[The Stute] October 10, 2025 (Issue 5, Volume CXXIII)
The Syllabus Bank is a public SharePoint folder containing recent syllabi for a significant number of courses at Stevens. Initial ly focusing on the Schaefer School of Engineering & Science (SES), the resource has expanded its coverage to include the School of Busi ness (SSB) and the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS). The Sylla bus Bank began as an ini tiative proposed by student representatives on the 20222023 SES Dean’s Under graduate Student Advisory Council (DUSAC) and has since been managed by the SES Office of Undergraduate Studies, with the late-School of Systems and Enterprises being a contributor. In September, the Stevens Honor Board joined the effort. While the Syllabus Bank currently does not contain a syllabus for every single course, students are highly encouraged to consult it to aid their academic needs. According to the History and Expected Use of the
Undergraduate chemical biology students at Stevens now have a unique opportunity to dive deeper into research during the summer, thanks to the newly established Kumbaraci-Jones Summer Assistantship. The program provides stipends for students to focus on lab
work, sharpen their research skills, and explore scientific questions beyond the classroom.
The assistantship honors the legacy of Dr. Francis T. Jones, who, along with his wife, Dr. Nuran M. Kumbaraci-Jones, played a pivotal role in shaping chemical biology education at Stevens. In 1978, the couple launched the university’s
chemical biology bachelor’s program, blending rigorous chemistry coursework with biology courses covering cellular, molecular, and physiological biology. The program was designed to prepare students for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and research.
“When I joined the Stevens faculty many years ago, I met Dr. Jones, who
was already working to establish a chemical biology major at the university,” Kumbaraci-Jones recalled.
“At the time, biology was largely a descriptive science.
Dr. Jones and I recognized the importance of integrating quantitative science and hands-on research into the curriculum. We wanted stu-
On Wednesday, October 1, from 3 to 5 p.m., the Student Government Association (SGA) hosted the first-ever New Org Fair, an event organized by Assistant Vice President of Student Interest (AVPSI), Jannah Abo-Donia, to highlight recently approved student organizations and provide them with a platform to connect with the Stevens community. The event took place in the UCC Techflex, drawing 141 students and filling the space with tables, displays, and free food that encouraged attendees to linger and learn about each organization. Stevens Amnesty, Model UN, International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), Click-it Club, the Hellenic Society, Color Stack, EmpowerHER, Stevens Furry Club, Stevens AI Club, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Undergraduate Research, Future Business Leaders, Jazba, Sikh Student Association, Pickleball Club, Mock Trial, Stevens Industry Account, and Stevens History Club were among those
With Mayor Ravi Bhalla stepping aside after two terms, Hoboken faces a contest for its next leader. The mayoral election, held on November 4, 2025, will determine who holds the mayor’s office from 2026 to 2030. Early voting in Hoboken began in late September and runs through early November. To date, six candidates have officially filed to run for mayor, each promising a fresh vision for Hoboken’s future.
Among the early front-runners is Councilwoman Emily Jabbour, a former City Council president known for her focus on constituent services and transparency. Jabbour was born in Boston, MA, and moved to Hoboken in 2008. Jabbour’s campaign emphasizes improving Hoboken’s public schools—an issue she connects to personally as the mother of two daughters in the Hoboken Public School District—along with enhancing public transportation and increasing accessibility within city government. She is relying on appealing
to voters seeking steady, informed leadership.
Dini Ajmani, another contender, brings both financial expertise and a deeply personal story to the race. Originally from a small town in India, she credits her parents for instilling her work ethic and resilience. After earning degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Stanford University, Ajmani served as Assistant State Treasurer under Governor Phil Murphy and later as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Treasury Department. Now a member of Hoboken’s Planning Board, she lives in the city with her husband and two daughters. Her campaign focuses on fiscal responsibility, housing affordability, and data-driven governance, arguing that her experience leading large organizations has prepared her to address Hoboken’s growth, infrastructure, and public safety challenges.
Councilman Michael Russo, representing Hoboken’s Third Ward, is running as both a neighborhood advocate and a reform-minded candidate with deep local roots. A lifelong resident and the city’s longest-serving councilmember, Russo
comes from a family steeped in public service; his father, former Mayor Anthony Russo, and his mother, Michele Russo, both held leadership roles in Hoboken. His campaign combines a hands-on perspective with civic pride, focusing on community safety through a permanent parks patrol, revoking Sunday parking meter fees, and keeping city government visible and accountable.
Another well-known figure, Tiffanie Fisher, current Second Ward councilwoman, has launched her campaign on the promise of reconnecting City Hall with everyday residents. A longtime advocate for residents, Fisher has spent nearly eight years on the City Council emphasizing fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and good governance. Fisher frames her campaign as being focused on finishing major projects, such as the Uptown Waterfront Park, addressing housing affordability, improving infrastructure, and ensuring future development puts residents’ needs before politics. Her message centers on keeping
The federal government shut down at midnight on October 1 after Congress failed to reach a deal on fund ing, according to CNN. The day prior, on September 30, Stevens’ President Nariman Farvardin sent out an email warning about the possible impending shutdown, as well as a discussion on possible future issues that students and staff might be concerned about. He explained multiple topics such as financial aid, immigration status, and fed eral research for anyone who may be worried about the shutdown and wondering how it will affect them.
The first topic he explained is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) processing, and how it may be delayed, but that current federal aid disbursements should initially continue. Fortunately federal work-study will not be affected so this will not be a concern for students. According to Associated Press (AP) News, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) explains that their core operations will continue during
disbursed without issues.
The next topic President Farvardin explained was about international students. Luckily, the shutdown will not affect immigration status if a student is in F-1/J-1 status sponsored by Stevens, although there might be delays with different processes like Social Security issuance. He warned against international travel because of uncertainties in federal immigration policies. Farvardin advised to carry a hard copy of your most recent I-94 record
not have any issues. For faculty and researchers, he said that different federal research agencies (National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DoD) and DOE) will pause reviews and new awards while the government is shut down. There also might be restrictions for faculty working in federal labs or on cooperative agreements. The Office
DELIVERY BOY.........................................JONATHAN LAI ‘28
ASSIS. LAYOUT EDITOR...........................SHREYA ROY ‘27
Staff & Contributors
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Rachel Choi
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Claire Deans
Misayo Idowu
Anna Dabrowski
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Syllabus Bank, the Bank is meant to “assist with course registration, limit the need for add/drops, and reduce confusion when completing their study plan.” Students should utilize it as an additional resource on top of existing tools such as the Academic Catalog and Workday when determining whether a course is the right fit for them.
With this resource, “instead of relying just on the description given when they sign up for the course, students [can] gain a better understanding of course workload, any materials they may need to budget for, and what topics they expect to learn,” said Alessandro Chavez, Faculty Relations Chair of the Stevens Honor Board. For faculty and staff members, the Syllabus Bank may be used to reassess
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dents to engage actively with the material, not just learn it from a textbook.”
Their innovative approach earned early recognition. “Ours was one of the first chemical biology programs in the country to earn accreditation from the American Chemical Society,” Kumbaraci-Jones added, emphasizing the couple’s commitment to high standards and training.
Dr. Constantin Chassapis, now Senior Vice Provost for graduate education, remembers being impressed by the program as a junior faculty member. “The program was structured in a way that clearly prepared students for further studies in medicine and dentistry,” he said. “Dr. Jones and Dr. Kumbaraci-Jones were incredibly dedicated. They made themselves available to students, ensuring that everyone had the guidance and support needed to succeed in the lab.”
Dr. Jones’ career spanned more than five decades, and he was widely respected for his high standards. “He was a tough instructor,” Kumbaraci-Jones said, “but his dedication to teaching, scholarship, and
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featured, representing a variety of academic, cultural, and social interests. Each of these organizations shares a common goal of building spaces and communities where more students can feel connected and involved on campus.
The New Org Fair was introduced this year to give new and emerging clubs greater visibility. Many of these organizations are approved later in the semester and may not have the opportunity to participate in larger events like Flock Party. By creating a separate event, the Committee of Student Interest team (CSI) hoped to ensure every student organization had a chance to showcase its mission and recruit members.
Abo-Donia shared that she was excited to see the event come together and proud to help create a new Stevens tradition. She explained that the goal was to make the process of joining clubs more inclusive and accessible, especially for students who might not know
Although it has been over two years since the Syllabus Bank was initiated, the majority of students remain unaware of this resource. Thus, it is now a collaborative effort between the SES Office of Undergraduate Studies and the Stevens Honor Board. For the SES Office of Undergraduate Studies, this collaboration is an effort to reach a wider audience. “SES has received feedback that many students remain unaware of the resource. We expect that partnering with the Honor Board will allow us to reach a wider audience, strengthen ties between administrative offices, the Stevens Honor Board, and the general student population, and uncover a need for a more long-term solution,” said Assistant Director of Core Engineering and Science Education, Dakota Van Deursen. For the Honor Board, the ratio-
leadership was unwavering. Many students credit him as the most influential professor in their academic and professional development.”
