Research associate professor Jon Miller leads shoreline restoration projects
BY SERENA PANUCCI, STAFF WRITER
Stevens students are playing a crucial role in safeguarding the future of New Jersey’s shoreline. Jon Miller, a research associate professor, is helping lead the charge. As a Stevens un dergraduate alumnus who originally majored in Civ il Engineering, Miller was drawn to coastal engineer ing through courses offered during his studies. Since then, he has built his entire career at Stevens, primari ly funded through research grants rather than teaching salaries.
“My primary responsi bility is to secure research funding and to do research,” Miller explained. “I write proposals, do research, manage the team that goes into the field, analyze the data, and ultimately super vise the writing of any papers, theses, or reports.”
In cooperation with fellow Stevens faculty Matt Janssen, a research professor, and Laura Kerr, a senior research engineer, Miller co-manages numerous projects focused on coastal resilience. Their work spans beaches, bays, and marsh environments, where they collect field data
and 75 undergraduates are currently involved, many through programs like Pinnacle and Clark research initiatives. Some participate during the academic year as undergraduate researchers, and others ultimately pursue a minor or master’s degree in coastal engineering.
University hosts first annual undergraduate research week
BY JOSEPHINE CHOONG, SECRETARY
From April 21 to 25, Stevens celebrated its first undergraduate research week.
Each day was filled with an exciting event dedicated for students to explore research opportunities, network with peers, and commemorate student research achievements.
Andrés Mansisidor, the Director of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, states that the purpose of these events was to celebrate in solidarity with the National Undergraduate Research Week. At other universities, it’s typically centered around a research symposium. However, as Stevens’ research symposium occurs during the fall, the week was designed to be more celebratory with a kickoff event and smaller research-related workshops and mixers. It was outlined to build a community between students looking to get into research, students already involved with research, and recent alumni pursuing graduate research. Mansisidor hoped the events would increase the exposure of research-cen-
tric careers and celebrate the accomplishments that students had. Furthermore, the events were planned in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Research and SGA representative Christina Alexandrov.
The full list of events were: Monday, April 21: Kickoff Event Tuesday, April 22: NSF & Research Fellowship Info Wednesday, April 23: Simons Neuroscience Fellowship Tips Thursday, April 24: Research Journal & Writing Center and Inclusion in Research Workshop. Friday, April 25: Lunch with Research Director
The week began with the kickoff event hosted in UCC Gallery. A few dozen students came, with some interested in starting research, others already involved, and even a few future students. To break the ice, there were several research-centered mixer activities including science trivia and undergraduate research bingo. It also served as an opportunity to
WEEK PAGE 3
Dayglow takes the stage for the first time in New Jersey at TechFest
BY VIKTOR PALMER, OPINION COLUMNIST
Despite a spell of torrential rain, Techfest 2025 proved to be a hit this Saturday, drawing crowds of students for an evening of
student performances, food, and time with friends. The event proudly hosted rock indie act Dayglow, who followed shows from the three winners of last month’s Battle of the Bands between student music groups.
Hoboken movie filmings in April
BY JOSEPHINE CHOONG, SECRETARY
April is an exciting month for movie filming in Hoboken. Last year, there were many sightings of filming and celebrities throughout the year, including Steven Yeun, Timothée Chalamet, and Jeremy Allen White filming or simply exploring the city. As the weather turns warmer, what’s filming in Hoboken this year?
The most recent filming of The Family McMullen was last seen on the week of April 21. It follows a close-knit family navigating through life while confronting personal struggles and evolving bonds. As they face unexpected challenges, their relationships are tested.
It is directed by Edward Burns and stars Michael McGlone, John El-Jor, and Bryan Fitzgerald.
The Netflix rom-com starring Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein, Office Romance, was last seen filming on April 21 at Marshall Street and previously seen at Mile Square on April 7. Lopez was previously seen at Hoboken last year where she was filming the movie Kiss of the Spider Woman at Elysian Cafe. The movie is about Jackie, the presi-
dent and CEO of Air Cruz, who runs a tight ship on her business, including a strict anti-fraternization policy for all her employees. However, the policy is tested when a new lawyer begins working for her.
