is
We write Stevens history
2032 plan
BY ALVARO QUEQUEJANA, CONTRIBUTOR
Members of the Stevens community may have no ticed a recent change on the university website: the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is no longer listed. In its place stands the Office of University Culture and Engagement. Following the Stevens Board of Trust ees’ unanimous approval on May 20, not only has the office’s name changed, but so has a core value, Goal 6 of the Stevens 2032 plan. What was once known as “Diversity, Equity, and In clusion” is now called “One Stevens.”
Although the definition of the core value remains unchanged, the wording of Goal 6 has been updated to reflect a broader, more forward-looking vision. Previously, Goal 6 focused on attracting and retaining “an outstanding community of faculty, staff and students from diverse backgrounds” while cultivating “a supportive, inclusive learning and working environment that contributes to a technologically proficient workforce representative of our diverse society.”
Class of 2029 takes on Wittpenn Walk
BY SERENA PANUCCI, NEWS EDITOR
The revised version emphasizes continuing to cultivate “an inclusive
Girl Scouts
On September 3, 2025, Stevens officially welcomed the Class of 2029 with the annual Wittpenn Walk, a tradition that marks the start of their college journey. The Wittpenn Walk has become one of Stevens’ most recognizable traditions, bringing together first-year students, upper-
classmen, faculty, and staff. Students gathered outside the Babbio Center before making their way across campus in a symbolic path. Stevens views the walk as “symbolizing the start and end of an undergraduate student’s academic career,” serving as both a welcome for incoming students and a reminder of the milestone that will conclude their time at Stevens. Along the path, mem-
Girl Scouts and Stevens have joined forces to promote the STEM fields among young girls and ignite a passion for hands-on work. Two different events occurred with the two organizations; the first being a workshop in Stevens’ Makerspace and the second being a part of the “See Her, Be Her” career fair. The occurrence of these two events was meant to create an open and inviting environment where the girls could gain a rapport with ingenuity and creativity.
At the first event in March, the scouts were given the task of creating hovercrafts! With the assistance of Director of the MakerCenter Paul McClelland and Stevens students, they were able to utilize genuine materials and soft-
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENS.EDU
the event, Rekha Manohar, Associate Director of External Relations in the Schaefer School, stated that the purpose of the event was to “build confidence early, so when they encounter these environments later, they’re not intimidated.” While this event in the Makerspace was the first of its kind, the success surely spoke for itself, and it could potentially be the first of many more workshops to come.
The “See Her, Be Her” career fair would follow two months behind the pilot workshop, where the scouts experienced all of the wonderful career opportunities available to them. Whether a first responder, scientist, or anything in between, the young girls had the chance to witness all of it, sending
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bers of the Stevens community lined the street to cheer, clap, and encourage the first-years. Music and applause filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. For many first-year students, the walk helped ease the nerves of starting college and also offered a moment to connect with peers outside the classroom.
As the class of 2029
crossed the symbolic finish line of the Wittpenn Walk, they also took their first steps into Stevens’ academic and social community. The event highlighted both the pride and unity that define our university.
The class of 2029 was highlighted by Stevens President Nariman Farvardin as an “outstanding
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Deep dive into the Samuel C. Williams Library renovations
BY TANYA AVADIA, OUTREACH CHAIR
Over the summer, the campus library underwent renovations centered on creating more study spaces. The project has now concluded in time for the new academic year. To learn more about the process and motivations behind this effort, The Stute spoke with key stakeholders, including Dr. Linda Beninghove, Library Director; Justine DiNardo-Lim, Senior Director of Planning and
Design from the Division of Facilities and Campus Operations; and Arthur Serra, Vice President of Finance (VPF) of the Student Government Association (SGA).
The “why” behind this initiative was explained by Dr. Beninghove, who shared that the library gathered feedback from students expressing interest in additional seating, more electrical outlets, and general furniture upgrades. Much of the furniture, along with the overall look
and feel of the library, had remained unchanged since the building’s opening in 1969. As part of the upgrades, new furniture was installed on the first floor, including chairs, study carrels, computer tables, whiteboards, and large tables. The furnishings and fabrics were chosen with both a modern appeal and long-term durability in mind.
Work on the project began in February, when the SGA first reached out to library administrators. Col-
Favardin, AI, and the future of Stevens
BY JOSEPHINE CHOONG, SECRETARY
On May 27, the Board of Trustees announced that they have unanimously voted to extend the term of President Nariman Farvardin for three years. He will continue to lead until June 30, 2029. Within their email, they expressed their gratitude for Farvardin’s leadership since 2011 and explained how he is preparing Stevens for the future. Currently, Farvardin is the longest-serving university president in New Jersey. Before becoming Stevens’ president, he was the Dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineering for the University of Maryland for seven years. Since 2011, undergraduate enrollment increased by 75%, graduate enrollment increased by 73%, research awards increased by 200%, and the size of endowment increased by 148%. During his early years as president, Farvardin launched a 10-year strategic plan named The Future. Ours to Create. 20122022. Its midpoint version, The Future. Ours to Create.
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laboration later expanded to include the Office of the Provost and the Division of Facilities and Campus Operations, particularly DiNardo-Lim’s team. The objective was to enhance the student experience in the library and address feedback collected through library surveys. Routine meetings between all stakeholders were held to discuss student preferences, engage with furniture vendors, and
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Stevens School of Business earns national recognition in 2025 rankings
BY CHRISTOPHER THELISME, CONTRIBUTOR
The Stevens School of Business is no stranger to recognition, as on July 22, 2025, The Princeton Review—known for its formidable college admissions and test preparation services—named it to the “Best On-Campus MBA Programs” list under the “Best Business Schools of 2025” category. Since 2004, editors of the Princeton Review have
used a majority of subjective data to rank MBA programs under business schools. The company sends out a student and administrator survey to over 200 business schools and asks about topics such as affordability, career outcomes, and student life. They then give the schools a grade, which allows them to rank the colleges depending on how well they score in the surveys.
The rankings given to the Stevens School of Business are earned through
much effort, and the school’s growth exemplifies that. Michael zur Muehlen, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies for the business school, says the program’s first step in growth was its transition from the Howe School of Technology and Management to the School of Business. Then, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation granted in 2015 acted as the first mark of excellence and certification. From there, the school adapted a tech-
nology-based curriculum and embraced the proximity to powerhouse states like New York and New Jersey to provide resources for their students.
Muehlen mentions that the school’s relationship with powerful firms including The Wall Street Journal in addition to the implementation of AI programs are reasons students decide to continue their education at the School of Business.
“Everyone needs to have SEE RANK PAGE 3
SAMUEL STRASSBURGER FOR THE STUTE
Masthead
Executive Board 2032 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.............................JIYA JAISINGHANI ‘27
BUSINESS MANAGER.....................................FIONA SHI ‘27
MANAGING EDITOR.................................TIANNA SPITZ ‘27
LAYOUT EDITOR...............................EILIYAH SAROWAR ‘28
OUTREACH CHAIR..................................TANYA AVADIA ‘25
DIGITAL MANAGER..........................CHARMY KOTADIA ‘27
SECRETARY.....................................JOSEPHINE CHOONG ‘28
Editorial Board
NEWS EDITOR..................................... SERENA PANUCCI ‘28
SCIENCE EDITOR..................................RIYANA PHADKE ‘27
OPINION EDITOR.........................................ITAI GELLER ‘26
SPORTS EDITOR..................................CAMRYN WINANT ‘28
FEATURES EDITOR ...........................PRISHA VAGVALA ‘28
HEAD COPYEDITOR..............................TASHA KHOSLA ‘25
Operations Board
HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER.......ISABELLE VILLANUEVA ‘26
ARCHIVES LIASON....................................ISABELLA ZIV ‘25
SOCIAL MEDIA ASSIS. MIRABELLE BABANAWO ‘28
DELIVERY BOY.........................................JONATHAN LAI ‘28
ASSIS. LAYOUT EDITOR...........................SHREYA ROY ‘27
Staff & Contributors
Claire Deans
Christopher Thelisme
Alvaro Quequejana
Isabella Builes
Winslow Porter
Robert Jack Dietrich
Camryn Yang
Disha Gohil
Kailey Supan
Aditi Kamath
Anna Dabrowski
Jeylan Jubran
Vedhesh A. Kamaraj
Charles Beall
Dominic Souza
Tanya Zanes
Wesley Yu Sydney Leung
Samuel Strassbuger
Madison Heller
Abigail Thomas
All opinions and editorials reflect the views of their respective author(s). No Part of The Stute may be reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. Cited references of The Stute are permitted.