One of the key challenges for chemical biology students has always been access to sufficient lab time. “Students need the chance to practice techniques and follow experiments through to results,” Kumbaraci-Jones explained. “A typical semester often doesn’t allow enough time for research, and many undergraduates feel pressured to take paying jobs over the summer instead of gaining meaningful lab experience.”
The Kumbaraci-Jones Summer Assistantship directly addresses this issue. As an endowed fund, it will support two to three students each year in perpetuity. Initially, the endowment must generate earnings before full use, but a community fundraising effort, including contributions from friends, family, alumni, and faculty, provided immediate funding. In the summer of 2025, Vrinda Modi ’25 and Rhea Bachani ’27 became the first students to participate.
“This gift perfectly reflects Dr. Jones’ philosophy,” Chassapis said. “In the classroom, students learn existing knowledge; in the lab, they create knowledge. Giving undergraduates the opportunity to
where to begin when interested in joining a club. She expressed enthusiasm about the strong turnout and said she looks forward to continuing the fair each semester.
Club representatives described the event as helpful and encouraging. Many noted that they appreciated being able to interact with students one-on-one in a smaller setting. “It felt like people were genuinely interested in what we’re doing,” said Hazem Abo-Donia, INCOSE representative. “Sometimes at bigger fairs it’s hard to have full conversations, so this was a great way to explain what makes our club different.”
In addition to showcasing new groups, the event also informed attendees about the New Organization application process. Applications open twice a year, once at the end of September during the fall semester and again at the end of January during the spring semester. Before applying, students are encouraged to attend a New Org Information Session hosted by the CSI. This semester’s sessions took place on September 19 and 22, and the application period closed on September 26. Applications are currently open
and took on the syllabus bank as a collaboration to show its commitment to helping the student body. If more students have access to the syllabus bank, they can be better informed when registering for classes, which reduces their stress since they know more about their course load and the responsibilities, which can lead to better class performance,” Chavez said. Both parties are currently working on reaching the student body for syllabi submissions through flyers, QR codes, and e-mails. After syllabi are submitted, members of both parties will review forms for accuracy to include in the Bank for all to view. For questions and comments, students can reach out to Van Deursen at dvandeur@stevens.edu or Coordinator of SES Undergraduate Studies, Nyabwija Kanefu, at nkanefu@stevens.edu.
generate new ideas is transformative. It’s a vital step in the cycle of education — from learning to discovery to societal impact.”
Kumbaraci-Jones also plans to expand the endowment through her estate plans, ensuring that future generations of students can benefit from the same opportunities.
The program’s launch coincided with a September 2025 memorial event honoring Dr. Jones and celebrating the opening of the newly renovated Chemical Biology Laboratory. More than 50 friends, alumni, and students attended to pay tribute to his life and work.
“The Kumbaraci-Jones Research Assistantship creates a continuum,” said Kumbaraci-Jones. “It allows students to explore research questions fully and realize their potential as scientists, ensuring that Stevens’ chemical biology program continues to thrive and remain rooted in excellence.”
For Stevens students interested in chemical biology, the assistantship represents more than just a summer stipend; it’s a chance to engage deeply with research, contribute to meaningful discoveries, and follow in the footsteps of two of the program’s pioneering educators.
only to sophomores and above, though first-year students interested in starting clubs are encouraged to attend information sessions and begin developing their ideas early. The process includes outlining an organization’s purpose and structure, and presenting the proposal to the SGA and the Office of Student Life (OSL) for approval.
Beyond recruitment, the fair also reflected the growing diversity of student interests at Stevens. From technical organizations focused on research and engineering innovation to cultural and advocacy-based groups working to represent underrepresented communities, the lineup demonstrated how student life continues to evolve with each incoming class.
As the event concluded, both organizers and participants agreed that the fair successfully created a welcoming environment for exploration and connection. Many students left with new opportunities to get involved, while club officers gained valuable exposure and momentum. The first New Org Fair set a positive precedent for future semesters, reinforcing Stevens’ commitment to supporting student initiative and leadership.
MATTHEW LASCOE FOR
ELECTION
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Hoboken’s government accountable, accessible, and always “voting Hoboken first.”
Ruben Ramos Jr., representing the Fourth Ward and a former state assemblyman, brings a “back to basics” message to his mayoral bid. As a lifelong resident, public school teacher, husband, father, and cancer survivor, Ramos emphasizes his commitment to everyday quality-of-life issues like public safety, code enforcement, and support for seniors and children. Ramos also supports a 400-unit recreation complex with 20% of units set aside for affordable housing — a plan he frames as both inclusive growth and a direct investment in the city’s future.
Lastly is Patricia Waiters, a longtime community activist and recurring candidate in local elections. In earlier runs for mayor and other offices, Waiters has consistently emphasized inclusion, social justice, and advocacy for those she views as overlooked by the city’s leader-
FEDERAL
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ship. She often frames Hoboken’s progress as incomplete until every neighborhood has a voice. Drawing on her years of organizing and cam paigning, Waiters argues that real change must come from uplifting underrepresented residents.
Although the election is official ly nonpartisan, many of the candi dates have ties to local Democratic organizations or have previously served in Democratic roles. Key is sues dominating debates include housing affordability, infrastruc ture improvements, public safety, and transparency in city operations. With new developments reshaping Hoboken’s skyline and rising costs threatening its middle-class identity, each contender is offering a distinct roadmap to balance progress with preservation.
The 2025 mayoral election represents a pivotal moment for Hoboken, a city renowned for its civic engagement and rapid trans formation. As early voting begins, residents face a choice among six candidates who—despite differing priorities—all promise the same core message: keeping Hoboken livable, sustainable, and inclusive for the years ahead.
resume, when the government is hopefully not shut down anymore.
According to CBS News, the Senate voted again on October 6 at 5:30 p.m. on whether to keep
week. As the government continues to be shut down, students and staff may be anxious about issues with funding, enrollment, or research.
Enjoy an entrée, beverage, and starter or dessert
EMILY JABBOUR
DINI AJMANI
TIFFANIE FISHER
MICHAEL RUSSO
this
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Sigma Phi Epsilon hosts FSL’s first Paint Campus Pink fair
BY CAMRYN WINANT, SPORTS EDITOR
On October 15, Sigma Phi Epsilon will be collaborating with Fraternity and Sorority Life to host the Paint Campus Pink fair as a part of their Breast Cancer Awareness initiative. All of the funds are going toward the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Coming with their own personal contribution are Alpha Sigma Phi, Chi Phi, Chi Psi, Sigma Nu, Delta Phi Epsilon, Phi Sigma Sigma, Theta Phi Alpha, Sigma Delta Tau, and Lambda Tau Omega Sorority, Incorporated.
It will run from 2 to 5 p.m. on Schaefer Lawn, where anyone is welcome to just walk up and pay an entry fee to get access to all of the events’ activities. Inside the fair will be activities such as face painting, hair tinsels, water ballooning brothers, and a jeopardy board with prizes for correct answers. If someone doesn’t have time to fully enter the fair, there will be baked goods and a raffle outside so they can still donate and get something out of it.
The planning for events for Breast Cancer Awareness month had started in the summer, with over 20 hours spent on Paint
Campus Pink, and Samuel Ferro, Sigma Phi Epsilon’s (SigEp’s) Vice President of Programming, as the head of it. According to Ferro, they haven’t ran into any specific problems while planning, but they anticipate that there might be difficulties with “spreading word about the event through social media advertising, as well as budgeting in a way that each organization doesn’t run out of their event essentials throughout the three hours of the event, while maximizing as much profit as possible.” While SigEp is putting in a lot of effort, Ferro says, “Paint-Campus-Pink isn’t a Sigma Phi Epsilon event by any means. We have nine organizations collaborating with us, and without their help and individuality, a philanthropy event of this caliber would be nowhere near possible, let alone successful.”
This event is super important, one to raise money and awareness for breast cancer, but also for campus and Greek life. Ferro hopes an event like this can help showcase how fraternities and sororities interact and could help strengthen our campus culture. He hopes to bring a new sort of traction to Greek life philanthropy events, and set a positive precedent for the future of Paint Campus Pink.
Aidan Ruck, Sigma Phi Epsilon’s President says, “We think that the Greek community at Stevens has a lot to offer, to both the cam pus and surrounding community. We’ve been working to strengthen collaboration between Greek orga nizations because we believe that together we can achieve some thing truly remarkable.”
When talking about the event from his perspective, Ferro went on to say, “To me, an event like this is so exciting because you get to see all the personalities of each organization shine through with the booths they run, and I hope it gives the rest of campus a different perspective on the way fraternities and sororities can and want to interact. Planning it has been extremely rewarding because I get to see firsthand that people are willing to help out other organizations for the benefit of the community, and these booths give us a chance to serve the rest of campus and create something that gets everybody engaged.” I highly recommend everyone try to get out to the Paint Campus Pink fair to participate in all of the amazing activities planned, or donate toward the bake sale and raffle in order to contribute to this amazing cause.
