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We write Stevens history HOBOKEN, NJ | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

VOLUME CXXIIII No. 02

The student newspaper of Stevens Institute of Technology, and creator of Attila the Duck. www.thestute.com TikTok @thestute Instagram @thestute facebook.com/stevensthestute NEW STUTE EVERY FRIDAY • EST. 1904

Meet James Hanson, the New new Title IX Coordinator Student The Stute sat with him in the Enrollment BY MIGUEL corner of the long hallway of VILLALOBOS, offices as he explained, “Our CONTRIBUTOR job is to create and train Services The Office of Student Af- people who are more aware fairs welcomes James Han- of their responsibility to Hub

PHOTO COURTESY OF LINKEDIN AND STEVENS.EDU

Lincoln-ready robot: an interview with one of L.I.N.C.’s creators BY ALEXANDRA SOSA, CONTRIBUTOR For almost two years, a team of six Stevens undergraduates competed in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) College Challenge: Vehicu-

lar Tunnel Catwalk Robotics. The Hoboken group’s robot is called L.I.N.C. — the Lincoln Investigation and Navigation Cadet. The team is composed of six members: 4/4 Dominic Souza, 4/4 Noah Golan, 4/4 Christian Osowski, 4/4 Adrien Susino (Mechanical Engineering),

Stevens named among America’s best colleges in TIME’s inaugural ranking BY SRIKAR VELAM, CONTRIBUTOR Through hard work and dedication over the years, Stevens Institute of Technology has become an increasingly prominent name in the college industry. As addressed in President Favardin’s welcome back message, recent 2025 graduate outcomes highlighted that over 93% of graduating students achieved their desired outcome six months after graduating. The Charles V. Schaefer’s School of Engineering alone averaged a mean salary of $97,400, shining as a brilliant example of Stevens’ growth throughout the years. This astounding growth has not gone unnoticed at all by popular magazines: To complement this outstanding achievement, Stevens has recently been ranked within TIME Magazine’s top 30 colleges, providing a final score of 85.17/100. Such a ranking serves only to emphasize the rise in the return on investment and student outcomes at Stevens Institute of Technology. But where does TIME NEWS (2-3)

L.I.N.C Read about a one-on-one interview with the project team lead, 4/4 Mechanical Engineering student, Dominic Souza. FEATURE (4)

Innovation! What are engineers up to these days? Read about the innovations that Stevens is known for!

Magazine’s methodology for such a ranking come from, and how does Stevens compare to top institutions mentioned in TIME Magazine’s ranking? TIME has stated that this ranking is a result of thorough evaluation of numerous colleges across a number of different criteria. Specifically, the main analysis stems from an examination of their three core pillars, consisting of student outcomes, learning environment, and attractiveness. Each is weighted differently: Student outcomes carry 75% of the overall score while attractiveness and learning environment each hold 10% and 15% of the score. Student outcomes are primarily focused on what graduating students stand to gain from their experience at an institution, measured through their mean salary, graduation rate, and return on investment. In 2025 to 2026 alone, Stevens had managed an average salary rate of $86,900, with a four-year graduation rate of 81% and a six-year graduation rate of 89%.TIME Mag-

SEE BEST PAGE 2 SCIENCE (6)

Spinal Cords? Strokes? Shellfish poisoning? Read about what’s going on in the world of science. PULSE (10)

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

4/4 Jared Surajballi (Computer Engineering) and 3/4 Mauricio Sanchez (Electrical Engineering). Teaching Associate Professor Anthony Shupenko, Jr., PE lent his knowledge of civil engineering as the team’s faculty

SEE L.I.N.C. PAGE 2

son as the new Director of Community Standards and Title IX Coordinator. Hanson worked in areas like Seattle and Texas, and came to New Jersey in 2023 as a Title IX coordinator for Drew University before arriving at Stevens for his first year. “It was just a natural next step for me,” Hanson remarked. James Hanson and I sat across from each other in his modest office; walls slightly blank yet warmly decorated. Some books, some papers, some drawings. A duck. So far, Hanson and I—as a freshman undergrad—shared a distinct quality: we’re not from New Jersey. “I’ve only been here for three years and I still barely mastered it,” he laughs. In 1972, Title IX was passed as part of the Education Amendments that “prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.” Championed by people like Patsy Mink, a U.S. representative of Hawaii and the first woman of color elected to Congress, Title IX filled anti-sex discrimination gaps that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 missed. In the UCC commons,

their community.” He added, “We try to create global citizens. That’s the whole point of student affairs in general. We’re the ones who are training people for what to do outside of the classroom.” Hanson, who was amazingly enthusiastic when he welcomed me into his office, spoke with a level-headed passion about the things, among filing through reports his office worked on and hoped to work on. “My goal is for us to always grow. I’m interested in your growth and your journey overall and not just when you’ve stumbled.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES HANSEN

SEE TITLE IX PAGE 2

BY ADVIKA JOSHI, CONTRIBUTOR

In August, Stevens opened its new Student Enrollment Services Hub, a centralized resource designed to make it easier for students to get help with enrollment-related questions. Located on the first floor of the Wesley J. Howe Center, the hub brings together support for student records, enrollment assistance, billing, and financial aid in one location. Stevens officially launched the center with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting event as students returned to campus for the Fall 2026 semester. The hub was created as a collaboration among Stevens’ Divisions of Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, and Finance. According to the university, its goal is to streamline processes that previously required students to navigate to several different offices. Stevens describes the hub as a “one-stop resource” that can guide students throughout their time at the university, from enrollment through graduation. The new center is intended to reduce the time stu-

SEE HUB PAGE 2

LOCAL NEWS First Hoboken coffee crawl and the Hoboken Historical Museum BY WINTA SHIBABAW, CONTRIBUTOR Hoboken is one of the most coffee-dense cities in New Jersey. Walking a few blocks around town, you’re likely to pass at least one to five coffee shops on any given block. This September, the city offers a unique

opportunity to savor local brews while making a positive impact on the community. Residents and visitors are invited to explore local coffee shops from different cafes around town, all while their purchases will go towards the Hoboken Historical Museum’s education and community initiatives and programs.

On September 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hoboken Historical Museum will host a fundraiser with seasonal sips and tasty samples from some of the city’s favorite coffee spots. Whether you want to discover hidden gems or revisit beloved local favorites, these events perfectly blend the joy of fall flavors with community

spirit. Tickets for VIP guests are an extra treat, enjoying exclusive perks such as a hand-crafted espresso martini courtesy of Living Room Bar and other special surprises. To join the fun, participants can pick up their

SEE COFFEE PAGE 3

A look into Jersey City’s fight for the reopening of Heights University Hospital BY ISABELLA FAMA, OUTREACH CHAIR Jersey City officials, healthcare workers, and residents have been fighting endlessly to save Heights University Hospital and to uphold the integrity of the

city’s accessible healthcare. On August 27, the State Health Planning Board (SHPB), under the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), gathered outside of Heights University Hospital for a public hearing. Back in 2024, CarePoint

Health, which formerly operated Christ Hospital, as well as Bayonne University Hospital (previously Bayonne Medical Center), Secaucus University Hospital (previously Hudson Regional Hospital), and Hoboken University Hospital (pre-

viously Hoboken University Medical Center), filed for bankruptcy. Hudson Regional Health’s (HRH) hospital network acquired Christ Hospital, along with

SEE HOSPITAL PAGE 3

Woman killed in Times Square stabbing, suspect fatally shot by police BY ALESSANDRA ZULUETA NIETO, STAFF WRITER On August 31 in Times Square around 4:26 p.m., Pamela Cisneros, a Queens resident, was seen threat-

ening passersby with two knives. Within a minute, she stabbed two people, fatally wounding one and hospitalizing the other. Officers responding to the scene ordered Cisneros to drop the knives, attempt-

ing to disarm her for about four minutes. Three officers then deployed stun guns, which proved ineffective at stopping her advance. When Cisneros continued toward the officers while still holding the knives, two

officers shot and killed her. The two victims of the stabbing were Erin Piacenti and Tak Kam. Tak Kam was the first victim, a

SEE FATAL PAGE 3

Friday, September 18

News L.I.N.C.