All members of the Stevens community are able to submit a Letter to the Editor to be published in The Stute. Letters must refer either to a piece published in The Stute or to The Stute in general and must be between 400 – 800 words in length. Submit letters to editor@thestute.com with your name and title (when applicable) or using our Google form. For writers who wish to write a Letter to the Editor anonymously, please see our policy on anonymity.
The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose whether or not to publish a submitted Letter to the Editor based on a majority rule vote, and additionally reserves the right to edit letters for clarity or request authors to revise. Provided that the author approves the final version, The Stute reserves the right to edit letters according to our copy editing procedures, defined in our policies.
All members of the Stevens community are able to submit a standalone opinion piece (otherwise known as an Op-Ed) to be published in The Stute. Op-Eds must be between 400 – 800 words, but longer submissions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. To submit an OpEd please email eboard@thestute.com with your name and title (when applicable) or using our Google form (tinyurl.com/submit-t0-stute). For writers who wish to write an Op-Ed anonymously, please see our policy on anonymity.
The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose whether or not to publish a submitted Op-Ed based on a majority rule vote, and additionally reserves the right to edit Op-Eds for clarity or request authors to revise. Provided that the author approves the final version, The Stute reserves the right to edit Op-Eds according to our copy editing procedures, defined in our policies.
teaching, learning and work environment that engages a broad spectrum of community perspectives” to attract, retain, develop, and empower outstanding faculty, staff, and students to succeed and contribute to a “technologically advanced global society.”
As per the notice from the Office of the President on June 6, the adjustments made to Goal 6 were made as a form of “updated language.” According to Susan Metz, Executive Director of University Culture and Engagement, the change in the office’s name
WITTPENN
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cohort” including over 1,170 new undergraduate students, Stevens’ largest class yet, representing over 49 states and 75 countries, with an all-time high for international students, increasing by 25% since the last academic year. President Farvardin describes this class as “the most academically distinguished” in Stevens history, welcoming students who have reached milestones such as completing dual enrollment programs and graduating high school with
occurred as the new name “better reflects the work” that the office takes on, “engaging across the university to cultivate an inclusive teaching, learning, and working environment that attracts, retains, develops, and empowers our outstanding members to succeed.”
Stevens is not the only institution to have made such changes to its office. Recently, since the Trump administration began to impose federal funding restrictions on public schools that have diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, these institutions have decided to rebrand their DEI offices, rather than retract them. There is a growing list of colleges that have pivoted in this direction, such as Cornell University and the
University of Florida.
Fitting this new commitment of Goal 6 back into the Stevens 2032 plan, a plan made to elevate Stevens’ impact, academic reputation, and student success, is a reactionary name update of the original goal, as both commitments share the same core meaning. However, the new commitment that Stevens has decided to take on is more future-facing, which is not mentioned in the first version of Goal 6. As for the “new” office, Stevens’ decision to pivot towards a name change puts them on the list of institutions that have rebranded their DEI offices. The Stevens 2032 plan continues forward.
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2017 - 2022, emphasizes modest and steady student enrollment growth, an increase in full-time faculty, growth in research expenditures, and improved diversity. Furthermore, it lists six “foundational pillars” to focus upon. These pillars consist of:
1. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity
2. Data science and information systems
3. Complex systems and networks
4. Financial systems and technologies
5. Biomedical engineering, healthcare, and life sciences
6. Resilience and sustainability
The next decade-long strategic plan, Stevens 2032: Inspired by Humanity, Powered by Technology, aims to build upon the transformative progress from the
last decade. Its four strategic priorities include student experience and success, impact through research and innovation, academic research, and connected community. It contains nine SMART (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-Bound) goals to guide the strategic priorities.
Additionally, Farvardin established the Stevens Undergraduate Core Curriculum: Essential Skills for Success or SUCCESS. It was designed so that students of all majors are ready for the shifting job market. He said it will “future proof” Stevens education by laying the foundation for graduates to excel within their field of study and to become both creative thinkers and effective communicators. The curriculum contains PRV 101, a First-Year Experience course, Foundations courses (computing, entrepreneurship, writing, communication, leadership, and ethics), and a series of Frontiers of Technology courses.
In a recent CBS News segment, Favardin discussed how AI is af fecting the job market and what
Stevens has done to prepare their students. For the first time, the unemployment rate for college graduates is higher than the national unemployment rate with 6.6% compared to 4.2%.
Farvardin explained how Stevens was preparing for the AI revolution for the last decade. He noted that the workforce transformation will be bigger than the internet and could last up to 15 years. “I think AI has the potential to either augment or maybe totally replace jobs that are physically or cognitively repetitive,” he said. “These jobs are not only done by entry people. There are certain people who do repetitive things for all of their life. Those jobs are in jeopardy.” He emphasized that students should “get an education that will last a lifetime” and the necessity of developing lifelong learning capabilities instead of just learning certain skills.
“We don’t try to teach our students skills,” Farvardin stated.
“We try to teach students a way to
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the message that the sky was truly the limit. For the second year in a row, Stevens would host the event organized by the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey on Stevens campus. The Girl Experience Manager for Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, Johanna Nurjahan, reported that, “when girls step into spaces where they can build, code and create, they begin
to see themselves as engineers, innovators and leaders.” With the knowledge set before them, these girls can visualize a life of creation and push the bounds of what we knew possible. Throughout their collaboration, the Girl Scouts and Stevens have worked to create a positive environment for all girls in male-dominated fields. They hope to continue to host more of these inspiring events, where they may continue to bring joy and awareness of STEM fields to young girls in the area.
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make interior design decisions. Student input, facilitated by the SGA, was incorporated throughout the process.
Student responses to the renovations have been mixed. Some students appreciate the upgrades, especially the improved technology infrastructure and greater access to outlets. Through requests for student organization comments on the renovation, student Ethan Krupka stated, “Just at a first glance I can tell that there have been changes made in the furniture on the first floor, but I don’t know anything more than that, although the new furniture is nice.” Others feel differently regarding the design choices.
Students Riley Huelsmann and Andrew Vallent expressed that “the furniture didn’t really match the style of the library. We feel the SGA should have chosen pieces that reflect the library’s older, classic look instead of going with a modern style. This would have helped the design feel more consistent and better suited to the building’s overall appearance.”
The most significant point of contention, however, has been the use of the Student Activity Fee (SAF) to finance the project. The SAF, which funds student or-
ganizations, was increased for the first time in years—from $230 to $275. Even after accounting for student organization budgets, a large surplus remained. Serra explains that the SGA no longer has the ability to roll over the remainder of the funds to the next year, meaning that the unused amount could not be used in the future. Working with a budget of around $250,000, the SGA was looking to finance a high-impact project, and the idea of remodeling the library furniture came to fruition. Serra notably clarified that it is not common for the SGA to finance such capital improvements and that student organizations remained the focal point of the SAF, with student organizations receiving almost $100,000 more in funding compared to the pre-
vious spring semester. While this was a student-led initiative by the SGA, there was also a difference in opinion from some members of the student body who felt that the SAF surplus could have been used toward funding other priorities. All in all, the members involved in the initiative hope students will take advantage of the renewed facility. DiNardo-Lim also reflected on the project’s broader value: “The reimagined library design not only supports collaborative learning but also reflects a strong commitment to responsible development. By incorporating smart materials, energy-efficient systems, and flexible layouts, the space is designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles while reducing environmental impact.”
an understanding of AI technologies, and not just ChatGPT, but so much more,” says Muehlen. The School of Business consistently focuses on making the management of AI a core concept to help students who want to learn more about AI and adapt to modern technology. As a result of the efforts of the Stevens faculty, the reported 20-year return on investment for the school is over one million dollars.
