[The Stute] January 31, 2025 (Issue 15, Volume CXXII)
Hoboken’s beloved Giovanni’s closes its doors, but leaves a lasting legacy
BY SERENA PANUCCI, CONTRIBUTOR
After 23 years of serving the Hoboken community, the beloved H&S Giovanni’s Pizzeria, located at 603 Washington Street, has announced its permanent closure on its Instagram account, writing: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce our permanent closure on Wednesday, December 25th, as we were unable to agree to terms on a new lease.” In their announcement, Giovanni’s specifically thanked our community at Stevens for being great neighbors and for continuing to support their business. “Thank you to the students, staff, coaches, and administration that not only supported us as customers, but as great friends throughout our time here,” they said.
We write Stevens history
HOBOKEN,
Two professors receive national honors from President Biden for innovative research
BY EVAN PAPAGEORGE, HEAD COPY EDITOR
Giovanni’s, popularly referred to as Gio’s, was a student favorite and one of the most recognizable restaurants on Washington
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Stevens is celebrating two of its faculty members, Dr. Victor Lawrence and Dr. Nicholaus Parziale, who received two of the nation’s highest honors for their remarkable contributions to science and technology. Former President Biden awarded Dr. Lawrence, a Senior Research Scientist in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Mr. Biden
awarded Dr. Parziale, a professor of mechanical engineering, with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). These prestigious awards highlight their groundbreaking work, shaping the future of global connectivity and hypersonic transportation.
Dr. Lawrence’s career includes innovations that revolutionized how the world communicates and connects. At Bell Labs, the storied research and development company, his work was instrumental in the global transition from
Stevens students reach finals in Port Authority robot challenge
BY JIYA JAISINGHANI, LAYOUT EDITOR
On January 16, a group of Stevens’s very own first and second years, Dominic Souza, Christian Osowski, Adrien Susino, Noah Golan, Mauricio Sanchez, and Jared Surajalli, were announced as finalists in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s College Challenge, a robot design competition. Having successfully advanced through the preliminary phases, which included research and initial design, they will compete with a group from the New York Institute of Technology to determine which team’s robot will become a fixture of the Lincoln Tunnel.
The Lincoln Tunnel features maintenance catwalks that run alongside its main roadway. They used to accommodate small electric catwalk cars for employees to use for performing regular maintenance, accident, and fire hazard checks. This practice was discontinued about eleven years ago when the Port Authority determined the use of the vehicles was not a sustainable option. In response,
the Port Authority hosted a competition back in 2023 that invited eighteen high schools to design a robot that would replace the outdated vehicles. Sanchez, a current finalist, actually competed in the 2023 competition and earned second place. The Port Authority decided to redo this competition in September and open eligibility to various universities.
In a conversation with The Stute, Golan and Susino mentioned receiving an email about the competition sent to the entire Mechanical Engineering Department. They quickly assembled a group and began designing their catwalk robot. It was after beginning their design that they were informed that the project was meant to be a senior design initiative. After speaking with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), it was decided that they would be allowed to compete separately from any seniors who also decided to take the project on. By a stroke of good fortune for the team, it happened that no senior design team picked up the challenge, and the group of underclassmen became the
only team to represent Stevens in the competition.
The primary objective for the round was to create an initial design, a presentation, and an eight-page report. With the help of its advisor, Professor Anthony Shupenko, the team got to work. Osowski took the lead on emergency detection, ensuring that the robot would identify fires and leaks, and focused on ideal integration between the sensors and system logic. Sanchez specialized in the artificial intelligence and programming aspects, developing algorithms necessary for the robot to track its location throughout the tunnel. Golan, responsible for the robot’s sensors, guaranteed that the robot could navigate the catwalk safely and avoid any obstacles. Golan also worked on the design, frame, and assembly alongside Susino.
In response to the Port Authority’s requirement for a communication system, Souza designed the microphone system, microphone array, and speaker system to enable communication between maintenance personnel and centrally lo-
analog to digital communications, laying the technological foundations for today’s internet, mobile devices, and high-definition television. He also led teams at Bell Labs in developing early digital video and high-definition television technologies. Among his most impactful achievements is his role in developing subsea fiber-optic cable systems, which connected African nations to the global internet, addressing a critical gap in worldwide connectivity. This vision, inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s iconic
moonshot speech during Lawrence’s youth in Ghana, continues to resonate as he reflects on the power of technology to transform lives.
Lawrence’s prolific career includes over 50 U.S. and international patents and numerous accolades, including induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and membership in the National Academy of Engineering. The White House ceremony honoring him celebrated his transformative impact on digital
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Stevens hosts Week of Service to Honor Martin Luther King
BY EVAN PAPAGEORGE, HEAD COPY EDITOR
In a profound tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy, Stevens Institute of Technology is hosting its fourth annual MLK Week of Service from January 27 to 31, 2025. This year’s observance, themed “A Week On, Not a Day Off,” marks the university’s most extensive community service initiative. It features over 35 events and service projects designed to foster reflection, learning, and active engagement within the community.
The week’s activities commenced on Monday, January 27, with volunteers participating in various service projects across Hoboken. One notable initiative was the Lunch Time Ministry at St. Matthew’s Trinity Lutheran Church, where participants prepared and served meals to community members in need. Concurrently, students facilitated STEM lessons at the Hoboken Charter School, inspiring young minds through interactive science and technology activities.
A highlight of the week
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Title IX reverts to 2020 regulations after 2024 expansion enjoined
BY CHARLES BEALL B.S. ‘23 & PHD STUDENT
On January 9, a federal judge struck down the entirety of the outgoing President Biden administration’s Title IX regulations, finalized in the summer of last year. In the wake of a wave of legal challenges accusing Biden’s Education Depart-
ment of overstepping their authority and promises by then President-Elect Donald Trump to end the new regulations “on day one,” the country reverted back to the regulations set in 2020 by the first Trump administration after the judge’s ruling. Title IX is a federal law originally passed in 1972, forbidding discrimination on the basis of sex in education. Presidential administrations have used this law to enforce rules for universities to follow regarding instances of sexual assault and harassment, stalking, and other instances of sexbased discrimination.
With the 2024 regulations, the Biden adminis-
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Stevens hosts the 2nd annual New Jersey Higher Education Mental Health Summit
BY RIYANA PHADKE SCIENCE EDITOR
Over winter break, the 2nd Annual New Jersey Higher Education Mental Health Summit brought together leaders, faculty, and practitioners from universities and colleges across the state for a day of collaboration and learning. Focused on sharing best practices and exploring innovative strategies, the summit emphasized the urgent need to address the mental health challenges faced by students. The 2023 Healthy Minds Survey showed that
nearly half of college students reported symptoms of depression, over a third experienced anxiety, and 15% considered suicide, highlighting the demand for a collective response. The event served as a platform to connect mental health leaders with higher education communities, supplementing statewide efforts to better support student well-being.