Masthead Volume CXXIII No. 2

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Executive Board

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

Editorial Board

NEWS EDITOR...................................JOSH BODENSTEIN ‘29 SCIENCE EDITOR.......................................DISHA GOHIL ‘28 OPINION EDITOR....................VEDHESH A. KAMARAJ ‘28 SPORTS EDITOR..........................MILAGROS CARBAJAL ‘28 FEATURES EDITOR ...........................PRISHA VAGVALA ‘28 HEAD COPYEDITOR................................KAILEY SUPAN ‘29

Operations Board

HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER.................BRADY SANSOTTA ‘29 ASST. SOCIAL MEDIA...............................CHRISTINE YI ‘29 DELIVERY BOY...................................MARTIN MURIITHI ‘29

Staff & Contributors Ryan Levinter Alexandra Sosa Krutin Vallala Srikar Velam Miguel Villalobos Advika Joshi Alessandra Nieto Winta Shibabaw Jack MacDonnell Nehemiah Liciaga

Ashley Elias Flores Kannon Peters Kathy Garcia Reka Weinacht Sean Palermo Toni Rivada Charles Beall Maya Meents Emily Fanizza Breona Pizzuta

Brooke Nogurka Dominic Souza Wesley Yu Sydney Leung

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

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advisor and mentor. The competition culminated in a tie between Stevens and New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) on August 28, 2026, per PIX11 News’ coverage of the event. PANYNJ tasked students with designing an autonomous robot that could monitor the catwalks of the Lincoln Tunnel, as high volumes of traffic hinder safety regulations. The original challenge, held in late 2023, was geared toward New Jersey and New York technical high schools and gave students the choice to target either the Lincoln Tunnel or the Holland Tunnel in their robot design. It ended with Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro, NJ taking the prize in January 2024. The competition was then adapted for college teams, with Stevens and NYIT being the only two universities selected to produce functional prototypes. The L.I.N.C. team spent several months on this challenge, working from the base of the engineering process up to machining and building a fully functional prototype. They were even able to test their robot, alongside NYIT, in a specially-closed tube of the Lincoln Tunnel overnight, adapting elements of the design to the real-world simulation. They were then invited to the Prototype Exhibition at the Port Authority’s NYC offices, showcasing their robot to government officials. Team member Dominic Souza shared his role in the project and his insider view of the competition. Which part or system of the robot did you personally work on the most? “I was responsible for a variety of different functions during this project, including designing and machining some of the aluminum side panels, 3D printing the camera and sensor mounts, and assisting in the systems testing of the robot leading up to the pilot inside the Lincoln Tunnel. I would say that the building and testing phases were the longest parts of the project.” What did you think to be the most vital part of the robot? “I think the informational system of the robot is the most vital part of this project. L.I.N.C.’s ability to identify emergency situations was a crucial requirement for this challenge, so it was very important that all the cameras and sensors were capturing valuable information so that the onboard computer could interpret this data in a meaningful way to the operator.” The hard part is over, but I’d like to look back for a second. What would you say was the most challenging part of the competition, or the scariest? “I think the hardest part was the initial phase of the building process. As a team, we needed to figure out various details such as material procurement, work schedules, project timeline, and other logistical details that we had not previously had experience with. This entire project was a learning experience where we picked up a lot of new skills along the way, and because of that, I would say we learned a lot about the project management process at this phase that set us up to succeed at the end of the project.” Finally, I have to ask. Did you feel prepared to undertake this challenge? “I would say that I was confident that the team was going to deliver a working prototype. Everyone was incredibly motivated throughout the entire process so even though we encountered challenges, we were still able to adapt and work around those roadblocks.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY

TITLE IX

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Hanson mentioned his desire for justice and accountability, something he had to rediscover in undergrad when he received some unexpected advice: “I had written a really scathing paper about the private prison system, and my professor told me that if I wanted to go into criminal law because I’m actually interested in justice, it’s probably not a very good route for me,” he said as he laughed shyly. When asked about how he saw himself as a man in a field where 89% of victims of reported rape are girls & women, he responded, “I understand that when I show up into a space, I am very male. I walk in this field knowing that having a male Title IX Coordinator does

HUB

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 dents spend figuring out where to go for help. Its services include assistance with transcripts, diploma requests, enrollment verification, and registration-related processes. Students can also receive help understanding tuition bills, fees, payment plans, account balances, and refunds. For financial aid, the hub can assist with FAFSA questions, aid eligibility, award offers, loans, and other financing options. Although these services are now centralized for students, the hub doesn’t replace the Office of Financial Aid, Office of Student Accounts, or the Office of the Registrar. Those offices will continue to manage their specialized systems and processing behind the scenes. When a question requires more specialized assistance, the hub staff can coordinate with those offices and escalate the issue, allowing students to begin with one point of contact rather than determining which department handles their concern. The university said the hub was established to remove administrative barriers and provide more

come with its limitations and its benefits. There’s always going to be a gap between anybody, any survivor’s experience.” Hanson says his goal is to be as prepared, informed, and mindful as possible of how his identity interacts with those who come forward. “It kind of comes with everything that you do in this world.” As our conversation ended, he encouraged people to stop by his office, for any concerns. “My door is always open,” he said beamingly. The Title IX office is located in University Center Complex, room 215, for student needs and inquiries. If you experience, or become aware, of any situations that fall under the Title IX policies, please contact any Title IX Coordinators, including James Hansen (jhanson2@stevens.edu), or Stevens Campus Police (201.216.3911). consistent support to undergraduate and graduate students, including those studying online. In an interview with Stevens media, Dana Caccio, the new inaugural Director of the Student Enrollment Services Hub, said, “From day one, our focus will be on creating a more connected and student-centered experience across enrollment-related services, making enrollment and financial processes feel like a partnership, and delivering support that truly puts students first.” Students can visit or contact the hub on the first floor of the Howe Center. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday through Friday, as well as from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Students may also contact the hub by phone, email or a request through the Stevens Support Portal. By bringing several commonly used services into one location, the hub gives students a simpler starting point for questions that may involve multiple university departments. Instead of searching for the appropriate office themselves, students can begin at the hub and be directed towards the information and support they need more quickly and with less confusion during busy parts of the semester.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENS.EDU

BEST

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 azine rates Stevens an 87.93/100 on their ranking for student outcomes, outclassing prestigious universities such as the University of Chicago with 82.81/100 and Brown University with 81.98/100. In terms of learning environment, Stevens maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 as of 2026, allowing for more individual attention and stronger student-professor interpersonal connections. Our 2026 diversity report sits on the lower end, with 34% of the student body population representing women and 23% of students belonging to underrepresented communities; however, this is an upward trend following previous years such as 2019 to 2020 where 29% of the student population were female and only 14% were underrepresented minorities. TIME Magazine rates Stevens 73.23/100 in learning environment based on these statistics. Despite ranking on the lower side, Stevens beat out similar engineering-focused schools such as

Georgia Institute of Technology with 39.20/100 and University of California-Berkeley with 67.75. Finally, the third criterion of attractiveness describes the magnitude by which a college is coveted by incoming freshmen. Though there is no official metric for attractiveness, there have been historical instances of a Stevens degree being in high demand. In 2022, over 97.3% of students found desirable outcomes six months following graduation. Women graduates had a mean salary of $84,700, and computer science graduates averaged a staggering $106,300. Furthermore, Stevens’ proximity to New York City provides students ease of access to its vast wealth of employment opportunities. TIME Magazine rates Stevens 82.42/100 in attractiveness, which, although on the lower end compared to other colleges, is still representative of how the school’s continued dedication towards improvement has paid off. Overall, Stevens’ ranking marks it as a rising name in the college industry. This accomplishment is just one of the many more that will emerge in Stevens’ bright future.

Friday, September 18

News wristbands and maps at either of two convenient check-in points: Hoboken Historical Museum or Boomerang Bites. This self-guided, first-ever coffee crawl lets you explore at your leisure while supporting local businesses. Hoboken has a long history of coffee. It was the first city where the Lipton Tea factory operated. Carrying its history and beyond the coffee and treats, the event also

highlights the connection between local businesses and the Hoboken Historical Museum. 100% of the proceeds will support its museum exhibitions, education initiatives, and community programming. The Museum works to preserve Hoboken’s history while creating programs that connect residents and visitors with the city’s past. The Coffee Crawl therefore offers more than an afternoon of seasonal drinks: It gives participants a way to support local businesses while contributing to the preservation and education efforts happening in their community. It is

a unique opportunity to discover different people and their stories in each of their own treat spots. Some cafes attending are Alessio’s Cafe, Blue Angel Cafe & Bakery, Hidden Grounds, and more attending here. Tickets have officially sold out, showing the community’s enthusiasm for this flavorful event. Don’t miss your chance next time to connect with Hoboken’s passionate coffee scene and contribute to a great cause. Celebrate the coming crisp season and strengthen community bonds with Hoboken’s Sip, and Stroll Coffee.