The Stevens School of Busi-
ness and the faculty and students behind it strive to improve more and more every year and are determined to create a program that shapes future leaders to challenge the world of business. While this accolade was given in recognition of the hard work of the Stevens faculty, the students utilizing the resources given to them also play a key role in the rankings and recognition. Muehlen explains that one of the faculty’s main focuses is to maintain programs of higher education that make students want to come back for more, and that at Stevens we “punch above our weight with the impact we create.”
APP ESSENTIALS
Here are some useful apps to have on your phone during your time at Stevens. These include apps for class, food, dorms, and transportation!
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENS.EDU
WELCOME TO THE FLOCK
From homesick to belonging in a cultural org on campus
BY ISABELLA BUILES, CONTRIBUTOR
The first few weeks of college often feel like stepping into a new world. New buildings, unfamiliar faces, and long walks back to a quiet dorm. It’s easy to feel a little lost. For many freshmen at Stevens, the adjustment can be exciting...but also quietly overwhelming. That’s when the smell of something familiar – the spices from home or the sound of a shared language — can make all the difference.
At Stevens, cultural clubs are more than extracurriculars. They are places to breathe, connect, and be reminded of where you come from. Whether it’s the warmth of a Friday night Shabbat dinner, the bustle of a street food night, or the joy of rolling your own kimbap, these moments become anchors. They bring comfort, community, and sometimes, the simple joy of a home-cooked meal.
One of the most beloved traditions that embodies this spirit is Unity — an annual celebration hosted by the Ethnic Student Council (ESC). Each spring, the Unity Carnival and Unity Showcase transform the campus into a festival of color, music, and flavor. Carnival booths serve cultural dishes, offer fun games, and invite students to explore the world in just a few steps across Schaefer Lawn. At night, the showcase lights up Palmer Lawn with traditional and modern performances. A living mosaic of Stevens’ diver
sity.
After a few years of pause during the pandemic, Unity returned with the theme “Our Resilience.” And that’s exactly what it felt like: a coming together, a celebration of strength, and a reminder that culture — like community —endures. But you don’t have to wait for spring to get a taste of home. Throughout the year, cultural clubs offer events that are cozy, welcoming, and often delicious.
Take the Korean Students Association’s Kimbap Night, for example. Held in Hayden Lounge, students gather around long tables covered in seaweed sheets, rice, sesame oil, and fillings from egg to crab. Rolling your own kimbap isn’t just about making food, it’s about making memories. There’s laughter when rolls fall apart, pride when they don’t, and conversation that flows just like it might around a kitchen table at home.
The Indian Undergraduate Association’s International Snack Night brings even more flavors into the mix. Modeled after bustling street food markets, this event features treats from across campus, including: CSA, LAA, BSU, and KSA. From crispy spring rolls to tender kati rolls, tables are covered in homemade bites that spark nostalgia and curiosity. Over at BSU’s National Braai Day Celebration, the atmosphere is smoky and celebratory. Honoring South African Heritage Day, BSU grills wings, burgers, and hot
dogs. It’s a reminder that traditions don’t need to be elaborate to feel meaningful. Sometimes, grilled food and good company are all it takes.
CSA’s Mid-Autumn Festival brings its own brand of coziness, with bubble tea, mooncakes, and pork buns in what was the Jacobus Lounge. With glowing lanterns, gold and red decorations, and students gathered shoulder to shoulder, the room feels a bit like someone’s living room—just with a lot more dumplings.
And when fall begins, Hillel’s Shabbat dinners offer the comfort of routine. Every Friday night, students gather to light candles, pour grape juice, and slice into challah bread. The ritual is simple, the food is warm, and the atmosphere is peaceful. A pause from the busy week and a soft landing for anyone feeling far from home.
What ties all of these events together is a shared sense of belonging. Cultural clubs at Stevens open their arms not just to those who share their traditions, but to anyone curious, hungry, or looking for connection. They create spaces where it’s okay to miss home, to celebrate where you’re from, and to learn about where others come from, too.
So for any students walking across campus missing their favorite meal or the comfort of familiar celebrations — there’s a good chance someone else is, too. And there’s probably a tale, a plate, and
Bigs, littles, and everything in between
BY CAMRYN WINANT, SPORTS EDITOR
When coming to a small school like Stevens, where a combination of everyone in the organization doesn’t even half a new-member class at a school like Alabama, you never really expect Greek life to play a big role in your life. Stevens has a small handful of Greek organizations, including nine fraternity organizations, five Panhellenic (social sorority) orgs., and seven cultural Greek orgs.
One of the most important traditions when it comes to any Greek life organization is the big/ little process. While every org might run through the process a little differently, it is essentially the same idea of meeting with upperclassmen already initiated and then getting matched with one of them after ranking. While being in a sorority or a fraternity will force you to create long-lasting bonds and connections with other people at your school, the type of dynamic you create with your big, or your little, or your big’s big will be irreplaceable. Since you would have already met any of the potential bigs as a potential little, you will immediately have some common ground, or shared interest, once you are finally matched with them. This connection you have will only grow as you get to know each other.
Stevens currently. Greek life is one of the most helpful ways to connect with people outside of your major or direct interests (i.e., Society of Women Engineers or The Stute), and if it is within their time and budget, something every girl should get the chance to be a part of, especially at a school like this one.
Whether you are an only child, at a school far from home, looking for some new friends, trying because a friend wanted you to, or literally any other reason someone might be interested in going out for rush, you will undoubtedly find your sisterhood or brotherhood, and a community you can fully belong to as yourself.
Another thing every Greek organization focuses on is its philanthropy,which is a way for all the members to come together to work for and gives them a shared passion. Some philanthropies that are focused on on campus include Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Prevent Child Abuse America, Women’s Heart Health, Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, etc. For each organization’s philanthropy, they host a variety of events in order to raise money for their cause, which, as mentioned above, gives everyone something to work towards, and it also hosts events where you are forced to create bonds with these other people.
Poll Results Are In!
WE TOOK A POLL ON INSTAGRAM ABOUT SOME OF THE STUDENT BODY’S FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT, SO FIRST-YEARS KNOW WHERE TO GO !
Along with just your big or little, the process in general will help foster those connections because it forces you to sit down and talk to other students, and really get to know them. As a girl at Stevens, the 70/30 ratio might have some sort of meaning to you — or maybe 65/35, depending on who you’re talking to. That is the unofficial
When the idea of Greek life comes up, there are always going to be the people who sit there and tell you you are paying for your friends. While it is totally possible you can find your friends in any other on-campus club, the bonds you build through the ever-building, shared, sacred traditions will hold more meaning than any other bond you can build through a reg-
dent-run organizations, as well as resources provided by Stevens that allow Ducks of all years to hang out beyond academics and form lasting friendships!
Clubs are a great opportunity to meet new people who share your interests. From the Society of Automotive Engineers, who constructs and races an off-road vehicle in the SAE Baja competition, to Off Center, Stevens’ sketch and improv comedy club, joining an organization that connects to your identity is a great way of finding people like you! You can join the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Stevens Women in
Business (SWIB), Stevens Women in Computer Science (SWiCS), the Black Student Union, the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), and the Commuter Stu dent Union. You can celebrate your culture or learn about oth er cultures by joining clubs like the Latin American Association (LAA), the Japanese Student Association (JSA), the Muslim Student Association (MSA), the Ethnic Student Council, and many more. You can work for change with student organizations like Engineers Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, and The Torch Alliance, which hosts an annual Pride celebration. You can join club sports or recreational activities from ice hockey and ultimate frisbee, to the Stevens Crew team or the Stevens Poker Club. You can even get involved in The Stute, the very newspaper you are reading now! Besides clubs, there are many
Student life is all about where you find your people
other resources available to Stevens Ducks. You may find your people on the second floor of the University Center Complex (UCC) hanging in the Student Commons between the offices of the Student Government Association (SGA), The Stute, the Castle Point Radio station (WCPR), and many more. There are also two gyms on campus that are free for students to use. If you’re more of a free weights kind of person, the fitness center on the ground floor of the UCC might be where you find your people, while the Schafer Athletics Complex has more machines and also hosts group fitness classes and contains the pool in the DeBaun Aquatic Center. Both fitness centers require a reservation using the DSE Reservations app ahead of time. Additionally, next to the Techfest auditorium on the ground floor sits the UCC Piano for anyone to play! A hidden gem on campus
where you could find your people is the Stevens MakerCenter. “Stevens MakerCenter is an excellent source of equipment & training to expand students’ capabilities to create and explore in a welcoming environment regardless of their skill level,” as said by Paul McClelland, Director of the MakerCenter and the MakerSpace. The MakerCenter is a collection of four main labs that consist of the MakerSpace (ABS Building 104), the Machine Shop (Davidson Lab 246), the Electronics lab (Davidson Lab 239), and Welding Services (Davidson Lab 246) as well as Quantum Computing in the Stevens Library and the PROtotype Object Fabrication (PROOF) lab in Gateway South. You can find their website by searching “Stevens MakerCenter” and selecting the lab you are interested in will bring you to the MakerCenter Sharepoint website allowing you to access schedules and training. After complet-
ing the proper safety courses on Canvas and signing the code of conduct (both found on the Sharepoint website of the makerspace) these resources are available to all students with “an excellent staff of undergrad student employees that will assist anyone looking to learn how to MAKE”. You can find a list of all student organizations in the DuckLink app by opening the left side bar, under “Organizations” in the “Getting Involved” heading. Additionally, you can also view and join events on DuckLink, many of which are hosted by student organizations, as well as Stevens sports games by switching to the “Events” tab at the top of the screen in DuckLink. It is a great way to meet people who share your interests! There is so much to offer at Stevens that you can find your people by doing what you love. So put yourself out there, have fun, and good luck this semester!
