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WELCOME CLASS OF 2030!

We write Stevens history HOBOKEN, NJ | APRIL 10, 2026

VOLUME CXXIII No. 22

NEW STUTE EVERY FRIDAY • EST. 1904

New foreign language courses offered as a general elective

A machine learning filter: AI’s role in safe public drinking water

BY VEDHESH A. KAMARAJ, OPINION COLUMNIST

BY TASHA KHOSLA, HEAD COPYEDITOR Dr. Tao Ye, an assistant professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering, received a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for his research on using AI to help make public drinking water safer. According to the NSF, this award is offered “in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.” CAREER award selection is based on two criteria, which are “1) performance of innovative research at the frontiers of science, engineering, and technology that is relevant to the mission of the sponsoring organization or agency; and 2) community service demonstrated through scientific leadership, education, or community outreach.” Ye’s award, titled “CA-

SEE AI PAGE 2

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSHUA DAYO

APIDA Heritage Month event itinerary BY PRISHA VAGVALA, FEATURES EDITOR Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the cultures and contributions of these communities in America. One of the best ways to do this is by exploring their traditions and experiences through events at Stevens. Throughout April, the Office of Student Culture and Belonging is hosting events that honor the art, food, music, story-

Stevens team sets its sights on a revolutionary approach to extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope BY ANTHONY CURCIOPETRACCORO, STAFF WRITER

For all the fellow space nerds out there, a new project, aided by Stevens’ faculty, is aiming to extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope. While the Stevens project announcement coincides with national news of the Artemis II launch, this one hits close to home and will surely excite the Stevens community. For those looking to catch up, the Hubble Space Telescope is an observatory launched into outer space in 1990 by NASA. Hovering about 370 miles above Earth, this school-bus-sized spacecraft has captured astonishing images of black holes, deep-space objects, and neighboring galaxies, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe. Roshanak Nilchiani, an associate professor of Systems Engineering, and Ph.D. candidate Rashika Sugganahalli Natesh Babu have teamed up with David Barnhart, professor of asNEWS (2-4)

APIDA Heritage Month Asian, Pacific Isalnder, Desi America Heritage Month is being celebrated at Stevens. See how Stevens will show tribute to different cultures! FEATURE (7-8)

Admitted Students Weekend Welcome new Ducks! Learn more about Stevens traditions and where you fit in the flock!

tronautical engineering at the University of Southern California (USC), to extend the longevity of a pivotal tool in this telescope’s journey through space. A core feature of the Hubble Space Telescope is its ability to maintain precise orientation, which is directly supported by a device called a gyroscope. This sensor properly orients the telescope in 3D space by measuring its angular velocity. This is what allows it to capture high-quality images of space. The telescope was equipped with six of these devices, of which only a limited number are currently usable. Engineers have theorized various ways to replace these crucial parts, all of which have proven extremely costly and complex. The team at Stevens and USC has developed a joint solution that will enable nanosatellites to effectively guide the Hubble Space Telescope. The nanosatellites would act as an exter-

SEE TELESCOPE PAGE 2 SCIENCE (6)

Microplastics? Alzheimer’s Disease? Artemis II? Read about what’s going on in the world of science. PULSE (12)

Read answers from the Stevens community to our weekly Roving Reporter, plus solve our weekly puzzle and sudoku.

telling, and activism that define APIDA communities. Stand Up Comedy Show feat. Ali Mehedi and Yoshiko Watson On April 2, the Office of Student Culture and Belonging also hosted a stand-up comedy show featuring Ali Mehedi and Yoshiko Watson. Ali Mehedi, a software engineer and comedian, brought a global perspective to the stage, “touching on borders, culture, and language.” Yoshiko Watson opened the night

with her “sharp wit and strong stage presence,” according to the Office of Student Life Ducklink. Events like this provide a space to hear perspectives from APIDA communities, similar to last year’s panel during APIDA Heritage Month, where students shared their personal stories and experiences from being members of these communities. BreakFAST It is often nice to have something from a different culture, and APIDA Month

Bomb’s away: police take missile from Stevens fraternity

is the perfect time to do so for the Filipino community by having a traditional Filipino breakfast. Some staple items include savory fillings like silog, which is a combo of garlic fried rice and itlog, fried egg. Filipino breakfast is usually hearty and can include dried fish (tuyo), sweet sausage, pandesal bread, and coffee. A good Filipino breakfast is high in protein and fiber-rich, and keeps you full for the day. On April 2, the Filipino As-

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Stevens expands the foreign language program with new courses and foreign language cultural events. The program comes with new courses that will satisfy general elective requirements. Students will be able to put their knowledge learned from the classes directly into practice in the real world. The Department of Foreign Languages, directed by Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) professor Zachary Balog, continues to update its course offerings as students equipped with new language skills will be more marketable and extend their future career choices. Students will also be exposed to music, food, and entertainment from different cultures within the curriculum. The program currently offers courses in three languages: Chinese, French, and Spanish. Spanish has the deepest course line-

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LOCAL NEWS

New executive order requires NJ Transit BY HUGO HOLLAND, bomb squad’s about to be rolling up, we have to evacSTAFF WRITER uate.” This was the descrip- to clean up its act

Local police recently retrieved a four-foot-long piece of weaponry from a Stevens fraternity, igniting debate over how and for how long it had been in the organization’s possession. On March 26, the Jersey City Bomb Squad, in coordination with Hoboken police and the university, removed from 530 Hudson St., the house of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, a “World War II-era ordnance,” according to a joint statement. The Hoboken Fire Department first identified the object during a “routine inspection” of the house. A Stevens spokeswoman later added that the object was considered an “antique,” though details about it remained murky. In interviews with The Stute, several members of the fraternity helped shed light on the object’s history at the house, the events that took place on the day it was taken, and the plans to commemorate the history and meaning behind “Trixie the Torpedo,” the name given to the projectile by the fraternity. “Hey, by the way, a

tion from Dustin Conway, the group’s Chief Historian, of what he was told by another fraternity member on the unusual afternoon of March 26. “So I threw on shoes and went outside, which is not a very good idea without socks.” Another member described the distant sound of sirens as the tip-off that not all was as usual. “I was just on Babbio patio, and I hear a bunch of sirens going off, and I check our personalized channel and see ‘Huh, there’s a bomb squad at our house,’” Clark Gabriel Laforteza, the group’s Deputy Chief Historian, described. The police stayed at the house for several hours, which allowed for other fraternity members, such as freshman Connor McGinley, to notice the commotion. “I was walking to the house, and there were five other brothers standing outside, and they told me, ‘The cops came. They’re taking the bomb.’” The source of all this commotion was a bomb, though one which turned

SEE MISSILE PAGE 2

BY JOSHUA BODENSTEIN, NEWS EDITOR

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Executive Order No. 16 on March 23, directing NJ Transit to overhaul the commuter experience by improving cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and digital services. The order sets firm deadlines, with the goal of having riders notice real changes by this summer. The executive order comes amid years of mounting frustration from commuters. According to ComplaintsBoard.com, NJ Transit has a 1.3-star rating and 529 complaints, with 93% unresolved. NJ Transit serves more than 925,000 weekday trips across 264 bus routes, three light rail lines, and 12 commuter rail lines, making it the third-largest transit system in the country. At that scale, systemic failures in cleanliness and reliability affect hundreds of thousands of riders daily. The order has two main components. Within 45 days of signing, Acting

Commissioner of Transportation Priya Jain, who also serves as Chair of the NJ Transit board of directors, must develop and deliver a comprehensive improvement plan to the Governor’s office. The plan is directed to prioritize cleanliness of stations, buses, and rail cars; accessibility of NJ Transit-owned properties; public safety measures like lighting, cameras, and law enforcement presence; and the digital experience for riders, with a focus on the usability and reliability of real-time tracking features on the NJT website and mobile app. To shape that plan, NJ Transit is hosting three public listening sessions where riders can share their concerns. The first virtual session took place on March 31, with each participant granted two minutes to speak. An online survey will also be posted to the NJ Transit website. Within 45 days of the plan’s delivery, NJ Transit will fast-track implementation of the highest-priority

SEE CLEAN PAGE 2

Friday, April 10

News Masthead Volume CXXIII No. 22 Executive Board

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.............................JIYA JAISINGHANI ‘27 BUSINESS MANAGER.........................CAMRYN WINANT ‘27 MANAGING EDITOR.................................TIANNA SPITZ ‘27 LAYOUT EDITOR.......................................CLAIRE DEANS ‘29 OUTREACH CHAIR................................ISABELLA FAMA ‘29 DIGITAL MANAGER..........................CHARMY KOTADIA ‘27 SECRETARY......................................JOSEPHINE CHOONG ‘28

Editorial Board

NEWS EDITOR................................JOSHUA BODENSTEIN‘29 SCIENCE EDITOR..................................RIYANA PHADKE ‘27 OPINION EDITOR.........................................ITAI GELLER ‘26 SPORTS EDITOR............................MILAGROS CARBAJAL‘27 FEATURES EDITOR ...........................PRISHA VAGVALA ‘28 HEAD COPYEDITOR..............................TASHA KHOSLA ‘25

Operations Board

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 REER: Data-Driven Prioritization and Control of Disinfection Byproducts in Drinking Water,” consists of a $550,000 grant. His research focuses on detecting disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which are “created when chlorine and other chemical agents interact with organic material in source water. Some of the most commonly studied byproducts include trihalomethanes such as chloroform and haloacetic acids, which have been linked to increased bladder cancer risk and liver toxicity after long-term exposure. Other compounds, including nitrosamines, are considered potent carcinogens even at very low concentrations, while certain brominated and iodinated byproducts—often associated with coastal or impacted

source waters—have shown elevated toxicity in laboratory studies.” Although some DBPs are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they occur at very low concentrations, making them difficult to detect and study. Researchers have spent decades studying how individual compounds form, but since there are so many possible chemical combinations, comprehensive testing is not feasible. AI is used to restrict the field to contaminants that are most likely to form under real-world conditions, allowing researchers to study those compounds first. As Ye explained, “Machine learning gives us a way to learn from this data, identify patterns, and focus our experimental work where it matters most.” After narrowing down which compounds to study, Ye and his team can investigate why they form and determine how to prevent or reduce them. Ye’s findings, pub-

lished in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, can then directly help guide water treatment facilities in reducing unsafe chemical reactions while maintaining disinfection effectiveness. Furthermore, Ye’s research results can be used to shape funding, regulation, and legislation, allowing for “a future in which healthy water is not limited to expensive bottled brands and mineral springs, but instead is free and accessible for all.” Ye emphasized that drinking water remains his focus, but AI serves as a tool that can help refine and further his research to achieve his goals. As he summarized, “AI lets us see the system more clearly. And when you understand the system better, you can protect people more effectively.” Unequivocally, Ye’s interdisciplinary research demonstrates how AI’s capabilities can be used to streamline the research process.

HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER.......ISABELLE VILLANUEVA ‘26 ASST. SOCIAL MEDIA...............................CHRISTINE YI ‘29 DELIVERY BOY..........................................JONATHAN LAI ‘28 ASST. LAYOUT EDITOR.............................SHREYA ROY ‘27 ASST. LAYOUT EDITOR....................BRADY SANSOTTA ‘29 ASST. LAYOUT EDITOR..........................KAILEY SUPAN ‘29

Staff & Contributors Jeylan Jubran Wesley Yu Vedhesh A. Kamaraj Anthony Curcio-Petraccoro Charles Beall Joshua Dayo Tanya Avadia Hugo Holland Madison Heller Alessandra Nieto Abigail Thomas Disha Gohil Isabella Gabay Reka Weinacht Dominic Souza Sean Palermo Chris Kalish Mialgros Carbajal Sydney Leung Anna Dabrowski

GENERAL.........................................EBOARD@THESTUTE.COM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.........................EDITOR@THESTUTE.COM ADVERTISING.............................BUSINESS@THESTUTE.COM OFFICE.................................UNIVERSITY CENTER ROOM 216B

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Disclaimer

All opinions and editorials reflect the views of their respective author(s). No Part of The Stute may be reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. Cited references of The Stute are permitted.

Policy on Letters to the Editor

All members of the Stevens community are able to submit a Letter to the Editor to be published in The Stute. Letters must refer either to a piece published in The Stute or to The Stute in general and must be between 400 – 800 words in length. Submit letters to editor@thestute.com with your name and title (when applicable) or using our Google form. For writers who wish to write a Letter to the Editor anonymously, please see our policy on anonymity. The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose whether or not to publish a submitted Letter to the Editor based on a majority rule vote, and additionally reserves the right to edit letters for clarity or request authors to revise. Provided that the author approves the final version, The Stute reserves the right to edit letters according to our copy editing procedures, defined in our policies.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENS.EDU

APIDA

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 sociation of Stevens Tech (FAST) shared this with the Stevens community by hosting BreakFAST, allowing students to try Filipino food while having a fun open night at the same time to keep it enjoyable. Make your own Matcha On April 8, the Office of Student Culture and Belonging hosted an event at Stevens where you can learn how to properly make matcha while respecting its cultural roots and history. Matcha originates from a Japanese Buddhist monk named Eisai. When he returned to Japan from China, he brought tea seeds with him and planted them using Buddhist methods for preparing powdered green tea. He planted these seeds on the temple grounds of Kyoto, which made this tea a symbol of luxury. After Eisai’s return, Zen Buddhists found a new method

for cultivating the green tea plant, which increased the health benefits of matcha. Zen Master Sen-noRikyu then popularized Japan’s tea ceremony, which evolved into the ritual of matcha. Now, matcha is often seen as a social media trend, but it’s important to honor the culture it comes from and recognize its historical significance. Vietnamese Coffee Workshop Another drink being celebrated for its historical significance is Vietnamese coffee. On April 9, the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) is hosting an event where you can make your own cup using traditional tools while learning about the history of Vietnamese coffee. Coffee was introduced to Vietnam in the early 19th century when the French colonized parts of Southeast Asia. Vietnam’s tropical climate and fertile soil made it perfect for coffee cultivation, and by the early 1900s, Vietnam had become a major coffee exporter. After the Vietnam War, coffee played a major role in rebuilding the economy, becoming Viet-

nam’s second-largest export after rice and earning valuable foreign currency. At the VSA’s Vietnamese Coffee Workshop, students learned about the rich history of Vietnamese coffee while experiencing the traditional preparation process firsthand. Whether you choose to attend these events or not, members of the APIDA community have graciously brought their culture to Stevens to share. The festivities and traditions of APIDA communities are not confined to one month. With the cultural organizations that have worked with the Office of Student Life and Belonging for the specifically APIDA Heritage Month itinerary, there are wonderful events year-round to celebrate their vibrant culture. These events help shape Stevens into a more diverse and inclusive space. This allows students to appreciate different traditions, contribute to a more understanding and inclusive environment to practice and honor these traditions, showing the impact of these communities.

Policy on Op-Eds

All members of the Stevens community are able to submit a standalone opinion piece (otherwise known as an Op-Ed) to be published in The Stute. Op-Eds must be between 400 – 800 words, but longer submissions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. To submit an OpEd please email eboard@thestute.com with your name and title (when applicable) or using our Google form (tinyurl.com/submit-t0-stute). For writers who wish to write an Op-Ed anonymously, please see our policy on anonymity. The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose whether or not to publish a submitted Op-Ed based on a majority rule vote, and additionally reserves the right to edit Op-Eds for clarity or request authors to revise. Provided that the author approves the final version, The Stute reserves the right to edit Op-Eds according to our copy editing procedures, defined in our policies.

FULL LIST ON thestute.com/policies

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSHUA DAYO

ELECTIVE

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tinyurl.com/stutesubmit

up with four levels ranging from Spanish 1 (LSP 101) to Spanish 4 (LSP 202). French is also the same, ranging from French 1 (LFR 101) to French 4 (LFR 202). Chinese so far only has one course

with Chinese 1 (LCH 101), with more Chinese courses to come. These courses will be available to take as a general elective, free elective, or open credit for all students. But they will not count towards mandatory HASS courses for any major. Beyond the courses, the program is also offering new cultural events: foreign language salons

will host weekly meetings with cultural presentations and language practice for Spanish and French, a foreign film series that runs monthly, and cultural cuisine lunches at Pierce Dining Hall to extend the foreign customs. The program will also participate in International Education Month in partnership with the Office of International Programs.

Friday, April 10

News TELESCOPE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 nal support system, assisting with orientation and control around the telescope. Described as a “smart exoskeleton,” this system would permit the Hubble Space Telescope to remain properly oriented throughout space without ever modifying its internal design, shifting previously proposed solutions. A common aspect of the design process is the product’s intended life cycle. In the case of the Hubble Space Telescope, this was approximately 15 years, as NASA had projected its obsolescence around 2005. With new adaptations like this one, the question now becomes, “How can we refactor current systems to increase longevity?” Projects like this spark excitement in other areas of engineering, paving the way for future ideation in the revitalization of aging systems.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOOZ ALLEN

MISSLE

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out to be not much of a bomb at all. According to Conway, the object first came to the organization’s house in the 1960s and was, in fact, unable to explode. “It started off as a dummy missile that was being used in the Davis lab for testing that they threw out, and someone in our organization brought it back to the house.” The hollow object, never able to explode in the first place, was then filled with concrete. “We painted it, put our Greek letters on it, and from there it became a part of our signing ceremonies.” Conway stressed that this was oral history and that the earliest documented evidence of the missile was from the 1990s, when a new member can be seen signing the object in a photo shown to The Stute. This history was unfortunately unknown to the Hoboken fire department. According to Conway, while doing a routine inspection on March 25, the department ex-

pressed concern at the bomb residing in the house, where it lay propped up against the wall in the main hallway. When the police came the next day, some members described their annoyance at the lack of thought given towards their cherished charge. “I briefly talked to one guy sitting in the bomb squad car, asking him to send us a video of them exploding it, to which he then proceeded to laugh and drive away,” Conway stated. The importance of the bomb to the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon has only grown since its departure. “It was a heavy loss for us,” Conway said, but the group is determined to remember it with the newly instituted “Ordnance Day.” “Ordnance Day is something we’re gonna do every year to remember the legacy of one of our oldest relics in this chapter,” Conway said, with many ideas. Amid the turmoil of the bomb’s departure and the attention the missile received, there was one thing that the brothers of the New Jersey Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon could agree on. “It was really heavy.”

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CLEAN

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initiatives so that riders begin to see improvements by June 22. “Every New Jerseyan deserves a transit system that is safe, clean, accessible, and reliable,” said Governor Sherrill. “This Executive Order is about delivering cleaner stations, clearer communication, and more dependable service across NJ TRANSIT.” Jain echoed that commitment, stating that the executive order’s focus on public engagement “will help in moving our transportation

system forward.” The order is not the first attempt to address longstanding issues. In March 2025, NJ Transit announced a plan to replace more than 13,000 windows across its Multi-Level I and II rail car fleet by 2028, replacing about one-third of the windows each year — a project that itself followed years of failed attempts to simply clean them. Whether this executive order translates into lasting change remains to be seen, but commuters will have a clear benchmark: If the trains aren’t cleaner by late June, the Governor’s office will have some explaining to do.

Friday, April 10

News NATIONAL NEWS FBI disrupts alleged plan to kill pro-Palestinian activist in Hoboken BY ISABELLA FAMA , OUTREACH CHAIR On March 26, both federal and local law enforcement conducted an investigation looking into the planned assassination of Palestinian rights activist Nerdeen Kiswani. She is known for her leadership position in the New York-based Palestinian advocacy organization, Within Our Lifetime. Although this occurred in the New York and New Jersey area, this case has raised national attention about increasing threats against pro-Palestinian activists in the United States. According to the statements provided by the FBI and NYPD, Alexander Heifler, a New Jersey resident and Stevens Alumni was arrested on Thursday night. Authorities discovered he was assembling Molotov cocktails that were intended to be used in the attack against Kiswani and her home. An undercover cop witnessed Heifler constructing them inside his residence in Hoboken. This allowed agents to execute a search warrant, where eight Molotov cocktails were found, according to officials. Heifler was said to have been engaging in an online chat where he shared his plans for the attack, which was compromised by the NYPD. Over the course of several weeks, he met with undercover officers, where he conducted surveillance of Kiswani’s residence

and looked to train to practice throwing Molotov cocktails. Kiswani was made aware of the plot from the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force on Thursday night after the arrest was made and the threat was being handled. She turned to social media, sharing that despite this threat, she will not be silenced. “I will have more to say as additional details come to light. I will not stop speaking up for the people of Palestine, ” she shared. Her statement drew support from advocacy groups and community members who feel similarly, emphasizing the importance of free speech and ensuring the safety of those who are involved in political activism. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke on the plot. “We will not tolerate violent extremism in our city. No one should face violence for their political beliefs or their advocacy,” Mamdani said. It was confirmed that Heifler was associated with the Jewish Defense League, which has been labeled a violent and extremist organization by the FBI. A letter from Stevens Institute of Technology was also published. President Nariman Farvardin condemned all acts of violence, acknowledging that even though Heifler is a Stevens graduate, his actions do not align with what the institution stands for. On April 2, Hoboken residents organized an anti-rhetoric rally outside City Hall. Mayor Emily

Jabbour shared a statement in response to concerns about community safety. “I reject in the strongest terms possible anti-Palestinian rhetoric and violence, Islamophobia, and antisemitism, including any acts and language targeting members of the Jewish community, or hate targeted at any other group of community members,” she shared. Both local and statewide groups gathered to address the rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric. Speakers from groups such as CAIR-NJ

and Jewish Voice for Peace, as well as community members of the city, spoke. Local, state, and federal officials at all levels have been encouraged to acknowledge the escalating rhetoric and rising threats through a petition organized by Hoboken Justice and published by Action Network that has gathered over 197 signatures out of the goal of 200. Heifler is in federal custody and appeared in court in Newark, and so far faces charges of unlawful possession and construction

of destructive devices. This carried a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. As the investigation continues, additional charges may be possible, but so far, there are no newly released details. The intervention from law enforcement undoubtedly prevented an act of violence, but has prompted subsequent movements to address increasing anti-Muslim rhetoric, which remains a threat to community safety and stability.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NJ.COM

Stevens Institute of Technology in Photos THINKING OF COMMITTING TO STEVENS? HERE IS WHAT YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE WILL LOOK LIKE!