HOSPITAL

FATAL

to Erin Piacentu, stabbing her in the stomach. Piacentu was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, but the wound proved fatal, and she was pronounced dead at the hospital. Piacentu, a 32-year-old resident of Chester, NJ, was a vice president at Bank of America. She had just started her first week back at work after returning from a fivemonth maternity leave. Although Cisneros had no criminal record prior to the stabbings, she did have a history of police encounters involving mental health crises from 2018 and

COFFEE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the three others. The name change was part of a newly implemented rebranding by the Secaucus-based company, which committed to an immense turnaround, modern improvements, and promises to provide care to both underinsured patients and those with no insurance. At the ribbon cutting in September 2025, Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, Hudson Regional Health’s CEO, shared, “This signifies [the] future for this organization to not just be a high-quality health care organization, but also an academic organization that teaches the future generation of doctors who will provide care in Hudson County and beyond.” Months later, and $300 million made in investments, HRH announced that they are losing more than $60 million annually. It was also announced that they cannot continue operating without government assistance and that non-essential workers will be cut. Residents in the area were terrified, as the hospital was threatening to be closed overnight; thousands rely on Heights University Hospital for a wide range of health-related assistance. Residents, workers, and staff gathered and created the petition named “Save Heights University Hospital.” It was then sent on October 12 to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey’s Department of Health. The SHPB finally moved forward after a long-awaited public hearing on August 27, 2026, following the submission of the petition. In the time between these two events, political tension began to build. HRH had filed a temporary restraining order to stop the SHPB from holding the hearing, which was originally planned for April. A judge vacated the TRO, and city officials continued to gather statements from workers and residents. Assemblywoman Katie Brennan spoke at the meeting emphasizing multiple very important points: protecting healthcare access for residents of Jersey City, holding NRH accountable for alleged lawless actions, and making sure something like this never happens again. After Brennan took the stand, other lawmakers such as Senator Raj Mukherji stressed that Jersey City cannot support its growing population with only one operating hospital. He called the closing of Heights University Hospital “a public health failure in slow motion. Residents and workers are feeling the effects, sharing that emergency rooms are extremely overcrowded, ambulance transport times are longer, and the overall fear of the Heights being left with little to no acute-care access. There still is no clear plan for the future of Heights University Hospital. The NJBOH has been called on for immediate action. This is not just a fight for keeping a hospital open; it is a fight for preserving the right to healthcare for all of Jersey City.

68-year-old man visiting his son in the city, who was approached on the street shortly after exiting the subway. He was stabbed in the side after Cisneros took two knives out of a shopping bag and began behaving erratically. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment, where he remains in stable condition. Shortly after, Cisneros ran up

PHOTO COURTESY OF HUDSONCOUNTYVIEW.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOBOKEN GIRL

2019. During the 2018 incident, Cisneros was reportedly intoxicated, belligerent, and screaming on the streets of Midtown Manhattan. Only a few months later, in March 2019, Cisneros attempted to jump in front of a train at a subway station in Queens. After the 2019 incident, Cisneros’s family became more involved in her mental health treatment. Mario Cisneros, her father, told The New York Times that he began taking her to monthly appointments for injections that helped stabilize her. Starting in April, however,

Cisneros stopped allowing her father to accompany her to these appointments, leaving her family unsure whether she continued receiving treatment in the months leading up to the incident. Following the shooting, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the NYPD would be conducting an internal investigation. The body camera footage of the incident will also be released to the public, although officials have not yet announced when. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.

NATIONAL NEWS Department of Commerce releases new and updated economic results BY NEHEMIAH LICIAGA, CONTRIBUTOR From August 26, 2026, to September 3, 2026, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), an agency under the Department of Commerce, released new results for its principal economic indicators in personal income and international trade, while revising its reports for April through June’s GDP and corporate profits. This comes at a time when the original forecasts were updated to better reflect the reality in the second economic quarter, where consumer spending, exports, and business investments were heavily offset by an increase in imports and a decrease in government spending, causing the economy to have slower-than-expected growth

compared to the first quarter. Consumer spending rose due to a combination of factors, as the rate of consumer spending increased by 5.8 percentage points in the second quarter, which is a 0.1 percent increase from the estimated increases. However, the amount of spending where expenditures are heading varies widely in the economy, as personal consumption expenditures (PCE) with food and energy surpassed its 2026 quarter one reports by 0.8 percent. Looking at the economic indicators for trade, the American trade deficit, one of the major indicators that the Trump administration has attempted to reduce, has increased by $17.4 billion from June 2026. This has primarily been caused by an increase in de-

mand for semiconductors to speed up the development of artificial intelligence and to continue the building of data centers across the country. At the same time, there has been a reduction in crude oil exports to keep home prices low, while the global oil market faces uncertainty concerning the conflict in the Middle East and North Africa. So what does this mean for the everyday consumer? For starters, although consumer spending is increasing, it doesn’t mean that it’s split evenly between goods and services. In fact, when looking at changes in monthly consumer spending, the overall increase of $36.3 billion in spending was offset by a hefty $49.9 billion decrease in spending on goods, with only “other durable goods” (other

goods that do not fit into BEA’s explicit categories of ‘durable goods’) being the only goods that have seen any relative increase in spending within the month. Moreover, the increase in spending in services doesn’t necessarily mean that more people are expanding the amount of services they pay for; it’s relatively the opposite, with an economic response where people are paying more for services than they did months or even years ago, primarily in financial services and healthcare. Ultimately, with the interest in buying goods falling, the need to pay for more expensive services, and concerns about the future of the trade deficit, there is still a long way to go for a majority of Americans to hold a positive attitude towards the economy, a result not seen since January 2020.

was doing. The defense argues that Clancy’s psychotic break was far from spontaneous; she had been on a well-documented mental decline for months prior to the killings. Her family has stated that she frequently reached out for help as her mental illness symptoms began to show. It’s claimed that she suffered from not only postpartum psychosis but also undiagnosed bipolar personality disorder. She had repeatedly sought help as her psychosis symptoms worsened and underwent numerous treatments. Treatments included being prescribed medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, and she even went so far as to spend five nights in a psychiatric ward. The prosecution’s goal isn’t to prove that Clancy was mentally

healthy, but rather to argue that mental illness alone shouldn’t equate to a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity. They essentially state that she can be depressed and bipolar while still being fully aware that she is killing her children and that doing so is a horrible thing. The jury deliberated across seven days, in which they told the court they were deadlocked twice and could not reach a final verdict. It was released that the deadlock was caused by a single juror that was not convinced that Clancy should be acquitted. About 38 hours into deliberation, the judge declared a mistrial. Following the mistrial, Clancy’s next court date is set for September 29. She remains in a psychiatric hospital until then.

The Lindsay Clancy trial BY JACK MACDONNELL, STAFF WRITER On September 4, the Plymouth County jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on whether Massachusetts former labor and delivery nurse Lindsey Clancy killed her three children during an uncontrollable psychotic breakdown or did so in a conscious and willing manner. The disagreement resulted in a mistrial in a case that has taken the nation by storm. The case has exploded into national attention over the past couple of weeks, not just because of its shocking nature, but because, like many other high-profile court cases, it has become a beacon for how a broader subject is handled. With this case, it boils down to how postpartum-related mental illness in women is perceived

and understood by the legal system and the public. As a result, the trial has garnered significant attention from women’s rights activists, pushing the case into a highly topical and sensitive conversation. The legality of the trial isn’t a matter of whether Clancy killed her children; she has gone on record stating that she did. Instead, the focus is on the criminality of the act. Under Massachusetts law, a person can be found not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility due to insanity. If the individual is deemed to have been delusional at the time, their actions aren’t considered to have been committed willingly. The debate, then, centers on whether Clancy’s postpartum psychosis left her unable to be conscious of the criminal nature of what she

Friday, September 18

Feature

INNOVATION How to get involved in research at Stevens BY SRIKAR VELAM, CONTRIBUTOR Research opportunities are often far and wide in multiple universities, and Stevens is no different. With various research opportunities available, it can feel overwhelming to find a starting point, whether or not you have experience in research. This applies especially to freshmen and sophomores who may not have the strong skill set that upperclassmen and graduates hold. That begs the question: “What can I do to get involved in research?” Due to this question’s broad nature, there isn’t one concrete path that you should follow; instead, take advantage of its breadth and explore your options in detail to find what works best for you. The go-to place to begin your hunt for research is the Stevens Student Portal for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, targeted specifically at undergraduate students. This is an undergraduate student’s best friend, as it contains targeted information about the different facets of undergraduate research, such as research during the semester, scholarships and graduate fellow-

ships, and summer research internships available. At this point, it depends on you to choose what fits you best in terms of “getting involved in research.” For example, research during the semester is often the most versatile route, as it allows Stevens students to get into contact with professors through multiple mediums. Oftentimes, students take the straightforward approach of cold-emailing professors, with most emails involving the student describing their personal interests and skills, then connecting them with how they align with the professor’s research program. It helps if you take a glance at the faculty webpage to learn more about your professors, as familiarizing yourself with their research shows active interest, which may set you apart from other students. Undergraduate students who may prefer to conduct research over the summer should check out summer research internships, where they will take part in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). The student portal links to various REUs, from Stevens REUs to external openings, unlocking a whole host of options. These internships provide students the opportunity to per-

form lab tasks alongside graduate students, augmenting their skills and preparing them for prospects such as graduate school. Students unsure about where they wish to apply for graduate school should heavily consider REUs. Some things to keep in mind are that REU deadlines range from November 1 to February, with a select few available in March through April. Searching and applying for REUs is a strenuous process but offers immense rewards for those who seek them. Researching for credit presents the ability to perform research as a part of your curriculum, which may be an easy way to integrate research into your learning experience while also obtaining the necessary credits required for graduation. This can be done through elective courses; however, certain majors label some research courses as required for the major, such as CHE 423 and 424 for Chemical Engineering & Material Sciences, so keep in mind that you may do research in the future without actually needing to take an elective course. These different possibilities are not the end-all, be-all for research, and there are plenty more out there. It’s important to re-

member that the best possible experience with getting involved in research comes with an abundance of planning and time. If you choose to only email a few professors about research availability and they all decline, then you would be stuck without any other options. Hence, it’s a good rule of thumb to keep a backup

plan in this type of situation to fall back on if it comes to it. One last crucial thing to remember is that there is always a way to involve yourself in research of any form. There is no clear-cut formula to get into research; all you need to do is be curious enough to spot opportunities when they appear.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENS.EDU

