth and the changes they are still going through. Although 20 years old is certainly old enough to take up responsibility for one’s schooling, a job and other activities, it may not be the right time for major commitments like buying a home, marriage or children. In the end, however, one thing is for sure: No matter how old their offspring become, most parents still tend to think of them as kids — and at age 20, they may very well be.

ENTERTAINMENT

Team Lebron vs. Team Durant: NBA All-Star Game 2022 By Samira Santana | Senior Staff Writer

The 71st National Basketball Association All-Star game is set to tip off on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 6:00 p.m. ET. This annual event, dating back to 1951, is where the most elite basketball players from the Western and Eastern Conferences come together in legendary fashion. For those unfamiliar, this game is similar to the Pro Bowl in the National Football League or the All-Star Game in the National Hockey League. The team captains for this game were announced in early February: Lebron James and Kevin Durant. These two were favorites coming into it, as they received the most fan votes in their respective conferences. Previously, James has been the captain five times since the integration of captains was introduced in 2018. For the Eastern Conference, however, this is Durant’s second time leading the Eastern Conference as captain. On Feb. 10, the captains chose their preferred teammates based on the 22 players in the draft pool. These 22 players are divided into starters and reserves (those starting out on the bench). The 10 starters are chosen based on a weight of 50% fan votes, 25% current players and 25% of the votes from the media. 14 reserve spots are chosen by the 30 NBA coaches: two guards, three frontcourt players and two players in any position. This system was implemented by the current NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, in 2018 to make the game more competitive and entertaining for the fans. While this ruling system is relative-

ly new, it has received some criticism from fans; some believe the 50% weight for fan voters is too high. Last but often overlooked are the coaches, who are chosen based on the standings two weeks before the All-Star Game. The coaching staff for the East and West leading teams are matched with their respective captain. This year, Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra will guide Team Durant, while the Phoenix Suns’ Monty Williams is matched with James. James chose Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Jokic as his starters, while Durant chose Joel Embiid, Ja Morant, Jayson Tatum, Trae Young and Andrew Wiggins. Both teams are stacked and like many years, the game could go either way. One important thing to note — Durant chose five starters because of a sprained MCL injury he suffered on Jan. 16. Considering Durant was playing one of his best seasons in his career, it’s a shame we won’t be able to witness him on the court. With this in mind, James’ team may have the upper hand against Durant’s young team. However, the All-Star game isn’t just about experience, but also about chemistry and hitting big-time shots. James has won a whopping 18 times in his All-Star game career. Despite this, who knows – this year could be the one where James’ 4-game All-Star winning streak comes to a close.

THE VECTOR

Entertainment

Week of February 13, 2022

Horoscopes

Do You Even Sudoku?

By A Calming Caring Cancer

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

It costs approximately zero dollars anddd... *industrial calculator noises* zero cents to be quiet.

No one admits it but we all have the hots for you. Wear less clothing and more jewelery please.

If snails from from Jupiter could fly, would you add 4 and 5 to make tacos.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Yes sweetheart, you did remember to turn the stove off. Get some rest.

Listen to Mariah Carey.

You can never have too much cilantro.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Today's as good a day as any to clear that full voicemall box.

Open. Push. Look. Wet. Rub. Rinse. Repeat.

Studies show that people who use their turn signals have more fun. Even more than blondes.

EASY

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

What if you just threw it all away.

Never answer calls from West Virginia.

I promise, no one's watching. Do it. NOW.

MEDIUM

HARD

Comic

EVIL

Crossword

By Allison Wong

Crossword credited to onlinecrosswords.net

Tweet @TheNJITVector a photo of your completed crossword puzzle (only if you can solve it, though)! Across 1. They're common 6. Rig on the highway 10. Denies access to 14. Aimée of "La Dolce Vita" 15. Hair removal product 16. Cookie choice 17. What a comedian stows? 19. Pop Diamond 20. Nationality finish 21. Choice meat cut 22. 1998 Olympics site 24. One hundred dinars 25. Executive's list heading

26. Tourist attraction near Cairo 29. Desert groups 33. Single-handedly 34. What most gamblers do 35. Sharp taste 36. Uncovers 37. Round of seasons 38. Surprising disclosure 40. Zulu or Swahili 41. Type of existence 42. Wooden spinning toy 43. Letters at Calvary 44. Kemp ran with him

45. "Viva Zapata!" star 48. Poker action 49. "Krazy ___" 52. "This won't hurt ___!" 53. Game of chance played by nuts? 56. First name in legendary guitarists 57. What a siren does best 58. Wickerwork willow 59. NRA component 60. Caesar and Vicious 61. "The Dresser" director Peter

Down

13. Recital performance 18. Urge gently 23. Ben Cartwright's eldest 24. Canine rock and roll star? 25. Criminal subduer 26. Indulged to excess 27. Desert basin floor 28. Pooh's love 29. Pavin or Feldman 30. With regard to 31. Old-fashioned "Super!" 32. Vermont product 34. Hawaiian veranda or island 36. Camping items

39. Walden or Golden 40. Hotel employee 42. Roly partner 44. Claire of "The Rainmaker" 45. Mexicali area 46. Ruth's 2,213 47. Scopes the target 48. Appliance part 49. Heal, as bone 50. "The Night of the Hunter" screenwriter 51. Craggy mountaintops 54. Nice answer 55. Part of a Stein line

1. Outdoor eatery, e.g. 2. Difficult burden 3. Like a certain wolf 4. Pester for payment 5. Manhattan feature 6. Terrestrial mollusk 7. Garner 8. Russian-built fighter aircraft 9. They're found in lodes 10. Farewell given by a beatnik? 11. Expanse 12. Bit attachment