The now and future of breast cancer treatment - where is the research now
BY RACHEL CHOI, PULSE
As we know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and researchers have been working with researchers from other institutions to help fight for the future of breast cancer. Breast cancer is where cancerous cells are formed in the breast tissues. There are five main types of breast cancer. The first one is where the cancer cells are confined in the milk ducts of the breast, which is called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The next one is where the breasts are swollen or have color changes. This is specifically caused by the cancer cells being in the breast tissue, which makes these types of changes. There is also a type where the growth starts on the milk-producing glands (lobules). This type is invasive, meaning that it can potentially spread to other parts of the body. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is one diagnosis that is different from the others; it isn’t cancer, but it does increase the chance of one getting breast cancer in the future if it is found in the breast. The last one is male breast cancer; a lot of people think that only females can be diagnosed with breast cancer, but that is false. Men can also be diagnosed, but it is more rare.
Breast cancer is one type of cancer that has a very high effectiveness rate when it comes to screening, so when it is caught, the survival rate is 99%. With the treatments and research going on nowadays, the chance of survival has significantly increased and is still steadily rising over the years. Now, there still are some downsides to screenings, which are the overdiagnosis and overtreatment, specifically with DCIS. Right now, there is no way to know which of the lesions will progress into becoming invasive. This then leads to patients having surgery almost all the time.
In an article written last year, there was a clinical trial going on to limit surgery on DCIS patients and to just treat them with hormonal therapy and active surveillance. In the clinical trial, the results were pretty surprising. There were two groups: one group of DCIS patients that received active surveillance, and the other group of DCIS patients—the guideline care group—who received the regular treatments, which also included surgery. The number of people who were diagnosed with invasive cancer on the same breast was a -1.7% difference, with the guideline care group having a slightly lower chance. These results go to show that with the idea of active surveillance and hormonal therapy,
How to get checked: prevention
BY ARACELY CANDELARIA, CONTRIBUTOR
Happy October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This month is not only about celebrating Halloween but also honoring the survivors, supporting the warriors fighting for their lives to beat cancer, and remembering those we’ve lost. This is the time to come together as a community to spread and raise awareness and be attentive to prevention and early action. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the breast, in some cases, not just in one but both breasts. A misconception is that breast cancer only occurs in women, but men are able to develop this cancer as well.
should regularly get checked for breast cancer. Screening can begin as early as 30 years old, although breast cancer can occur in less than 1% of all cases, but can still occur if it is a genetic risk factor. From 1975-2020, screenings have saved around 4.75 million lives. There are different types of tests offered, such as mammograms, breast magnetic resonance imaging, and a clinical breast exam. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast, one of the best ways to detect breast cancer early, allowing it to be easier to treat. Mammograms have the ability to find cancer before they are big enough to feel or reveal symptoms. Routine mammogram screenings have been proven to decrease the rate of death from breast cancer.
patients have the same chance of a good treatment plan.
Within the family of breast cancer treatments, not one treatment is going to work for one specific type of cancer, so depending on the stage of cancer and or type, with many other factors like personal factors like age and general health, as well as how the body’s receptors respond to the treatment. There are three main types: small molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies, which both fall under targeted therapy for breast cancer. The final one is immunotherapy for breast cancer. Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the body fight off the cancer in a more effective way, whereas targeted therapy is a drug that goes into the body and targets specific proteins, cells, and functions.
Going back to the survival rate of breast cancer, with the right treatments previously explained and with early screening, breast cancer is not to be feared. With hundreds of breast cancer research studies going on in the United States alone. They help both people understand this risk by addressing it effectively, as well as improving and helping patients with breast cancer. Breast cancer research is still an open topic for discussion, with how treatments and detection have so much more room for growth.
Do not fear, not all lumps in your breast indicate cancer; they can be benign, such as cysts or fibroadenomas, but it is best to check with a specialist and health care provider to ensure what exact lump you have in order to provide the correct care. Although they are not cancer, they have the ability to increase a woman’s risk of developing cancer in the future.
The breast is an organ that sits on top of the ribs and chest muscles, and each breast contains glands, ducts, and fatty tissues. Women are able to produce breast milk to feed newborns through glands called lobules; when cancer develops in these glands, they are known as lobular cancer. Ducts come out from the lobules and stream the milk into the nipple, which is considered the common place for breast cancer to start, known as ductal cancer. The fatty tissues referred to as the stroma surround the ducts and lobules to maintain their place, identified a less common breast cancer known as phyllodes tumor. Once breast cancer spreads into the blood, it becomes cancer cells and begins to get carried out through other parts of the body.
Understanding how breast cancer develops and spreads showcases the importance of taking the next step of early detection and prevention. It is recommended that starting at age 40, women
Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) functions with magnets and radio waves capture pictures of the breast, which work alongside mammograms to screen women who are at higher risk of developing breast cancer, likely through carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. MRI is not regularly used for women at average risk because it often shows “abnormal” areas that are not cancer due to its high sensitivity, which can result in unnecessary biopsies and stress.
A clinical breast exam involves a physical exam of the breast done by a health care provider commonly during a yearly medical check-up. It is recommended for women to have clinical exams every one to three years starting at the age of 25 and every year starting at the age of 40.
Breast cancer awareness month is more than fundraising and wearing pink — it’s about knowledge, prevention, and unity. Understanding your anatomy and recognizing potential risk factors can encourage early detection and save lives for generations to come. Together, we can implement the change of a future where breast cancer is not a threat but instead a conquered challenge. This October and beyond, let us spread awareness, uplift others, and stay united; together we are stronger than cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month history and the women behind it
BY JOSEPHINE CHOONG, SECRETARY
Since 1985, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an international health campaign, has been held every October. It aimed to promote screening, support people diagnosed with breast cancer, raise money for research, and educate everyone about risk factors. But how did it start? And how did it grow to an international focus?
According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, 2.3 million women globally were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 670,000 died because of it. Despite affecting women throughout history, breast cancer was considered an unspeakable and incurable disease in America until the 20th century. In 1912, the American Society for the Control of Cancer (ASCC), which
was later renamed American Cancer Society (ACS), was cofounded by physicians and laypeople to change this mindset and promote cancer detection awareness. Mary Lasker, whose housekeeper was diagnosed with uterine cancer, shifted the singular focus on detection awareness. Lasker began fundraising because she was infuriated that the organization did no research. When she attempted to broadcast it on the radio, she was told that “cancer” couldn’t be mentioned on air. After appealing to her husband, a successful advertising executive, to orchestrate radio appeals to fund cancer research, it created a mountain of donations for ACS. As a result, ACS expends 25% of its budget on cancer research.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month started as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society and Imperial
Chemical Industries in 1985. The intent was to improve the survival rates by informing the public about the importance of receiving routine mammograms for early breast cancer detection and treatment. It gained further traction when Betty Ford, former First Lady of the United States and breast cancer survivor, and other leaders brought attention to it.
The pink ribbon, an iconic symbol of breast cancer awareness, began peach-colored ribbon, created by Charlotte Haley in 1991. Haley hand-made and locally distributed her ribbons to advocate to the National Cancer Institute to allocate more than 5% of their budget for cancer prevention. Her ribbons gained so much traction that SELF magazine and Estée Lauder requested to brand her ribbons to bring awareness. However, Haley declined because she thought that
the companies were too corporate. Instead, the companies created the iconic brighter pink ribbons.
In 1992, Alexandra Penney, SELF magazine’s editor-in-chief, partnered with Evelyn Lauder, Estée Lauder’s senior corporate vice president, to distribute pink ribbons after the magazine’s 2nd annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue. Lauder was a breast cancer survivor who launched the first nationwide Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. The Estée Lauder Companies solidified the pink ribbon’s representation by handing out 1.2 million ribbons, along with self-exam instruction cards at Estée Lauder counters. One source of criticism is over-commercialism of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many expressed their concerns over “pinkwashing” or when companies use pink ribbons to sell prod-
ucts that could increase the risk of breast cancer. One example is when Revlon partnered with the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) for a campaign that included pink ribbons on cosmetics. However, the products contained long-chain parabens and DMDM hydantoin, chemicals that increased the risk of some cancers. The company had removed them from their products. To combat this issue, the nonprofit Breast Cancer Action started a Think Before You Pink campaign, calling for transparency and accountability for companies. To this day, Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues to bring awareness. Consider donating directly to organizations that support breast cancer research, schedule your annual mammogram, and learn more about breast cancer.
BY MISAYO IDOWU, CONTRIBUTOR
On October 2 and October 3, the Men’s Tennis team attended the ITA Atlantic South Region Championship in Virginia. The Ducks played well against tough opposition and did the Stevens name proud.
On the first day, Thursday, October 2, a pair of Stevens players advanced to the round of 32. The first Duck to make it through was junior Samvid Andhare. He did so in style by winning both his sets comfortably against his opponent, Evan Fisher of Mary Washington. The first set ended 6-1, and the second was 6-2.
Senior, Max-William Kanz, also defeated his opponent, Ayaan Choudhary of Virginia Wesley-
BY CLAIRE DEANS, OPINION COLUMNIST
an, securing his spot in the next round. The opening set was close, but Kanz demonstrated his skill and won 7-6. He unfortunately lost the second set 6-1. However, he showed resilience and triumphed in the decisive third set 10-5.