The history of innovation at Stevens BY ASHLEY ELIAS FLORES, CONTRIBUTOR When you think of Stevens, you think of innovation, projects, and the fact that it’s so close to New York City (NYC). Inspired by Humanity, Powered by Technology, has been Stevens’ slogan since 2022, and it fits the university’s history surprisingly well. Stevens has always had an active role when it comes to innovation, not only through the inventions already created by students and alumni, but also by using the idea that technology should be used to solve real problems. Seeing how Stevens itself was established by New Jersey’s “first family of inventors,” it really makes sense that innovation would be such an important part of the university’s identity. In fact, the Stevens family was experimenting with new technology long before the university existed. John Stevens developed The Little Juliana, an early steamboat powered by a twin-screw engine (the first ever, to be exact). Years later in 1825, he designed an American-built steam locomotive. During a time when transportation relied heavily on waterways and horse-drawn carriages, Stevens was picturing a future with

The dilemma of more advanced technology. his development of the “mobile” AI in constant innovation That same spirit of innovation in 1931. Calder’s work demoncontinued when Stevens Institute of Technology was established in 1870. As the first university in the United States dedicated to Mechanical Engineering, Stevens created an environment where students could turn curiosity and technical knowledge into real-life applications. Some of those solutions became so influential that they are still used today. Henry Gantt, a member of the Stevens Class of 1884, developed the first version of the Gantt chart around 1903. While it may not seem as groundbreaking as a locomotive or a scientific discovery, its impact was significant. The chart became a project management tool that helped workers visualize better and manage complex projects. What began as an engineering tool became a lasting influence on the way people approach project management. Stevens’ influence has also extended beyond traditional engineering. Alexander Calder studied Mechanical Engineering at Stevens before becoming one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His engineering background influenced his understanding of movement and balance, eventually contributing to

PHOTO COURTESY OF COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG

strates that innovation does not have to be limited to laboratories or engineering projects. Concepts such as mechanics, balance, and motion can also inspire different innovation projects. Then there is an invention that many people encounter every day: bubble wrap. Stevens alumnus Alfred W. Fielding, Class of 1940, co-invented bubble wrap in 1957. The material was originally developed as an attempt to create a textured type of wallpaper, but that did not succeed as intended. Its story is a reminder that innovation does not always have a clear path that it follows. Sometimes an unsuccessful idea can lead to an unexpected and useful discovery. Perhaps the most remarkable scientific story in Stevens’ history is the search for the neutrino. Frederick Reines, Class of 1939, spent decades working to detect a particle that is extraordinarily difficult to observe. Neutrinos interact with matter so weakly that enormous numbers of them can pass through objects without being detected. In 1956, Reines and his collaborator Clyde Cowan successfully detected neutrinos, providing scientists with an important way to study fundamental particles and nuclear reactions. Reines’ work would eventually earn him the 1995 Nobel Prize in Physics. This discovery was remarkable because of the persistence behind it. It was a culmination of years of research. The same spirit of persistence can still be seen at Stevens today. The university continues to expand its research in areas such as artificial intelligence and technology, especially with the highlight of the new School of Computing. Students also have opportunities to develop and present their own ideas through the Innovation Expo, which began as Engineering Design Day in 1997. Rather than simply studying innovation, students are given the opportunity to experience the process firsthand by designing, testing, and presenting their own projects. Stevens’ history is more than just a collection of inventions arranged on a timeline. It is a history of people asking questions, exploring possibilities, and finding solutions to problems no one would’ve even considered. More than 150 years after Stevens was founded, that process continues, with current students carrying the university’s tradition of innovation into the future.

BY KANNON PETERS, CONTRIBUTOR

The innovation and uses of AI have had many widespread reactions. Is AI the key to a company’s transformation, or does AI sever connections on a personal level? The answer to this question is entirely dependent on the industry AI services are used in, and the tasks they are used for. In cybersecurity conferences, the word “disruption” is extremely prevalent. Disruption is defined as a disturbance causing an interruption to a process. Envision this scenario: If one defines a company by a central product, their ability to innovate will vanish, and they consequently fall within the limitations of said central product. Companies that center themselves around a certain set of core values permit innovation to prosper beyond one item. AI’s forms have evolved so much that some believe it is mandatory to use AI in some component of a business or startup to not fall behind. AI is intended to work not as a replacement for human capabilities, but rather as a tool that can be refined and adapted in a vast array of ways. However, there are concerns about the use of AI in certain fields, such as healthcare. A Pew Research Center survey claims that 57% of Americans are worried that a growing dependency on AI would negatively impact the relationship between patients and providers, and 37% were concerned about the security of digital health records. Healthcare is a field; even though AI may improve efficiency, there are certain costs that a transition to AI will come at. The launch of ChatGPT on November 30, 2022, is generally regarded as the catalyst for the AI boom. Tech companies such as Microsoft and Google released their first versions in February (Microsoft Copilot) and March 2023 (Google Gemini), respectively. AI programs are no exception to the process of trial and error. Just like companies releas-

ing new products to target demographics of consumers, AI adapts its algorithms and patterns based on the needs of consumers. This process is notably found on websites with virtual assistants and similar chatbots. Stevens uses an AI chatbot, nicknamed “Attila,” which is found on Workday and serves as an information-technology virtual assistant. Attila is powered by Ivy.ai, an AI platform for higher education. Upon opening Attila, the user is given five options for question categories, which include: “Faculty/Staff Digital Toolkit,” “Student Digital Backpack,” “Password/Okta,” “Stevens Networks,” and “Contact IT.” The user can also type in a question and receive a response obtained from articles on Stevens’ website. This is typically regarded as a less objectionable use of AI, as it does not go as directly against the core anti-AI points typically expressed by more traditional thinkers, many of whom have adopted hardcore AI opposition. Another example of AI usage is the rise in AI-generated images and flyers. This is typically less accepted because of two fundamental points of anti-AI sentiment: it kills the arts and takes opportunities away from humans who are perfectly capable and talented to actually make flyers. However, others claim that similar arguments were made when photography became increasingly mainstream. Charles Baudelaire, a famous poet and art critic, said the following about the rise of photography in 1859: “It is useless and tedious to represent what exists because nothing that exists satisfies me…. I prefer the monsters of my fantasy to what is positively trivial.” New inventions are usually met with resistance, and the “new invention” in question is the rise of AI. This does not mean that AI will be widely accepted or rejected in the future, but innovation using AI is entirely dependent on two things: the field it’s being used in, and the activity or goal it’s being used to accomplish.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWS.UCR.EDU

Friday, September 18

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENSDUCKS.COM SHOT BY DAVE JANOSZ

Sports

Stevens Field Hockey starts strong with double wins BY JOSEPHINE CHOONG, SECRETARY Summer may be over, but the Stevens Field Hockey team is already firing up to a fantastic start. With wins against York College of Pennsylvania and Widener University, it’s already shaping up to be an exciting season! The Ducks kicked off their campaign against York on September 1 at DeBaun Athletic Complex. Senior Lauren Flynn shot the first goal of the season and with a pair of defensive saves, kept York off the board. Senior Jess Kopernick quickly delivered a second strike with far side assistance from senior Molly DiCampli. However, less than 90 seconds into the sec-

ond quarter, York tied at 2-2. This setback didn’t dissuade our Ducks as sophomore Brooke Hughes dribbled towards the end line, then threw one across the box to junior Ava Pelletier, who achieved a third goal. Tensions quieted down after nearly 18 scoreless minutes but the Spartans equalized the score in the final three minutes of the third quarter. That quietness carried over to the fourth quarter for both teams with only five shots, fewer than half as many as any other frame. In the final 45 seconds, senior Sophia Cozza dribbled around a defender, threw a pass across the box for Kopernick whose one-timed strike won victory at 4-3. That goal was the latest regulation game-winning goal

since Nolie Prouty against Ithaca on September 17, 2016. For their second game, the Ducks hosted Widener at DeBaun Athletic Complex on September 5. They had an impressive game with a 22-5 advantage in shots and a 19-7 edge in penalty corners. Stevens wasted no time applying pressure as just 33 seconds in, senior Jenna Piantieri was putting a shot on goal. While Piantieri’s attempts were turned away, Hughes opened the score and gave the Ducks a 1-0 advantage. They carried that advantage throughout the opening quarter allowing them to control much of the second quarter. First-year Jenna Mayer’s attempt was stopped in the 20th minute. Meanwhile senior Molly DiCampli and Hughes

both put shots in the goal but were foiled by Widener’s goalkeeper. After halftime, both teams created more chances, with shots from senior Taylor Brooks and Piantieri. The field hockey team generated three consecutive penalty corners, earned a penalty stroke in the 38th minute, and continued to pressure Widener’s defense. Over the remainder of the quarter, Stevens earned six more penalty corners and made many attempts on the goal during the fourth quarter. However, with aid from Mayer, sophomore Kelly Nadzan scored her first goal of the season for a final tally of 3-0! The Ducks will return to DeBaun Athletic Complex on Sunday, September 6, to face Rowan University at noon.