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENS.EDU

Friday, April 10

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENSDUCKS.COM (SHOT BY DAVID JANOSZ)

Sports

No. 13 Stevens meets No. 8 York in ranked matchup BY MILAGROS CARBAJAL, SPORTS EDITOR The Ducks faced No. 7 York (PA) College women’s lacrosse in a non-conference matchup in York, PA, on Saturday afternoon, April 4, 2026, falling 11–4. Both teams now hold a 7–4 record.

Stevens recorded one goal in each quarter, while York used stronger second and third periods to separate from the Ducks. The two teams were evenly matched in shot attempts during the first half, each recording 15, but York entered halftime with a 5–2 lead. Sophomore Alina Friz led Stevens offensively with two goals,

while Sydney Mentzer paced York with three. Stevens tied the game early in the second quarter following a free-position goal, but York responded with a series of goals to regain control heading into halftime. In the third quarter, Stevens briefly cut into the deficit before York extended its lead with five goals in the period.

Defensively, junior Kailyn Vautour recorded nine saves in net, while seniors Maggie Zarish-Yasunas and Eran Gleason each contributed two caused turnovers. Stevens will look ahead to its next contest on April 8 at 6 p.m., traveling to face the FDU-Florham women’s lacrosse.

ON DECK IN SPORTS FRI, APR 10 WOMEN’S AND MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD TCNJ Multi & Invitational Day 1 Ewing, NJ TBD BASEBALL Arcadia University Hoboken, NJ 3 p.m.

SAT, APR 11 MEN’S VOLLEYBALL MAC Championship TBD WOMEN’S AND MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD TCNJ Multi & Invitational Day 2 Ewing, NJ TBD WOMEN’S LACROSSE Lebanon Valley College Anville, PA 12 p.m. BASEBALL Arcadia University (DH) Ambler, PA 12 p.m. SOFTBALL Arcadia University (DH) Weehawken, NJ 1 p.m. MEN’S LACROSSE Lebanon Valley College Hoboken, NJ 1 p.m. MEN’S TENNIS Salisbury University Bayonne, NJ 1 p.m. WOMEN’S TENNIS Dickinson College Carlisle, PA 1 p.m.

SUN, APR 12 WOMEN’S TENNIS Gettysburg College Gettysburg, PA 11 a.m. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENSDUCKS.COM

STEVENS SCOREBOARD DATE

WED, APR 1

THU, APR 2

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WOMEN'S LACROSSE MEN'S LACROSSE MEN'S VOLLEYBALL MEN'S GOLF MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TRACK AND FIELD MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TRACK AND FIELD SOFTBALL MEN'S GOLF BASEBALL SOFTBALL MEN'S LACROSSE MEN'S GOLF MEN'S TRACK AND FIELD MEN'S TENNIS BASEBALL MEN'S VOLLEYBALL BASEBALL MEN'S VOLLEYBALL WOMEN'S LACROSSE BASEBALL

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KING'S COLLEGE KING'S COLLEGE KING'S COLLEGE WPU PIONEER SPRING INVITATIONAL MUHLENBERG INVITATIONAL - DAY 1

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LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE SPRING THAW - DAY 1 LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE MARITIME COLLEGE SPRING THAW - DAY 2 SAM HOWELL INVITATIONAL SWARTHMORE COLLEGE LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE VASSAR COLLEGE LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE YORK COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD

AWAY AWAY AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY HOME AWAY HOME AWAY HOME AWAY AWAY HOME

L (3-8) 2ND W (6-0) L (1-2) W (19-7) 3RD COMPLETE L (0-7) W (6-2) L (1-3) W (5-4) W (3-1) L (4-11) L (4-7)

Friday, April 10

Science Lab gloves may be affecting microplastic research data BY DISHA GOHIL, SCIENCE WRITER

NASA has launched its historic Artemis II mission BY SEAN PALERMO, SCIENCE WRITER On April 1, 2026, the Orion spacecraft took off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:35 p.m. EDT to kick off NASA’s Artemis II mission: An approximately 10-day flight coursed to slingshot around the Moon and back, marking the first time humans have left Earth to travel to deep space since the series of U.S. Apollo missions that ended in 1972. This is the first part of a series of missions with the ultimate goal of building humanity’s first base on the Moon. The crew of four astronauts taking part in this historic endeavor consists of pilot Victor Glover, mission specialists Jeremy Hansen and Christina Koch, and commander Reid Wiseman. This follows a flawless five minute and 50 second engine burn known as tarantula injection (TLI) which, as according to Nasa’s Dr Lori Glaze, propelled the spacecraft on a journey that is expected to carry humans farther from Earth than anyone else in all of history at an estimated 4,700 miles (7,600 km) beyond the Moon before its gravity swings them back on the course home. Planetary geologist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, Kelsey Young, who is leading the lunar-observation team for the mission, explains how a laying of eyes on the Moon itself may reveal much more information quicker than is possible when analyzing

photographs of it from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter that has been mapping the Moon since 2009. She argues that the human visual system is attuned to pick up on subtle differences in color, brightness, and other changes that would take years of analyzing images to uncover — pointing to Apollo 17’s geologist and astronaut Harrison Schmitt, who spotted orange-tinged soil on the Moon’s surface that turned out to be volcanic glass beads from ancient eruptions. During Artemis II, a series of experiments and tests will be conducted, including exploring how deep-space travel has effects on human health due to studies of astronauts on short-duration space flights, or in low Earth orbit on space stations experiencing health issues such as an increase in the risk of cancer and vision problems. This includes the private space mission Inspiration 4 which had launched in 2021 and was led by the now head of NASA, Jared Isaacman, where the crew’s telomeres (the protective ends of chromosomes) experienced a changing of lengths. Since the Artemis II crew will mark the first time humans have exposed themselves to deep-space radiation beyond the protective magnetic field of Earth since the conclusion of the Apollo programme, radiation sensors placed throughout the capsule’s cabin will be used to measure exposure throughout the mission. On top of this, the astronauts gave both saliva and blood samples before the mission and will repeat the

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIRED.COM

process after returning to enable researchers to look for alternation to the immune and other body systems. Perhaps the most cutting-edge health study to be conducted is the ‘organ on a chip experiment’, where researchers asked each of the crew members to donate platelets from their blood prior to flight that enabled the extraction, isolation, and freezing of immature bone marrow cells naturally occurring in the bloodstream. By thawing and placing these cells onto two chips sizing around a USB drive for each astronaut, one will be taken into space on the mission while the other will remain on Earth — the goal being to compare the both chips between each crew member to investigate if the cells sent space-bound experienced a greater degree of DNA damage or signs of alteration. If this method proves to be successful, future deep-space missions may be able to fly with chips containing cells from future astronaut candidates to get an idea of what could happen if they were to take the journey. Around the sixth day of the Artemis II mission when cruising beyond the Moon, the astronauts on board will see a total solar eclipse — Earth hanging off to the side as the typically concealed halo of the Moon blocking the sun shines. Crew member Jeremy Hansen remarked how “humanity has once again shown what we are capable of,” that “it’s your hopes for the future that carry us now on this journey around the Moon.”

A University of Michigan study suggests that standard lab gloves that scientists use could be causing overestimation of microplastics levels. Researchers found that latex and nitrile gloves can transfer stearates onto lab tools, which are used to analyze water, air, and other environmental samples. Stearates are salt-based, soaplike substances that are added to disposable gloves to help them easily separate from molds during manufacturing. Even though they are not plastics, stearates closely resemble them during testing, increasing the chances of false positives in regards to microplastic pollution. Despite the possibility of these false positives, researchers highlight that microplastics remain an important issue to discuss. “We may be overestimating microplastics, but there should be none,” said Anne McNeil, senior author of the study and U-M professor of chemistry, macromolecular science and engineering. “There’s still a lot out there, and that’s the problem.” This discovery began during a project involving the examination of airborne microplastics in Michigan. This project involved researchers from various U-M departments alongside McNiel. The team used air samples equipped with metal surfaces to capture particles. The samples were then analyzed using light-based spectroscopy to identify the types of particles present. When preparing the sampling surfaces, U-M researcher Madeline Clough wore nitrile gloves as part of standard protocol.

However, the number of detected microplastics was thousands of times higher than expected. “It led to a wild goose chase of trying to figure out where this contamination could possibly have come from, because we just knew this number was far too high to be correct,” Clough said. “Throughout the process of figuring it out— was it a plastic squirt bottle, was it particles in the atmosphere of the lab where I was preparing the substrates—we finally traced it down to gloves.” To investigate this further, the researchers tested seven different types of gloves through experiments recreating typical lab conditions. On average, the gloves introduced around 2,000 false positive signals per square millimeter. However, cleanroom gloves released far fewer particles, likely because they are made without stearate coating. The team also explored if they can visually determine the difference between microplastics and stearates. Using scanning electron microscopy and light-based microscopy, they discovered that stearates look similar to polyethylene, the world’s most widely used plastic. Despite this challenge, Clough and McNeil, working with graduate student Eduardo Ochoa Rivera and statistics professor Ambuj Tewari, developed methods to separate microplastics from stearates. These techniques could allow researchers to revisit earlier datasets and produce more accurate results. “For microplastics researchers who have these impacted datasets, there’s still hope to recover them and find a true quantity of microplastics,” Clough said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GENETICLITERACYPROJECT.ORG