On April 14, film crews for The Whisper Man were spotted between Bloomfield and Garden Streets between 8th and 10th Street. The crew will film all over New Jersey, and in March, Grant Wilfley Casting was actively looking for New Jersey locals of all genders and ethnicities as extras. It is a Netflix film based on Alex North’s novel. A widowed crime writer works with his estranged father, a retired police detective, to find his young son. However, they soon discover that the case has a hidden connection with the murder committed by the serial killer known as “The Whisper Man.”
Finally, from the end of March to the end of April, The Florist was filming in Hoboken and Jersey City. Dennis Quaid, one of the main actors, was last seen filming in Jersey City on April 2. The action thriller centered around Carl Rikker, a florist and assassin who finds himself protecting
SEE MOVIE PAGE 3
Crews began setting up early on Saturday morning, and many students lined up in advance of the official start time. Doors opened at 5 p.m., and attendees were
Measles
On Monday, April 28, the Student Government Association (SGA) announced in a university-wide email that the Stevens Divest From War Initiative’s (SDFWI) Letter from the Student Body has received sufficient approval from the undergraduate student body. This letter, now delivered to the Board of Trustees and President Farvardin, calls on the university to divest the school’s endowment from companies or investments that violate international law and human rights prin-
This victory for the initiative follows the SDFWI’s earlier attempt to have the SGA Senate approve a proclamation on the subject of divestment. That vote, which was tabled once and led to amendments in the original proclamation and proposal, did not reach the two-thirds majority required for passage. However, the Letter from the Student Body (LSB) program, which was designed by the
outbreak spreads to North Jersey as the state loses herd immunity
BY AMELIE DELA CRUZ, STAFF WRITER
Measles, a previously eradicated disease in the United States, has made a comeback in around 30 states, now including New Jersey. On February 9, a Bergen County resident contracted measles from international travel, and the disease spread to two other unvaccinated people in their household. In addition, at least four non-NJ residents have put NJ residents at risk of contracting the disease, notably with a case at Newark Liberty International Airport in March.
The outbreak in North Jersey is just one of 16 documented measles outbreaks in the United States this year. With over 800 cases in the U.S. just this year, there has been an immense increase from 285 cases in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State officials urge travelers to “make sure [they’re] up to date on MMR and other routine vaccines,” as vaccination is the most surefire way to protect individuals and those around them. The New Jersey state website regularly updates
residents on the whereabouts of those who contracted measles and passed through the state. This is to keep track of those who may have been exposed so that everyone can take the proper precautions. While contact tracing can be unreliable with a disease as contagious as measles, it is still a valid prevention measure. New cases of measles have been reported in Louisiana, Missouri, and Virginia, all also linked to international travel. These include two children and one adult. Texas has had the most cases this year, totaling 481 confirmed cases and 56 hospitalizations. The United States has not experienced such rates of infection in recent years, especially since measles was no longer endemic to the country thanks to vaccines and other preventative measures. With initial symptoms such as a cough and fever, the illness eventually presents with white spots in the mouth and a rash unique to measles. The disease can cause a plethora of complications like pneumonia and brain inflammation, with many cases requiring hos-
SEE HERD PAGE 3
FINALS EDITION
Tillie’s got opinion; and appointments
BY VINCENT OLIVIERI, CONTRIBUTER
Being a student at Stevens is undoubtedly a challenge, and not fit for everyone. With such a packed schedule and so much going on, it is no surprise that everyone is busy nearly all of the time. Out of everyone, a certain newcomer to the Stevens community has the busiest schedule of all: Tillie Stella Stevens, the new campus pup. Being as popular as she is, Tillie has to start her day in the most relaxing way possible.