Freshman Ian Batra faced tough competition against fifth-seeded Max Lindstrom of Swarthmore and unfortunately lost 6-4 and 6-3. This result placed him into the consolation round.
The Ducks closed out the tournament on Friday, October 3. Batra and junior Tristan Wroe teamed up as a doubles pair and earned themselves a win. They were 7-3 down in the set but showed their quality as they rallied it back to a 7-7 tie. They then won the tiebreaker 7-3, winning the match. Unfortunately, their
hot streak came to an end when they faced number four Fisher and Trevor Rein of Mary Washington. They suffered an 8-5 setback and lost the match.
Kanz also formed a doubles team with freshman Renat Kramin to face William Fromherz and John Riordan of Mary Washington in the doubles round of 32. It was an extremely tight game, but unfortunately, they lost in an 8-7 decision.
Andhare, who beat Evan Fisher on Thursday, played against ninth-seeded Mukundh Boopathi of Johns Hopkins in the singles round of 32. Each player won a set with an identical score of 6-3, leaving it up to the last set to decide the winner. Boopathi took the final set 10-5, winning the set and knocking Andhare out
WOMEN’S
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Washington and Lee University Hoboken, NJ 11 a.m.
WOMEN’S TENNIS Moravian University Bayonne, NJ 12 p.m.
of the competition. For the doubles, Andhare paired with Dhaivik Chenemilla, a sophomore, in the Championship Flight, against Johns Hopkins opponents. They unfortunately lost 8-4 in a thrilling game.
Lastly, in the B1 doubles flight, freshman Elias Alkio and junior Johnny Haase won against their first-round opponents from St. Mary’s with an 8-5 victory. They unfortunately lost their next game against Washington College 8-2.
It is clear that it was an overall good performance by the Men’s Tennis team. They showed their Duck pride and played every game their hardest. They will take this experience into their next fixture at the Middle Atlantic Conference in Pennsylvania against Misericordia on October 18.
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY DeSales University Invitational Center Valley, PA 10:30 a.m.
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SWIMMING Rowan University Glassboro, NJ 12 p.m.
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SOCCER Misericordia University Dallas, PA 1 p.m.
FIELD HOCKEY Lebanon Valley College Annville, PA 6 p.m.
MEN’S GOLF Mason-Dixon Collegiate Classic - Day 1 Waynesboro, PA Time TBD
SUN, OCT 12
MEN’S GOLF Mason-Dixon Collegiate Classic - Day 2 Waynesboro, PA Time TBD
TUE, OCT 14
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL DeSales University Center Valley, PA 7 p.m.
WED, OCT 14
FIELD HOCKEY Arcadia University Hoboken, NJ 7 p.m.
STEVENS SCOREBOARD
NASA’s Webb Telescope studies moon-forming disk around massive planet
BY SEAN PALERMO, CONTRIBUTOR
Scientists have discovered the first direct measurements of the chemical and physical properties of a carbon-rich disk surrounding an exoplanet hundreds of light years away that could reveal how moons and planets are formed in our universe. A study published in Science last month by Gabriele Cugno and Sierra L. Grant — hailing from the Department of Astrophysics at the University of Zürich and the Earth and Planets Laboratory at Carnegie Institution, respectively — has revealed that the disk contains carbon-based molecules such as acetylene, benzene, carbon dioxide, ethane, hydrogen cyanide, diacetylene, and propyne in contrast to the disk around its star that contains water but no traces of carbon. The exoplanet, CT Cha b, orbits 46 billion miles from the T Tauri star, CT Cha A, about 625 light years away from Earth. These observations, which have been captured using the James Webb Telescope, may prove to be a significant breakthrough in determining the formation of many celestial bodies.
CT Cha A is a relatively young star at 2 million years old, which is giving scientists an opportunity to
the CT Cha solar system how these planets and moons come to be. Already, the planet CT Cha b has been observed to be continuously growing by using the resources found in its circumplanetary disk as the planet itself is still forming. The carbon found in the disk was determined by making use of the Webb’s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) medium resolution spectrograph to make infrared observations on its molecular structure, which proved difficult to do because of the glare of the host star on the faint signal of the planet that required disentangling the light of the star from the planet using high contrast techniques. Yet while the disk of CT Cha b contained a multitude of carbon-based molecules, its star’s interestingly didn’t at all.
Cugno and Grant noted that “this difference in disk chemistry between the host disk and its companion indicates rapid, divergent chemical evolution on ~million-year timescales,” which has enabled several ideas as to how our Solar System was formed. Consisting of 8 planets and more than 400 moons that orbit 6 of them, the formation of these bodies has caught the eyes of these researchers in the wake of these new discoveries.
“We want to learn more about how our Solar System formed moons.
This means that we need to look at other systems that are still under construction. We’re trying to understand how it all works,” Cugno said, ”how do these moons come to be? What are the ingredients? What physical processes are at play, and over what timescales? Webb allows us to witness the drama of moon formation and investigate these questions observationally for the first time.”
In the coming year, the team plans to launch a comprehensive study surveying the nine disks already available to observe by using the James Webb telescope in order to better understand the diversity of the physical and chemical properties of these disks around young planets. This will further investigate how moons and planets form as well as clear out current uncertainty the team has in how accurate their thoughts about the importance of the difference in carbon content is to celestial creation, as they note how “the carbon content could also be because there’s low dust opacity and the JWST is seeing deeper into the disk where more carbon resides.” Until then, we can only stay on the edge of our seats as we ponder how accurate these studies are in revealing the origins of solar systems and our universe.
Cancer transfers its mitochondria to healthy cells for tumor growth
BY ATREYEE HALDER, CONTRIBUTOR
Science has advanced one step closer towards figuring out how certain cancer cells work. Researchers at ETH Zurich demonstrated that skin cancer cells can transfer their mitochondria, the cell compartments that provide energy, to neighboring healthy connective tissue cells (fibroblasts) for the survival and growth of tumors. It leads to reprogramming of these healthy cells. Evidence shows that this transfer also plays a role in breast cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Previously, other research groups have shown that cells from the tumor’s environment can transfer their mitochondria to cancer cells, which enhances the fitness of the recipient cancer cells. To date, it was not known that the mitochondrial transfer also works in reverse, from skin cancer cells to healthy connective tissue cells. The study, led by cell biology professor Sabine Werner, was published on August 28 in the journal Nature Cancer.
The cancer cells use tiny tubes made of cell membrane material to transfer the mitochondria to healthy cells and connect the two cells — much like in a pneumatic tube system. The recipient fibroblasts are then functionally reprogrammed into tumor-associated fibroblasts, which mainly support cancer cells. Tumor-associated fibroblasts multiply faster than normal fibroblasts and produce more energy and growth substances, allowing the tumor to grow faster and become more aggressive.
It was already known that cells
can exchange mitochondria via such connections. However, this mechanism is normally used for healing. For example, it has been shown that after a stroke, healthy nerve cells pass on their mitochondria to damaged cells in order to ensure their survival. Now, cancer cells were found to take advantage of this property to maneuver their own growth and functions.
“The cancer cells actually utilise a mechanism that is advantageous for injuries for their own purposes. This allows them to grow into a malignant tumour,” explained study leader Sabine Werner.
Last, but not least, the hijacked fibroblasts also alter the cell environment—the so-called extracellular matrix—by increasing the production of certain matrix components in such a way that cancer cells thrive. The extracellular matrix is vital for the mechanical stability of tissues and influences growth, wound healing, and intercellular communication.
It was actually a chance discovery, as Werner related. Her former postdoctoral researcher, Michael Cangkrama, discovered tiny tubelike connections between the two cell types in a Petri dish contain ing a co-culture of fibroblasts and skin cancer cells. He was then able to show that mitochondria from cancer cells are transferred into fibroblasts by way of these na no-connections.
In collaboration with other re search groups at ETH Zurich, the researchers found evidence that this transfer also plays a role in other cancer types, such as breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. This is particularly important in the latter case because pancreatic
New
trial results slow progression of Huntington’s Disease
BY LAUREN KOSTAKIS, CONTRIBUTOR
While any genetic disorder is devastating to those affected and their families, almost none are more so than neurodegenerative disorders like Huntington’s Disease. Huntington’s Disease is one of the most destructive disorders out there. It’s rare, affecting only about 7 out of 100,000 people, but it is dominantly linked, meaning a person only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene from a parent to have a 50% chance of developing Huntington’s. It is characterized by loss of motor control, such as involuntary movement, and difficulty speaking and swallowing. Additionally, mental symptoms like sudden and gradual mood changes, memory loss, and brain fog affect patients. All of this culminates in neurodegeneration so severe that it becomes terminal. Until recently, it has been a death sentence from the moment of diagnosis. Huntington’s is caused by a mutation of the HTT gene, aptly named huntingtin. The disorder occurs when an individual has an extended repetition of the CAG sequence within the gene. In non-affected people, CAG repeats between 6-35 times. In Huntington’s individuals, it can repeat 40+ times. This mutated gene causes HTT protein to become toxic to the human body. In order to function properly, proteins in the body fold to become 3D. During this folding process, mu-
tated HTT genes will misfold and disrupt gene transcription (creation), thus spreading the disease. Ultimately, the diseased neurons will die, which results in the loss of motor control and cognitive decline that we see in patients diagnosed with Huntington’s.