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENS_FSL ON INSTAGRAM
Sports
Athletic academic recognition
BY ADITI KAMATH, CONTRIBUTOR
The athletes on the men’s basketball team received the 13th annual Team Academic Excellence Award. This award, created by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), recognizes athletes for their achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 during the 2024-25 season. In addition to this recognition, eight students fulfilled all requirements and became a part of the NABC Honors Court.
The women’s volleyball team was recognized for their academic achievement of maintaining a GPA of 3.635 during the academic year and received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award. The team won their fifth Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom title in 2024, earning a 28-7 record. During the NCAA Tournament, the volleyball team defeated Gallaudet Univer sity in four sets and later fell to Washington & Lee in four during the second round.
The men’s volleyball team was also recognized for their academ ic excellence of having a cumula tive GPA of 3.812, receiving the Team Academic Award from the American Volleyball Coaches As sociation and the Team Academic Champion honor. Additionally, the AVCA ranked the Ducks third this season. The team finished the sea son with a record of 25-5 and had a score of 8-0 in the MAC Cham pionships. Additionally, they re ceived their fourth straight MAC Championship.
Ten athletes from the men’s tennis program earned Schol ar-Athlete honors given by the In tercollegiate Tennis Association. The team also earned All-Aca demic Team Honors for achieving a 3.689 cumulative GPA during
the academic year. Additionally, 115athletes received the ITA Scholar-Athlete award and 135 athletes received the All-Academic Team distinction.
Seven athletes from the women’s tennis program earned the Scholar-Athlete honors title. The team earned All-Academic Team Honors for achieving a 3.595 cumulative GPA during the academic year. 1,269 athletes were named ITA Scholar-Athlete and 165 athletes received the All-Academic Team title.
The baseball team received the Team Academic Excellence Award given by Sports Attack for the 10th consecutive year. The team earned a 3.693 cumulative GPA and became one of the 19programs who won the award.
The lacrosse team earned a 3.676 cumulative GPA and received the Academic Honor Squad by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) for the 21st time. Additionally, 12 athletes became a part of the IWLCA Division III Academic Honor Roll.
Graduate student Emily Leiby from the women’s lacrosse team was named the Division III Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the IWLCA, becoming the first student-athlete to win such a prestigious title. Praised by her head coach, Leiby also earned MAC Freedom Attacker of the Year honors and exceeded the 200-point milestone. Academically, Leiby achieved a 4.0 GPA throughout the year and was a MAC Academic
Honor Roll selection and IWLCA
Academic Honor Roll honoree.
The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) recognized the men’s and women’s track & field teams for earning a 3.557 and 3.735 cumulative GPA, respectively. Students senior Caroline Tighe and junior Kyle Savino became a part of the USTFCCCA All-Academic Athlete Team where Tighe won the AARTFC Outdoor Regional Championship, and Savino had the second fastest time in the Metro Region.
Three athletes from the men’s golf team were given the Cobalt Gold All-American Scholars title, as well as the Academic All-Middle Atlantic Conference recognition and First Team All-MAC Freedom.
STEVENS SCOREBOARD
THU, SEP 18
Science
The James Webb Space Telescope glimpses black holes secretly devouring stars
‘Silent’
cells play a surprising role in how brains work
BY KAILEY SUPAN, CONTRIBUTOR
For the first time, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has glimpsed the hidden exploits of dormant black holes. In clearer galaxies, these are typically observed by tidal disruption events (TDEs): cases where a galaxy’s central supermassive black hole gradually pulls in and tears a nearby star apart, releasing an intense surge of energy. Dusty galaxies, however, obscure x-ray and optical radiation emitted by TDEs so that these sleepy black holes are usually impossible to see.
Published on July 24 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, this study elaborates on how astronomers are instead using the JWST to detect infrared light, allowing them to investigate the unknown environment of a dormant black hole. Unlike x-ray and optical radiation, infrared light is not as easily absorbed by galaxy dust. Focusing on signals of infrared light, astrophysicist Megan Masterson and her team at MIT returned to data from NASA’s NEOWISE mis-
sion on twelve different signals thought to be produced by TDEs. Of the 12 signals, they identified four to be marked with a telltale sign of a TDE: infrared emissions from atoms that had electrons stripped by the black hole’s radiation. JWST’s detection of these spectral lines affirmed that in those four galaxies black holes had devoured stars.
Exploring further, researchers wanted to confirm the nature of these black holes. Is accretion a brief feature initiated by a TDE from a black hole that just happened to become active as a star passed? Or, is accretion a longterm feature of an always active black hole? Studying those galaxies, the team made two key observations.
First, there were clear signs of black hole accretion. This is the process by which black holes eventually consume material like stellar debris.
Second, researchers discovered dust patterns deviating from those found in active galaxies. They utilized the JWST to gather data of another infrared light wavelength capable of showing the presence
of silicates. They were able to map patterns of the galaxy dust in each of the four galaxies, which didn’t resemble the patterns of active galaxies containing clumpy “donut-shaped” clouds.
This further implies that the black holes of these dusty galaxies are not usually active, but truly dormant up until an unfortunate star approached and was subsequently destroyed. An accretion desk around those black holes, then, would have been formed by a TDE.
Use of the JWST’s ability to observe infrared light sets a remarkable precedent for the study on black holes. By multitudes of TDE detections, TDEs have potential to be incredibly effective probes for black hole properties.
“The actual process of a black hole gobbling down all that stellar material takes a long time,” Masterson expressed. “It’s not an instantaneous process. And hopefully, we can start to probe how long that process takes and what that environment looks like. No one knows because we just started discovering and studying these events.”
Rutgers scientist discovers a new state of matter
BY ROBERT JACK DIETRICH, COLUMNIST
Researchers from Rutgers University have discovered a new way in which matter can exist. Dubbed a “Quantum Liquid Crystal,” this previously unknown quantum state expands researchers’ understanding of how matter can exist beyond the three traditional states.
Most people know the three basic states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Most then learn of a fourth, plasma. What the average person doesn’t know is outside of these basic states of matter, there are tens of other states that don’t quite fit any of the criteria for the main four. One of these states is the newly found quantum liquid crystal.
Published in Science Advances on June 13, the new quantum state was observed when researchers were studying the effects between two exotic materials: Weyl semimetal and spin ice. The former a crystal that has had its magnetic field suspended in place. The latter, a substance that contains Weyl fermions that cause energy to travel it with no energy loss.
Taking these two materials, the scientists created a layered structure called a heterostructure. This was then shot with an immensely powerful magnetic field. The magnetic field caused the electronic properties of the Weyl semimetal, which were already affected by the magnetic spin ice, and created a phenomenon known as electronic anisotropy.