New FDA-Approved blood tests for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease BY RÉKA WEINACHT, CONTRIBUTOR Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common cause of dementia, is a progressive disease that mostly affects individuals aged 65 and over. As a progressive disease, it worsens over time, gradually interfering more and more with daily life and making even basic functions impossible. Symptoms that start as difficulty remembering new information, confusion, and mood changes devolve into even worse versions of themselves. People with Alzheimer’s may feel highly disoriented even in their own homes, they may feel unreasonable suspicion and animosity towards their family and caregivers, they may feel more and more confused about everyday events, and even have difficulty speaking as

their brain cells lose function and eventually die. The root causes of Alzheimer’s are not yet fully understood, but the most likely causes and currently accepted indicators are formations in the brain called plaques and tangles. Plaques are deposits of the beta-amyloid protein that build up in between neurons, and tangles are twisted fibers of the tau protein that build up inside cells. The amyloid plaques are exactly what have been used to try to diagnose Alzheimer’s until recently; diagnosis is usually not clear-cut or easy to do, but PET scans of the brain are able to detect and image plaques, which can help in predicting Alzheimer’s disease even before symptoms start to occur. Another way of testing for Alzheimer’s has been done through FDA-authorized tests done with

cerebrospinal fluid, obtained through a spinal tap. Neither of these previous methods of testing for Alzheimer’s are ideal: PET scans are expensive, time-consuming, and expose the patient to radiation (since they require injection of a safe, although radioactive tracer into the patient). Meanwhile, cerebrospinal fluid samples are difficult to obtain, requiring an invasive procedure called a spinal tap, where a thin needle is inserted into the spinal region in a lumbar puncture — not your average 10-minute blood test. The new test that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2025 is easier, done with only a simple blood draw. Called the G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio test, it measures a ratio between the tau and amyloid proteins found in the blood

plasma. This ratio has been shown to be correlated to the presence or absence of amyloid plaques in the brain in a clinical study involving 499 individual plasma samples. Importantly, the test is meant to be performed on individuals who are already showing symptoms of cognitive decline and are over the age of 55. It is not for testing young people to predict future Alzheimer’s; unfortunately, science is not able to do that yet. However, it can be very useful for diagnosing the cause of cognitive decline in patients in a quick and accessible way, and it can help doctors or caregivers come up with treatment plans. The main risks of the test are obtaining false positives or false negatives, which means that there are no potential health drawbacks that would give someone reason

to not undergo testing. Dr. Jeff Gelblum, an Alzheimer’s specialist, believes that this new test will make both Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment more accessible and widespread. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, treatments do exist for mitigating its effects. Different kinds of cognitive therapies or activities may help, and there are also medications that can increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain to help maintain communication between neurons. These medications can only be prescribed to someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s; that’s why it is important to have easy and accessible testing options that can help diagnose someone. The FDA approval of the new plasma ratio test may be a small step in the bigger fight against Alzheimer’s, but it is an important one.

INTERESTED IN SCIENCE JOURNALISM? Join our Science writing team! Reach out to Riyana Phadke, Science Editor (rphadke@stevens.edu) for more information – No experience necessary to write • thestute.com/category/science –

Friday, April 10

Feature

ADMITTED STUDENTS WEEKEND

Techfest, Winter Wonderland, and other fun Stevens events! BY JOSEPHINE CHOONG, SECRETARY If you are an incoming student, welcome! I hope you are enjoying Admitted Students Weekend, and thank you for picking up a newspaper! Stevens isn’t just about constant classwork and tests; we also have a ton of exciting events, both on and off campus. From Flock Party, Techfest, Winter Wonderland, Fall Fest, and Founder’s Day Ball, there’s plenty to do throughout the school year. If you are a current student, I hope this article serves as a fun reminder of upcoming events for the current and upcoming semester. Techfest Starting with an upcoming event, Techfest is an evening filled with student performances, free food, and plenty of fun. The winners of the Battle of the Bands competition were Jorts, Eve Godin, and Angelidis. These bands will become the student openers for the annual Techfest. Additionally, Rachel Chinouriri will make an appearance, and there will be a Duck Market packed with student vendors selling original products. This year, it’s scheduled to occur on April 18, so go and listen to some fantastic music. Winter Wonderland Winter Wonderland is an excellent way to celebrate Christmas with merry treats like hot choc-

olate, sugar cookies, and gingerbread men. Last year, the event featured giveaways, ice skating at Babbio, and a Santa competition between multiple frats and clubs. The night concluded with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, which was paired with live performances of Christmas songs. Founder’s Day Ball A hallmark tradition, Founder’s Day Ball is an evening dedicated to celebrating the university’s founding on February 15, 1870. This year, the ball was held at Pier Sixty and featured a cocktail hour, dancing, and photos. It concluded with students picking up a special keepsake item. Off-campus events If nothing interests you, the Entertainment Committee has plenty of off-campus events to discover. Some of the previous events are the Devils vs. Jets, Wicked, Lady Gaga, and Conan Gray. Tickets, which include transportation, are drawn via lottery and cost $20. Additionally, there are various events from the many clubs and organizations on-campus happening each week. For example, the Ethnic Student Council has held a Unity Carnival, filled with a variety of different cultural foods, games, and inflatables. For incoming students, you can discover these events using DuckLink, Instagram, or by asking any upperclassmen. So go out there, explore these fun events, and build your own community at Stevens!

PHOTO COURTESY OF @STEVENSSTUDENTS, @FOUNDERSDAYBALL, @STEVENS_EC

How your first week at Stevens sets the tone for the rest BY PRISHA VAGVALA, FEATURES EDITOR I had always lived close to Stevens, yet never once visited the campus until Admitted Student Weekend, and then came back for the second time for freshman orientation. I still remember the buzzing excitement for all the memories I would be making and the nervousness to immediately immerse myself in Stevens’ culture. The lingo and community were so different from high school that I would often tell my friend Stevens had a language of its own: Stubers, UCC, P-cards. It was truly freshman orientation that gave me the full immersive experience that set me up to become a true Duck at Stevens. The highlight was being set up with a Peer Leader group and a Peer Leader who mentors and guides new students to become accustomed to Stevens and gives the best advice. Your Peer Leader group, with new students, might end up forming your first friend groups — I know it did for me. Exploring Hoboken with fellow students, all excited to meet everyone, was a

whole different experience than exploring with family. We grew accustomed to the restaurants that true Stevens students loved, the piers, parks, and buildings within campus itself. Late nights looking at random people’s decorations in their new dorms, playing guitars, card games, or hanging out after the day of Stevens events. My Peer Leader introduced me to the inner workings of The Stute, where I now serve as the Features Editor, a full-circle moment. Although I didn’t pursue becoming a Peer Leader like I wanted to, I learned about the work that goes into becoming one and the closeknit community the Peer Leaders have with each other, which helped me learn about new opportunities within Stevens. When speaking to Peer Leader Yang Yi Zheng about freshman orientation, he noted that, “The Stevens Peer Leader Team is comprised of many different campus perspectives. The Team features athletes, co-op students, international students, leaders in Greek life and student orgs, and more. Precisely because of these multi-faceted experiences, the Peer

Leader (PL) team is able to serve the diverse Stevens student body to the fullest. The goal is for new Stevens students to find a sense of belonging through the PL and PRV program, and ultimately transition better into college life.” It can be overwhelming when you first join Stevens and are told to download 50 apps, but during orientation, it happens organically. We would have lunch and suddenly remember to download RockBot to change the music in Pierce Dining Hall. Or we’d be looking for an event to go to and suddenly remember to download DuckLink and help everyone else download it too. Maybe you wanted a ride to CVS after Peer Leader Week, so you downloaded the Stevens Shuttle app to get one. Your Peer Leaders also remind you which ones to download, recommend which food stations are the best in Pierce, and tell you which events are a must during orientation, since there is always something happening. There are numerous activities to look forward to as well, like the Glow Park event, which is like a silent disco with glow-up headphones

that gleam in the dark. There is a different song playing in your headphones, and through this event, I found people who enjoy partying as much as I do. To this day, I happen to go to social events at Stevens with the same people. There are multiple opportunities to socialize with Stevens students, such as the street fair, where Stevens brings in a bunch of food trucks, and you might bond over a shared love of food. You get introduced to new traditions you will soon partake in, like ordering many Yellas burgers

or milkshakes, slapping the ass of the horse on the Torch Bearer statue to pass your class, and getting to know the history behind Stevens buildings. Your first week is pivotal in understanding the culture and community of Stevens, filled with school spirit activities like learning the Duck Dance or discovering your new favorite study spots with friends. Orientation was the perfect introduction, helping you find your place as a Duck while surrounded by support and peers.

PRISHA VAGVALA FOR THE STUTE

Must eats in Hoboken as a Stevens student BY CAMRYN WINANT, BUISNESS MANAGER

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NAPOLISHOBOKEN ON INSTAGRAM

So you’re on your second trip to Pierce Dining Hall today for lunch, for a meal that’s mid at best, and you’re already dreading the burger and fries you’re going to get for dinner from Yellas. It’s okay. It’s a Stevens student canon event. But that also means you’re getting to go out and explore all of Hoboken’s food options, where the worst food you’ll try still beats Pierce or UCC food by miles. To make it easier, these are some of the must-eats as a Stevens student. Napoli’s Napoli’s (or Naps, as you will come to call it) is a cult classic. There’s an uptown and downtown location, and no matter which one you end up at for the first time, it will be a formative college experience. Adam Sandler has eaten there. Dave Portnoy rated the pizza a 7.4/10. Just eat there, it’s worth it. Benny Tudino’s Adam Sandler has also eaten there. Dave Portnoy rated it a 6.8/10. It is considered the larg-

est slice of pizza in New Jersey for only $5. It’s a Stevens student staple, it’s a Hoboken staple. East LA The perfect place to go if you’re craving Mexican food and don’t want to go to Taco Bell. It’s on 5th Street and Washington Street, so close to campus that you would be stupid not to go at least once. Mashed I will say, there isn’t really anything distinct about what Mashed is doing, but it is a must-have. It is the perfect option when you’re craving that burger and you’re not in the mood for a slider-sized burger from Yellas. They also give a discount when you show your Stevens ID. Paris Baguette I had never had Paris Baguette until I came to Stevens, and yes, it changed the trajectory of my life. I went home shortly into my freshman year and wouldn’t stop talking about it. It has everything you could want. They have coffee, sweet treats, and savory lunch pastries. It’s perfect for every occasion. O’Bagel or Bagels on the Hudson

You will go to both once you get here, choose a favorite, and you will spend the next four years defending why one is better than the other. However, Bagels on the Hudson is open 24 hours and is perfect for your late-night cravings. Mamoun’s Now, I won’t lie, I’m not super in tune with Middle Eastern cuisine, but I know good food, and Mamoun’s has that. I’ve never heard a bad thing said about it. It makes me a hypocrite to admit this, but there are a handful of places I have never even been to in Hoboken, but you will never get into a conversation about food in Hoboken without hearing about them. Some of the big ones are: Toast x Bowl for the best sandwiches, Karma Kafe when you’re craving Indian food, Hidden Grounds and Bluestone Cafe for your coffee needs, and Mile Square Cafe. There are so many options when it comes to eating in Hoboken, and this article does not even make a dent in covering them all. To make living in Hoboken worth it, you should try as many new restaurants as you possibly can!