Released on September 24, the University College London (UCL) revealed the results of a six-yearlong study where 17 patients out of 29 total were given a dose of AMT-130, which is a virus that codes a small segment of RNA to target the creation of proteins whose folding, when mutated by the CAD gene repetition, causes Huntington’s Disease and facilitates its progression. The patients given the dose were compared to a control group of Huntington’s-affected individuals who were given a placebo.
The results were astounding. Over a period of three years, patients given the dose slowed the progression of the disease by a staggering 75%. While the treatment has changed the lives of the patients involved in the trial, the study was very small by scientific standards. In order to increase the validity of the results and gain FDA approval, more trials will need to be conducted, and they will need to produce similar or better results. However, if AMT130 does pass those additional trials and gain approval, it would become the first drug to actually stop the progression of Huntington’s in one dose, rather than just managing the symptoms.
Junk food puts memory at risk – here’s how to protect it.
BY BRYAN MAHONEY, CONTRIBUTOR
A new study from researchers at the UNC School of Medicine, published in September of this year through Neuron, examines how junk food rewires the brain’s memory hub and could lead to a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction. This new research also looks into the possibilities for early interventions that could prevent long-term memory loss that is associated with obesity.
immediately, well before the onset of weight gain or diabetes.
These research findings highlight how sensitive memory circuits are to diet, which underscores the importance of nutrition in maintaining a healthy brain. The study also indicates that a high-fat diet, rich in saturated fats, could potentially lead to an elevated risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
tumours contain many fibroblasts, and their connective tissue is relatively large.
The cancer cells utilise the MIRO2 protein to transfer the mitochondria, the scientists reported. “This protein is produced in very high quantities in cancer cells that transfer their mitochondria,” said Werner.
According to the researchers, the new findings offer starting points for possible therapies. If this protein could be blocked, mitochondrial transfer would probably no longer work.
“The MIRO2 blockade worked in the test tube and in mouse models. Whether it also works in human tissue remains to be seen,” said Werner.
To find this out, the researchers first need to identify an inhibitor for MIRO2 that has few side effects in the human body. “If successful, such an inhibitor could be transferred to clinical applications in the longer term,” said Werner. It is likely to be years, however, before such a therapy is developed and tested.
Led by UNC School of Medicine’s Juan Song, PhD, and Taylor Landry, Ph.D., researchers found that a special group of brain cells in the hippocampus, called CCK interneurons, exhibited overly active behavior after eating a highfat diet (HFD), which is caused by the impaired ability of the brain to receive glucose (commonly known as sugar). This overactivity of the CCK interneurons disrupts how the hippocampus processes memories, even after only a few days of consuming the high- fat diet. This high- fat diet resembles typical Western-style junk food that is rich in saturated fat, including cheeseburgers and fries. Researchers also discovered that a protein called PKM2, which controls how the brain cells use energy, plays a key role in this problem.
“We knew that diet and metabolism could affect brain health, but we didn’t expect to find such a specific and vulnerable group of brain cells, CCK interneurons in the hippocampus, that were directly disrupted by short-term high-fat diet exposure,” Song noted., “What surprised us most was how quickly these cells changed their activity in response to reduced glucose availability, and how this shift alone was enough to impair memory.”
The study was conducted using mMouse models, which were placed on high-fat diets resembling fatty junk food before starting behavioral testing. Within four days of the high-fat diet being consumed, results showed that CCK interneurons in the brain’s memory hub became abnormally active. These results suggest that fatty junk foods can affect the brain and its ability to store memory almost
The study also showed that restoring brain glucose levels actually calmed down the overactive neurons, fixing the memory problems in the mice. Research showed that interventions like dietary modifications or pharmacological approaches may be effective in preserving brain health for obesity-related neurodegeneration. Interestingly, researchers also discovered that dietary interventions like intermittent fasting periods following a consumption of the high-fat diet were sufficient to normalize CCK interneurons and improve memory function.
Research is ongoing to further understand how these glucose-sensitive neurons disrupt brain rhythms that support memory, with researchers planning to test whether these therapies could be translated into humans and how a high-fat diet could be a factor in Alzheimer’s disease. There are also plans to explore how lifestyle-based interventions, such as dietary patterns, could stabilize brain glucose and see if they offer protective benefits.
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THE STUTE EDITORIAL
Let’s talk to change
If you are looking for a “Stute” related Editorial this week, come back next week.
Today is about the changes this campus has faced in only the past two years. Everything in the following article is completely opinionated. Some of these differences from when I stepped foot on campus are great, while others make me feel old when I mention “the good ol’ days”. I have compiled a list of differences in no particular order!
ACUP: Starbucks --> Zaro’s
Family Bakery
I am a huge fan of Zaro’s Bakery. Starbucks had rock-hard bagels, mediocre breakfast sandwiches, and stale croissants and muffins. It was consistently underwhelming, and no options made you feel like you were eating sustainable food. Zaro’s bagels are fluffy, light, and toasted with options for a few different flavors of cream cheese! Compared to what we had, they’re an upgrade in my eyes. But I want my iced coffee back! I do not understand how you can take away caffeine from college students.
Snacks Swipes
This enrages me. The saying, “you won’t miss it till it is gone,” is very applicable here. Snack swipes were helpful when you were study-
ing at night and needed a pickme-up, but did not want to waste a whole meal swipe. How is it that with snack swipes gone, our portioning for meal swipes has also decreased; should it not be the opposite? Especially for those with the smaller meal plan who relied on snack swipes. Now that they are gone, they have a few extra meal swipes that do not equate to the number of times they could eat on campus with snack swipes. Library Renovations
Let’s take a little break from food and look at our new library. We put out an article about the library renovations and reached out to 20+ student leaders to get their quotes on it. So few wanted to answer, but had a lot to say behind the scenes.
Besides the point, unlike previous years, this was not a “leftover” amount of money used towards renovations; it was strategically put aside in early February. Student leaders I have spoken to have felt their budgets were decreased to accommodate SGA’s budget for this project. With this in mind, I do not approve of the new furniture. The least you could have done was not make it plastic. Anyone utilizing the library is already depressed about the work they have to do; looking
MIND OF A FRESHMAN Man’s best friend
from them. That was when he had the brilliant idea that the only way to stop me from being afraid was to get a dog. My six-year-old self was mortified. Bring a beast with giant teeth into my house? Nuh uh, not happening. Anyway, that beast’s name is Harper Cutie Deans, and she is my best friend. My sixyear-old self insisted that if I had to put up with this, I had to at least get to name her. Unfortunately, not everyone loved Cutie as a first name—I know, ridiculous—so I had to settle for the middle name. She’s a beagle, the runt of her litter, yet somehow still chubbier than the weight of two of her siblings combined. I may not have known it at the time, but that little puppy would help me through friend issues, AP tests, finals, and college applications. I would be in ruin, freaking out about if an essay were good enough, or if I even really had a chance
a cuddle bug and was more emotionally intelligent than a lot of people I know. She knew when something was off, when you were run down or tired, or absolutely obliterated from some bad news. She would be right there, sitting next to your feet, just in case you wanted a cuddle. Whenever she wasn’t cuddled up or napping, she was hunting, learning. Learning how to push out the kitchen chairs and climb to get the food above, digging through the garbage and learning to open the lid with her paw. Somehow, she always found food. It would get so bad that when I put butter out to soften before school, I found a Harper and no butter by the time I went to make cookies. On the kitchen counter, far from her reach, was slightly punctured wax paper that had once contained butter. While I was at school, she had managed to pull a chair from the dining room to the kitchen, right where she needed it to get up. I don’t know if I’m that committed, but she’s certainly a girl after my own heart. She and I had become incredulously close. I would get home from school, and she would run like crazy (which if you knew Harper, you knew she didn’t do). We would go for nice long walks and star
at grey and black furniture makes it more upsetting. The couches are bright blue, with no new outlets in sight, and push a modern style that does not fit our library. The style of the new furniture, in my eyes, does not complement the building around it.
Library Hours + Drop-in Tutoring
From Monday through Thursday, the latest the library is open is midnight — that is simply unfair. We are students who are balancing our basic needs and academics. We used to have until 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday to get everything we needed to get done in a day. I am not saying it is a healthy habit, but necessary when going to a tech school like Stevens. Shortening the weekend hours even more is also atrocious, considering most of the studying for our exams gets done then.
To add insult to injury, the dropin tutoring center—which helped me complete the bare minimum homework assignments for my classes—may be closed until finals because faculty believe resources may be better allocated. A lot of students, like myself, do not have time to schedule hourly sessions and only realize our struggles with certain
gaze at night. We even went to the playground a few times — her favorite was the slide. And at the end of every day, the lights would be turned off, and she would run for my door. She slept with me every night. She had it made: her own special fuzzy blanket, a staircase to walk on and off my bed, and a dog bed on the floor in case mine wasn’t cut ting it.