Electronic anisotropy is a phenomenon that involves a material that will conduct electricity in dif-
ferent ways depending on direction. In the Rutgers experiment, the researchers discovered that when they increased the strength of the magnetic field, the electrons in the Weyl semimetal started flowing in two directions opposite to each other.
These results are consiwwstent with another phenomenon in quantum physics called rotational symmetry breaking. This occurrence has been used to discover and identify new quantum states of matter that are occurring under intense magnetic fields.
This experiment’s outcomes are still being realized. With new knowledge of quantum states of matter, researchers have begun to discover more ways to control a material’s atomic and quantum properties. Specific to this experiment, the knowledge uncovered
could be used to detect magnetic fields in dangerous and hostile environments.
This paper and subsequent discovery is the result of over two years of research, experimentation, and observation. While the team was led by Rutgers’ scientists, the majority of the experiment was conducted at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee Florida. In their research and experimentation, many high performing computer models were used to assist with the vast calculations needed to formulate the results.
Rutgers doctoral student, Tsung-Chi Wu is credited with conducting the experiment along with Jak Chakhalian and Michael Terilli. All three are credited as authors of the published paper along with ten other researchers.
BY DISHA GOHIL, SCIENCE WRITER
New studies show that astrocytes, also known as support cells or “silent cells”, have a larger impact on brain function than previously assumed.
Previously, astrocytes were thought to provide a supporting role to the brain by providing food and removing waste for neurons and serve as a protective barrier to keep harmful threats out of the brain. In 2016, senior author Marc Freeman, Ph.D., director of the OHSU Vollum Institute, and collaborators documented that astrocytes also transmit signals between neurons. Expanding on this discovery, researchers discovered how these cells transmit signals between one another. This is because astrocytes can turn on and off their ability to respond to chemical neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and glutamate. Researchers discovered that manipulating this ability can disrupt the behavior of fruit flies, indicating that these small changes can have a large impact on overall brain function.
This research discloses that astrocytes can directly respond to messages from all types of neurons and that these responses change with brain state, showing the larger and significant effects that astrocytes have on brain function. Some scientists fear that this discovery can overcomplicate the understanding of how
the brain works, while researchers are finding more evidence to show how glial cells (the umbrella term of non-neuronal cells in which astrocytes fall into) can improve scientific understanding. Because of the complex nature of astrocytes, scientists believe that this discovery makes brain function understanding a lot more complicated than it was before. However, researchers believe that a positive effect of this discovery is that these cells could play a role in brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases, which could help to prevent diseases and improve treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
“We hope this begins to fundamentally change how the field thinks about astrocytes and their role in mediating neurophysiology and behavior,” said Freeman. “Over the long run, it should change how people think about developing therapies for regulation of attention, anxiety and mood.”
Overall, these studies provide a different perspective on how astrocytes function and how information can move through the brain, says cell biologist and neuroscientist Cagla Eroglu, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator at Duke University. “You need the astrocyte intermediary. It is not that the neurons do not sense [the chemical signals]. They do. But the brain is not wired that way. It’s wired in a way that there is an astrocyte intermediate.”
Potatoes and tomatoes: closer by more than just their spelling
BY
Despite potatoes being a staple food ever since they were cultivated, their actual origins remained unknown even to the farmers who grew them—until now. Thanks to the work of scientists in three countries, 450 genomes from the Petota section of genus Solanum, essentially the potato, and all its wild relatives were compiled. Containing genetic information of over 50 Petota species, it’s the largest data collection of wild potatoes in history. Scientists have found something intriguing: potatoes and tomatoes appear to have a different relationship than originally thought. Previously, researchers assumed that potatoes and tomatoes had a common ancestor due to genetic similarities, but that’s not the case. In fact, potatoes seem to have about half the genomes tomatoes do, which may be recognized as the genetic relationship a child has to its parents. Shocking! Scientists then developed a theory on what the other parent might be:a species named etuberosum.
In a further study of 128 genomes of all three plants, researchers’ assumptions were proven correct. Potatoes are actually a hybrid child of tomatoes and this mere flowering plant! But just how did these two create the potato? Turns out, it was by some extraordinary genetic luck. What we know as the beloved potato, the tuber part of the plant, is formed through the cooperation of two fundamental genes. SP6A from their lovely to-
mato parents gave them the ability to form these tubers, and IT1 from etuberosum allowed them to reach massive sizes.
A perfect match indeed. The large tubers of the potato provided it with incredible survivability through energy conservation in numerous environments, and eventually it spread farther than either of its parents could dream. Not even the typical hybrid inability to sexually reproduce could stop the potato, as its tubers are capable of asexually reproducing. Thus, the potatoes have survived and thrived since six to ten million years ago.
This then opens the door for new scientific avenues. Tomatoes and etuberosum had their last common ancestor five million years prior, and yet they succeeded in creating a child, one even more successful than the both of them. Just how far can they take hybridization with this new knowledge of genetic makeup? One scientist suggests a super plant capable of both fruits and tubers, humorously called a “tomtatoe.” Another believes this new knowledge should be used to make plants more adept at one thing rather than spreading out their abilities.
Either way, the potato will benefit. With recent centuries of human cultivation, the domesticated potato has lost parts of its adaptability that made it so widespread in the past. Now, scientists hope they can reintroduce older genes to the crop and make it even better. It must be hard to imagine an even better potato, but now is a good time to get started!
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPACE.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF RUTGERS.EDU
CAMRYN YANG, CONTRIBUTOR
THE STUTE EDITORIAL
You missed a lot
Welcome first-years and hello again to our returning students! For the sake of my Layout Editor, Eiliyah’s, peace, I am going to keep this Stute Summer RECAP under 500 words. Wish me luck!
Commencement 2025
A few Stute volunteers and I handed out our Graduation Issue during commencement. I was only there for four hours, and I spent most of it trying to find where the newspapers were located. All 1,000 were squished in the bookstore tent and were relocated to the IT Stand, where I could pass them out with ponchos. It was pouring rain, and I was impressed with how many parents sought us out to see their child’s name in the newspaper. I do not know if the paper survived the torrential downpour, but I have hope.
Alumni Weekend 2025 I loved attending Alumni Weekend for the first time. During our event, it was lovely to hear about how our organization has changed significantly over the years. Our Alumni do not get as much attention as they should! I plan on hosting events and inviting them back sporadically throughout the year, so look out for that!
New Monitors?!?!?
Alumni Weekend connected us with Dennis Stewart, class of 2016, and he graciously donated us enough money to be put towards new monitors. These new monitors will be perfect for layout and make mine and Eiliyah’s lives a million times easier. Thank you, Dennis! We are so grateful and hope to see you at those future alumni events!
Stute Weekend
Goodbyes and hellos
I loved meeting all of our stute weekenders! We had a few changes to the schedule this year, from having Dean Nilsen come speak to us to visiting The Vessel and The Highline on the same night, to having a puzzle-making presentation. It was a jam-packed weekend, but our weekenders took it like champs! They had enough energy to hang out in the lounges afterwards till 1 a.m., and it warmed my heart to see. The Stute family keeps growing, and I cannot stop myself from shedding a happy tear at the thought.
Flock Party/First GBM
We had a crazy number of people show up to Flock Party! Everyone was so passionate about the newspaper and ready to either start writing, copyediting, doing layout, or photographing. We had 70 new people join our Slack, and
some have already begun working on the next issue. We also had about 20 people show up to a layout and learn session in our office! These numbers are significantly higher than anything we have ever dealt with. I have never been happier to take all these first-years under our wing. This marks the end of my little recap. Sorry to be cheesy, but I would like to thank everyone who has shown interest in The Stute these past two weeks. My goal when I became Editor in Chief was to showcase the true spirit and family The Stute holds. To see my main goal exceed my expectations has me out of breath. We may be a newspaper, but I promise you there is so much more to it. Thank you to everyone who noticed that and wants to be a part of it. With that, I end in 548 words, not too bad if I say so myself.
one. Regardless of whatever that feeling may be, now is the time to say goodbye.