Friday, April 10

Feature “We’re human too”: Dr. Zahra Pournorouz on connecting with students BY ALESSANDRA ZULUETA NIETO, CONTRIBUTOR For many students, professors can feel distant. Figures who only exist within the boundaries of syllabi and lecture halls. This perception quickly faded during a conversation with Dr. Zahra Pournorouz. Her mornings often start with coffee and a copy of The Stute, a way to settle in for the day. Like many, she enjoys doing the daily Wordle, a habit I can confirm is popular among students. During the day, Dr. Pournorouz’s courses are varied, spanning from PRV 101 to Thermodynamics to Senior Design. Her classes span the whole of the student experience, from the freshmen settling in to the seniors finishing up. Across all of them, one common thread is a noticeable lack of student-professor interaction. Dr. Pournorouz hopes to change this, little by little. A central focus of our conversation was this gap between faculty and students, and how to close it. Dr. Pournorouz emphasized the importance of making faculty more approachable and breaking down the initial awkwardness of reaching out. In her own words, “There are no silly questions,” because odds are that a “silly” question is likely in the minds of at least three other students. Those questions are the “keystone” of her role as a professor. She wouldn’t be a professor if she didn’t enjoy teaching and seeing

her students grow. One idea she discussed was encouraging more interaction outside of class, including a past proposal where students and faculty could “shadow” each other, as a sort of exchange program. While the idea did not take off, the goal behind it remains important, fostering mutual understanding. Part of this effort involves highlighting the lives of professors outside of the classroom and beyond their research. Seeing the person and not just the professor makes interactions more approachable and less daunting for students. Dr. Pournorouz makes an effort to stay connected to both campus life and her own routines. Like many students, she described enjoying walks around campus, especially when students are around to breathe life into it. One of her hobbies is playing video games from The Witcher series and Assassin’s Creed, a fun fact which often surprises her students. Ultimately, Dr. Pournorouz hopes to create an environment where students feel comfortable reaching out for help, whether that be during office hours or lecture. Asking questions and building connections with their professors should be an integral part of the college experience, not an afterthought. As she demonstrates both inside and outside the classroom, sometimes the best way to support students is simply to remind them: You’re not alone, and your professors are more human than you might think. They, too, are playing Wordle before class.

Admitted Student Weekend 2026 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Registration: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Babbio, Atrium <- Download the Event App

9-9:45 a.m.

12:15-1 p.m.

Kidde, Room 228 Session repeats at 11 a.m.

Burchard, Room 111

-ĔƬŷǤɻuȀľƬşſŔʂɻ ſɻMſſƉǝĔƽşǝľɻbƉƉŴɻĔƽɻAşſĔſışĔŷɻ şķɻ

bľĔƬſşſŔɻ-ǣƩľƬşľſıľƳɻ ľǤƉſķɻƽśľɻ ŷĔƳƳƬƉƉžɻ

-ĔƬŷǤɻuȀľƬşſŔʂɻ ƉȀľľɻ śĔƽɻǞşƽśɻ ƽǃķľſƽɻ žİĔƳƳĔķƉƬƳɻ

bľĔǝşſŔɻƽśľɻkľƳƽɻǞşƽśɻ ƽǃķľſƽɻ ȀĔşƬƳɻ

9-10 a.m.

ƽǃķǤşſŔɻ İƬƉĔķɻǞşƽśɻ ƽľǝľſƳ

University Center Complex, Marketplace (Main Level)

12:30-2 p.m.

Babbio, Room 104

ƬľĔŴœĔƳƽɻ şƽľƳɻ

10-10:45 a.m.

ƬľƳşķľſƽʯƳɻÊľŷıƉžľɻ

Schaefer Athletic Center - Canavan Arena

10:45-11:30 a.m. ǃĔıŴɻʹɻ ſĔıŴɻ

University Center Complex, Main Level & Babbio, Atrium

11-11:45 a.m.

ſɻMſſƉǝĔƽşǝľɻbƉƉŴɻĔƽɻAşſĔſışĔŷɻ şķ Kidde, Room 228

bľĔƬſşſŔɻ-ǣƩľƬşľſıľƳɻ ľǤƉſķɻƽśľɻ ŷĔƳƳƬƉƉžɻ

Burchard, Room 111 Session repeats at 12:15 p.m.

bľĔǝşſŔɻƽśľɻkľƳƽɻǞşƽśɻ ƽǃķľſƽɻ ȀĔşƬƳɻ

Gateway South, Room 122 Session repeats at 12:15 p.m.

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

ľıƉžľɻĔɻ$ǃıŴʅɻjĔŴľɻǤƉǃƬɻķľƩƉƳşƽɻƽƉķĔǤʀ University Center Complex, Main Level

11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

ľƳşķľſıľɻIĔŷŷɻ©ƉǃƬƳɻ(shown in orange on map) Castle Point, Davis, Humphreys, Jonas, Palmer, River Terrace, Harries Tower and Clark Tower bĔİɻʹɻAĔışŷşƽşľƳɻ©ƉǃƬƳɻ

Departing from Babbio, Room 104 Every 35 minutes (last tour leaves at 2:25 p.m.)

Gateway South, Room 122

Kidde, Room 228 Session repeats at 2:15 p.m.

bǃſıśɻƉſɻ ĔƳƽŷľɻ Ɖşſƽ

Schaefer Athletic Center - Canavan Arena

12:45-2:15 p.m.

ƽǃķľſƽɻ ıƽşǝşƽşľƳɻ-ǣƩƉ

University Center Complex, Main & Ground Levels

1-3 p.m.

ıĔķľžşıɻ-ǣƩƉ

Babbio, Room 122: Mechanical Engineering Babbio, Atrium: School of Business; School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; Undergraduate Academics Gateway - Gianforte Family Hall, Room 204: ! ² Intelligence, Computer Science & Cybersecurity Gateway - Gianforte Family Hall, Room 103 & Lobby: Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Environmental Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Naval Engineering, Physics, Pre-Health, Software Engineering

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University Center Complex, Tech Flex: Admissions, Athletics and Campus Recreation, Career Center, Dining Dietitian, Financial Aid, First-Year Experience, Information Technology, International Programs, Performing Arts, Residence Life, ROTC, Student Culture and Belonging, Student Life, Student Health and Wellness, Student Support

12-12:45 p.m.

1:15-2 p.m.

Biomedical Engineering: Babbio, Room 210 Chemical Engineering: McLean, Room 104 Chemistry and Chemical Biology: McLean, Room 105 Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering: ABS Engineering Center, Room 301 Clark Scholars: University Center, Pi Kitchen (Invitation only 4/11) Electrical and Computer Engineering: Library, Room B12 Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences: Peirce, Room 308 iSTEM: University Center, Pi Kitchen (Invitation only 4/12) Physics: Burchard, Room 102 Systems Engineering: Babbio, Room 541A

Burchard, Room 111 Session repeats at 2:15 p.m.

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ĔƬľľƬɻ ƉſſľıƽşƉſƳɻǞşƽśɻBub$ɻ ŷǃžſş

2:15-3 p.m.

ƽǃķǤşſŔɻ İƬƉĔķɻǞşƽśɻ ƽľǝľſƳ Kidde, Room 228

ĔƬľľƬɻ ƉſſľıƽşƉſƳɻǞşƽśɻBub$ɻ ŷǃžſş Burchard, Room 111

©- ɻʹɻ-uAɻ ľıľƩƽşƉſɻBy Invitation Only (ends at 3:15 p.m.) University Center Complex, Pi Kitchen

MEET TILLIE! THE CAMPUS THERAPY DOG

AdmittedStudentsProgram-2026-v3.pdf

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENS

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENS DUCKS

THE FOLLOWING IS AN OP-ED

OP-EDS REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE GUEST WRITER FROM WITHIN THE STEVENS COMMUNITY AND ARE SUBMITTED TO THE STUTE FOR PUBLICATION. THEY DO NOT REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STUTE ITSELF.

STEM Majors, Make Room for the Liberal Arts BY MOHAMMED ELMZAGHI In a 2024 discussion with Tyler Cowen in Miami hosted by the Mercatus Center, Peter Thiel, famed founder of PayPal, Palantir and Founders Fund and the first outside investor in Facebook. was invited to speak on the complexities of political theology. When the conversation turned to AI and its impact on Silicon Valley, he gave his thoughts. In the interview, Cowen asks Thiel what he thinks the large language models’ (LLMs) - computational models designed for generation of text - impact will be on “wordcels”, a term used to refer to those who write and revel in the space of ideas as well as subject matter experts who are called upon to give their opinion on a specific topic: “My intuition would be it’s going to be quite the opposite, where it seems much worse for the math people than the word people. What people have told me is that they think within three to five years, the AI models will be able to solve all the US Math Olympiad problems. That would shift things quite a bit.” As expected, his response is contrarian. For years, the narrative has been that majors in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) were the most promising fields toventure into as a prospective high school student about to embark on college education. In effect, the liberal arts were put on the back burner in favor of more analytical, marketable and practical majors. In other words, a major that will lead one into a lucrative job. This advice was not misguided. In a 2025 analysis conducted by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce,

it found that the median salary of workers with a bachelor’s degree in STEM was $98,000 compared to $65,000 for humanities and arts majors. As the argument went, a Computer Science degree was more valuable from an economic perspective than an English or History degree. But the tide is shifting. Tools such as Devin AI launched by Cognition Labs provide a look into the future of AI software engineering where coding agents respond to English language requests to conduct complicated code migration, refactoring, data engineering and analysis and bug resolution. The need to structure text inputs - instructions, context, examples - to guide LLMs like ChatGPT, Claude and even Deven AI toward accurate, relevant and safe outputs has given rise to the field of prompt engineering (a job with a yearly median salary of $126,000). As the world continues to leverage LLMs to write software, generate images and video and complete complicated tasks, it becomes clear that the future belongs to those who can quickly and accurately find the write words to capture what they intend to achieve. In other words, the “wordcels”. In the Fall of 2026, the Stevens Institute of Technology will launch a new AI degree program offering a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence. The program would start with a “foundation in computer science and mathematics, building essential skills in programming, algorithms and probability”, progressing into “more advanced AI topics like machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision and human-centered design” and concluding with a senior design capstone where students tackle real-world AI challenges with in-

dustry sponsors. But the “AI fluency” the program aims to provide seems to be missing curricula that builds the reading, writing and communication aptitude that the industry is telling us is currently needed and will continue to be needed in the age of LLMs and AI. Skills which put English, History, and Philosophy students - liberal arts majors - at an advantage. This isn’t to say that understanding the linear algebra behind reinforcement learning isn’t valuable, but it certainly doesn’t take precedence over the clear and important use of the written word with tools that are becoming more and more crucial for jobs across industry. If we are to brace ourselves for Thiel’s warning and prepare the countless students that graduate from technical universities across the country for employment, we should make an effort to bring the liberal arts back into our professional curriculums (a step already being taken by universities such as Columbia College and Harvard College). Stevens’s AI degree, while pioneering and noteworthy, fails to accomplish this and would benefit if it were to incorporate more reading and writing classes. In addition, the degree claims it will teach students the ethics of AI to better prepare them for the safety and alignment issues surrounding AI tool development. But historically, the humanities were responsible for addressing such questions of justice, fairness and equality - major touch points in AI research. Unless we take a more temperate approach to technical education and make room for the humanities, it seems quite clear that the future belongs to the liberal arts.