One of the hardest good byes I had to say was to her. Coming to school, I knew it would be hard. I would no longer have my buddy at night. My mom’s response to this was a giant pillow with her face on it. While it may be hysterical, it has helped since I haven’t had the opportunity to see her. She means so much to me, and one of my biggest fears was that I would be at school as she took her last breath. A fear that unfortunately is becoming much more realistic. So now, I must say goodbye for much longer and it’s much harder.
concepts while studying. Getting rid of an option that was so readily available is upsetting and so telling about how budget cuts are affecting our school.
UCC Marketplace
UCC has undergone extreme changes over the last few years. Thank you for getting rid of Rotate, Fantastic Flats, and Grill Nation — they were horrendous and inedible. Yellas, although a decent replace ment for Grill Nation, has smaller portions and no option for salads, which is upsetting. My friends, to this day, still complain about how we used to have 18-oz soda bottles with our meal swipes, but now are given 12-oz cans. Back in my day, there were no upcharges for a bot tle of some peach iced tea. It is dis heartening to see what our mealswipes have become. How does a croissant and no iced coffee equate to a burger, fries, and a 12-oz drink?
Once again, these are only my opinions and feelings. There have been some great changes to this campus, yet the reality is that we are facing some major budget cuts. Re search labs are barely being funded, Stevens has already laid off 45 em ployees, departments are merging to survive, and there is nothing we can do about it. To love a school so
Where is my village?
is still possible for humanity to care for each other. Empathy is not made up — it’s what we possess when we take our earbuds out, put our phones down, and actually exist in public spaces.
I love Harper and am forever thankful for the day I found out. To think I would go from this little kid petrified of dogs, to having to say goodbye to my best friend. I luckily will always have that pillow to hug, but it won’t be the same
ded streets, an overwhelming sense of calm washes over me — this is home, I know this. As a tour guide, it makes me laugh when prospective students ask if I think Hoboken is safe, because I have never felt safer anywhere. This city is not normal, every block feels like a part of the golden brick road leading me to an ideal future.
I didn’t feel like this at first. I never ventured past Washington Street my first year, but as I’ve immersed myself into this community, each street lends itself to you with a new discovery, friendly face, or place to cry. Walk a different street every day, discover a new business, stop only spending your money at Benny Tudino’s and try something new! This city has molded me from a chaotic and tempered 18 year old into a pre-law student of almost 22. The sense of community is unmatched; the quarterly
Don’t tell me that you truly exist in public spaces if you have never gone to a cafe and just sat with yourself. Not with a soundscape blaring in your ears, your favorite podcaster, or a curated playlist, but truly and unapologetically with yourself. We’re so scared of looking like we are alone, that we do not allow ourselves the chance to “be together.” Allow yourself to “be together” with those around you in public spaces.
Eavesdrop (yes I mean that) and listen intently — the most entertaining podcast you can listen to is your life! Gone are the days of approaching strangers and asking them where they got their shirt, offering them a perspective on the book in their hand, or recommending your favorite gelato shop. Why is this?
This decline of informal social ties has enhanced the animosity in our extremely polarized society. In order to understand the way someone thinks, or to change someone’s mind, you must under-
Hoboken Arts and Music festival registering voters. I probably made over 100 informal social ties, chatting with passerbies about the state of the world, agreeing and disagreeing, but always ending a chat with “I’ll see you, have a great day!” Hoboken is the best place for this, the structure of our walkable city allows you to interact with strangers and familiar faces every day. After a few months of ingraining myself in the residential community here, I now have a community of “informal ties” that have grown in friendship and comradery. The council-people know me, I’ve met lawyers that are helping me with my law school applications, and my favorite business owners always brighten my day. Hey seniors, we are almost real adults. Let’s stop isolating ourselves to the boundaries of campus, and start acting like real humans who live within a vibrant community filled with interesting people. I challenge you to make one—yes, only one— informal tie a day. The odds are, one of these connections will become a seedling that you revisit, that grows into a tree with branches connecting you to other budding ties.
Jiya Jaisinghani ‘27 Editor-in-Chief
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAIRE DEANS
PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW YORK TIMES
years ago, but the specifics have been lost to memory. The other week I was walking to Little City Books in Hoboken to pick up some books for a class I was taking, as the professor chose not to order any to the college bookstore, and I refuse on principle to use our university’s mailroom. So this
Opinion
The Yiddish Policemen’s Union
sity, and I was not going to be spending frivolously on pretty books. I am, of course, a liar and as soon as I spotted an admittedly pretty book with a title I recognized and an engaging synopsis, I immediately bought it. Funnily enough, I think on that trip I bought only unnecessary books, but we all deserve to experience joy.
The Yiddish Policemen’s is a classic detective story set in an alternative history timeline. Specifically, the United States, towards the beginning of World War II, set aside a piece of land in Alaska for European Jews to escape to. As a result, in this book’s universe, the Holocaust only killed 2 million Jewish people, the rest of them living in Alaska. The book is set almost 60 years after these events, and the plot itself is about two grizzled
Mochi Tori glory
BY
“Tori” are shaped like pastel mochi donuts and a little corndog adorns the “Tori.” This fun and whimsical shop carries that same energy into their mochi donut flavors, with options like Fruity Pebbles, Cake Pop, and Strawberry Cheesecake. I chose the S’mores, Strawberry Cheesecake, Strawberry, Cake Pop, and Matcha flavors. I wasn’t planning on eating all these donuts in one sitting after bringing them home, but each flavor looked and sounded so appetizing that my sister and I couldn’t resist saving some for the next day. My friend and I
had just gotten taro boba before hitting Mochi Tori, and somehow the combo of taro boba and mochi donuts worked so well together. I will say the Matcha flavor was a little underwhelming, and I honestly couldn’t taste it much, but the donut texture was a redeeming factor — super chewy, fluffy, and soft. The shape made it easy to share and it wasn’t too sweet. The icing— unlike most donut places— had a subtle sweetness that perfectly complemented the flavor of the donut. The most visually appealing donut was the S’mores, with a toasted marshmallow and graham cracker wedged in the middle on top of the chocolate icing. I saved the best for last. The S’mores mochi donut would have been amazing warmed up, but even eating it as is, it was still incredible. The fluffy marshmallow, soft donut, crunchy graham cracker, and melty chocolate icing took me back to campfire trips, eating freshly toasted marshmallows. Even though it got a little messy with chocolate dripping down your hand and melted marshmallow all around your mouth, you still go back for another bite.
After trying the Cake Pop with its spherical, crackly sprinkles and cake-flavored donut with a Pocky stick on
old police officers solving a murder and, in the process, unearthing a government conspiracy broader than anyone could have anticipated. But I feel the need to stop my spoilers here, as there is a reason that this novel has won multiple awards and is still popular nearly 20 years after its publication.
What I find really fascinating about the novel is its setting. Typically, alternative histories are explored because of their alternative history. That’s the intrigue of the world, and the story as a whole revolves around this. In this book, its role is primarily creating a setting and premise which impacts the plot, providing context or justification for the world’s goings-on. Most of the changes are atmospheric or irrelevant or both. For instance, in this world JFK ended up marrying Marilyn
Monroe, and it was Berlin that was bombed by the U.S. rather than Hiroshima. Although this is interesting, the narrative is at best unconcerned with it, because this is a detective story and by god our detectives are trying to solve a murder here! In a world where interested readers are dying to explore its details, the narrative remains sharp and focused. I think it’s a choice beneficial to the novel as a whole: It keeps the story feeling fresh and allows readers to be drawn into the world of the characters without being swallowed by a textbook’s worth of changes. Although I am aware that the mystery part of the novel is the main draw for the story, I think that without the unique setting and its consequences, I would be significantly less drawn to it. The point is not the
alternative history, but the interest of the story is, mostly because of a concept called the butterfly effect. Within the story, the reason that European Jewish people were allowed to stay in Alaska is that the main Senator, who was against it, and who was a real person, died in a freak car accident. As an aside, this was a real piece of legislation that a real Alaskan Senator was against, but in the early 1900s, it is meant to be a slightly realistic alternative history. The choice of the Alaskan city of Sitka as the story’s setting was not irrelevant; rather, it was a deliberate historic choice by the author. The entire novel follows the butterfly effect of one guy dying in a car crash and how it leads to the lives of 4 million people saved, one grisly murder, and JFK marrying Marilyn Monroe. I love the idea of very small
top, I thought that nothing could top my favorite flavor, Birthday Cake. But then the Strawberry Cheesecake came in, and that donut completely altered my brain chemistry. The moment I took my first bite, my lit tle sister actually thought I was possessed, and I’m not exaggerating. It was like that scene in Ratatouille when the food critic takes his first bite of Remy’s dish. The strawberry sauce was life-changing, incredibly rich, and packed with real strawberry flavor. I think it might just be the best mochi donut I’ve ever had. But Mochi Tori isn’t just about mochi donuts; it’s also a chicken spot. I remember the Korean Student Association (KSA) brought Mochi Tori’s chicken to the Unity Carnival, and it was some of the most tender, sweet, and spicy chicken I’ve ever had. It was crispy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. On top of that, Mochi Tori has multiple corndog flavors and other Korean favorites like tteokbokki, bibimbap, and the cup-bap bowl. Every menu item is worth the price for the flavor. I will definitely be coming back as a regular because the taste and quality of everything on the menu make it completely worth it. Strawberry Cheesecake mochi donut, I’m coming back for you.
things—or horrible, tragic accidents—having some greater meaning in our lives. I find it compelling that minuscule choices that we make can affect ourselves and others in meaningful ways. This is a beautifully written novel, and I highly recommend giving it a chance if the premise intrigues you.