Stevens hosted around 500 participants who represented 54 colleges and universities statewide. With representation from mental health organizations and
thought leaders nationwide, the summit served as a collaborative platform to address the growing mental health challenges faced by college students.
The event began with opening remarks from Stevens’ Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Summit Co-Chair Dr. Takeem Dean, who emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling this critical issue. New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Brian Bridges rein-
HEAD COPY EDITOR....................EVAN PAPAGEORGE ‘26
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Street. With its closing, the Hoboken community is now filled with long-lasting sadness and nostalgia as it says goodbye to this cherished spot. Its iconic presence, whether as a quick lunch break or as catering for a student organization event, will not be forgotten.
ipes to fit their family’s style. They are now determined to carry on Gio’s legacy at their location. The brothers started working at Gio’s when they were teenagers and continued until they opened Imposto’s. When asked about the impact that Gio’s closure had and will continue to have on their family, Bler shared: “It’s sad as we grew up with it as our family business and we had many great memories there over the years.”
DELIVERY BOY.........................................JONATHAN LAI ‘28
Staff & Contributors
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Charlie Beall
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Abby Thomas Prisha Vagvala
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Jeylan Jubran
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Stephen Pachucki
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With its menu ranging from pizzas, pasta, and subs, Gio’s was not only a place to dine but also a comfort spot for many. It held a special importance to the Stevens community, being only a block away from campus. For students rushing between classes or looking to grab a late-night slice, Gio’s was more than just a restaurant — it was a home away from home. The warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly staff made every visit feel personal, creating memories that now hold a special place in our hearts.
Although Gio’s may no longer serve Hoboken, its legacy lives on through its second family-owned location, Imposto’s, also located on Washington Street. Imposto’s opened over 25 years ago, but in March of 2020, Alban and Bler Malota, sons of Sphen Malota, one of the owners and founders of Giovanni’s, bought the restaurant, renovated the space, and completely changed the menu and rec-
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communications. “You have to stand on somebody’s shoulder to see far,”
Dr. Parziale’s recognition with the PECASE award places him among an elite group of scientists and engineers shaping the future of technology and science in the early stages of their careers. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on early-career scientists and engineers. It fosters groundbreaking research while strengthening national priorities in science and technology. Parziale’s selection reflects his extraordinary contributions to studying high-speed boundary-layer physics, a field critical to developing hypersonic transportation. His research explores the physics of the thin lay-
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was the Community Luncheon held on Tuesday, January 28, in the University Center Complex’s Tech Flex Auditorium. The event featured the presentation of awards to the winners of the MLK Oratorical Contest. This competition invited students to deliver original speeches, songs, or poems reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy. Following the awards, attendees were honored to hear from keynote speaker Jonathan L. Allen, JD, MTS, Co-founder and Director of Development at Leadership Brainery. Allen emphasized the importance of equitable access to advanced education and leadership opportunities for underrepresented communities, urging the audience to continue striving for social justice and equality.
Throughout the week, Stevens community members engaged in a variety of service activities both on and off campus. On Wednesday, January 29, the university hosted Drop-In Service Activities, allowing participants to contribute at their convenience. Volunteers donated and sorted items for campus donation drives, repaired and cleaned computers for community use, and wrote thoughtful letters to hospice patients and the elderly. These efforts underscored the collective commitment to service and compassion that defines the Stevens community.
The week’s events also included the creation of winter care packages in collaboration with Bridges Outreach, organized by the Office of the President - Diver-
He also expressed that along with the grief they are feeling, they are also blessed with the “outpouring of love and support” that the Hoboken and Stevens community have shown to their family. “We are happy that we can continue to provide great food and hospitality to the community for many years to come.”
ni’s was their Chicken Vodka Parm Sub, so to honor and pay tribute to their father’s restaurant, Bler and Alban have decided to add the famous sandwich to their menu at Imposto’s, naming it “Gio’s Vodka Parm Sub.” The addition serves as a meaningful tribute to the countless customers who loved the signature dish and a way to preserve Gio’s legacy in Hoboken. Giovanni’s continues to be remembered in the memories of those who dined there, including many of our own Stevens students and those who found comfort in its warm, inviting space. Hoboken has lost more than just a pizzeria; it has lost a piece of its heart. Yet, through Imposto’s and the Malota family’s dedication, the essence of Gio’s will continue to live on, preserving a legacy that touched the
er of gas surrounding high-speed vehicles, an area with significant implications for the design of cars that could travel at speeds five to ten times faster than sound.
The PECASE award comes with a $1 million grant over five years, which Parziale will use to advance his research on highspeed fluid mechanics. His work promises transformative advancements in transportation, potentially enabling hypersonic planes that could reduce intercontinental travel times from 16 hours to just one. “Our dream is to make the Concorde look slow,” Parziale said, referencing the iconic supersonic aircraft that once reduced flight times dramatically. He envisions a future where hypersonic planes shrink the globe, enabling day trips to the other side of the world. Parziale credited his success to his support from Stevens leadership, the Office of Naval Research, the
sity, Equity, and Inclusion. Additionally, Alpha Phi Omega led a Project Linus Blanket Making session, where volunteers crafted fleece blankets for those in need.
Sigma Delta Tau hosted “Operation Sandwich,” combining sandwich making with uplifting letter writing for the Hoboken Shelter. At the same time, Sigma Phi Epsilon members prepared and served dinner at the shelter, providing nourishment and support to residents.
The MLK Week of Service concluded on Thursday, January 30, with a Community Reception featuring a keynote address by New Jersey State Senator Angela McKnight. Senator McKnight, representing the 31st Legislative District, shared insights from her journey in public service and en
Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and his Ph.D. students. “These awards are made to a single person, but really, it is awarded to my whole group,” he said. “It’s really neat!”
The achievements of Dr. Lawrence and Dr. Parziale reflect Stevens’s mission to advance innovation, tackle critical challenges, and make a lasting impact on society. Dr. Lawrence’s lifetime of pioneering contributions has fundamentally shaped global connectivity, enabling technologies that billions rely on daily. Meanwhile, Dr. Parziale’s research is paving the way for a future where hypersonic transportation redefines travel limits and global interaction. President Nariman Farvardin expressed pride in their accomplishments, noting that these awards underscore the university’s commitment to excellence and groundbreaking research.
Affairs, the Office of Residential Education, the Schaefer School of Engineering and Science, the School of Business, the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and the College of Professional Education. The university also received a generous grant from the New Jersey Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, which supported the week’s events and initiatives.
Reflecting on the week’s impact, Dr. Takeem L. Dean, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, said, “Dr. King’s legacy calls us to serve others and work towards a more just society. This week, our community has embodied that call through meaningful action and reflection.”
As the Stevens community concludes this week of service, ication to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community committed to love, service, and non-violence. tament to the university’s ongoing tive change within and beyond its
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cated Port Authority operators. Surajalli helped ensure that the robot would maintain a consistent connection after entering the tunnel and performed research on what motors to use to drive the system. Susino specialized in battery design, ensuring they remained charged and functional during use. Additionally, Susino
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tration sought to expand Title IX rules to protect students from discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. This was seen as a huge step forward by LGBTQ+ activists, who have decried the fact that LGBTQ+ students are more likely to experience harassment and mental health issues while attending college.