Women’s Soccer draws with Westfield State 1-1 BY ASHLEY ELIAS FLORES, CONTRIBUTOR On Saturday, September 5, the Women’s Soccer team faced Westfield State University at Rams Field in Farmingdale, NY. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with Stevens taking an early lead before Westfield State scored in the second half. Stevens controlled much of the first half, creating several opportunities while keeping Westfield State on the defensive. The Ducks recorded 11 shots on goal during the opening 45 minutes, compared to just one from the Owls. Stevens also earned four corner kicks during the first half. The first shot on target for Stevens came in the 32nd minute, when Olivia Hoover forced a save from the Westfield State goalkeeper. Stevens continued to pressure the Owls and eventually found the breakthrough in the 41st minute. Junior Victoria Parelli scored from 28 yards out, sending the ball into the upper-right corner of the goal to give Stevens a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. Stevens continued its attack after the break, with Sophia Murphy recording three shots during the first 11 minutes of the second half. Hoover also created several opportunities after returning to

the game, taking three shots between the 59th and 68th minutes. Her attempt in the 68th minute was saved, while another shot shortly after was cleared off the goal line by Westfield State. Despite Stevens maintaining control of the game, Westfield State managed to find an equalizer in the 73rd minute, bringing the score to 1-1. The Ducks continued looking for another goal during the final minutes, but were unable to regain the lead.

Stevens earned six corner kicks during the final 11 minutes of the game. Murphy recorded four shots during the final six minutes, while Alana Odom put a shot on target in the 81st minute. First-year Taylor Truglia also attempted to score in the 89th minute, but the Ducks could not reach the back of the net. The Ducks finished the game with 30 shots compared to Westfield State’s five and held a 13-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Hoover led Stevens with eight shots, and Murphy finished with six. Parelli, Odom, Kaitlyn Pettit, Hanna Kusinski, and Sophia Carr each recorded two shots. Senior Lucy Smith played all 90 minutes in goal for Stevens. The Women’s Soccer team will return to Rams Field on Sunday, September 6, at 11 a.m. to face Plattsburgh State in the final game of its two-match trip to Farmingdale.

ON DECK IN SPORTS FRI, SEP 19 WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Sarah Lawrence College Hoboken, NJ 2:30 p.m. WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Springfield College Hoboken, NJ 7:30 p.m.

SAT, SEP 20 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Aggie Invitational Doylestown, PA 10:30 a.m. FIELD HOCKEY Eastern University Hoboken, NJ 12:00 p.m. WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL SUNY - Oneonta Hoboken, NJ 1:30 p.m. MEN’S SOCCER Kean University Hoboken, NJ 3 p.m. WOMEN’S SOCCER Stockton University Galloway, NJ 3:00 p.m.

SUN, SEP 21 MEN’S GOLF The Gauntlet - Day 1 Lewisburg, PA TBD

MON, SEP 22 MEN’S GOLF The Gauntlet - Day 2 Lewisburg, PA TBD

TUE, SEP 23 MEN’S GOLF The Northampton Cup Bethlehem, PA TBD

WED, SEP 24 WOMEN’S SOCCER The College of New Jersey Ewing, NJ 7 p.m. WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Misericordia University Dallas, PA 7 p.m. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENSDUCKS.COM SHOT BY DAVE JANOSZ

STEVENS SCOREBOARD DATE

WED, SEP 10 FRI, SEP 12 SAT, SEP 13

SUN, SEP 14 MON, SEP 15

TEAM

FIELD HOCKEY WOMEN'S SOCCER MEN'S SOCCER WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL FIELD HOCKEY WOMEN'S SOCCER MEN'S GOLF MEN'S GOLF

OPPONENT

ROWAN UNIVERSITY NEW YORK UNIVERSITY THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY TUFTS UNIVERSITY DREW UNIVERSITY SWARTHMORE COLLEGE SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE URSINUS FALL OPENER - DAY 1 URSINUS FALL OPENER - DAY 2

LOCATION

AWAY HOME HOME HOME HOME HOME HOME AWAY AWAY

SCORE

W (5-1) L (0-1) T (1-1) L (0-3) W (3-0) W (5-1) W (3-0) 1ST 1ST

Friday, September 18

Science Discovery of a hidden immune signal that can regenerate spinal cords BY KATHERINE GARCIA VALENTE, OPINION COLUMNIST Spinal cords, when damaged, can rarely repair themselves due to the excessive response of the immune system. For instance, it can create everlasting scar tissue that prevents nerve fibers from reconnecting and stabilizing. Researchers have discovered how zebrafish can control inflammation to recover the spinal cords, and, in return, revolutionize studies of regenerative medicine. A new research study, published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, has identified an immune mechanism that can regenerate damaged spinal cords. Scientists from the Becker group at the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD) at TUD Dresden University of Technology and the University of Edinburgh studied a specific group of immune cells that restrains the inflammatory response and supports conditions to recover movement. The immune system contains a variety of cell types that contribute to the recovery of spinal cords. Neutrophils are among the first cells to reach impaired tissue. Previously, researchers examined these cells to be in control of removing debris from the injury site. One subgroup of neutrophils is a signaling molecule named IL4. The molecule alerts additional immune cells to reduce inflammation before the injury is worsened. The study examined the process neutrophils and IL-4 have in larval zebrafish by disabling these cells. The results included

the overproduction of highly inflammatory proteins, which, in return, created the inability to regrow nerve fibers and loss of normal movement. Afterwards, the researchers artificially added IL-4 molecules directly to the injury area. Although the neutrophils were absent, inflammation subsided, and the spinal cords were able to regenerate completely. The research demonstrated that the IL-4 molecules could execute the essential signaling functions normally provided by immune cells. Professor Thomas Becker, who led the study, elaborates how, “For the first time, we have shown that neutrophils play a massive, active role in successfully repairing a spinal cord. They aren’t just there to clear away debris; they act like conductors that tell other immune cells to return to a harmonious rhythm.” He concludes that “Without them, the immune system locks into a destructive cycle and prevents healing. By using the IL-4 molecule, the neutrophils smooth out the inflammation, allowing the delicate nerve fibers to grow right through the injury

zone.” The researcher’s findings indicate that successful spinal cord regeneration relies on the timing and intensity of the immunity provided. The debate over why zebrafish can repair spinal cord damage while humans cannot remains a major challenge. In people, the immune system’s response after injury often causes permanent damage within the central nervous system. Zebrafish offer insight into the precise process of a regulated immune system that supports nerve regeneration. The key finding of IL-4 molecules provides crucial information to humans; however, it does not determine whether human immune cells can respond similarly to zebrafish. “Of course, the question is to what extent our results apply to humans. It remains to be seen if IL-4 plays a similar role in humans and whether it can finely balance the inflammation allowing for better healing at the injury site,” explains Xiaobo Tian, who contributed to the study. Moreover, Tian concludes, “It is definitely a very promising avenue for future studies in humans.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARDIOVASCULARBUSINESS.COM

Excessive coffee may negatively impact bone mineral density BY SEAN PALERMO, SCIENCE WRITER According to a new study published in the peer-reviewed Nutrients journal, researchers at Flinders University have uncovered evidence that suggests a connection between negative changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and excessive drinking of coffee in older women. Additionally, the researchers have found that, on the contrary, drinking tea may provide positive effects on BMD. To set the stage for this study, one of the concerns with a worsening BMD is due to it being an important measure used to assess risk of osteoporosis — a major health problem across the world that affects roughly one in three women aged 50 and above, and is responsible for millions of bone fractures yearly. Women in particular are of higher risk due to having generally lower base bone mass and accelerated bone loss after menopause. As a result of the fact that billions of people around the world drink coffee daily, even little effects on bone health could mean important implications. While previous research on the subject between the connection of coffee and bone health has produced mixed findings, relatively little has followed subjects for as long as this recent one has. Speaking of, this most recent study was conducted by following 9,704 women aged 65 and older over a 10-year period who drank coffee and tea to see what effects they would have over a prolonged period of time. During the decade, the women would regularly report to the researchers the amounts of coffee and tea they consumed, and the researchers themselves

would use data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures as well as advanced imaging methods to monitor changes in the bone density of participants. What the researchers found was that the women who drank tea had a slightly higher total hip BMD than the ones who didn’t — a small but statistically significant difference that may matter across larger populations. Coffee, on the other hand, demonstrated a more complicated yet potentially converse effect of the tea. While those who consumed about two to three cups a day showed no association with harm to bone health, those drinking more than five daily demonstrated lower BMD — drawing a possible connection between excessive coffee consumption and adverse effects to bone density. Additionally, negative healthstyle factors such as a higher lifetime alcohol consumption presented greater, negative BMD effects — opposite of women with obesity who experienced more pronounced apparent benefits suggested by tea. Reflecting upon the study, co-author Ryan Liu of Flinders

University suggested that compounds called catechines found abundantly in tea could be the culprit for promoting bone formation and slower bone breakdown, while “coffee’s caffeine content, by contrast, has been shown in laboratory studies to interfere with calcium absorption and bone metabolism, though these effects are small and can be offset by adding milk.” He would additionally note that “our results don’t mean you need to give up coffee or start drinking tea by the gallon, but they do suggest that moderate tea consumption could be one simple way to support bone health, and that very high coffee intake might not be ideal, especially for women who drink alcohol.” On the other side of it, Adjunct Associate Professor Enwu Liu added that the findings of the study suggest that regular consumption of tea may offer a simple and accessible way to support bone health for later in life, focusing on the potential positive effects this study may indicate over the more negative, extreme cases of coffee consumption in excessive settings.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THEWELLNESSCORNER.COM

Bullfrogs: the cure to deadly shellfish poisoning BY TONI SOFIA RIVADA, CONTRIBUTOR When temperatures begin to rise, algae rapidly grow along the American coastline. This phenomenon is called an algal bloom, with most blooms providing the food needed for the ocean’s ecosystem. However, a harmful algal bloom—more commonly referred to as “red tides”—produces saxitoxin, a neurotoxin that can accumulate in shellfish for several weeks, sometimes up to a year, and is impossible to cook out. This accumulation can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), where consumption within 30 minutes can lead to symptoms such as nausea, high blood pressure, numbness, loss of control in arms and legs, and difficulty breathing. If enough toxins are consumed, muscles in the chest and abdomen paralyze, leading to suffocation. Around 2,000 people are affected by PSP each year, with 8.5% of cases being fatal. This disease has been prevalent since the Cold War and is considered a chemical weapon under international law, with treatment for the most severe cases requiring breathing assistance via machine. There has been no known cure. Until now. Daniel L. Minor, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, recently led a study about a potential antidote against PSP. In his study, 13 mice were injected with saxitoxin, and within three minutes, the mice experienced paralysis and died. When 10 more mice were injected, a new factor was introduced: The American Bullfrog. More specifically, a protein found in the American Bullfrog called saxiphilin. When injected with the protein before, during, or

after the dose of saxitoxin, nine out of 10 mice avoided symptoms completely. When ingested, saxitoxin blocks sodium ion channels, the protein responsible for nerve cell communication, including the electric signals that allow muscles to contract. Inspection of the mice’s organs revealed that saxiphilin accumulates most in the kidneys, with some in the heart, liver, brain, and skeletal muscle. Minor explained, “The saxiphilin is able to scoop up the toxin, keeping it from getting to the ion channels, and then transport it out so it can either be destroyed or excreted.” Further studies are needed to ensure that the amphibian protein is safe for humans, as well as testing as an additional cure to more extreme variations of saxitoxin and developing methods to administer it. However, with the temperatures rising each passing year, more shellfish are prone to consuming a large amount of saxitoxin. But thanks to Minor’s studies, there’s now a good chance that your seafood boil will be completely free from PSP.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCIENCENEWS.ORG

New injectable treatment helps the brain rebuild after stroke BY RÉKA WEINACHT, STAFF WRITER Revealed in a paper from the journal Cell Biomaterials this past July, researchers at Duke University have had their first success with a new treatment approach for stroke patients. After a stroke, there is a cavity left behind where cells have died. Existing treatments for stroke patients can restore blood flow to the affected area and attempt to retrain surviving neural pathways to restore normal day-to-day function, but the dead cells cannot be revived or replaced. The key innovation of this approach is that it attempts to create what the researchers call a “regenerative immune niche” inside that cavity. Essentially, they created an injectable material that fills the cavity and facilitates healing and regrowth of neurons and blood vessels. This material included both a structural base upon which brain cells can be rebuilt inside the cavity and particles that would stimulate the immune system to do the rebuilding. The structural base is provided by particles called MAPS, which are an injectable form of hydrogel microparticles that form a porous structure for new neurons to fill. This creates a kind of “scaffolding” inside the brain. The immune system stimulation is done via extracellular vesicles (EVs), which act like little delivery drivers in the brain, carrying proteins, lipids, and information between cells. The EVs they used

were derived from cells called astrocytes; these brain cells are normally part of the brain’s injury response mechanism. The new treatment method was tested and evaluated by injecting the particle scaffold into mice five days after a stroke. This demonstrates the key advantage of the new treatment, as it is well after the brief time window for a thrombectomy, a currently available stroke treatment involving removal of the blood clot. Although the time window is expanding with new studies being done, a thrombectomy can still only be performed within 6 to 16 hours of the stroke’s onset. The results of the test on mice were positive in multiple ways: new blood vessels were formed inside the cavity where the injection was made, and the mice showed improvement on a grid-walking test that measured forelimb placement error. This means that there were not only measurable biological changes in the mice’s brains, but also significant progress made in movement. Importantly, these changes persisted throughout the study, not regressing over time. The treatment is still pre-clinical, having been tested only on mice using EVs from rat astrocyte cells. However, the positive results suggest that the mechanism could work in human brains as well, and next steps will involve safety assessments and attempts to produce similar results in models that are closer in size and structure to the human brain.

INTERESTED IN SCIENCE JOURNALISM?Join our Science writing team! Reach out to Disha Gohil, Science Editor (dgohil3@stevens.edu) for more information – No experience necessary to write • thestute.com/category/science –

Friday, September 18

Opinion THE STUTE EDITORIAL

The art of the PR response This past week, we attracted many new writers to The Stute. It is the wave of freshman interest, and there is both delight and worry in this. Normally, new writers gravitate toward the most “hard-hitting” articles. This can range from controversial national news topics to widespread campus issues. In this particular issue, we attempted to include several articles that highlight choices that the administration made that much of the student body were unhappy with. Because The Stute is committed to unbiased reporting, we reach out to the administration for their side of the story. I also personally believe it is important that the students are aware who made certain decisions, and more importantly, why these decisions were made. So when new writers take on these stories, they are tasked with emailing the appropriate faculty members and groups of students who have been affected by the decision.

Students are vocal, loud, and proud. We have no problem voicing our issues and telling the administration when we believe there are flaws in their reasoning. Many student leaders are quick to reply to Stute writers and provide thoughtful quotes that reflect their passion and perspective on the issue. On the other hand, our experience with the administration is vastly different. Many ask to have interview questions emailed to them, so that they may prepare written responses. Those responses then go through additional review by Sara Klein, Vice President of Student Affairs, and more often than not, the Stevens Legal Team. By the time the responses reach our new staff, it often lacks detail, context, directness, and the emotion to fully answer any questions being asked. And therein lies my issues with the administration. The first is that there seems to be a reluctance to take ownership of difficult decisions. When my

team and I try to determine who to email about certain decisions, everyone forgets the responsible parties. My answer to that is quite simple: stand up, own the decision, and explain it. If a decision was made thoughtfully and with the welfare of the students in mind, there should be no hesitation to explain the reasoning behind it. Students deserve more than the beautiful words sent back on an email chain. We deserve to understand how and why decisions that directly affect us are being made. The second is the effect these PR responses have on my writers. Many new writers come into The Stute with bright eyes, curiosity, and an eagerness to learn. When they receive those responses, they are left with no information, unanswered questions, and forced to continue searching somewhere else. Over time, several PR responses later, those writers become heavily discouraged. I have watched writers lose that initial excitement when

Editor-in-Chief

Moving goals

Self-Identity

College. For the past summer, every incoming freshman has been obsessing over the idea of college. Whether it be from excitement or stress, freshmen are now encountering a life-changing experience head on. Freshmen can count on rebuilding their identity entirely anew, or exploring more about themselves throughout college. I agree it is worth it to try new hobbies, explore relationships, and to seek more out of life. However, I believe that college should help you define yourself as “you” and not to completely erase out your previous self. Throughout high school, students are met with high expectations to guarantee a place in college — and I, like many others, was met with relief with the acceptance letter to Stevens. High school