As she is still going through training to prepare her for all matters as a Stevens faculty, Tillie won’t be a permanent resident of Stevens until her acceptance in Fall 2025. Despite this, she loves to make the most of her visits to campus when she does decide to stop by. From peering over the edge of Babbio Patio to catch a glance of the New York City skyline to smelling the flowers along Wittpenn Walk, Tillie loves to take in the
sights and enjoy her time out in nature. Although it may be a harsh reality, Tillie can’t spend her entire day just meandering around campus. When it’s time for her to work, she takes the long elevator ride up to the Office of Student Affairs to get in a well-earned nap. This break work period also includes plenty of treats, toys, and hydration to make sure Tillie is at her happiest at all times.
Besides enjoying the beautiful campus Stevens has to offer, Tillie has also taken a liking to the student population she will soon be joining. She loves to meet new people and interact with all of her peers; on top of being an influencer, Tillie is also acting as part of a new initiative to place a bigger focus on mental health across campus. This is where Tillie’s actual job takes the spotlight. Once she has fully acclimated to her new college life, students can book an appointment to meet with Tillie in her office on the second floor of the University Center Com -
there’s more to life than finals, like ice cream!
plex. Tillie has come to Stevens to act as an aid to students who are struggling, overwhelmed, stressed, or simply want a brief moment with a cute and cuddly animal. Despite her looking forward to meeting everyone, it is important to remember that Tillie is four and a half months old, meaning she can get overstimulated easily and should be treated with respect.
Tillie is an especially important reminder to stay positive during these last few weeks of the semester. With finals, projects, and homework assignments all stacking up at once, it is important to stay as positive as possible during the most stressful time of the year. Tillie has her eye on everyone here at Stevens and is always present as a sign of comfort or a place of refuge for those who need it. Students can keep track of Tillie’s progress towards becoming a fully fledged member of the Stevens family by checking the @followstevens Instagram page for regular #pupdates.
Finals Grams
CUT THESE OUT AND GIVE TO YOUR PROFESSOR OR FRIENDS!
BY PRISHA VAGVALA AND JIYA JAISINGHANI
You are going to pass that final better than those electric bikes pass through our campus
Waddle through finals like a champ.
Manifesting good grades, clear Canvas announcements, and functioning Stevens Wi-Fi.
You’ve survived the Howe wind tunnel, walking up Hoboken hills, and 8 a.m. labs. This final’s got nothing on you.
You’ve read more five-paragraph essays than there are ducks on campus, keep going, you’re doing great!
May your inbox be light, your coffee strong, and your finals folder organized.
May your final be shorter than the Babbio elevator wait when you’re already late.
Attention gymrats: consuming protein before bedtime increases protein synthesis
BY DISHA GOHIL, SCIENCE WRITER
Increased protein consumption helps to maximize muscle growth. But research does suggest that eating protein at a certain time can make a difference.
Previously, researchers assumed that food intake should be limited before going to sleep because it could have a negative effect on body composition and overall health, which could increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. However, more recent studies have indicated that consuming smaller portions of protein foods can lead to positive physiological outcomes. In athletes, nighttime supply of nutrients can support muscle reconditioning and improve physical performance.
Protein supplies amino acids, which helps to build muscles. Muscles repair themselves and grow while sleeping. During this time, growth hormone is elevated,
which helps to increase muscle growth and decrease fat. By eating an ample amount of protein before bed, the amino acids in the protein will cause the growth hormone to increase and muscle gain to maximize.
A 2012 study consisted of 16 healthy young male participants who performed a round of weightlifting in the evening and were then provided 20 grams of protein each immediately after exercise completion. Half an hour before sleep, half of the participants ingested a beverage with 40 grams of casein, a protein found in milk. It was determined that muscle protein synthesis was increased among those eight men, but it was not clear if the increase in total daily protein intake or the protein intake before bed was the cause of muscle gain. A similar result was found from a 2015 study, with more participants and a different list of methods. However, the International Society of Sport Nutrition took the stance
that “casein protein (~ 30-40 g) prior to sleep can acutely increase MPS [muscle protein synthesis] and metabolic rate throughout the night.” It is recommended that athletes who train in the early morning without eating or in the evening after dinner consider nighttime protein intake.