Critics of the expansion, many of whom filed lawsuits, argued that Congress’ 1972 law gave no power to the Executive Branch regarding discrimination based on those factors – the federal judge appointed by former President
developed the integrated CAD Design, implementing each team member’s contributions to create one large 3D model to submit to the Port Authority.
The team expressed their deep gratitude for Shupenko, describing him as their right-hand man the whole time. His mentorship and insistence on thinking deeper within the design and real-world applications proved crucial to becoming finalists.
Altogether, their efforts created LINC, the Lincoln Investiga-
George W. Bush agreed with these arguments. Also prevalent in the critics’ complaints was outrage over what they saw to be the promotion of “radical gender ideology.”
The 2020 Title IX policy has also received its fair share of debate. In his first term, President Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos sought to limit what they saw as a “kangaroo court” culture of handling accusations of sexual assault or harassment at universities. Critics of these regulations have said they strip Title IX offices of the power and resources to properly receive and investigate reports of sex-based discrimination.
Stevens had committed to following the 2024 update based on an email sent out this past sum-
tion and Navigation Cadet. Following their selection as finalists, they were given a $10,000 grant to create a prototype of the robot and present it to the Port Authority in October. Each team member was also granted an internship at the Port Authority for the summer. Moving forward, they will go through many progress checks with the Port Authority and will begin building in March. Best of luck to the team in the final round of the competition!
mer. While some universities, particularly those in more heavily Democratic areas, also strove to abide by the expanded scope of Title IX, colleges in 26 states had put the update on hold while the lawsuits awaited a decision. With the judge’s injunction, the 2020 regulations become the law of the land again.
For more information about Title IX, you can visit Stevens’s webpage stevens.edu/student-diversity-and-inclusion/title-ix. It features training materials to learn more about the policy, as well as several resources and points of contact. Regardless of the regulations, it is important to remember that Stevens remains committed to combating discrimination on campus and providing support for victims of discrimination.
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forced this sentiment, noting that addressing the mental health crisis requires community-driven effort along with state-level support.
In addition, New Jersey Senator Joseph Cryan and Assemblywoman Linda Carter M.S. ’00 attended to demonstrate their commitment to mental health in the state.
Dr. Nance Roy, chief clinical officer of the Jed Foundation, delivered a keynote address outlining two guiding principles for improving campus mental health: prioritizing mental health as an institutional value and adopting a public health approach where every member of the campus community plays a role. “Mental health must be embedded into the fabric of campus culture,” she said, urging attendees to integrate support into every level of campus life.
President Nariman Farvardin addressed the university’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment, stating, “We are deeply committed to improving resources and building an infrastructure of support for our students.” He spoke on initiatives that will continue to create a support system for students, such as expanded Counseling and Psychological Services, peer support programs, and dedicated wellness spaces on campus.
The summit also featured a variety of sessions addressing trending topics, including “The TikTok-ization of Mental Health: Leveraging Social Media for Student Support” and “Holistic Design: Sustainability and Mental Health as Partners in Space Creation.” These sessions showcased new strategies for enhancing student well-being, from using social
platforms to foster community and raise awareness to creating green spaces that promote relaxation and mindfulness.
“This highlights the link between physical environment and mental health,” remarked Stevens Sustainability and Transportation Coordinator Olivia Connor-Bennett, who presented during the Holistic Design session. “Students are increasingly aware of how their surroundings impact their well-being.”
Participants also visited a resource fair held in the University Center Complex, which featured booths from twenty mental health organizations, including UWill, the Jed Foundation, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. These organizations shared tools and insights to help colleges improve their mental health offerings and support systems.
Dr. Jasmine A. Lee, founder of J. Lee Consulting Group, closed the day with an inspiring address on fostering “radical love and belonging” on campus. She emphasized the importance of equity and inclusion in creating spaces where every student feels valued. “A culture of belonging is built on daily intentions, equitable policies, and meaningful interactions,” she said, challenging attendees to bring these principles back to their institutions.
As the event concluded, participants left with a shared mission: to make mental health a priority across higher education. The summit proved to be a crucial step toward addressing the mental health crisis. With plans for future summits already in motion, New Jersey’s higher education institutions are set to continue leading the charge in creating campuses where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NOAH GOLAN AND ADRIEN SUSINO
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES (SHOT BY ANNA MONEYMAKER)
BY JOSEPHINE CHOONG, STAFF WRITER
As we head back to classes, clubs are starting again, and many have interest meetings for new members. Why not celebrate the new year with an exciting activity? Try something new to start the year right!
Sports and Physical Activities
For starters, one possibility is Stevens’ Climbing and Mountaineering Club (CAM). They have climbed at various places, from Gravity Vault in Hoboken to Central Park in the city. Another option is TECHnique, a club dedicated to learning different types of dancing. Last semester, they had a showcase highlighting their skills in dances like jazz, hip-hop, and musical theatre. Additionally, there are also free group exercise classes including exercises like yoga and dance fitness. The class reservations occur 48 hours before the class time in DSE. However, if you desire a more com-
petitive activity, the powerlifting team has released their tryout form. They have an intense training program featuring squats and deadlifts.
Arts and Technical Activities
If athletics aren’t your cup of tea, you could join RedShift, Stevens’ digital publication club. Every semester, they hold showcases featuring a large variety of art from writing, music, and performance art. On a related note, feel free to join The Stute. It’s a great chance to learn a variety of different skills, including journalism, layout, and photography. Meetings happen on Tuesdays, and no prior experience is required!
Another fun club to get yourself out there is the Fashion Association for Marketing & Entrepreneurship (FAME). They host various events, from fashion shows to photoshoots. You can be a part of their editorial team by becoming a model, videographer, stylist, and more. Furthermore, the Stevens Dramatic Society is hosting auditions for Into
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the Woods at the Skyline Suite in Howe Center. Those auditions are happening on January 31 and February 1!
If you are looking for one-off events, the Entertainment Com mittee has released their events for the spring semester. The next event, Puppy Yoga, is on February 1 from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at Bissinger. Moreover, they recently updated their policies regarding sign-ups. Instead of first-come, first-serve, ticket recipients will be selected via a lottery.
Remember to check DuckLink for any upcoming events or club meetings. Even if nothing on cam pus interests you, there are always events and activities nearby to try out. Check out Hoboken Girl for local news around Hoboken and Jersey City, and keep an eye out for various shops that will open up this year. The new semester just started, so get out there, try something new, and make the most out of 2025!