I was never a fan of goodbyes. I remember being five years old and bawling my eyes out over the idea of leaving my second cousins, who were dou ble, if not triple, my age. I had only known them a few hours, but I had decid ed I liked them. Now all grown up, I feel like a child again, crying as I have to say goodbye. However, this time, I’m leaving the peo ple I’ve grown up with and loved for the past 18 years of life. Being the last of my friends to move in, I have to watch as they all leave me. Watch my best friend as she packs the car to leave, say ing goodbye a million times because once just was not
enough. The idea of going from five minutes apart to five hours destroys me. It’s much the same with all the other loved ones in my life. I must say goodbye to my boyfriend, mother, brother, sister, and the village of friends that raised me. I leave them all now, and arguably most devastatingly, I must leave my dog. My dog won’t go to sleep without me in the room and will not rest until she has at least three more treats. I have to leave her, knowing that she will think I abandoned her. I was feeling all of these overwhelming emotions when I had a conversation with my grandfather, whom I call Poppy. He said to never see it as a goodbye, but as a “see you later,” because soon you will say “hello” again. As a poor immigrant in America in the ‘70s, he had to find his own way. He had no family in America
but simply the hope of a bet ter future. He would only have the capability to speak and hug his family once a year. While it was hard, he did it. He learned the trade and became a carpenter. Eventually, he would design extravagant homes for luxu ry designers like Vera Wang, but not before he would help renovate and build the very library that I will be study ing in. Through my Poppy, I was able to learn that family is not merely blood, but the people who keep you bond ed together. The people who are willing to lend a helping hand.
So while I may be saying “see you later” to all of my loved ones now, I am excit ed to arrive on campus and meet my new family. My duck family. So to anyone who may be reading this who wants a helping hand: Hi, my name is Claire, and it’s nice to meet you.
a friend group. I watched most of my friends walk the stage last year and felt like my own experience was ending, too. I did all of their lasts with them: their last mixers, their last free campus events, their last dining hall trips. Somehow I doubt my own lasts will have as much emotional weight, because aren’t the people what make the experience? Apparently that’s a bad attitude to have about senior year. My newly alumni friends get angry when I say I feel done with college, as they have been thrust into the chaos and unfamiliarity of post-grad life and wish they had one more year. So, with that, I am on a mission to do everything I can senior year that I nev er did. Every “silly” campus
COMIC CORNER
BY TANYA ZANES
event, every Hoboken festival, and every opportunity that being a college student awards. Additionally, I have a mission to truly ingrain myself in the Hoboken community, not just our safe bubble of campus. I plan to stay here post grad and want to start making a home of Hoboken. I am on the search to broaden my horizons, to try new things, and to meet new people.
I recently ran for a small position in local politics and was lucky enough to win. As one of the two new Ward 6, District 2 Democratic Committee members, I’ve found a new sense of responsibility regarding Hoboken. The world is really scary right now; it’s hard to know what you could wake up to and read in the news cycles, but this new position has empowered me to attempt some stewardship of my community. I don’t know exactly where this new position will take me, but I do know that I intend to meet a lot of new people, learn about what they care about, and advocate for change.
I’m also going to try new things at a “smaller” level. I’m not a runner; I don’t
Jiya Jaisinghani ‘27 Editor-in-Chief
even remember the last time I jogged, but I signed up to run the classic HoBOOken 5k in October. As I stare at the “Couch to 5k” training plan, I cringe at the idea of actually getting started, but hey, the first day just alternates between running and walking, so maybe I can survive! You won’t see me joining the Stevens Strava running cult any time soon though. I think I am going to commit to eating at Pierce Dining Hall once a week. Yes, that is an extremely odd and somewhat torturous goal? However, I do have an RA meal plan, and I think the environment of Pierce Dining Hall allows for optimal people watching of the student body. You can feel the energy of the room and learn a lot about the campus vibes. Plus, I may be able to gain some insight into how the minds of the Class of 2029 (god, I’m old) function.
So, with the start of senior year fast approaching, join me in trying everything new, exciting, and scary, rather than focusing on the “lasts” and impending doom of post-grad.
Goodbye Summer on shuffle
a time for rejuvenation and recentering; a time for rediscovery and creation. Some of us might have had summer internships which require a certain kind of commute. Maybe you were someone who went abroad and found a passion for traveling. And maybe you were someone who just kicked at home and spent time with your loved ones. Wherever your summer took you, I know there was good music that played in the background of your days. Here are three songs I have been enjoying this past summer. Maybe they will end up on your fall playlists this semester.
The first song is called
song. Over the summer, if you had a job that was not work-from-home, you understand what a summer commute feels like. Maybe it was a train, a car, a plane, anything! This amazing song by The Cure goes through each day of the week, talking about a certain longing for the weekend. By Friday, the singer will be in love and totally excited for what is to come. Whether you listen to this song as a love song to someone special or a dedication to your weekend, this song is a perfect addition to a boring week. I definitely recommend this song when you prepare for the transition from summer to fall!
The second song is called “Chicago” by John Summit. I am usually someone who loves lyrical songs with deep lyrics and guitar-driven music. This song came across one of my playlists this summer as I was on a run. If you are someone who likes to stay active and focus on having high energy, this song is definitely for you. I can just imagine this song playing at a venue in Ibiza with flashing lights and the perfect vibes. For me, it was playing through my earbuds on my daily runs. I totally recommend adding this song to your playlists, especially if you’re going to be putting in the miles. Although I’m not a typical House music listener,
this one has changed every thing for me.
The last song is called “Teenage Love” by Katie Gregson-MacLeod. I can speak for a lot of us when I say that this summer was a summer of yearning. The movies, the music, the ac tivities, all about yearning. I discovered this amazing ballad towards the end of the spring semester going into the summer. This song real ly found me in a time when I needed it the most, and it met me right where I was. I felt so understood by the lyr ics and concept of the song. I love music that can be so specific to the writer, yet extremely universal to their audience. I recommend add ing this song to your playlist if you have any feelings of yearning and longing. I love to joke, but I am kind of be ing honest; this one checks every box. If you add this to your playlist, just be sure everyone around you is prepared to take an emotional journey.
FROM CUBICLES TO CAMPUS
Life after co-op: Why Canvas feels harder than Cx alloy
I hope these three songs could give you some insight into my music taste and also help you curate your playlists for this fall. I can’t recommend these songs enough as you transition from summer to a new semester. These three masterpieces are all unique and dynamic in their own way and are sure to give you a taste of everything.
Industrial and Systems En gineering major who just wrapped up two back-to-back co-op rotations from winter through summer (aka spring semester, but longer). This column is here to explore all things jobs and internships. Fair warning: I am not an expert! But I’m going to try my best, consult everyone I can, and if you ever need anything, my inbox is always open. I promise if I can’t help you, I’ll find someone who can. Now that we’ve got that out of the way… back from cubicles to campus.
I’ve officially made the jump back to Stevens, but adapting has been... strange. Just nine months ago, I was terrified to leave school for the workplace. Now, I’m scared to leave the workplace for school. Who knew syllabus week would feel more overwhelming than onboarding? Speaking of terrifying: I’ve been converted - I now default to Outlook instead of Google Calendar. I know, I know, and trust me, I don’t even know who I am anymore. Then there’s the whole equipment downgrade. My co-op setup had me feeling like I was piloting a spaceship. Now? I’m hunched over my laptop like it’s 2012. I cracked. I bought a monitor— yes, a whole monitor— for ten bucks off Facebook Marketplace. I can’t believe it either, but my neck thanks me.
And don’t even get me started on office gossip. I miss my cute little project managers and our lunch gossip session when I wasn’t on-site. I miss being business casual and pretending I had it all together. But what’s really messing with me is time.
During co-op, I had structure — time-blocked calendars, 30-minute check-ins, and a reason to wake up early. Now I’ve tricked myself into waking up at 6 a.m. every day… for classes that
Matrix mathematics: a truly red-pilled subject
BY CHARLES BEALL B.S. ‘23 & PHD STUDENT
around three hours—his new mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics. For those interested, the episode is fantastic, and his formalism contains a lot of exciting mathematics (particularly if you’re interested in stochastic processes). But I want to focus on an aside that occurs at one point in the episode, when Professor Barandes shares how the term “matrix” came to be used in mathematics.
First, I should define what a matrix is mathematically. Very broadly, it is an array of numbers, usually organized into a rectangular format of rows and columns. More particularly, one can add and multiply matrices together, as long as the matrices obey a certain format, and the addition and multiplication follow certain rules.