Friday, April 10

Opinion THE STUTE EDITORIAL

Round 2: a new beginning Last year was the beginning of my first term as Editor-in-Chief. I try to write as candidly as possible, and I truly believe that each Editorial last year was an accurate representation of each week as Editor-in-Chief. When there were hard times, there were an equal amount of good times that kept my spirits high. I have devoted three years to The Stute, and I hope to give one more. Thank you for inviting me back for another year, Stuters. But enough about me, I would like to highlight the excellent e-board that has been voted in! Business Manager: Camryn Winant Camryn began in The Stute as a Stute Weekender over the Summer of 2024. She quickly became a sports writer and transitioned into Sports Editor not long after that. As we all know, the sports section is one of the hardest to maintain, for there are not many consistent writers! Cam held her head up high and took on the brunt of the articles when we needed them for the sports page and layout. With that dedication and passion, I have no doubt that she will excel as the Business Manager this year. I am excited to see her grow into the position and take on a new challenge.

Managing Editor: Tianna Spitz Tianna is my Managing Editor again! Tianna began as a Book of the Week opinion columnist, turned Features Editor, and is now the Managing Editor. In her first year as Managing Editor, Tianna spearheaded organizing our General Body Meetings (GBMs) to be more creative and worked with the Business Manager to include more food and activities. She created a new system where she personally introduces new writers to our staff and guides them through their debut issue. This time last year, Tianna and I braved our new positions together as strangers, unsure of what our first year would look like. Now, Tianna and I sit tall in our positions not only as Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor, but also as friends. Welcome back, Tianna, to another year <3. Layout Editor: Claire Deans Claire is new to the managerial side of The Stute. She started out as a Stute Weekender last summer and became a Layout Assistant. Around January, she also assumed the position of News Editor. With her smile and charisma, she has won the hearts of many in The Stute. She is detail-oriented, determined, and passionate about our

newspaper. Claire loves Layout the way I do, and she already has creative ideas about how to make our pages more fascinating. I am thrilled that she has become the new Layout Editor and intrigued to see what she will come up with next year. Digital Manager: Charmy Kotadia Charmy is repeating her term as Digital Manager. Charmy only recently became involved in the organization this past year and a half as the Social Media Assistant and then became Digital Manager only a few weeks later. For this past year, she has helped create different entertaining GBM Flyers, Instagram posts, and aided in spearheading digital advertisements. This year, I have no doubt that she will continue to excel in marketing the organization and helping increase our numbers. Welcome back Charmy! Outreach Chair: Isabella Fama Isabella has only just begun her journey with The Stute a few months ago. Beginning as a news writer, Isabella found herself gravitating towards Hoboken and National News articles. Now that she is Outreach Chair, she has already begun helping design our

MIND OF A FRESHMAN

BY CLAIRE DEANS ‘29 I feel like one thing that I have always heard about, whether it be from older cousins, siblings, friends, or family, is that the Freshman Flu sucks. Fortunately, I hadn’t had the opportunity to really understand what my loved ones were talking about, that is, until this past week. I had always heard about how in your first semester of college, you are going to get sick, and regardless of what it is, you are going to be in some of the worst shape you’ve ever been in. I luckily skated past my first semester unscathed, but it was just last week when I felt like I was falling apart. I had started noticing symptoms on a Friday when my throat started hurting really badly, but I pushed past it, thinking of the dreaded allergy season and the time when post-nasal drip rules the lives of those around me. I hadn’t thought anything much about it until it had decided to continue progressing.

Jiya Jaisinghani ‘27

Editor-in-Chief

SENIORITIS

The freshman flu For the next four days, I would wake up with some of the worst fevers I’ve ever had. In reality, was it the worst fever I ever had? No. Did it drive me crazy because my room was eighty degrees, and I felt taunted by the air conditioning that wouldn’t turn on? Yes. So while I had experienced worse sickness before, the combination of feeling too tired and sick to move, combined with the guilt of not being able to get my work done, I felt awful. Each day I would wake up to the number on the thermometer being higher than the last, and everyday I would email apologies to my professors and try to make up for what I hadn’t yet missed. They would graciously offer me extensions. That way I had time to feel better and then another 103.5 degree fever would roll right over all of those assignments. Long story short, it sucked, and I was desperate to know what was going on. I had gone to the campus doctor and taken all of the standard tests—flu, COVID, strep, etc.—just for everything to come back negative. I was feeling absolutely miserable and resorted to calling my Mom begging to go home. Upon going to the doctor at home, I found out I had the adenovirus, whatever that is. All I know is that for the entire time that I felt sick,

merchandise to give out to Stuters and aiding in setting up for Alumni Weekend. I am thrilled to learn more about her as a Stuter and see her grow into the Outreach Chair position. Secretary: Josephine Choong Welcome back, Josephine! As a Stute Weekender in the Summer of 2024 to copy editor and staff writer, and now as a second-term Secretary, I am delighted to have Josephine back. Josephine in the past year, has helped bring the Alumni Newsletter back, Semesterly Reports, and aided in the backend side of things for the Alumni Gala. Her hard work and dedication have been much appreciated this past year, and it will be this year again. Welcome back, Josephine! That is our lovely e-board for the 2026-2027 academic year! We are the second all-girl e-board, and I just have a feeling this year will be as much fun, if not more, than last year. This week marks a new beginning for all of us, old and new e-board members. It is not about starting from scratch but building on and discovering new ways to continue forth.

Coconopenope I felt very appreciative for my kind friends. Thanks to them, I actually ate whilst feeling disgusting. Thanks to them, I was able to actually take my temperature. Thanks to them, I didn’t feel completely alone while feeling so gross. So, especially if you are here for Admitted Students Weekend, remember to bring a thermometer and acetaminophen to school, you might need it more than you thought. ALSOOOOOO……. You should definitely keep an eye out for The Stute on Instagram because there will be Stute Weekend coming up for upcoming freshmen, and you should apply to join.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW YORK TIMES

BY ANNA DABROWSKI ‘26 Ahhh, back from a nice and relaxing spring break, what every college student looks forward to and not-so-meticulously plans. It seems like everyone is buzzing around the week before spring break with murmurs of Cabo, San Juan, and, dare I say, Punta Cana humming in the background. I was never a “college spring breaker” as some might call me. The stereotype of partying for a week at an all-inclusive on a parent’s credit card is a far cry from my life. However, this year, my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided for my senior year that I would travel to the popular spring break destination of Punta Cana with two of my best friends. We opted for an Airbnb, as opposed to the traditional resort setting, to save money and to experience the culture. We told ourselves that we would still see other spring breakers on this trip, but oh, we

COMIC CORNER BY IZZY GABAY

were so wrong. As the detail-oriented planners we are, we curated a well-balanced itinerary with a mix of excursions, relaxation time, and time to go out on the town. Our excursions included a zip-lining park with tons of local animals like iguanas and monkeys, a boat snorkeling excursion, a salsa lesson, and a surfing lesson. What we found time and time again is that there was no one under the age of 30 on such excursions. That is, until one night we attended the infamous “Coco Bongo”, a six-hour open bar acrobatic show full of TikTok viral dance performances and elaborate stunts. We hyped up Coco Bongo for the full week, looking forward to what we thought would be the pinnacle of our vacation. However, upon entering Coco Bongo, we were confronted head-on by such an intense crowd that one had to fight to protect their rib cage and air space, and that’s when we knew we had found the spring breakers. Coco Bongo can only be described as dangerous yet exhilarating. The venue was far beyond capacity limits by U.S. standards, and one need not even try to get to the bar, as it was clearly an impossible feat. The show itself was amazing, as popular characters such as Spiderman flipped through the air, as well as “Benito” in an impressive

rendition of the Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show. Words cannot describe the randomness of which pop culture phenomena was selected for inclusion into this show. What struck me was that the young people we had been searching for were here, but nowhere else we had been in Punta Cana. After chatting with other young spring breakers, we learned that, yes, in fact, literally everyone does stay in the all-inclusive resort, and they only leave to go on very select field trips on resort chartered buses. Some even looked horrified to find out we were staying in an Airbnb and coordinating our own excursions. I think it’s important to remember that when visiting other countries, we are their guests. Balance that includes relaxation is always necessary, but tourism should always support local economies. I encourage everyone to veer off the resort, hire a local guide, and explore something beyond the swim-up bar. Speak that “white girl Spanish,” be kind to locals, and remember that you are in their home. You can party in Hoboken literally any weekend, but traveling to another country without experiencing an ounce of local culture seems like a waste of time and money, as well as an affront to the locals.

Friday, April 10

Opinion ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Okamoto’s lessons in purpose and creation

BY ITAI GELLER ‘26 In the year 1970, Japan hosted Osaka’s Expo ‘70 — a world’s fair in the city of Suita, Osaka, in which 77 countries participated, and more than 64 million people attended. For those Stevens students who have travelled through Queens, New York, an image of the instantly recognizable “New York State Pavilion” may form in your mind. A remnant of the past, the now-abandoned pavilion once served as a central landmark for the 1964 New York World’s Fair in Flushing, Queens’ Corona Park. Despite their conception dating to the mid-19th century, World’s Fairs have since remained

an internationally shared tradition, with multiple countries hosting participants from all over the world in an effort to inspire diplomacy, collaboration, and shared excitement over technological advancement. The United States—largely considered a leader in global technology in the 1960s—drew an audience of 51.6 million to its New York World’s Fair. While Japan’s rising position as a global technology competitor in the 1970s might explain competitive attendance at Osaka’s Expo ‘70, this may also be attributed to the inspiring execution of its central theme, “Progress and Harmony for Mankind” by Taro Okamoto. Taro Okamoto was a Japanese abstract artist whose creations are probably unlike any other you’ve seen. Blending surrealist elements, artistic theory, and vibrant color schemes, Okamoto sought to reject traditional artistic elements in favor of complex forms that reflected the unreal-

ized dynamism of human character. Infusing natural and human forms into his work, he intended to convey the importance of embracing the intense and often unpredictable aspects of human nature to further individual expression. He also enjoyed employing contradictory themes — an asset in both his sculptures and paintings that I believe inspires thought about the many contradictions we experience in life and how they ultimately steer us in the direction of progress. Okamoto also rejected the concept that art was a commodity, choosing to primarily create public murals and sculptures that anyone could access. His most famous work is “The Tower of the Sun”, which was displayed at the Osaka Expo ‘70s pavilion. The 230-foottall statue was designed to resonate with the Expo’s theme, “Progress and Harmony for Mankind” — the tower’s three faces each represent the past, present, and future of humanity, re-