This result was observed amongst another group of participants from a 2011 study, where eight elderly men ingested casein while the other half had a placebo. The men who consumed casein had a more positive overnight whole-body protein balance, which shows that consuming protein before bed has beneficial effects for the elderly as well. However, other studies show that a protein or carbohydrate snack before bed among overweight individuals could increase insulin levels, leading to more weight gain. Therefore, athletes, the elderly, and those who exercise daily would benefit most from consuming protein before bed.
The discovery of a new genetic cause for neurodevelopmental disorders
BY RIYANA PHADKE, SCIENCE EDITOR
Thousands of families worldwide now have new hope: researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and collaborators have identified mutations in a small non-coding gene, RNU2-2, as a previously unrecognized cause of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Published on April 10 in Nature Genetics, this study not only expands our understanding of genetic contributions to NDDs but also offers closure — and a path forward — to families who have long searched for answers.
Neurodevelopmental disorders encompass a range of conditions, such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and motor coordination disorders, that originate in early brain development and often persist throughout life. Affected individuals can face challenges in learning, communication, social interaction, and behavior, placing profound emotional and practical burdens on patients and their families.
Researchers from Mount Sinai, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, and Iceland have found that mutations in a small, non-coding gene called RNU2-2 are responsible for a relatively common NDD. These mutations were previously overlooked because non-coding genes do not produce proteins for cellular use, but recently, are noted to still play essential roles in regulating cell functions.
By analyzing whole-genome sequencing data from 10 of thousands of individuals, including a 50,000-participant dataset contributed by Genomics England, the team detected recurrent spontaneous mutations in RNU2-2 in children presenting with developmental delay and epilepsy. Although RNU2-2 syndrome shares features with the previously described RNU4-2/ReNU syndrome, patients with RNU2-2 mutations tend to have more severe epilepsy and a broader range of developmental challenges.
The authors also found a distinct, age-related mutation in RNU2-2 emerging in otherwise
healthy adults, raising the possibility that RNU2-2 dysfunction may contribute to other late-onset conditions.
“This study cements the biological significance of small non-coding genes in NDDs,” says first author Daniel Greene, PhD, Assistant Professor of Genetics and Genomic Sciences at Mount Sinai. Greene and colleagues had only last year described RNU4-2/ ReNU syndrome; using their previous findings, they recognized the molecular signature of RNU2-2 mutations in a new cohort.
Senior author Ernest Turro, PhD, Associate Professor of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, estimates that RNU2-2 syndrome may be 20% more common than RNU4-2/ReNU syndrome, which is one of the more frequent genetic NDDs. “There are likely thousands of affected families worldwide,” Turro notes.
“With a genetic diagnosis in hand, families can connect with others in similar situations, share valuable experiences, and gain a better understanding of how to manage the condition.”
BY MATTHEW SOLTYS, CONTRIBUTER
Final exams are an unavoidable part of many college students’ semesters. While the debate surrounding their existence may never end, it is objectively true that final exams can do their job well – as long as they are executed correctly.
The effectiveness of a final exam can be judged by how well it measures the knowledge that students have acquired throughout the semester. Professor of Sociology at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Deborah J. Cohan, offers a different perspective through some nontraditional positives for students that come from finals. Notable among the benefits she mentions is an opportunity to learn time and stress management. Students are forced to handle crunch time in a way that they seldom get the chance to. Even if they do not deal with the high workload how they want, it’s a learning experience for the next semester. Stress management can be related to most industries –which have high-impact periods where the stakes are raised – giving students preparation for life after college.
Due to the subjectivity of this argument, there is readily available evidence to argue against Cohan. Professors Hasan Yusefzadeh, Jamileh Amirzadeh Iranagh, and Bahram Nabilou at the Urmia University of Medical Sciences conducted a study correlating test scores and stress levels. They found that students with high levels of stress had lower scores than their peers. As such, the added stress may prove a learning experience for students in their future work life – while being a direct reason for why they perform worse on their exams.