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AVA WANG FOR THE STUTE
2024 Statistics from the Stevens UCC Gym
Most Popular Time: 6-7pm Most Popular Day: Monday
Gym bro 101: how to stay motivated with New Year’s fitness resolutions
BY JEREMIAH CHINWENDU, MANAGING EDITOR
The cycle of New Year’s fitness goals goes the same every year for most people. You start the year excited and passionate about getting yourself to a better place by the end of the year. You start planning lifestyle changes to make and envision how you are going to look once it’s over. But as you go through the motions, the motivation you once had seems to fade. Life starts to get to you, and you start to get more lenient with the plan you created. Motivation starts to wane before dropping off abruptly just a couple of months in. There are a multitude of reasons why people tend to lose motivation when trying to achieve physical fitness. In order to prevent the same pattern in yourself, here are some things to do to keep up with your efforts.
Set realistic goals
One of the mistakes people make while planning their goals is expecting too much out of themselves. They give themselves dramatic weight loss or weight gain goals that would take more effort than a beginner can put in safely. When planning, it’s important to remember that things take time. The best way to achieve these goals and stay safe along the way is to set small goals to reach periodically. Those who shoot for unrealistic goals often lose courage along the way, leading them to not only give up but believe that they will never achieve the look they want.
Keep it simple and plan
One of the most common things people tell themselves that keeps them from trying to make lifestyle changes is that they don’t have the time to commit to the gym or healthy eating. These two things don’t have to take a lot of time to be effective. You don’t need to be in the gym for multiple hours every day, nor do you need to go out of your way to spend lots of time cooking. An hour or less a day in the gym three to five times a week is adequate for most fitness goals. Healthy eating can be achieved by adding better balance to your meals. Meal prepping for a week at a time is another way to save time and keep your diet more consistent. Making these efforts less time-consuming makes it easier to fit them into the busiest schedules, making them easier to stick to.
Seek Guidance
Lack of education on exercise and nutrition leads people to create plans for themselves that are not actually conducive to their goals. If the gym is something you are new to, it’s good to get exercise programs from certified trainers. You can get more information about planning from science literature, YouTube videos, and other gym goers. Whether it is lifting form or advice on the frequency and intensity of a workout, taking advantage of outside sources is important when learning how to execute fitness goals. If you’re looking for an optimal time to workout on campus and avoid the crowd, consider going to the gym in the morning or around 3-5 pm.
Stay accountable
Saying you are going to achieve a certain look by the end of the year is not enough to make that happen. Planning is not the only thing you need in order to achieve your goals. Having the determination to follow the plans you set for yourself is required for those who want to see actual changes. Getting your friends involved in your journey can help with accountability and add some fun. People with like-minded goals can work together to keep each other motivated and prevent each other from falling off. Doing this in the form of a bet is a great way to spice things up. Internal and external motivation are both factors that can come into play when keeping yourself accountable to your goals.
Achieving physical fitness does not have to be a herculean task. The most important thing to remember is that no matter what happens, keep your mental health in check. Campus gyms have a ton of resources that can cater to any workout plan for any kind of experience level. Beginners and regular lifters may favor Schaefer Gym due to the wide variety of equipment which includes machines for both upper and lower body development. UCC gym has more of an open layout, with the equipment being more suitable for powerlifting-type exercises.
BY REBECCA RAPPAPORT, CONTRIBUTOR
Did you indulge in Jelly Belly’s Candy Corn this past Halloween?
Do you enjoy Tootsie’s Dubble Bubble ball gum, strawberry, and berry Ring Pops or a refreshing Nesquik strawberry low-fat milk?
Well, be prepared for an alteration of the “bright, cherry-red color” shared by these products because they will all be formulaically changed for the better. These foods, along with other manufactured cookies, candies, frozen desserts, icings, and ingestable drugs, all contain FD&C (Food, Drug, and Cosmetic) Red No. 3, a synthetic color additive that was recently banned (for use in food and drugs) by the Foods and Drugs Administration (FDA) on January 15, 2025.
This ban has been issued on account of the Delaney Clause of the FD&C Act, which forbids the use of food or color additives that pose a risk of cancer in animals or humans. Data from the 2022 Color Additive Petition initiated by the Center for Science in Public Interest along with multiple other groups, revealed that male laboratory rats exposed to excessive amounts of FD&C Red No. 3 are at increased risk of cancer due to their hormonal mechanisms; however, this has been known by scientists for decades. In 1992, after the previous use of FD&C Red No. 3 in various manufactured products, the FDA expressed its intention to prohibit the utilization of this color additive due to inflictions with the Delaney Clause. Unfortunately, they did not proceed with these actions at this time due to their concern about the varying resources required for the com-
BY JEREMIAH CHINWENDU, MANAGING EDITOR
Regenerative medicine is a field of science that aims to heal or replace damaged cells, tissues, and organs for patients who suffer injuries or degenerative disorders. It encompasses tissue engineering, materials science, stem cell biology, and other biomedical disciplines. This field relies on cellbased therapies, biomaterials, and gene therapy to trigger the body’s natural healing process and restore function to organs. However, a groundbreaking discovery by an international group of scientists led by the University of California, Irvine (UCI) promises to improve upon these methods. The team has discovered a skeletal tissue known as lipocartilage, whose properties could change the way we approach tissue regeneration. The results of this study have major healthcare implications for both humans and animals.
Found in mammals’ ears, noses, and throats, lipocartilage differs from normal cartilage by not relying on the extracellular matrix (ECM) for its support and strength. Normal cartilage is made by chondrocytes, which produce the ECM components that give cartilage the mechanical properties necessary to support joints and give structure to noses and ears. Lipocartilage is made of lipochondrocytes (LCs), fat cells that differ from adipose fat. Adipose fat tissue stores the body’s energy, meaning it grows and shrinks in response to caloric intake. LCs are not affected by dietary habits and maintain their size and shape indefinitely. This allows
plete removal. Now, with increased pressure and many interest groups petitioning for the removal of synthetic dyes, the FDA is finally taking action. Manufacturers that utilize FD&C Red No.3 in their products have until January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, to reconfigure the ingredients in their products.
The Center for Science in Public Interest not only pushed for the ban of Red Food Dye No. 3 because of its association with cancer but also because of increased evidence of its relation to hyperactivity in children. A review of synthetic food dyes conducted by California’’s Environmental Protection Agency in 2021 revealed that color additives can potentially impact “neurobehavior in some children.” Additionally, research that was conducted by Kim Penberthy and others that has been published in the Journal of Pediatric Neurology and Neuroscience supports this claim. It recognizes the link between FD&C Red No. 3 and hyperactivity in children. Considering these intensified side effects, it is about time that the FDA took action and finally prohibited an unnecessary additive that adds
Science
nothing but an aesthetic appeal to our foods.
Manufacturing companies argue that Americans prefer increased sweetness and color but hopefully, the prohibition will serve as a warning for consumers to stop this train of thinking and transition to a clean, whole-foods diet. Penberthy notes that eating a date with honey can serve as a suitable replacement for high sugar, high additive products, curbing a person’s sweet tooth and leaving them satisfied. For years, foods such as Skittles and Gatorade have been banned in the European Union (EU) under strict food coloring restrictions while still being available for consumer consumption in the US. The FDA should take this into consideration and attempt to follow in the footsteps of the EU in order to prioritize the health of American citizens. As Donald Trump assumes his position as 47th president of the United States, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (who will be leading the department overseeing the FDA) is prepared to initiate even stricter regulations of food and color additives in the United States of America. After all, health is wealth!