You go inside East LA, finish ordering, and immediately you’re met with the freshest chips and salsa ever. The chips are still warm and toasty, and the salsa has a slight kick of spice and tang that’s actually perfect. Whether you’re sitting outside on a warm sunny day or inside on a cold one in their cozy, festive restaurant, the vibes are always immaculate. The first time I went to East LA, I ordered a plate of six quesadillas, and I completely underestimated the sheer size of each one. I also had no idea the plate came with six, which is such a good deal. The quesadillas came with the classic guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and jalapeños. They had pico, cheese, chicken, and some other ingredients. Don’t come for me, but my perception of good quesadillas changed after I had

acter, appearing to quickly dissipate the colder colors on the left side of the canvas. Taro Okamoto’s perspective on human endurance remains a beacon for the masses in a time where uncertainty and apprehension dominate minds.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTSY

The music scene

Sunny days at East LA

BY PRISHA VAGVALA ‘28

ing how artistic expression can inspire others to resist stagnation and embrace natural creativity. I particularly enjoy the clashing color schemes in this piece, with the warmer colors on the right side of the canvas following the jumping char-

ON SHUFFLE

FOODIE FINDS

them in Mexico, so now I’m pretty picky with quesadillas. These were solid, but not amazing. The chicken was slightly dry, but they were filling. The guacamole was really good, though, and definitely helped balance the slight dryness and sour cream. One thing I really did love was their veggie enchiladas. They were soft and toasty with melty cheese, and the enchilada plate felt super comforting. It also came loaded with flavorful refried beans, and the second you took a bite, it just melted in your mouth. The enchiladas came with rice and corn, too, which I didn’t try, but the enchiladas themselves were really solid. Definitely not the best I’ve ever had, but probably one of the better things on their menu. The fajitas I ordered came out on a sizzling plate with chicken, colorful pepper slices, and onions, plus small warm tortillas. It also had the classic sides of sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, and pico de gallo, which I feel like come with most of their meals. I did have the same issue with the chicken; it was only lightly seasoned and a bit dry. The bell peppers helped add flavor as good fajitas should, and the slight char on the siz-

spectively. It also features a colorful tree of life in its interior, mirroring Okamoto’s signature style, sprouting towards the statue’s central skylight, suggesting continued evolution. My favorite of Okamoto’s pieces is “Jump”, an intense composition that effectively illustrates both Okamoto’s thoughtful stylistic choices and recognizable moto. While the context for the piece is unclear, the chaos that Okamoto portrays on the canvas meshes well with his rejection of nihilism. Okamoto expressed a belief that to create with purpose, we must recognize the privilege of creation and channel inspiration from the energy we possess. In “Jump”, Okamoto concentrates energy towards the human character—a black rift positioned dynamically in the upper left of the canvas—to convey the explosive, often untapped nature of our inner selves. Okamoto’s well-recognized motto, “Art is an explosion”, seems to be at play here, convey-

zling plate gave everything a nice roasted taste by the end. I layered mine with sour cream and pico, or guacamole and pico, and they were good and really filling. Overall, the food in East LA is good for the price. It’s classic; the chicken is a little overcooked at times, but still enjoyable and filling. The vibe of the restaurant really makes the experience, whether you’re sitting outside on a nice summer day, people-watching in Hoboken, or inside with the festive Mexican decor. The service was super friendly and checked in a good amount. I haven’t tried their wellknown take-home margaritas yet, but from what I’ve seen, people love them. Everyone around us with those big, colorful margs looked very happy. Maybe I’ll come back and update this once I try them. For now, it’s a sweet, go-to Hoboken spot that’s perfect for an easy afternoon lunch with friends while sitting outside soaking up the sun.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GRUBHUB

BY ABIGAIL THOMAS ‘26 Something I love most about Stevens is the ability to find any kind of community everywhere you turn. This campus reminds me of the movies when the narrator walks the audience through each group and the silly name that is associated with them, as the camera soars through the crowds. “Over here are the jocks and to the right are the artsy kids” etc. At Stevens, the music scene in particular has evolved and morphed into an inclusive and artistically experimental community. Throughout my time at Stevens, I have seen the music scene here change immensely into a space for all kinds of people. When I was first a freshman, I noticed that certain music events and environments felt reserved for a specific kind of person. If you fit the look

and the vibe of the group, then you were accepted. If you had other passions or looked and dressed differently, the space was not always welcoming. Now, as I prepare to graduate in May, I have noticed the music scene at Stevens has become a place where we can all bring our uniqueness and individuality. I remember being a younger student and attending music events and activities on campus. I was trying to disguise certain parts of my personality and passions by just not mentioning certain things about myself. For example, some people might think that it isn’t the coolest thing to be in a sorority and that one of your favorite songs is by Olivia Rodrigo. If everyone in the group is thinking that Olivia Rodrigo and sororities are stupid and should be abolished, perhaps those conversations just won’t come up. That was just my personal experience. Throughout the years though, certain organizations and groups started to change the way music was being shared on campus. I think about Sig Ep and their integration of music into their fraternity and the greater Greek community. They have hosted countless charity concerts

that showcase Stevens students, like myself, and other outside bands as well. There is also Chi Phi, which collaborates with music clubs on campus to create unique spaces for music to be showcased as well. The integration of music into Greek life has opened more doors for people of different backgrounds to come together through music. Sig Ep recently hosted a charity show on March 27 for the Hoboken Homeless shelter with four bands from Stevens performing. It was an amazing event and allowed for all kinds of people to join together, listen to some good music, and donate to a good cause. I looked around during this concert and noticed so many different kinds of people – sorority and fraternity members sitting together swaying to the songs, freshmen feeling comfortable enough to attend and sit right in the front, forming community as the songs went on, alternative music listeners happily singing along to a Taylor Swift song, and ultimately I saw connection in real time. That is what music is about — connection. Thank you to the Stevens music scene for being a place for all kinds of people.

mirror her crying in unison. It is one of the most peculiar moments in the movie, and at the same time, one of the most emotional. For the first time, someone understands her pain, matching it rather than belittling it. What Christian has failed to provide her throughout their relationship, the cult provides her in just one brief moment. It is the point when she starts feeling like one of them, and Aster shows the moment with utmost sincerity, without irony or any implication towards the viewer. If a cult gives you more than the people closest to you ever did, what does that make those people? The cult’s rituals are grotesque if asked by anyone. Nevertheless, the movie is careful to

show the commune members not as cruel, but warm and present in a way Christian is unable to do throughout the movie. This is why Dani’s uncanny smile at the end is unsettling. She is just happy to belong somewhere for once. Ultimately, this movie is not about cults. It is about loss, isolation, and what can happen when people become so desperate for human connection that an inherently unsafe location begins to seem safer than anything else they have known. The horror is not what the commune does to outsiders. It is how reasonable it starts to look the longer you watch. Some films frighten you with what you do not see. This one frightens you with what you do.

THE THINKING FRAME

Midsommar: grief in broad daylight

BY VEDHESH ANANDHAN KAMARAJ ‘28 In a picturesque, isolated village in Sweden called Harga where everything seems normal, Ari Aster crafts an unsettling horror film that is made to keep you uneasy. Midsommar doesn’t rely on darkness, jump scares, or demonic elements. Every uncomfortable moment happens in the daylight,

under the endlessly lit landscape of Swedish summer. This is exactly what makes it hard to endure. Within the first 10 minutes, Dani, the main character, receives unfortunate news that her sister killed herself and her parents. It is one of the most devastating scenes of the film, and it happens well before the true horror even begins. Dani’s grief becomes the central engine for the people of Harga to manipulate and convince her to become one of their own. The movie is not wholly about a dangerous cult. It is about a hollow woman after a traumatic loss that belonging somewhere and anywhere starts to feel worth the gruesome price. Dani and Christian’s re-

lationship is the one of the film’s quiet motivators to push Dani fully into the cult. Christian may not be the villain, but he is definitely not the best boyfriend. He stays with Dani not because he loves her, but because he feels it might not be the best time to leave her. When the friend group travels to Sweden for the midsummer festival at Harga, it further exposes the cracks in their relationship. Dani starts to suspect Christian of cheating and in general starts to lose interest in her. The village starts to show Christian’s failures in their relationship, and they become the final push for Dani’s assimilation into the cult. Most horror films are shrouded in darkness for maximum scare effect. Ari

Aster flips that and shoots the whole film in bright, open daylight with wide frames and long takes. The village commune is beautiful, with green meadows, vibrant flowers, and the people are, at the surface, warm and welcoming. Aster weaponizes the beauty of the commune, patiently invoking uneasiness. By the time the violent rituals begin, it doesn’t arrive in darkness but in broad daylight and in full detail, making it unavoidable. Daylight in the movie makes it unbearable. The defining scene of the movie is midway through when Dani has a breakdown after an argument with Christian. The women from the cult do not offer her consolation by themselves but encircle her and

Friday, April 10

Opinion GIRL(ISH) TALK

The concept of female rage

BY TANYA AVADIA ‘26

Suppose you’re running late and the bus you are supposed to take passes by you. Or you’re wearing white and got a little stain on your clothes that is now

very noticeable. Or you got your grade back for a test you spent hours studying, and it is anything but pleasant. What do all these situations have in common? In all cases, you probably felt a cluster of emotions: frustration, disappointment, and anger. Anger, specifically, is a very interesting emotion. Anger is defined as an intense emotional reaction that involves deep annoyance, injustice, frustration and signals a “fight” mechanism in our brains. Everyone has experienced anger, but women and anger have a very convolut-

ed history, and this has led to the creation of the phrase “female rage.” Historically, and even now, women have been told how they should feel. Women, societally, have been told to be pleasant to be around, that they should smile,and be friendly. Women who aren’t always cheerful are labeled “too emotional.” This notion is counterintuitive and dangerous. First, if you are telling women to constantly appear happy and bar them from feeling negative emotions that are instinctively human, how is feeling

your feelings too emotional? Secondly, feeling your feelings is necessary as a human — a part of emotional regulation is learning to sit and deal with your emotions, including negative ones. In fact, studies have shown that women who self-silence— meaning that they curb their difficult emotions and act as if they are fine—are more likely to deal with autoimmune disorders. This is dangerous for these women and their health. Anger is a real emotion too, and women deserve to feel their anger. However,

what differentiates just feeling angry from female rage? Female rage is the unapologetic expression of anger stemming from the institutional and systemic oppression of women. Female rage can take many forms, but instead of being a loud, sharp anger, it can be described more so as a buildup of resentment and frustration. It can be attributed to being interrupted mid-sentence, being labeled “too much,” having gender-based stereotypes applied to them, and so much more. While female rage represents anger,

more deeply, it represents pain. It is a manifestation of how women, even now, face barriers or glass ceilings just for existing. While a lot of progress has been made, a lot more is still required. The good part is that many women have taken steps to rechannel their female rage, which is very productive. This can be seen in many forms, through art, personal fashion, pop culture, and even movements. All in all, women have a right to be angry and a right to feel their anger in any way that they please.