BY ITAI GELLER ‘26
they’ve mastered
Even if you haven’t seen the term “matrix” before, you’ve likely used them in various contexts. Introductory coding classes usually cover the storage of data into arrays — if you have a two-dimensional array, and have the computer perform some operations on it, then you are effectively doing matrix mathematics! Matrices are also useful in statistics for quantifying variations between random points in two, three, or higher dimensions and to perform a leastsquares fit.
Matrices have been used for thousands of years, first being documented in China to solve systems of linear equations. However, the precise use of the term “matrix” is thanks to English mathematician J.J. Sylvester. It’s an interesting word choice, as
matrix means womb in Latin. Sylvester coined it as follows: “I have in previous papers defined a ‘Matrix’ as a rectangular array of terms, out of which different systems of determinants may be engendered from the womb of a common parent.”
A determinant is a specific number associated with matrices, and indeed, one can calculate systems of determinants by removing rows and columns from the “mother” matrix to obtain smaller “child” matrices. Sylvester was in some ways waxing poetic here, which is not a huge surprise, given his lifelong passion for verse!
But I do think the choice of term was incredibly prescient. Sylvester lived prior to the advent of computers, whose amazing capabilities are in no small part due to
and the Global Language
enced by urban art, graffiti, American hip-hop symbolism, the natural world, and science fiction. The inhabitants of this dreamscape are yellow figures with small torsos, long legs, and giant heads, colorfully decorated all in the manner of amusingly patterned clothing. Tritrez is a vibrant, soulful, and captivating universe that has come to co-exist on our very own planet through a series of giant murals dispersed internationally. I was fortunate enough to come across a OSGEMEOS mural by chance during a successful layover in Sweden. This mural offered a moment of respite, providing a stark contrast to the Neogothic sprawl of Stockholm, introducing vibrancy to an otherwise matte landscape. More importantly, it got me thinking about how art follows us in ways we don’t suspect. For me, art has luckily never been an obligation—I’ve practiced it out of sheer enjoyment for creating
things that are uniquely my own. Considering this, I now find it unshocking that—as I’ve observed new artists through Artist Spotlights, exhibits I’ve visited, and daily happenings—my personal style has evolved in unprecedented ways. Around the time I wrote about Egon Schiele, I started focusing heavily on the human form and dynamism. When I wrote about Jeffrey Smart, I suddenly took an interest in landscapes and perspective (admittedly, I was quite unsuccessful). Now in the present, the influence of Osgemeos’ uniquely contemporary style has fused into my illustrations in more ways than one. I’ve noticed myself reverting to a caricature style I adopted when I was younger, now incorporating a fusion of my favorite symbols from popular culture and recent life experiences. In thinking more deeply about the influence of art on modern society, I started to better understand why
OSGEMEOS has become a contemporary powerhouse. If you traveled back in time to the Renaissance, you would find that popular art was neither public nor personal — it was largely classical, religious, and bound by tradition. There was very little room for experimentation, especially considering how little time people had to explore their own identities. Fast forward to the present, we are surrounded by publicly accessible media that constantly reshapes our culture. As a result, the art of today is influenced by many of the same aspects of media and culture that OSGEMEOS factors into their pieces. Thus, their style feels familiar, enticing, accessible, and recognizable — yet never redundant. Seeing that mural in Stockholm was a real full-circle moment. Marveling at those giant yellow Tritrez inhabitants, I thought to myself, “When was the last time we met? Oh, that’s
don’t start until 10a.m. or 1 p.m. I know that sounds like a dream schedule, but right now, it’s my sworn enemy. What’s harder, though, is sitting through an 80-minute lecture after months of quick meetings and Slack pings. My attention span is no longer built for Canvas. It’s weird — I spent months learning how to be a working adult, and now I feel like a freshman all over again. Imposter syndrome really doesn’t care what direction you’re transitioning in. It’s finding itself in everything. The co-op gave me a taste of what life after college could look like. Coming back, it’s hard not to feel stuck between two worlds — not quite a student, but not quite a professional.
Still, I’m excited to be back. I can’t wait for the club events, the midterm all-nighters, and of course, the sweet bliss of having no income! But I’m also figuring out how to unlearn “9-to-5 brain” and relearn “student brain,” and it’s proving harder than expected. If anyone has tips on how to study again, or how to survive without free office coffee and snacks, I’m all ears! But for now, I hope the first few weeks are treating you well and I can’t wait to give you guys all of the advice I have retained!
their effectiveness in performing matrix mathematics. Moreover, matrices play an important role in quantum mechanics (the discussion of this in the Mindscape episode led Professor Barandes to bring up matrix etymology), perhaps our best understanding of physical reality, from which many other key discoveries and technologies have been derived.
I won’t go into the details of this mathematics, but I think this history evinces an important insight, relevant not just for matrices, but discoveries more generally. All of you at Stevens will have the opportunity to discover new things, likely many times over in your time here and your future endeavors. As innovators, you have the exciting experience of being the first to gain an intuition for a novel
right, on the complete opposite side of the planet.” Despite the distance traveled or time passed, the influence of OSGEMEOS was always there. You can see this everywhere in contem
technology, artwork, or idea. This is an immense challenge ventures past the frontiers of knowledge require you to make the map, understand things on your own, and then explain those things to others. It is an environment much like the one discovered by taking the red pill in The Matrix. But there is also immense power in this, starting with the language you choose to describe and understand what you’re doing. So, it’s important to pick your jargon well, and explain what that jargon means to a more general audience, as a mother would explain things to her children. And lastly, it’s equally important to have fun in the process, and believe in yourself, as your parents, guardians, or other mentors believe in you. Happy exploring this academic year!
ion trends or musical genres suddenly gain global recognition, art carries continuity across space and time, becoming a powerful force in shaping social movements, cultural identity, and even
PHOTO COURTESY OF ITAI GELLER
philosopher at Harvard who describes—over the course of
Opinion
GIRL( ISH ) TALK
College 101: how to romanticize your life
BY TANYA AVADIA
ness, and anxiety. It can be challenging to navigate both a new environment and these emotions. However, what has helped me
the most is understanding that college is just one part of your journey and it doesn’t have to compete with the picture-perfect version you’ve seen online. Some of the best memories actually come from messy, unexpected, or even ordinary days. That’s why my number one hack for surviving college is simple: romanticize your life. Now what does romanticizing even mean? To me, it represents a shift in perspective. Life will always deal a hand which will include the good, bad, and the ugly.To romanticize is to understand that even the darkest moments highlight something worthwhile. I would even compare it to being the main character of your own sitcom. You will have fun moments for sure, but you will also have mundane or difficult moments which will propel
Anchored in Flavor -
weather of Father’s Day.
your character forward. In college particularly, you may go through experiences that are very different from what you anticipated — romanticizing or thinking through a new lens may help. For example, you may be feeling homesick or you haven’t met people that you click with yet and that’s okay. This means that your character has the opportunity to level up but only if it sits with this discomfort first. Overall, while this approach may take some time to adopt, it will help you create your own collection of memories that will define your college experience a lot more than just trying to replicate an aesthetic.
If you are unsure how to get into this mentality or how to apply it to your college journey, I’ve listed out a few categories with action items that you can
adopt:
Academics:
• Studying sessions can be boring and dreadful, but you can make things a lot more interesting if you explore studying in different cafes. This way you can even reward yourself with a sweet treat. For cafe recommendations, I personally love Hidden Grounds and Paris Baguette.
• If you need music to focus, create a study playlist that will entice you to stay locked in. For me, I love listening to dark academia inspired playlists that make me feel as though I’m studying at Hogwarts (even though I’m not).
Friendships:
• It can certainly take some time to establish real friendships, but the benefit of every new
clean slate. Don’t be shy to talk to someone sitting next to you in your class or to reach out to someone you connected with at orientation afterwards to hangout. After all, the main character needs people who will be part of their story and vice versa.
• While a big group of friends can certainly be nice, some of the most fun you will have is through the oneon-ones with people where you can talk for hours without getting bored. You laugh, trauma-dump (this is basically a requirement), and discuss everything in-between from what classes you have tomorrow to your hopes and dreams.