California Wildfires: what this means for survivor’s mental health
BY ERIN MCGEE, SCIENCE WRITER
Over the past several weeks, the country has seen heartbreaking stories of the Los Angeles Wildfires and the unprecedented amount of destruction they have caused. Collectively made up of the Palisades fire, the Hughes fire, and the Eaton fire; the fires are each more than 90% contained as of this week and have caused historic damage to the area.
So far, the fires have killed nearly 30 people, and at the height of the blaze, more than 200,000 people in the greater Los Angeles area were under evacuation orders. Overall, almost 16,000 structures have been destroyed, many of them homes and businesses.
City, state, and federal agencies have been working together for disaster relief in recent weeks. This will require removing tons of hazardous debris, rebuilding homes, providing temporary housing for those who have been displaced, and updating regulations and fire codes. This process also involves investigating the cause of the fire. While it is currently unclear how the Palisades fire was started, the Eaton fire is alleged to have been started by the company Southern California Edison, which is the largest power supplier in southern California.
But what happens after? When cleanup and rebuilding is done, how do you repair a community so devastated?
The first step in the healing process is of course to reestablish stability for residents and their families. This includes providing housing, food resources, income and jobs, schools, and anything that will help rebuild the community. The next step, experts suggest, is to remove as many stressors as possible. This includes working to mitigate economic instability and uncertainty and making bureaucracy like insurance and government aid as straightforward as possible.
There is precedent for incorporating mental health care into disaster relief. Previous collective traumatic events, including major environmental disasters, terrorist attacks, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, did not see an increase in financial support for mental healthcare and post-traumatic stress, despite the fact that many adults reported feeling anxious or depressed. Nearly a third of respondents surveyed by the American Psychological Association in 2023 reported that the pandemic made them feel so stressed that they do not plan for the future. Furthermore, in a study twelve years after Hurricane Katrina, the researchers found that one in six of the survivors they studied were still suffering at least some symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Experts point towards these instances as a strong indication that more resources should be put towards mental health care in the wake of major disasters.
lipocartilage to provide structural support to the earlobes and tip of the nose.
LCs were first discovered in 1854 by German zoologist and comparative anatomist Franz Leydig while he was studying rat ears. His study was the only study on lipocartilage for over a century, as not only was it not studied by other scientists, but those who stumbled upon them in other research “did not study them or the tissue in detail,” writes The Scientist.
The study published in the journal Science details the more than decade-long effort to understand lipocartilage and its methods of metabolism, structure, and function. It started when Dr. Maksim Plikus, professor of Developmental and Cell biology at UCI, was studying the fat cells in rat ear skin. He and his team discovered that some of the fat cells they were observing would not respond to any of the dyes they introduced into the environment. These stubborn fat cells were called LCs. Plikus described LCs as bubbles in bubble wrap. The findings of this study deepen our understanding of skeletal biomechanics and create new opportunities in regenerative medicine. For instance, the researchers have detailed how LCs suppress the activity of enzymes that break down fat for energy use. This maintains their strength and flexibility.
The team of the study included “healthcare professionals and academics from the U.S., Australia, Belarus, Denmark, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Singapore,” writes UCI News. The animals included in this study were courtesy of “Serrano Animal & Bird Hospital in Lake Forest and the San-
ta Ana Zoo.” Studying mammals gave insight into how LCs can be molded to provide certain advantages. In bats, it was found that LCs in the ear help to modulate sound waves, increasing the acuity of their hearing. Having found other evolutionary advantages of lipocartilage-composed structures, researchers have gained insights into the importance of fat cells to the function of skeletal tissue.
Regenerative medicine is a rap idly evolving field whose innova tions aim to heal patients without the use of invasive surgical pro cedures with long healing times. The findings of this study can help in the evolution of the field. Using stem cells to produce LCs and tis sue engineering techniques allows us to develop scaffold structures for regenerating damaged cartilage in arthritic patients and those who suffer from other cartilage-degen erative diseases. Current solutions involve extracting cartilage from patients’ ribs, which is invasive and painful. Dr. Plinkus told UCI News, “With the help of 3D printing, these engineered tissues could be shaped to fit precisely, offering new solutions for treating birth defects, trauma, and various cartilage dis eases.” Similar techniques can be used to treat other mammals that depend on cartilage structures.
Researchers often point to a lack of mental health resources for victims during this time. Many victims have lost their homes and even their loved ones. There is also the collective trauma caused by entire neighborhoods and communities being effectively wiped out. Ellen DeVoe, a researcher at Boston University points out: “Experiencing this kind of catastrophe is distinct from other kinds of individual-level trauma…grief and loss over the destruction or loss of one’s home, sense of community and place, and severing of community and social networks can have devastating emotional, psychological, and developmental impact.”
Los Angeles has made some strides towards assisting individuals struggling with their mental health in the wake of the fires. California supports the hotline CalHOPE, which was already in place primarily to help with youth struggling with a crisis, in order to connect survivors with local resources. The American Red Cross also provides mental health resources for the victims it assists. Experts say that increasing the number of local community support networks will also help in the effort to mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress. As the city rebuilds, increased efforts to care for residents, in all ways, will be essential.
The findings of this study not only provide a new understanding of LCs but also open the door for less invasive treatments, genetical ly tailored treatments for humans and animals, which improve pa tient outcomes. By uncovering the unique properties of skeletal tis sue, scientists are developing new organs that mimic the body’s envi ronment more closely than before.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FDA.GOV
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES
BAFFLING BITS & BOBS
ADVICE FOR BROKE COLLEGE STUDENTS
Setting financial goals for the year
BY KEVIN CASTNER
Despite the title of this article, I am writing it late. “Why?” You may ask. Because I am a forgetful, silly person. Copy Editors, please forgive me. Anyway, I thought the idea of locking in was pretty apt for the beginning of a new semester. Not so much for my last, or so I thought. I told myself I wanted to read more this year and paid a trip to Barnes and Noble. Unfortunately, they do say that you should be careful what you wish for. Syllabus Week quickly showed that I would be doing plenty of reading for my own edification for my courses this semester, not to mention a 12-page, single-spaced paper. But enough about me!
As long as people have had things they’d like to protect, there have been people that want to yoink said valuables. While there are many methods to protect those things you hold most dear, at least of the physical variety, none are more eponymous than the lock. There are many different types of locks ranging in effectiveness from great to you having better chances waiting for a thief with a brick in hand. Most locks you’ll see today are called pin tumbler locks. Essentially, you restrict something from being opened by sliding or rotating a bolt or arm in place.
The only way to slide back the arm is to rotate or slide the chamber it’s attached to. Here’s the kicker: there are pins that impede the movement of this chamber. All a key really does is move the pins into the proper position so that the chamber is free to move. The earliest example of a lock like this comes from ancient Egypt. It was used to lock doors and gates.