FOR MATH’S SAKE

An introduction to some fantastic integrals in quantum physics

BY CHARLES BEALL B.S. ‘23 & PHD STUDENT For any admitted students reading this article: Welcome to Stevens! As you begin your college journey (hopefully as a Duck!) I thought I would write this week’s column in a style more like “vintage” submissions from For Math’s Sake’s early days (now almost three years ago). When I started writing this column, I tended to pick a mathematical concept that I found interesting and try to explain it

to a general audience while also arguing about the concept’s real-world relevance. The concept I have in mind this week is path integration in quantum physics — something that may evoke excitement, but just as well can induce indifference at best and horror at worst. I hope to get past the jargon and give an introduction of what this term means, and how it’s really helped physics (and mathematics) advance a great deal in the past century. First, a quick introduction/refresher on integration. By this I mean evaluating integrals of functions, a process in calculus that one can visualize in a simplest sense as determining the “area” or “volume” under a function. One in turn can visualize a function by drawing a curve on a graph — the space lying between that curve and the axis of the function’s input

variable between two points, is equal to the integral of that function. To understand path integration, one has to become more abstract with what the axis represents. When evaluating a path integral, you are no longer simply calculating the area under a curve. Instead, you are studying how the term inside the integral— now called a “functional,” which takes functions rather than numbers as inputs and outputs a number—changes when you input different functions. The sum of the functional’s outputs over the range of different functions you input gives us a path integral. So, to try to extend the analogy above, now the “curve” is a set of numbers output by the functional, and points on the “axis” under the curve represent specific functions, like y = 2x or y = 1/x, that you input to the

functional. But what does any of this have to do with quantum physics? Due to the inherent uncertainty of quantum particles, it is impossible for us to say exactly how a quantum particle (like an atom, electron, or photon) moves from point A to point B. So, we instead imagine this particle taking all feasible paths from point A to point B, and calculate how much energy is exerted from taking each path. So now, instead of a mathematical abstraction, we have a physical intuition for the path integral: We go along the axis of functions describing a path from A to B, and evaluate a functional that outputs the energy a particle must exert to travel each path. One can also see how this now gives a statistical interpretation of quantum physics — this path integration

can also be viewed as an averaging procedure, giving us intuition for what a particle “on average” might be doing, if it were to repeat its travel from A to B many, many times. These path integrals, therefore, are crucial for describing quantum experiments and have been highly successful in doing so. One of the most precise predictions ever made is that of something called the anomalous magnetic dipole moment of an electron, whose experimental measurement aligns with the path integral calculation for the first 10 significant figures. But there’s a lot that remains a mystery. How exactly does one choose which functions correspond to feasible paths, and how do we know that this definition of integration makes sense in general? One set of open problems involves physical

theories that describe the interactions within an atomic nucleus — insights into path integrals in this setting may help solve a problem with a $1 million reward! This more general type of integral also has some relation to mathematical finance, a field that can also yield big returns. Money aside, these path integrals are a fascinating area of mathematics, combining advanced theory with applications to describe the most fundamental interactions of our world. And they may not be quite like the integrals you learn about in introductory calculus courses, but they wouldn’t be possible otherwise. So if you feel skeptical about whether integral problem sheets are useful, remember that mastery of these can put you well on the way to shedding light on some of the great mysteries of the universe!

FROM CUBICLES TO CAMPUS

Thinking in systems: the real value of your co-op

BY JEYLAN JUBRAN ‘27 Note: So sorry, I am a systems engineer and my brain works in logic and systems, so I wanted to share the wealth with everyone anyway. Most people treat their co-op like a checklist. Show up. Do the work. Learn the skills. Get the experience. Update the resume.

And while none of that is wrong per se, it misses something important: your co-op isn’t just a job. It’s a system. And once you start seeing it that way, everything about the experience makes more sense. When you walk into a coop, you’re stepping into an environment that already exists. There are inputs, outputs, feedback loops, constraints, and stakeholders, whether you realize it or not. You’re not just doing tasks; you’re interacting with people, processes, expectations, and timelines that all affect each other. Early on, it can feel overwhelming. You’re onboarding, learning terminology, watching how meetings run, trying to figure out who does what and who to

ask for help. That confusion isn’t a personal failure — it’s you learning the system. Every co-op has structure, even if it doesn’t look organized. There are informal rules, unspoken norms, and preferred ways of doing things. Some teams thrive on documentation. Others rely on conversations. Some move fast and iterate later; others are methodical and slow. Understanding how work flows is just as important as understanding what the work is. Once you recognize that, you stop taking things personally. When feedback feels constant in the beginning, it’s not because you’re bad — it’s because the system is correcting itself. You’re adjusting your outputs based

on input from people who already know how the system runs. Over time, that feedback decreases not because expectations are lowered, but because you aligned. This is also why your coop experience can change drastically depending on the people around you. A supportive manager, collaborative teammates, or clear processes can make learning feel smooth. A lack of structure, poor communication, or unclear roles can introduce friction. Neither means you’re incapable — it just means the system has constraints. Understanding your coop as a system also helps you advocate for yourself. If something isn’t working, you can ask better

questions. Is the issue a lack of clarity? Missing information? A broken handoff? When you frame problems systemically instead of emotionally, you move from frustration to problem-solving. And here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: you are part of the system too. Your communication style, how you ask questions, how you manage time, how you respond to feedback — all of that affects how the system responds to you. As you grow, the system adapts. Tasks change. Responsibilities shift. Trust builds. That’s not accidental. That’s the system evolving. By the end of a co-op, the goal isn’t just to know

more. It’s to understand how things work together. To recognize patterns. To see where you fit. To know how to enter a new environment and learn it faster the next time. That’s why this matters. If you leave a co-op thinking only about the tasks you completed, you miss half the value. But if you leave understanding the system— how people, processes, and decisions connect—you take something with you that applies everywhere. Your co-op isn’t just work experience. It’s systems experience. And once you start seeing it that way, you don’t just survive the co-op — you learn how to navigate any system that comes next.

deeply lonely experience in this day and age. It’s not just the fact that it feels more difficult to make friends or that online friendships are, by nature, flimsier bonds. I think most people feel as though they are in their own bubble, where it is impossible to understand another person, and that this circumstance is what causes fear. Beyond that, however, being a young adult means being in a transitive state. You’re growing in a way that makes you feel more alone because you have to leave behind a more childish past. It’s important that we don’t succumb to despair about this feeling, but it was incredibly cathartic to read about someone who did.

I love No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai and highly recommend it as a nice short read for anyone interested in a sad, cathartic story.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Reflection on No Longer Human

BY MADISON HELLER ‘27 At some point, when I was in high school, I was suggested to read books from other cultures. I’d been a touch pretentious and working my way through much of the western classical canon at the time, so the thought of there being other “classic”

books that were entirely unfamiliar to me was incredibly exciting. I decided that I’d give Japanese literature my full attention, as my English teacher at the time had specialized in it and given me a huge recommended reading list that I still have saved in my phone to this day. I wound up choosing to start with one of the shorter books on the list, just to give myself a taste. That book ended up being No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai, which remains one of my favorite books of all time. No Longer Human is about the sad life of a man named Oba Yozo. The premise of it is rather simple. Oba feels distant and alienated from other people, and

this distance causes a great fear of human beings within him. The only method he has for dealing with his condition is faking his personality around others to pretend to be human. However, his deep and unending emptiness inside him leads him to repeatedly fail in his life, succumbing to addiction, dropping out of school, and gaining and losing romantic partnerships. Along the way, he hurts others just as much as he hurts himself. In the beginning, he was alone and uncertain and scared, and this is precisely how the book ends. The first time I read this book was during my lunch break when I worked at a restaurant during my se-

nior year of high school. The most recent time I read this book was over spring break, when I brought it as reading material for my boyfriend, who had never flown before and hadn’t realized his phone wouldn’t work on the plane. Suffice to say, I finished my book and then read the one I brought for him while he took a little nap. Reading it now, compared to back then, I feel as though I better understand the feelings of isolation that Oba experienced. The novel is believed to be semi-autobiographical, and the intensity and precision of how feelings are conveyed in the text make me believe that this is indeed the case. Being a young adult is a

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

Friday, April 10

Campus Pulse

Allison Slane ‘28

Sofia Abbamondi ‘27

Thomas Ramos ‘29

“The geese.”

“Taking a billion photos of the skyline. And now it doesn’t matter anymore.”

“Pierce slop.”

ROVING REPORTER

By Isabelle Villanueva and Brady Sansotta Niki Hartman ‘26

Matt Savage ‘27

“Getting ran over by a scooter.”

“What’s the most typical Stevens thing?”

Rebecca Ganzekaufer ‘27

Caitlin Burgos ‘28

Kaira Perez ‘28

“When the weather gets warm, and people start touching grass.”

“Matt Savage”

“Studying one hour before a final.”

“Skipping down Wittpenn Walk.”

Puzzle Page

Chris Kalish Hidden Links

Mini Crossword Across: Down: 1. Enumerated the 1. A persistent sign of a spill letters of a word 2. Black and white mammal 6. Something frowned 3. Virus fought by TIME's upon socially Person of the Year in 2014 7. 2025 Best Picture 4. ____ Bouchard, creator award winner and showrunner of Bob's 8. Did nothing, as a Burgers car might 5. Mushroom-headed 9. Flatbreads of Asia characters in the Mario franchise

Inspired by the British game show Only Connect, the goal of this puzzle is to find the hidden connection between four seemingly abstract clues. Each answer will use trivia, wordplay, logic, or some combination thereof. The solution is always more specific than “nouns”, “places”, etc. What do the following have in common? Banana

Ghost

Chili

Bell

Pilot

Odessy

Passport

Accord

Lever

Screw

Wedge

Pulley

*Puzzle instructions by Stephen Pachucki

Cryptolist

Chain Reaction

The following list has been translated using a basic substitution cipher. For example, if E represents T in one word/phrase, it will represent T in all the words/phrases in the list. No letter maps to itself. The list is alphabetized. Hint: start guessing things in the category and see if any of the letter patterns match up.

Each of the six clues on the right leads to a two-word phrase or compound word. Insert each answer into two of the boxes on the right. At the end, you will have an interlocking chain of six phrases.

U.S. States

JZLUWLW

LPB MWJIYMQVP

ZSNWMZJW

BQYRZLYQL

JQRMQCWL

LZVUM RWVZNQLW

MWBWQQ

YZAUM FWSZUW

WNWYSW

W___

Clues: 1-2. Drinkware with a thin stem and wide base 2-3. Website for employees to review companies 3-4. Food delivery platform 4-5. Front panel inside a car 5-6. Monopoly, Sorry!, etc.

G____ D___ D___ B____ G___

*Puzzle instructions by Stephen Pachucki

Sudoku

ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLES CROSSWORD

Difficulty: Hard 1

2 4

3 5

7 9

WORDLE ???

8 10

INTEGRATION

All integration problems sourced from MIT Integration Bee problem sets