Three good songs on shuffle
released on an autumnal October 3. As I am a Swiftie deep down, I need to do my due diligence and review this album once I’ve truly had time with it. Expect my take in about a week or two. For this week’s article, I’m just sharing three good songs I’ve been listening to recently. Some songs are “just cause” and others are Abby favorites.
The first song is called “Good Game” by Clover County. I wish I could be mysterious and cool and say that I heard this song at some lesser-known bar in Williamsburg and have an entire elevated backstory, but truly, it came across my TikTok For You Page. Either way, I’m just glad I discovered it. Clover County is one of those artists who seem so cool, bringing good style, vibes, and mu -
sic. I want to be her friend so bad. This song is about County’s ex-boyfriend, who broke up with her to “work on himself.” She explained in an interview that her past lover went on to become a Little League coach in his hometown. As she gains popularity and continues to release rhymey, catchy tunes, opening up for popular artists and headlining folk festivals, he remains the same exact person who is just short of reaching his dreams. I love this song as it acts as a reminder that everything happens for a reason. I also just love it because it is funny, lighthearted, and outrageously infectious.
The next song is kind of fantastical and vintage. “Top of the World” by Carpenters has finally made the list. This song has soundtracked many summer days during my childhood. I can just smell the fresh cut grass and taste the fresh lemonade of late July whenever I hear this song. As the weather shifts and fall welcomes itself inside, I like to keep bits of summer with me, so I’ve been playing this song a lot. It is so gentle and kind. This song feels like stepping into the hot sun after an A/C-blasting long car ride. I love the summer and the heat. I do not do well in cold weather, so this song
keeps me warm during these changing months.
The final song is called “Part of the Band” by The 1975. I just love these guys. Every season is 75 season in my playlists. I have to say, this song will forever remind me of October 2022 (when it was released). I saw this four-man band live multiple times during that season of life; it was great! I know I explained that I love the summer, but I do really love the fall too. Something about this time of year feels painfully nostalgic. This song has everything. It is a storytelling tune with comedy, irony, and modern-day slang. If you passively listen, you’ll be nodding your head and swaying to the strings and raw guitar. If you are listening closely, like I do, you’ll go through a rollercoaster of emotions hearing this song play out fully. Either way you listen, by the time you get to the final chorus, you’ll be sure to be on your feet dancing around your room. I couldn’t recommend this song enough!
Thoughts on whether mathematics is invented or discovered
tions on the whole of heaven.” This sort of mythos has continued through the years — a modern example comes from the prolific mathematician Paul Erdős, who would refer to “The Book,” a collection known only to God that contained the most elegant proofs of mathematical theorems.
BY CHARLES BEALL B.S. ‘23 & PHD STUDENT
ic solids, wrote that one of these, the dodecahedron, was used by the gods “for arranging the constella-
As this column has tried to evince over the years, math does seem to have an inherent beauty, with many mathematical ideas either possessing an elegant structure or an unreasonable knack for describing the complex dynamics of our lived experience. Hence, I think this has led to the relatively common conception that math exists, and new contributions to a mathematical field are discovered by researchers.
This notion of discovery contrasts with views more often associated with engineering, where practitioners invent technologies to address a given need.
I’m not the first person to bring up this question of whether we should always think of new math as discovered or invented—for some exciting discussions, one can listen to Grant Sanderson or Neil deGrasse Tyson—but I do have some general thoughts I’d like to share on this debate.
Mainly, I think having a flexible notion between discovery and invention is the best way to view the work of mathematical research. On the one hand, mathematicians cannot discover a new equation or theorem that fails to hold in certain cases, much like a scientist
cannot discover some new law unsupported by existing knowledge or the data found in an experiment. The existing mathematical theory guides researchers to results that are indeed worthy of discovery; past work can be used to show whether the new conclusion is true.
But all this past work is ultimately in the realm of people, who have a key role to play in questioning new mathematical discoveries and judging their worth. This process is key to the advancement of any field of study, but comes with its flaws. Humans are biased in ways we often do not realize; research can be presented in obscure ways that lead to an under—or over— appreciation of the work in question, and there’s a lim-
ited amount of resources to fully support every proposed research project. In this more uncertain reality, mathematics can take on the flavor of inventors pitching their inventions — “I am presenting this new idea I developed: here’s how and why it works.” I don’t think this is a bad thing at all — I find research conferences and workshops, where these exact pitches are made, to provide a wealth of incredibly exciting and fulfilling moments. But I feel this concept is underacknowledged, in that we are tempted to treat math as coming down from on high. Instead we should see it as another set of ideas to be questioned, explored, and challenged in order to make it better.
As you all continue in your semesters of coursework and/or research, you may come across math and think things like “this is too much; I’m never going to understand” or “it surely must be right; I mean, it’s math and there’s always a right answer.” I’ve thought these things too, I think, because I may see myself as too much a discoverer of math, rather than an inventor of new ideas. But balancing these two notions helps to keep an open, inquisitive mind, while duly deferring to past works or current experts when necessary. This is much easier said than done, but I believe that the moments of greatest fulfillment come when reaching that effective interplay of active inventiveness and guided discovery.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON
PRISHA VAGVALA ‘28
PHOTO COURTESY OF GENIUS
Why I love the female gaze
great.” It’s a nice thing to be told. However, later, a woman approaches you and says, “I love your eyeliner! It’s so sharp, it could stab someone.” You thank her, and it’s obvious that out of the two compliments, the second one will live in your mind rent-free for quite a while. This is because of the female
The term “female gaze” has popped up over social media quite a bit, but what does it really mean? The origin of this term was in response to Laura Mulvey’s 1975 essay on the “male
Opinion
gaze.” Mulvey, who is a film theorist, wrote “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema” where she described how women’s portrayal in films is for the benefit of men. She argues that women in classic Hollywood films are not individuals with full agency but more so objects of visual pleasure. This is outlined through several layers of “gaze,” where the camera angle, audience’s perception, and characters’ perspectives all contribute to this dynamic. This essentially leads to the exploitation of women. The impact
A way out of creative drought
of this paper has led female filmmakers to reconsider the way they portray women and has led many women to seek better representation of themselves in the media. As part of the pop cultural shift, the term “female gaze” was coined.
The female gaze centers a movement where women have their own agency and subjectivity. Compared to the sexual nature of the male gaze, the female gaze emphasizes how a woman feels, thinks, and wishes to be seen. In media this manifests as displaying a woman’s
inner worlds (her thoughts, her dreams, her complexities), prioritizing embodiment over objectification (showing a woman’s body as part of her lived experiences rather than a consumable good), and showcasing mutuality (where intimacy involves mutual desire and respect). With the rise of social media, many women have also taken to creating their own “gaze.” This is another great example of women taking autonomy in how they are seen. This isn’t just limited to the media; other examples of “female gaze” are reflected in women’s sense of style or even women’s profiles on dating apps. The female gaze is truly just about being yourself, fully and unapologetically. Going back to the scenario from earlier, the female gaze in that situation was recognizing the effort of getting ready, especially when it comes to doing a sharp winged liner. Of course having someone tell you that you look good is a respectful compliment, but it is the female gaze that recognizes the smaller details of the bigger picture.
BY ITAI GELLER
ty of material for articles since March. Outside of
visiting exhibits, I frequent different art sites online in search of new mediums, genres, and artists to cover. Unfortunately, none of this preparation was enough. I searched online for quite some time, trying to find an artist I was genuinely passionate about covering this week, but without success. I decided, instead, to talk about finding inspiration, specifically in times of creI’ve never really talked about my background as a creative because the foArtist Spotlight column has strictly been on the artists I’m covering, their upbringing in the art world, and the influence they’ve had on their medium and other artists within their primary genre. I was exposed to art from a young age — enrolled in classes, visiting museums, and doing my own doodles at home with whatever
material I could find. For a while, I even thought I wanted to go to school for art or graphic design, but in hindsight, I’m glad I decided to pursue engineering. For me personally, art has always been a great complement to my professional endeavors — it keeps me focused, creative, and gives me an emotional outlet. Art is also a great way to briefly disconnect from reality and zone in on a particular thought, image, or emotion you’ve been holding onto. But what happens when the well runs dry?