The most common application for these locks is still doors to this day. The rotating chamber is the plug, and the rest of the lock structure that does not move is the housing. The pins are actually paired up with key pins on the bottom and driver pins on top. Driver pins are always the same length, but key pins are varied in length to alter the type of key that can unlock a door. As the proper key is inserted, the key pins will be raised to the exact height of the gap between the housing and plug. This will allow the plug to rotate through the gap between the paired pins and turn. The turning of the plug will either extend or retract a bolt that keeps the door shut.
Of course, this is not a perfect system. Lock picking works on the principle of constantly applying force to rotate the plug and trying to lift each key pin to the proper height one at a time to open the door. There are safeguards against this, such as specialized key pins that get stuck in the plug if lifted with a pick instead of a key. That being said, there is probably no such thing as an unpickable lock. So, whether you’re locking in or locking out this semester, take time to appreciate what you hold dear.
BY HIMA THUMMALA ‘26
As we make our way through the first month of the new year, we can look back and reflect on our spending habits. Maybe you have been buying more groceries to avoid having to get takeout from the winter weather, or maybe the start of class es has made it difficult to dedicate time to cook ing. Whichever the case, it is important to reflect on your financial choices and reflect on whether you want to improve, change, or maintain your deci sions.
Once you figure out how you want to use your money this year, it is time to organize. By organiz ing your finances, you are closer to achieving your goals. If you want to main tain or change your spend ing habits, you can make a chart of what you are spending money on and detail your total spend ing for the month, week, or even daily. After doing this for a while, you will be able to notice patterns in what you buy. Maybe you get more groceries, may be you use your money to buy books, or maybe it’s just miscellaneous pur -
chases. It is important to recognize these patterns because once they are realized, they can help you achieve your financial goals.
Then, after this, it’s very simple! If your goal is to maintain expenses, you can just continue to follow the habits that you have been doing. If you decide that you want to spend money on something else but not affect your overall spending, you can allocate your funds to different sections. If your financial goal is to spend less, you should identify where you
are spending the most. If it is a sector you can cut back on, it is good not to spend as much on it. But if it is a necessity, then go to the next sector you spend the most on. Finding somewhere finances currently being used are not needed, it will allow you to save money and overall spend less. If your financial goal is to spend more, then lucky you! Think about spending the money on something that you enjoy. If there is a restaurant or café that you have been wanting to try, go for it! Or if you want to
save the money and invest it, that is great as well! It is important to see what matters to you and what would make the best use of the money for you. Even if you think that you do not need to make any changes to your finances, it is important to still check. Just by saving a dollar, it will make a difference in how much money you save, as these dollars add up over time. So this year, make sure to pay attention to what you spend money on, how much it costs, and if it meets your financial goals.
BY MARTINA FRANZ
JR. B.E. ‘24 & M.E. ‘25
GRAPHIC COURTESY OF KEVIN CASTNER JR.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
When the Angels Left the Old Country
BY MADISON HELLER ‘27
It is great to be back at school after winter break. I personally had a wonderful time spending time with my family and friends during the holiday season. We celebrated Christmas, and I was bombarded with books, which I hope to review throughout this semester. But the other reason I love winter break so much is because it’s one of the two times a year that my local library raises funds by hosting a countywide book fair. Throughout the year, they accept old books as donations, and once they have enough, they put all of them in a large barn wall-to-wall, and the entire community comes out to buy books at a discount. The entire event lasts three days, and on the first day, you pay around $5 a book; on the second day, you pay $1-3 per book, but on the final and most
wonderful day, you pay $3 per pound of books. The entire thing is run by librarians and volunteers to raise money for all our library’s programs and this year I got a real treat on the second day.
I highly recommend Sacha Lamb’s When the Angels Left the Old Country, a Jewish fairytale-esque historical fiction novel set in the 1800s about a demon and an angel who immigrated to America to find a human girl from their village who has gone missing in America, and into hijinks along the way. A lot of the charm comes from the narrative voice, which I found to be similar to Good Omens, but that is, of course, a personal preference. It is also a story about the human girl, Rose, and her struggles with her sexuality and adjusting to an entirely new culture. The narrative expertly balances having three main characters while having an enamoring cast of characters in the background.
I think what drew me personally to this book may have to do with my own family. I was raised Catholic, but large swathes of my extended family are Jewish. And for whatever reason the compromise in a family with two differ -
CO-OP CHRONICLES
ent faiths has just been to blend everything together. Everyone came together to celebrate Christmas this year, but I am due to be at a Passover brunch this spring. When I cracked open When the Angels Left the Old Country to read while passing the time on Christmas Eve, my Grand father asked me what I was reading and then launched into a lengthy explanation about how his grandpar ents came to the country. I think certain books speak to cultural memories that are passed down between generations. Because sto ries of having to leave your home for something better for yourself or your family live on because your own ancestors can appreciate your sacrifice, without this book, maybe I never would have had that conversation where I feel like I can understand something about myself and the world just a little bit better.
FOR MATH’S SAKE
On diversity in mathematics (and STEM, more broadly)
openly trans person, representing my field, my area of study — which is fundamentally nonbinary in its nature — is a very important aspect of my day-today work.”
BY CHARLES BEALL B.S. ‘23 & PHD STUDENT
First day of work: a blend of excitement and chaos
names of the six thousand people you met — though realistically, it’s more like ten, but it feels like six thousand.
BY JEYLAN JUBRAN
Hey there! I thought I’d give you a little intro before jumping into this column. My name is Jeylan (jjubran@stevens. edu), and I’m currently a sophomore on co-op! This column is here to help answer all your internship/ co-op questions, so feel free to reach out anytime. I want to preface that I’m not an expert — just a student who landed her first co-op. So, take my advice with a grain of salt and know I’m learning alongside you. Now, with that being said, let’s dive into the exciting (and slightly chaotic) topic of your first day of work!
There’s nothing quite as exhilarating and nerve-wracking as your first day of work. You walk into the office — probably too early — only to find that no one else is there yet. You’re a mix of excite ment and terror, feeling like a little kid on their first day of kindergarten. It’s an unmatched, surreal experience.
As the day begins, you’re handed onboard ing paperwork that some how feels more confusing than it should. Every five minutes, someone new walks up to introduce themselves, turning your morning into a speed-dat ing frenzy. The worst part? The next day, you’re expected to remember the
For me, my first day started with an awkward fifteen minutes of standing by the secretary’s desk, waiting for my coworkers to trickle in. I had arrived early, thinking it would be like one of those corporate dramas where employees stay until 8 p.m. and are back at their desks by 6 a.m. I couldn’t have been more wrong. When my boss showed up, my nerves got the best of me, and I somehow forgot how to speak. I nodded and muttered “okay” to everything they said.
The day was packed with meetings and an overwhelming flood of information, but it was surprisingly fun. I met so many incredible people, heard their stories, and realized that everyone — no matter how experienced — is figuring things out as they go. That realization put me at ease. By the end of the day, I was absolutely exhausted but genuinely excited for what the next few months had in store.