Jiya Jaisinghani ‘27

SENIORITIS

MIND OF A FRESHMAN

BY KATHY GARCIA ‘30

they realize that they do not have the information necessary to tell the full story. My final issue is how it inevitably affects my job as Editor-in-Chief. When a writer needs additional time to pursue unanswered questions, they may need an extension. This can change the planned format of an issue and create additional work for myself, editors, and copy editors. A carefully worded response may satisfy the administration’s objective, but never the journalistic one. Our responsibility is not to make one side look better than the other. Our responsibility is to report the story as thoroughly and accurately as we can. And I promise, we will never let the lack of answers stop us from asking questions. We will continue to dig and follow up to seek the information we, as students, deserve. Because we are The Stute, and we are an unbiased newspaper, and what is a story without both sides?

was nothing like I anticipated, and what has stuck with me is the loss of many friendships. Every now and then, I grieve those friends and moments we shared. It is hard to accept that those people were once an important part of my life, but why should I forget them? Instead, I choose to carry those memories forward with myself. I carry them through my sense of humor, sense of style, or the way I choose to express myself. I believe that people can have strong impacts on one another, so why remove that impact, especially if it is positive? Sure, people can also have negative impacts, but let that be the strength for you to continue and thrive. More importantly, you are no longer bound to those expectations and you have the freedom to discover what you want from yourself. Furthermore, I encourage freshmen to not only rely on new experiences, but draw on past ones as a foundation on where to begin. In high school, everyone gets at least a sneak peek of their interests through clubs or classes. Volunteering has been one of my hobbies and one I will definitely start looking forward to continuing,

especially in new settings and communities. Starting where you feel comfortable is not only natural, it is expected in college, but I think it should be a first step to discovering new interests. That is better said than done, believe me, but it is a part of why I am revisiting writing as a hobby. I was not a fan of writing, and I had a phase of trying to write stories, yet every time I began it felt more as an obligation rather than a genuine interest. Now, I feel confident in what my words have to say and feel ready to take on this challenge. Interests and hobbies should not feel like a requirement, so explore as much as possible to see if it is the right fit for you. As I mentioned earlier, past experiences are an excellent way to build a foundation of what you seek out in college. Whether it be negative or positive encounters, it will help uplift your choice at where to begin your journey. Regardless of your choice, that is the freedom college provides, so take advantage of the opportunity to discover yourself. I hope you find the path that works best for you, but don’t sacrifice an identity of yourself and remain true to yourself.

BY TIANNA SPITZ ‘27 I started playing soccer in the elementary recreational league, where Saturday mornings became hair ribbons, cleats, and the smell of detergent on the grass stains smeared into my jersey. Soccer was a game I played to win and drink Sunny D; practices were opportunities to hand out pink, handwritten birthday party invites to my fellow players. As a kid who started off playing soccer—in part because of Dads—it was my parents’ labor of love that got me to practices and games and made me feel cared for after a muddy two hours — I didn’t realize I was doing something I loved. The same way you don’t realize the last time you played at the park or hung out with a childhood friend. It was an easy and comfortable routine to fall into, one that went undetected and therefore unmarked when it suddenly wasn’t. I know competing priorities are such a cliché in coming-of-age anecdotes, as everyone eventually faces some sort of push and pull. Only after moving away from soccer and varsity sports in high school, and coming back to play my senior year of college, am I making an argument for stopping to notice these growing pains. I nearly rejected soccer and field sports after game nerves and comparison

had, I thought, ruined the sport. I decided I didn’t want to be the same person who felt overwhelmed by something as small as goals and drills. I wanted bigger priorities and an “adult” measurement of success. Then, leaving behind a childhood passion was natural and perceived at the time as evidence I was an active work in progress. This was obviously a chip on my shoulder. It’s still lost on me as to why we deny ourselves the things we love in an attempt to outgrow them, and I’m sure it’ll happen again down the line. Changing goals—deciding to grow away from an environment or commitment—is an identity shift that feels so unstable. Only when new responsibilities filled the “identity bucket” did I feel relieved that there was enough to pick from and show for myself. For me, progress was forward, making sure I took on compounding academics, extracurriculars, hobbies, and work experience.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GRACECOLLEGE.COM

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Throughout that time, I would think back to playing soccer, yet I’d dive into any other new sport but soccer. As fated as this sounds, I get the feeling I had a soccer-shaped hole waiting for me to fill when I was ready to see myself differently. I guess I hadn’t been until recently. My milestones and “todos” are changing to not only achieve the career I want but also feel more myself. I know academics will end sooner rather than later, and people will ask me what I’ve learned. So, to try and prepare for this new chapter, I’ve returned to soccer because the friction of getting back to something I once had plainly admits that unrecognized love. I’ve felt silly relearning, but I want to bottle the content of recognizing that many things have remained the same and everything is different. After the first college match, the team was given post-game treats. I was the one to clean my cleats and soak the detergent.

PHOTO COURTESY OFTIANNA SPITZ

Friday, September 18

Opinion THINKING FRAME

Project Hail Mary: friendship that saved two worlds

BY VEDHESH A. KAMARAJ ‘28 There are movies that make you cry over pets and humans. Project Hail Mary makes you cry over a rock alien, aptly named Rocky. Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel follows Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, who wakes up alone on a spacecraft with no memory of who he is or why he is there. What begins as a mission to save humanity leads to friendship crossing the threshold of species and galaxies. Visually, each frame of the film is crafted with excellence and passion. With the vastness of endless space outside of the Hail Mary, the spaceship serves as a setting where every human and non-human emotional moment feels more precious. The spacecraft being cramped and maximized for functionality, lit with artificial light, reminds the audience how far from home Grace is. When we are introduced to Rocky’s ship, the design is unlike any other alien vessel in recent science fiction. It is dark and angular, with methods of communication using guitar-like strings. This unique way of showing Rocky’s ship makes Rocky’s encounter seem impossible and makes us love their moments together.

On the other side of the warmth of Grace and Rocky lies Eva Stratt. Stratt embodies the rest of the humans who are dependent on the success of Project Hail Mary. She is given absolute authority, which she exercises to the fullest, to spearhead the project without any sentimentality. She embodies the weight of human survival, making hard, calculated choices that tiptoe the line on ethics. While she only opens herself to Grace a handful of times, she remains a stringent leader of the project who will do anything for it to succeed. The friendship between Grace and Rocky moves the entire film. They share no common language, culture, or biology beyond the fact that they are both scientists on a mission to save their home by any means necessary. Their first interaction relies purely on math and science, two tools that transcend universal boundaries. Watching them slowly discover how to bridge the gap of language is a moving experience. And by the time they start to understand each other completely, the audience forgets they ever belonged to different worlds. The Orpheus and Eurydice myth follows Orpheus who descends into the underworld to confront Hades and bring back his love, Eurydice, only to lose her because he cannot stop himself from looking back. Orpheus risking to look behind himself cost everything he wanted. Project Hail Mary mirrors this tragedy closely but diverges from the myth in the end. Orpheus loses Eurydice because he looks back; Grace succeeds because he does.

When Grace has to make a decision to return home or warn Rocky, Grace makes the difficult decision of going back to Rocky. The myth calls out for looking back, but Project Hail Mary argues the opposite. What makes Grace going back for Rocky land is that the film never frames Grace as a traditional hero. He is not saving the world; he is going back to the one creature, further from home, who truly cared about him. His decision is not played with gloomy music but with uplifting music, showing that he made the right decision. Grace simply sends the results back to Earth and goes to help Rocky. Where Orpheus was doomed by turning back, Grace is reunited with his friend for it. In the end, Project Hail Mary isn’t about a traditional hero saving humanity. It is a story of two beings from opposite sides of the galaxy finding each other in the endlessness of space to save their species. Grace, grounded by Ryan Gosling’s performance, and Rocky, a rock alien who is impossible not to love, become the true center of the movie. Driven by their comedic and heart-touching dynamic, it is easily one of the best films of the year, making you tear up over a rock.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

Get to Pronto Pasta, Pronto

BY PRISHA VAGVALA ‘28 Pronto Pasta really lives up to its name, “pronto,” with its minimal ready-toorder menu that lets customers order pronto! The menu features seven types of pasta—including a gluten-free penne option—and six different sauces, with a variety of add-ons available for an additional charge. When I first saw Hoboken Girl’s article on Pronto Pasta, I was fascinated by the concept: picking your pasta shape from the display, watching it being freshly cooked right in front of you, and being served straight from the pan. When Pronto Pasta opened its doors to the Hoboken community this past June at 300 Clinton St., they brought back the simple joy of having a meal made fresh. With all of the options, you can create 42 unique pasta-and-sauce combinations before even adding toppings (with their seven topping options, that number climbs to 5,376 combinations). Isn’t that much better than choosing