One reason for such a conundrum may be poorly developed exams rather than exams by nature. Professor of Data Science and Learning Analytics at The
University of Queensland, Hassan Khosravi, argues that most arguments against finals are problems that can be solved by better-created tests. Many final exams are ineffective, because they focus solely on memorization, application, and understanding, leaving out evaluation and critical-thinking skills. For example, it is possible to create open-book exams that test students’ abilities to authentically solve problems and apply their knowledge outside the box while covering all the material. Oral exams can be used to test employability factors beyond memorization; however, having some recall-based questions is important. Despite a lot of information being readily accessible online, an industry expert will need to have command of the information they preside over.
The reality is that the most effective final exams will be ones that students dislike for the very reason they are effective: preparing for them requires more time and effort put towards understanding the course content. Professor Emerita of Teaching and Learning at Penn State, Maryellen Weimer, claims that these types of exams encourage continued interaction with the material, resulting in better chances of students retaining it after they finish the class. This is supported by a study that found those taking cumulative exams during the semester had far better outcomes when taking a content exam long after the course was over compared to those who were not taking cumulative exams. It is impossible to make final exams an enjoyable experience. However, a well-designed assessment is an effective way of measuring how well a student has achieved learning outcomes that preserves academic integrity. Seeing as tests are not leaving anytime soon, it may be best to direct efforts towards making sure students are getting the most out of finals.
Opinion
FOR MATH’S
SAKE
A mathematical outlook on the next few months
BY CHARLES BEALL B.S. ‘23 & PHD STUDENT
national mathematics honors society. I was inducted as one of the chapter’s first members last year—the existence of the chapter is in no small part due to the efforts of fellow math alum and former Stute opinion columnist Zoe Hack—so it was great to catch up with the other current members and welcome the new class.
My speech focused on the importance of the mathematical community, which has also been a running theme through my columns, especially in the
past semester. I’ve advocated that we stick together in the face of increasingly uncertain and, in some very real ways, dangerous times. This is a message that I feel extends to the broader STEM community and the entire enterprise of academic study and research. All of us should strive to protect the institutions we have called home, while also doing our best to improve the status quo for the betterment of those who will follow in our footsteps, as our mentors and predecessors have done for us.
With that said, it’s important to be realistic about what may be in store these next few months as we finish up our semesters and go off to summers of postgraduate employment, internships and research programs, and/or (hopefully some) rest and relaxation. My main message is this: for those of us returning to Stevens in the fall, we should expect a potentially very different environment from previous semesters. There is a lot that the Trump Administration
could try to do in the summer months when many are away from college, and as I’ve discussed previously, we’ve seen a lot of destruction already.
On that note, I hope to write a separate column next semester to cover more of these attacks on universities and academic research. If my editors allow me to write this column in addition to “For Math’s Sake,” then I can bring the latter back to its original halcyon content of sharing exciting mathematical topics or new breakthroughs, with the far more political hues being left for the former.
But going back to a more general outlook, as we know, it is difficult in these summer months to deal with the ever-more severe effects of climate change. Many climate models show a 2025 that, while not potentially record-breaking compared to 2024, will still be incredibly hot, with record-low sea ice near the poles.
If you want to keep up with this climate news, I
ADVICE FOR BROKE COLLEGE STUDENTS
BY HIMA THUMMALA ‘26
Procrastination is a common word that is used amongst college students, and it is often a result of being too busy or just not wanting to finish an assignment by putting it off to the last minute. Even if this method does work for some, it does not mean that it is the best, even if you are submitting quality work by the submission deadline. You may be wondering what this has to do with personal finance, but it really has a lot to do with it. By being financially re -
sponsible, you learn skills that are not only useful in your financial life but also in your academics. Why? You may ask. Well, this is due to the concept of the skills being transferable. If you are someone who is always making sure to pay your rent early, making sure to purchase anything that is needed in advance, and making sure to plan out finances, it means that you are financially responsible. But, it also means that you are productive, which tends to be the opposite of procrastination and can help you be more careful and make fewer mistakes. So, the more financially productive, you could be more likely to get more of your work correct.