Looking back, though, the first day is less about doing everything perfect-
ly and more about showing up, being present, and making it through. Nobody expects you to know all the answers — or even where the printer is on your first day. It’s about learning to laugh at the little mistakes, like getting lost on the way to the breakroom or accidentally calling someone by the wrong name. Trust me, these will become the stories you laugh about later.
It’s also a reminder that everyone has been in your shoes at some point. That senior colleague who seems like they have it all figured out? They probably also once forgot their lunch on the first day or sent an email with “Sent from my iPhone” signed at the bottom. It’s oddly comforting to know that even the most composed professionals had their own first-day jitters.
The key is to soak it all in. Let yourself feel the nerves, the excitement, and yes, even the awkwardness. After all, a little chaos makes for a great story — and a memorable start to your career. So, if you’re gearing up for your first day of work, remember this: it won’t be perfect, but it will be perfectly yours.
professor at Vanderbilt University who studies the formation of protons and neutrons from their elementary constituents, the quarks and gluons. If you’re unfamiliar with quarks and gluons, their main oddities are that quarks come in groups of three, and gluons can shift between various “color” charges in a way that’s much more complicated than the binary “plus” and “minus” of electricity.
After Dr. Kunnawalkam Elayavalli aptly explains this area of physics, the interview focuses on their personal journey. The professor is a transgender person, and they find many connections between this journey and the subfield of physics in which they specialize. “In the physics world, there are not that many people who are queer or who are trans,” they say. “Representation matters a lot to me, and showing up and being there as an
Noting that Dr. Kunnawalkam Elayavalli does their work in Tennessee, a state with highly discriminatory transgender laws, makes their story a deeply empowering one — but it’s also a stark reminder of the barriers that remain as institutes of higher education seek to promote the participation of underrepresented groups in academia and research. Particularly for STEM outreach, studies have shown that the number of women students enrolling in degree programs for such disciplines has decreased over the past few decades (despite making gains in college enrollment and graduation more broadly); additionally, studies examining the efficacy of efforts to promote diversity and inclusion have lacked “holistic” methodologies, rarely addressing sexual orientation and other dimensions of diversity, or shortcomings and unintended consequences of interventions.
I don’t claim to know how to solve the issues of diversity in STEM culture — it involves a complex, challenging set of problems, much like research in nuclear physics. One of these problems, implicitly featured in the Quanta piece, is how representa-
tives of underrepresented groups are relied on to drive intervention and reform despite the fact that they continue to face discrimination. This can introduce more stress for those representatives: as Dr. Kummawalkam Elayavalli says, “Fifty percent of my brain is thinking about this, how can I survive, and in the remaining 50% of the brain, I can think about physics.”
As a result, I think we need people of all backgrounds in academia to continue the work in striving for a more diverse environment of higher learning and research. We can, of course, learn much from members of the community who have faced barriers in their career pursuits. But it will take a concerted effort to dismantle those barriers — especially as the Trump administration has set its sights on reinforcing them by attacking diversity efforts across the country.
This may seem to be a grim situation, but there are reasons for hope. There are many arguments for the benefits of diversity in research and education, and diversity has always been a promise of our country as long as we commit to living up to it. In my mind, it’s crucial to defend against continued and heightened attacks against these ideas on diversity, along with voicing solidarity for the more vulnerable members of our communities both on and off campus.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON
‘27
ON SHUFFLE
Greek Life on shuffle
About 25% of the Stevens community is a part of Greek life and has chapter affiliations. For a school the size of Stevens, this is a significant number of students.
I am a proud sister of Phi Sigma Sigma on campus. I joined the spring semester of my freshmen year, so I have been a member for a while now. I think joining a sorority has been one of the best decisions I have made during my college career.
I have made the bestest of friends I could have ever imagined and had some of the most valuable experiences. I am also now a part of the Greek community, which is full of amazing people.
On Friday, January 24, the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon teamed up with the sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma to host a charity concert. Hosted at the Sig Ep house, a cozy space was decorated with gold stars and Christmas lights to foster a homey vibe. Three Stevens bands performed and brought amazing energy.
The first band that performed was Midnight Drive. They are an alternative rock band from Hoboken, New Jersey. They have been playing live gigs for a bit now, and their music is absolutely amazing. They brought the perfect vibes for the charity concert. They had some original music and a couple of covers. The crowd was loving what these guys had to offer. Following Midnight Drive was my band! Abby
Grace performed a set that I think brought some cool energy, too. We wanted to play a couple of songs that spread a couple of genres. We had some folk, some alternative rock, and some straight-up pop music. I was so happy to play a live show with my band. To cap the night off, the house was rocked by Dale. This band brings the experimental vibes to a different level. Their music is hard to describe because of how amazing it is. I think Dale truly defies genre. These three bands were a perfect mix of music to surely entertain everyone.
The cool thing about this event was that it brought so many different types of people together.
I really enjoyed this event because I think it brought some of the Stevens community together for a good cause. The profit made from charging a small admission fee was donated to the Hoboken Shelter. They are always in need and looking for volunteers and donations. If we, the Greek community at Stevens, can come together and raise money for a good cause while also having a fun experience, I think we will be really successful.
This column this week is honestly just a reflection of my past week. I am grateful for being able to connect with the Stevens community and do it through my Greek Life affiliation. I want to say thank you to the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon and my sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma for working on this event. Working together for a good cause is exactly what Greek Life and philanthropy is about.
This week, I urge you to check out these bands. You can find us all on instagram and any other social platforms you can think of. Each band is sure to give you totally different vibes but in
FOODIE FINDS Matcha 101
BY PRISHA VAGVALA ‘28
Over break, I entered a matcha fixation and did my fair share of research on the topic (through Instagram and articles). Little did I know that this nutty, umami-flavored drink would spiral into an obsession or even become a daily ritual. I used to believe I would never like matcha; it looked too healthy to taste good. But Bluestone Lane’s Strawberry Cloud Matcha entirely changed my perception. In the past, I was stuck with poor-quality matcha that was dull in color and lacked flavor. I learned that low-quality matcha powder tends to have a yellowish hue, a crumbly texture, and a stale taste, which likely contributes to the belief that matcha tastes terrible. Currently, I’m using Yamashiro Uji matcha tea powder. It’s a ceremonial-grade matcha with a fine texture, a vibrant green color, and the perfect taste I was looking for. I even invested in proper matcha equipment, which, in the long run, is cheaper than buying low-quality matcha elsewhere. Making good matcha at home is more affordable and is far tastier because you have complete control over every step of the process.