Put simply, nothing good. I’m not saying that every thought you have should inspire your art — it certainly hasn’t for me. Sometimes I just want to sit there and doodle mindlessly. However, it can be really frustrating when you truly want to create something unique but feel distracted, uninspired, or
impatient. Throughout the years, I’ve gone through intense phases of withdrawal from creating art. At one point, I entirely quit using physical mediums because I honestly hated how often I would make mistakes or dislike the finished product. Looking back on it, that was all part of the process. Once I got an iPad for school and switched over to a digital format, it was like I was unstoppable — I could fix every minute mistake, experiment with different materials constantly, and truly explore my interests as an artist. In this time, I got better at illustration, frequently fusing dynamic poses, vibrant colors, and even contemporary symbolism into a lot of my work. However, in truth, the digital format didn’t pull me out of the creative drought: my interests did. For a while, films inspired a lot of my art — I
remember fusing Freddy Krueger and Clint Eastwood’s character from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Eventually, my interests transitioned into fashion, and I would draw characters in my own designs inspired by the likes of Onitsuka Tiger, Gentle Monster, Adidas, and more. When I needed visual inspiration, I’d frequent Pinterest or other websites in search of unique imagery and aesthetic. At one point, I really enjoyed Surrealism, so I put my own contemporary twist on it and started drawing dystopian imagery into landscape photos I’d taken. More recently, I’ve turned to music to accelerate my creative process. I’ve been listening to a lot of neo-soul, soft grunge, indie electronic, and. It’s definitely inspired my artistic direction; presently, I pull on inspiration from the sound of bands like M83, The Na-
ked and Famous, and Basement.
Finding an effective creative process is an evolving challenge, but letting your interests guide your work (both in and outside the art world) can generate pathways for new ideas. Most importantly, try to recognize when you need a change of pace and don’t doubt yourself for it. Reflect inward, discover your passions, and act on them.
FROM CUBICLES TO CAMPUS College isn’t a 9-to-5 and that’s the problem when the act becomes the life
technically “done” for the day, I’m not actually done. The deadlines don’t respect bedtime, the emails pile up like they’re breeding overnight, and my brain doesn’t exactly let me clock out.
The numbers back it up: about 76% of college students report moderate to high stress within just a 30day period, and over half of us admit to burnout. It’s not just me panicking at 2 a.m. over something out of my control; it’s practically the campus soundtrack. And while a 9-to-5 job lets you shut your laptop at 6 p.m.and maybe even make it to the gym, college life means sprinting from class to e-board meetings, trying to wedge in assignments in between, and always being “on.” There is no “off.”
Take last Wednesday, for example. Usually it’s backto-back chaos, but this for once I only had two classes and actual free time. I was thrilled. I put on Grey’s , baked focaccia (because baking is my therapy), and even started cleaning. For an hour, I felt like I had a life outside of the grind. Then my phone blew up. Both of my e-boards were in crisis mode, and of course I was the one who stepped in. Don’t get me wrong, I love my e-boards, but juggling two different groups melting down, my mom calling to say goodnight, and cramps from my period all at once wasn’t exactly peaceful. By 7 p.m., I was exhausted, but guess what? I still had a GBM to run at 9 p.m.. You’d think a two-hour break would mean rest, but instead I was cranking out homework and writing this article because if I didn’t, it would gnaw at me all night.
That’s the thing with college balance, it doesn’t exist in the same way it does in the workplace. At my co-op, you could hand me a mountain of tasks at 8 a.m. and I’d be fine. I had nine hours at my desk, headphones in, to chip away at them. If something rolled over into the next day, no big deal, as long as it was finished by the end of the week. But here? School slams me with things at 8 a.m. and I can’t even start them because I’m sprinting to class, then racing to a meeting, then off to another class, then to a
GBM, then an e-board meet ing — all before I find 30 minutes to send that email or add someone to a roster. My brain keeps a never-end ing tally of it all — from the thermo assignment I ha ven’t touched to the text I still haven’t answered and it doesn’t shut up.
So when people say, “just find balance,” I laugh. The truth is that some days it works and some days it doesn’t, and the trick isn’t mastering a perfect sys tem, it’s knowing your lim its. Sometimes that means faking a deadline just to trick yourself into breath ing room. Sometimes it means carving out 10 sacred minutes for coffee or noth ingness. And sometimes it means crashing and saying, “this is too much,” and giv ing yourself permission to not be perfect.
The secret, if there is one, is that there is no secret. Balance in college is messy, unpredictable, and often nonexistent. But if you can let yourself stumble, pause, and get back up again, that might be the closest thing to balance we’ll ever get. And when you stumble, stumble hard. Let people pick you up. It doesn’t have to be graceful. The crash-outs are valid — don’t feel guilty. And for the love of everything, don’t compare yourself to other people. Different people work in different ways, and you never really know what goes on in someone’s life or in their head. At the end of the day, we’re all just figuring it out, day by day.
the film is about rival magi cians – Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Borden (Christian Bale) in 19th-century London, but beneath the tricks and sparks lies the examination of the cost of human ambition and deadly obsession. Nolan structures the story itself like the magic trick explained at the start of the movie – the pledge, the turn, and finally the prestige. When the credits roll, we realize that the greatest illusion isn’t magic performed in the movie but the lies and deceptions born from the relentless pursuit of greatness.
The film opens with Micheal Caine’s character, Cutter, explaining the three parts of a magic trick. This structure mimics the film
itself: the pledge introduces us to Angier and Borden; then, the turn is the complications of their rivalry with betrayal, sacrifice, and the dangers of new technology; and finally, the prestige delivers the shocking reveal of the extent each man is willing to go. Nolan pulls the audience themselves into his trick of his own, making us feel like a part of the magic trick that is this movie.
Cinematographer, Wall Pfister, expertly matches the actions of the characters through the camera. There is a sense of suspicion and secrecy throughout the scene in London as it is shot in shadows, fog and muted colors. Many scenes of drama and friction unfold backstage, in dimly lit theaters, where it occurs not under spotlight but hidden from the people. The non-linear telling of the story, jumping between diary entries and timelines, forces the audience to piece together the puzzling nature of the magicians, the same way Angier and Borden try to decode each other’s tricks. Nolan makes us frustrated with the deception but enlightened by the reveal at the end.
At the heart of The Prestige is sacrifice. Borden’s greatest trick, “The Transported Man”, is so compelling because it requires a dedication so great and so devastating for most men to endure. He shares his life with his twin brother, living a half life to pull off the greatest trick ever. The
cost of the trick is apparent as it leads to the death of his wife Sarah. Her despair and death reveals how obsession not only consumes the magician, but also the people around him. Borden’s ultimate act comes at the expense of love, honesty and family. Angier, on the other hand, represents obsession without limits. Wrecked by the death of his wife during a performance because of Borden, he channels his grief to outdo him in every aspect. It leads him to Nikola Tesla, who creates a machine that changes reality itself. Angier’s use of the machine creates a chilling motif: each night, he doesn’t know whether he will be the man transported or the duplicate left to drown under the stage. It becomes a haunting image of ambition’s dark side of an endless cycle of self-destruction for the temporary reward of applause.
Ultimately, The Prestige asks us what we are willing to give up for glory. Both Angier and Borden achieve their acts, but at the cost of their humanity and the people closest to them. The audience applauds, but behind the velvet curtain lies a path of broken relationships, betrayal, and death. The film becomes a metaphor for obsession. That is the brilliance of The Prestige as it isn’t about magic at all but the human cost of wanting to be extraordinary and glorified.
‘26
PHOTO COURTESY OF ITAI GELLER
Mohammed Rahman ‘29 “UCC gym gender neutral bathroom. That’s the second best…
ROVING REPORTER
By Isabelle Villanueva
Puzzle Page
Chris Kalish
The following list has been translated using a basic substitution cipher. For example, if E represents T in one word/phrase, it will represent T in all the words/phrases in the list. No letter maps to itself. The list is alphabetized. Hint: start guessing things in the category and see if any of the letter patterns match up. Sitcoms
HCW MBT MZKT HCWFOD
ZOOWLHWG GWQWAFREWKH
EFGWOK PZEBAD
*Puzzle instructions by Stephen Pachucki
Inspired by the British game show Only Connect, the goal of this puzzle is to find the hidden connection between four seemingly abstract clues. Each answer will use trivia, wordplay, logic, or some combination thereof. The solution is always more specific than “nouns”, “places”, etc. What do the following have in common?
Foot Basket Wiffle Volley
Cream Cube Age Skate
Square Garlic Windsor Slip
*Puzzle instructions by Stephen Pachucki
POBWKGL
LWBKPWAG
VCWWOL
Each of the six clues on the right leads to a two-word phrase or compound word. Insert each answer into two of the boxes on the right. At the end, you will have an interlocking chain of six phrases.
*Puzzle instructions by Stephen Pachucki
Clues: 1-2. Early prototype for a written work 2-3. Professional athletes that are rookies in the same year
3-4. Person who makes jokes in lecture halls 4-5. Small vehicle with a comically large interior
5-6. Informal method of ridesharing
Kerrissa Arjoon ‘28
Terry Liu ‘28 “Howe 13th floor.”
Arianna Ciregna ‘27
basement. It’s too clean to be in the library.” Alianette