Budgeting is a large part of personal finance, as it helps you know how exactly you will organize your money and know what you will spend it on. You may wonder what this could be
comparable to in the academic world, but it truly can help with your time management. Using a calendar to block out when you have class, work, and other activities is what can make sure you complete your work at a good pace and with high-quality work. Budgeting is nothing but having money and having to figure out how you want to divide it. Similarly, time in this case is “money,” and you need to know how to split it up to have the best results. Now just like how a budget looks different for everyone, a calendar would differ between people de pending on the classes they take, how long they study, and other factors. It is figuring out how much money you need to save based on your finan cial goals. Whether your goal is to save up a certain amount of money, or it’s to make sure you are not overspending, it is import-
What is Going On??
BY NOOR LAASSEL
One of the many perceived benefits of being American is the security that comes with being a citizen of a global superpower. Though our news cycle is overwhelmed with tragedy—war, failed democracies, and dictatorships—we will never experience these conflicts first hand, simply because we are American. We take comfort in the idea that, simply by being American, we are protected from the kinds of conflicts that plague other nations. A core part of this identity is anunwavering trust in our leaders and institutions.However, recent global conflict and President Trump’s return to
office has slowly begun to shake this once solid sense of security.
Just one instance of these violations is the overturn of Roe vs. Wade. While it directly impacts those who can become pregnant, it fundamentally strips away bodily autonomy, setting a dangerous precedent for the government’s control over personal freedoms. With one law the government single handedly forced physical and emotional strain on people not ready to bear children - and on their loved ones. Fortunately, many Americans are noticing these injustices and speaking out—a right that is fundamentally protected by the first amendment. But
would suggest reading the columns of David Wallace-Wells and Margaret Renkl in the New York Times (which Stevens students can subscribe to for free using their Stevens email). There are also some very interesting expositions into climate modeling and oceanography on Sean Carroll’s Mindscape podcast (which also brilliantly defends government funding for scientific research) to learn more about aspects of this subject. This list is by
no means exhaustive, but I have found this content to be particularly well-crafted and informative. Lastly, I will touch on the more dangerous aspects of the world at play or on the rise. An outbreak of measles and the continued risk of bird flu could very well make this summer quite scary; so too could the continued deportations or arrests made in blatant violation of due process. These are yet more reasons why it is so important for
all of us to stick together. We may not all be together on campus for the summer months, but we should certainly check in with our friends and colleagues. Mathematically, it is harder to sever a dense graph than a sparse one. I wish you all a safe and healthy rest of the semester and summer. If anyone has an idea for a mathematical topic for next year’s column, please reach out to me at cbeall@stevens.edu — I’d be happy to discuss!
ant to know what you want to achieve. In academics, it is important to make sure that you know what kind of grades and career that you want. If you are a goal setter and constantly making sure to stick with them, it can apply to other fields of your life as well, overall
helping you in multiple different ways. These goals do not need to be very big, in either finances or academics, but they can be small goals that are built up to. Although only finance and academics were mentioned, these techniques can be used in many dif ferent aspects such as towards a hobby or sport. If you grow your skills in one area, it can help you improve in another. Growing your financial skills not only helps you gain responsibility and knowledge in the money world, but can help you overall.
crackdowns on protests are making their efforts seem futile. Previously, we saw violence in relation to Black Lives Matter protests. Today, we see college students just across the river at Columbia being expelled, beaten, and jailed for speaking out against genocide. No protections were put in place to keep these students safe from their own government. This is not some far away third world country struggling with a dictatorship, this is a college just like ours. These movements are occurring at institutions for education; where people go to have access to information they would not otherwise have access to. It is in these spaces that
individuals begin to recognize the injustices we collectively face. However, book bans have begun to be implemented across the nation; by limiting education and censoring certain political topics, those in power are preventing people from gaining the knowledge needed to recognizewhen their rights are being violated.
It’s important to realize that all these movements— whether for reproductive rights, racial justice, or peace abroad—are deeply connected.If we all sit back and refuse to fight for others, we will have no one to fight for our own causes. The failure to support a part of the population will result in a loss for the entire nation.
‘27
TAKE A BREAK FROM STUDYING ENJOY THE PUZZLES MADE BY STEPHEN PACHUCKI AND JACK SCHERBAN