First, soak your whisk and the bowl you’ll be using to make matcha in hot water for a while; this prevents the prongs of the delicate bamboo whisk from breaking. After you’ve finished making the matcha and cleaned the whisk, place it on a matcha whisk holder to ensure its longevity. It’s essential to sift your matcha powder to eliminate clumps, which results in a smoother texture rather than a grainy cup of matcha. Then, add a small amount of water (ideally at a temperature of 70 - 75 degrees Celsius) to the sifted matcha powder to create a paste. The correct way to whisk matcha is by gently flicking your wrist back and forth in an “M” or “W” motion. Once the paste is smooth, add more water and whisk vigorously in the same back-and-forth motion, not circular, until a good layer of foam forms on top. For the best flavor, use almond milk instead of whole milk, as whole milk tends to overpower the delicate taste of matcha.
Not everyone has time to make matcha at home, so for those who prefer to buy it, there are a few options depending on your taste. My go-to for days when I’m too lazy to make matcha is Bwè Kafe. They serve decent matcha that’s vibrant green, slightly earthy, and reasonably priced at $4.50 for 8 oz. Next is Jefferson’s, conveniently located near the Stevens campus. They serve a 16 oz matcha for $4.50, but unfortunately, it’s grainy and of cheap quality. The matcha tasted overly milky and creamy, resembling heavy
cream more than matcha. I also tried the cookie-butter Dunkin’ Donuts matcha, but it wasn’t worth the hype. The matcha tasted more like water mixed with simple syrup than proper matcha.
Perhaps my bias played a role in the Dunkin matcha, as I had been craving matcha for weeks, but it was a letdown with clumpy bits settling at the bottom. I’m still new to the world of matcha, so I apologize for any shortcomings in my article compared to a true matcha expert. When I visited a friend this weekend, she showed me her new Cuzen matcha machine. While it
was incredibly cool and aesthetically pleasing, I believe nothing beats the classic method of making matcha. A bamboo whisk is essential for creating the perfect froth, which adds to the drink’s aesthetics and aerates the tea, resulting in a smoother texture and creamier taste. For storage tips, keep your matcha powder in a cool, dark place. I store mine in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. Avoid using a metal whisk; it can oxidize the matcha and diminish its flavor profile. Alright, foodies, it’s time to make my daily matcha; today’s flavor is blueberry!
UNMASKING: AN AUTISM STORY A study from the tummy to the brain
BY EVAN PAPAGEORGE ‘26
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) finds more and more understanding as a condition that extends beyond neurological differences, frequently co-occurring with a range of chronic physical health challenges. Gastrointestinal (GI) issues stand out for their prevalence and complexity. Emerging research highlights a potential link between neurodevelopmental and immune dysregulation, shedding light on the co-morbidity of ASD and GI inflammation. Understanding this connection is critical for addressing the multifaceted healthcare needs of autistic individuals.
A recent Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study offers compelling insights into the mechanisms underpinning the co-occurrence of ASD and GI inflammation. Utilizing mouse models, the researchers demonstrated that infections during pregnancy could have profound effects on offspring. Specifically, maternal infections elevate the inflammatory signaling molecule interleukin-17a (IL-17a). This molecule, already implicated in altering fetal brain development and contributing to autism-like behaviors, was also shown
to influence the maternal microbiome, priming the immune systems of offspring for heightened inflammatory responses postnatally.
The study, published in Immunity, builds on a series of findings since 2016 by co-senior authors Gloria Choi of MIT and Jun Huh of Harvard. Their work has traced how elevated IL-17a during pregnancy affects fetal brain development, resulting in autism-like social deficits in mice. The new findings expand on this, revealing that IL-17a-mediated changes in the maternal microbiome during pregnancy can predispose offspring to gut inflammation when exposed to inflammatory stimuli later in life. These findings underscore a shared environmental driver for the central nervous and immune system dysregulation observed in individuals with ASD.
The researchers employed a series of experiments to explore the timing and mechanisms of these effects. Inducing maternal immune activation (MIA) in pregnant mice through a substance miming viral infection, they observed both autism-like behavioral symptoms and GI inflammation in the offspring. Interestingly, the neurodevelopmental alterations occurred in utero, while the altered immune responses developed after birth. Cross-fostering experiments further revealed that the maternal microbiome plays a pivotal role in immune priming. Pups born to MIA mothers but reared by control mothers exhibited autism-like symptoms but not intestinal inflammation. In contrast, pups born to
control mothers but reared by MIA mothers developed gut inflammation but not autism-like behaviors.
To delve deeper into the role of the maternal microbiome, researchers raised mice in germ-free environments and transplanted stool from MIA or control mice into these germ-free subjects. Pups born to mice receiving MIA stool exhibited intestinal inflammation, confirming that changes in the maternal microbiome mediate immune priming.
The researchers identified increased IL-17a production by T cells in these offspring, linking maternal infection-induced microbiome changes to postnatal immune dysregulation.
Blocking IL-17a during pregnancy provided further evidence of its role. Pregnant mice treated with IL17a-blocking antibodies before immune activation gave birth to offspring that did not exhibit gut inflammation. Its successful blocking suggests that IL-17a’s influence on the maternal microbiome is critical in shaping offspring’s immune system. These findings have far-reaching implications, particularly in light of recent pandemics, as maternal infections could have long-term health consequences for children.
The co-morbidity of ASD and GI issues, however, is not limited to inflammatory mechanisms. Broader research on autistic individuals highlights the complexity of their physical health challenges. Studies, such as those led by Dr. Elizabeth Weir at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, have documented high rates of multimorbidity in autistic
populations, spanning conditions like coeliac disease, migraines, and connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Sensory sensitivities and trauma often compound these issues, amplifying emotional dysregulation and physical stress that may exacerbate underlying health conditions. These findings underscore the urgent need for tailored, multidisciplinary healthcare approaches. Early identification and continuous monitoring of chronic conditions in autistic individuals are essential. Collaborative care models integrating neurology, gastroenterology, and immunology could provide more comprehensive management of co-occurring conditions. Additionally, addressing sensory sensitivities through environmental modifications and incorporating therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional resilience could enhance overall well-being.
The link between maternal inflammation, neurodevelopment, and immune priming offers a compelling framework for understanding the shared pathways underlying ASD and GI issues. By recognizing the interplay of neurodevelopmental and physical health challenges, healthcare systems can move toward more inclusive, patient-centered models of care. These efforts not only address the immediate needs of autistic individuals but also advance a broader commitment to fostering environments where all individuals, regardless of neurological or physical differences, can thrive.
THOMAS ‘26
PHOTO COURTESY OF SNIXYKITCHEN.COM
“Probably my professors... But other than that, not much.”
ROVING REPORTER
By Rafael Lee Li and Mia Petrolino
What did you miss the most about school over break?
Crossword by Jack Scherban King’s Tour
Sudoku
Difficulty: Hard
Emran Nasseri ‘28 “Pom & Honey.”
Mariel Bacolod ‘25
Emily Avelino ‘28 “The New York skyline.”
Stephanie Cantos ‘28 “My friends.”
Vivian Yam ‘25 “My sleep schedule.”
Sasha Barnett ‘28 “Walking around and getting food in Hoboken.”
Jennifer Macias Cedeno ‘28 “I missed my friends a lot.”