Self-care:
• While college is all about saying “yes” to
BY PRISHA VAGVALA ‘28
transport you to the Bahamas. Not only were the aesthetics of this place nailed down, but the food flavoring and pairings were impeccable. I’d always pass by it on my walk home, watching the people sit outside while gleefully enjoying their plates of warm, buttery lobster and laughing with their families. I’d been meaning to go, although I held off in hopes of making my first appearance at Blue Anchor on a day that felt meaningful. That day was Father’s Day. I had insisted that we go to Blue Anchor, since the drizzle had already ruled out any plans for the Tiffany & Co. rooftop event or a typical New York City restaurant. Given my dad’s love for refined food, I hoped Blue Anchor would brighten the otherwise gloomy and lazy
Instantly, as you enter the restaurant, you feel as though you’ve stepped onto the deck of a cruise, with the fish tank right in front of you at the entrance and the potted palm trees framing the space. We ordered crab rangoons, lobster nachos, lobster tail, lobster pasta, and tiramisu. Of all the dishes, the lobster nachos stood out the most. The lobster was nice, tender, and delicate; the pairing with wasabi was extraordinarily unique, yet it worked well, given that wasabi complements subtle flavors. In this case, it was matched with a heavy base of potato chips that leave you satiated, though these were house-made, making them taste fresher and far less processed. I especially liked the contrast between the light, refined flavors of the lobster and wasabi and the hearty crunch of the chips, topped with the creamy pimento aioli, making the dish more flavoursome and balanced. I had been eager to try the lobster tail, and while it was soft, buttery, and everything I had hoped for, it was cooked slightly over. Still, it remained delicate, and once I lightly spritzed it with lemon, the flavor instantly brightened. Though I usually don’t go for mac and cheese, since it was made with béchamel, one of the classic French mother sauces, I figured it was worth trying. It was topped generously with rich, red lobster, so I gave it a shot. I hesitantly took a bite, but it turned out to be warm, melty, and surprisingly delicious. The crab rangoons,
on the other hand, were made with a crab filling that was smooth and lus cious on the inside, with a crisp, golden exterior that provided a perfect con trast. The crab rangoons set the expectation for the plating throughout the meal, although every time a new dish appeared at the table, we were even more pleasantly surprised. The plating always adds a final touch of elegance to the delicate dishes, thoughtful ly composed in a way that complements the flavor.
We ordered three drinks and tried them all; each was distinctly flavorful and tropical. The passionfruit juice wasn’t overly sweet and had a more sophis ticated taste, with a light flavor that didn’t feel arti ficial. The lychee drink was much sweeter, with a subtle floral note. The mango one was tangy and bright, almost like a mango lemonade with a slight sour twist. One thing worth noting was the staff’s attentiveness and the owner’s effortless charisma. No matter how busy the hour, he made an effort to swing by every table, genuinely checking in to see if we were enjoying our meal. The waiters were also quick to swoop in and clear our plates with perfect timing. We finished off the dinner with two scoops of tiramisu that were incredibly rich and tasted surprisingly fresh, which I had been looking forward to. It had a sharp, chocolatey bitterness from the cocoa powder, balanced by the sweetness of the ladyfingers and creamy filling. Safe to say, Blue Anchor had us hooked.
The heat, the room, 12 Angry Men
new things, you also need to stay grounded. Stick to what’s uniquely you, whether it’s dressing in your favorite style or staying in on some nights to binge your favorite comfort shows. This time is for you and you’re allowed to use as much of it as you want. All in all, college is supposed to be an experience and the truth is not every day will be aesthetic. But nothing should stop you from making the best of it even on the worst days. The little things like late night conversations, wearing your favorite fits to class, visiting different cafes and yes, even the late night cramming sessions will write the story that is uniquely yours. Therefore, don’t wait for the perfect moment to arrive. Romanticize the one you’re already in.
and emotionally charged films I’ve ever seen. The movie does this through nothing more than dialogue, staging, and cinematography. The film turns a jury room into a pressure cooker of justice, racism, and doubt.
The conversation between all the jurors begins with a unanimous verdict to convict a teenage boy of murder, except for one juror – Juror #8. This man, Juror #8, played by Henry Fonda, disagrees with the group not because he believes the boy is innocent, but because the boy at least deserves a chance to be heard. This decision kicks off the entire movie, sparking a chain of arguments and conflicts. But it is not just the script and the acting that does the heavy lifting of the movie. The camera itself transforms the jury room into a psychological battleground.
Sidney Lumet, the director, uses wide lenses and high angles at the start of the movie to capture the feeling of the room being open and inviting. But as the tension rises throughout the film, the shots get tighter, and the angles drop lower. By the end of the movie, the room feels suffocating, and the emotional walls of the jurors begin to collapse. What started as a plain room with a table and 12 men quickly becomes a battlefield for clashing opinions, deep-seated biases, and in-
ner moral struggles. One of the film’s most incredible achievements is its ability to frame power. Some jurors with strong and unexamined opinions – like Juror #3 and #10 –are given central framing and blocking at the start of the movie. They dominate the space with their dogmatic comments, but as their arguments are unraveled and challenged by the other jurors, they lose their ground and crumble. By the end of the movie, Juror #10, who relentlessly spouts racist rants and comments, finds himself alienated by the rest of the group. He ends up in the corner and silences himself for the rest of the film. The power dynamic has shifted, and the camera reinforces that shift in power showing that the prejudice is losing footing and reason is taking the floor.
Then there is also the blistering heat. From the beginning of the movie, the room is hot. Everyone’s sweating. The fan doesn’t work. The window is stuck and doesn’t let in much air.
The temperature becomes a visual metaphor for pressure, discomfort, and aggravation. It shows that the truth doesn’t arrive clean but has to be dragged
out. Even the sweat plays a key role. As each juror is confronted about their biases and their take on the case, they become visibly uncomfortable, shown through sweating.
This movie shows that to build and show tension, special effects are not needed – just pure stakes. Every change in vote feels like a small rebellion, not because it’s loud, but because it takes guts to go against the group. That’s the quiet power of this movie that shows how fragile certainty is when you actually listen and not assume.
Even though this movie was made almost 70 years ago, 12 Angry Men still feels relatable and modern. The movie left me questioning: How much of our justice system is rational, and how much is it purely based on instinct and/ or exhaustion? How many people in jury rooms have taken the stand and gone against the whole group? Would I have the courage to say, “I’m not sure. Let’s look at this again.”
In a world full of varying opinions and ideas, 12 Angry Men reminds us to take a step back, listen, wait, and question ourselves: “What if we’re wrong?”
‘26
ROVING REPORTER
By Isabelle Villanueva and Rachel Choi
“What is your song of the summer?”
Puzzle Page
Mini Crossword
of a rental
Spiteful and rude 8. Square, Slip, Overhand
9. Diego, Francisco, Jose
Down:
1. "Welcome to the Flock, GO _____!"
2. Hawaiian term for 'Family'
3. Snitch
4. Dog of mixed breeds 5. Tricky or clever
Hidden Links
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?
Colorado Trailblazer Malibu Equinox
Trenton Columbia Atlanta Salem
Calvin Thomas Richard John
*Puzzle instructions by Stephen Pachucki
Souza
Traverse each square one by one in any of the eight directions (like a king in chess) to spell out the answer. The starting and ending squares are bolded. Every letter will be used exactly once. The clue below the grid designates the lengths of each word.
*Puzzle instructions by Stephen Pachucki
Chain Reaction
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. Assignments do outside of class 2-3. Another name for an excel file 3-4. Furniture found in library 4-5. Investigation on a specific situation 5-6. Materials used in preparation for an exam
Difficulty: Hard
Nhien Tran ‘26
“Have A Baby (With Me) by Daniel Caesar”
Sabrina Elgazzar ‘27
“I’m wearing a Ariana Grande shirt so I have to say Past Lives by Ariana Grande”
Alex VanderVeer ‘26 “Marcel by Her’s”
Brendan Wujek ‘29
“Sundress by ASAP Rocky”
Shahd Ibrahim ‘28 “So Good (Hyunjin) by Stray Kids”
Jacob Yee ‘29
“Kitchen By SZA”
Andrea Antonuzzo ‘26 “DAISIES by Justin Bieber”
Chris Kalish ‘26
THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE by Tyler the Creator”