Folding phones may solve my biggest problem with tech

BY JOSH BODENSTEIN ‘29 I have a specific, embarrassing, daily ritual. I unlock my phone to check the time, but then check Canvas, then check my email, then finally look back up at the clock on the wall to find out what time it is. The phone was never the point. The problem is that a slab of glass in your pocket has exactly one mode—on—and my brain has a poor track record of overruling it. That is the real reason I have spent the last year quietly rooting for folding phones, and it is not the reason most tech reviewers give you. The usual pitch is spectacle: Look, it bends. Look how thin it is. That framing has always struck me as a reviewer’s concern rather than a user’s. What actually matters is that a folding phone is the first mainstream device in years to admit that a phone should be able to do two different things depending on your purpose. Closed, the book-style foldable (hotdog style, if you will) is narrow and slightly awkward, which is a feature, not a bug. None-

theless, a cramped cover screen is a small deterrent. It is fine for a text, a transit app, or a song skip, but genuinely unpleasant for forty minutes of scrolling. Open, it becomes a work surface: a reading on one half, notes on the other, or a lecture recording running next to the accompanying problem set. Or, if my attempts at being productive fail, watching content, such as movies, will be an equally satisfactory experience. Every phone I have owned has forced me to split the difference between productivity and content consumption, instead of being excellent at both, while keeping general phone tasks easy and convenient. Here is where I have to admit a bias. Android, specifically Samsung, got here first, and they’ve been iterating on this hardware for years while my preferred company, Apple, sat it out. I own a MacBook and an iPad, and I am not interested in fighting my own ecosystem for a hinge. When my laptop, my tablet, and my phone hand off to each other without me thinking about it, that continuity is worth more to me than being early. So for me, the folding phone conversation has essentially been in limbo. However, my wait is over. While writing and polishing this piece, Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, their take on a folding phone. It has a 5.4-inch outer display with weirdly curved edg-

es on only one side, and a 7.6-inch inner iPad ministyle display with a matte coating, making the crease virtually invisible. I’m a bit skeptical, especially since the camera system and unlocking system (returning to fingerprint unlock) seem like a downgrade, and the $2,000 price tag definitely increases the skepticism, given how fragile this device will likely be. I am not going to pretend the skepticism is unearned. Two thousand dollars is not within a college budget; it is a semester of textbooks and a lease deposit. Hinges are the single most failure-prone thing you can put in a device that lives in a pocket (and knowing me, sometimes in water). And, there is a genuinely uncomfortable possibility that I have this backward. Maybe handing a chronically distracted person a bigger screen will only produce more distraction and lead me to doomscroll in a cinematic aspect ratio. But I would rather have a device that acknowledges I have two modes than a device that pretends I only have one. My laptop opens when I am working and closes when I am not, and that physical gesture does more for my attention than any screen-time setting ever has. A phone that closes is not a gimmick. It is the first honest piece of hardware design in years, and if Apple pulls it off, I’ll be interested to see if I’m willing to take the jump.

HER CAMPUS

FOODIE FINDS

from a menu of 10 pasta dishes, with everything decided for you? Now the meat of the article (get it, meat, haha...)! The real testimony is how the pasta tasted, which I’d say was buttery, creamy, and fresh. I tried the pesto with rigatoni and burrata, and the mushroom-truffle sauce with pappardelle. I watched as the pasta was immediately taken from the pan and placed into brown paper bowls through the glass windows overlooking the stovetop. The pesto was my favorite out of the two — the cold burrata melted and emulsified beautifully with the warm pesto. I was afraid the burrata might overpower the pesto flavor, but it actually complemented it well. The sauce itself was mellowed by the heavy cream and didn’t have as strong a herby pesto flavor as I would have liked. However, the shape of the ridged rigatoni held the pesto well, allowing the sauce’s flavor to be more pronounced with each bite. The mushroom truffle sauce with the pappardelle, on the other hand, was super creamy from the parmesan and had a strong umami flavor. I did have to add a little pepper for taste since it was on the blander side, but the strong mushroom flavor really carried through. As for the smooth, long pappardelle, it is said to be the best shape for the mushroom truffle sauce,

RE: WIRED

but it didn’t do the best job of holding the sauce, which was my fault for choosing that shape. The pappardelle was also just the slightest bit tough. Overall, the pasta was decent, and the flavorful sauces really carried it. Next time I’m there, I’m definitely getting the penne or rigatoni pasta with vodka sauce, and maybe one of their chocolate cannolis or focaccia! Other than those two options, they also have sfogliatelle (a shell-shaped Italian pastry filled with a sweet pastry cream), bomboloni (Italian filled donuts), and pistachio cannolis. Aside from the food, the shop itself was super aesthetic, with a modern Italian-Mediterranean aesthetic and an Amalfi Coast vibe. The exterior of the shop featured faux lemon tree branches framing the entire top of the entrance, and the interior featured large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Hoboken as well as beautiful yellow and blue tiles on the counters. The staff was super attentive and friendly, making the overall experience very warm and welcoming! Pronto Pasta is the perfect place to go at any time of the year. In the summer, you can soak up the sun sitting outside enjoying your favorite pasta, and in the winter, you can duck into the restaurant and be served a hot plate of freshly cooked pasta.

Navigating the ratio: welcome back to the grind, the growth, and Her Stevens

BY BREONA PIZZUTA ‘27 Stepping onto a tech school campus in the fall always brings a familiar mix of energy and quiet reality. Between the smell of fresh syllabus packets, the late-night coding sessions, and lecture halls where you might still count the women in the room on one hand, being here requires a specific kind of resilience. That is exactly why this column exists. Her Stevens is carving out this space this semester as an open dialogue by and for women at a tech school. We know the unique landscape of balancing rigorous STEM coursework, technical interviews, team projects where your voice needs to cut through the noise, and the everyday reality of having a life outside the lab. Consider this column your weekly reset: honest conversations about career ambitions, wellness, campus culture, and thriving in an environment where you are building the future. It is easy to let problem sets and lab reports dictate your entire schedule, but some of the most defin-

ing parts of college happen when you step away from the whiteboard. Getting involved on campus isn’t just about padding a resume, it’s about finding the community that keeps you grounded. Seek out spaces where you don’t have to “work.” Join student government, plan campus traditions with event programming boards like the Entertainment Committee, audition for a Stevens Dramatic Society show, or jump into Greek life. Having a creative, social, or leadership outlet entirely separate from your technical workload will save your sanity during midterms. Utilize affinity and advocacy groups. Organizations like the Stevens Women in Computer Science, Society of Women Engineers, or Stevens Women in Business create instant support networks. These are the rooms where you don’t have to explain the pressure of the ratio, everyone already gets it, and they’re there to lift you up. Explore a passion just because you like it. Sign up for something you have zero prior experience in, whether that’s an outdoor adventure, photography, or a campus publication like this one. Your college years are meant for experimentation, so don’t limit yourself exclusively to things that earn credit hours. As the semester kicks off and the pace picks up, keep these three grounding prin-

ciples in your back pocket as a gift from me to you! First: Take up space in every room you enter. Whether it’s sitting in the front row of a 100-person lecture, speaking up in a software design review, or asking the first question during office hours, do not shrink to make others comfortable. You earned your seat here, act like the authority you are becoming. Second: Build your alliances early. Success at a tech school is a team sport. Find the women who will celebrate your interview offers, debug your code at 1 a.m., and drag you out for a coffee run when you’ve stared at a screen for five hours straight. I can tell you from three years of experience, collaboration beats competition every single time. Third: Refuse to let your major consume your identity. Rigorous programs have a way of convincing you that your GPA, internship status, or schedule define your entire worth. Protect your hobbies, your downtime, and your friendships with the same discipline you apply to prepping for an exam. Welcome back to campus. Let’s tackle the semester together, one breakthrough, one build, and one conversation at a time. Keep an eye on this column every other week, and never hesitate to reach out with the topics, questions, or campus realities you want us to unpack!

Friday, September 18

Opinion ON SHUFFLE

Music as an anchor

BY EMILY FANIZZA ‘29 Music has always been a huge part of my life. I’m the type of person to sing in the shower, listen to my favorite songs while getting ready in the morning, and occasionally dance in the middle of a store when a

good song comes on. Now that I’ve completed a full year at Stevens, I realize that music has played a bigger role in my life than I thought. Adjusting to college was a bit scary at times: new campus, new people, and new classes. I remember my first night in Jonas Hall being unable to fall asleep for a few hours, feeling worried about what my first semester would have in store for me. But despite all of these changes and nerves, I still kept the same habits of listening to music whenever I could. Whether it was putting on a playlist while doing my chemistry home-

work, listening to a calm song while taking a walk up to Babbio Patio, or jamming out to “Fall Out Boy” when I’m on the treadmill, I still kept a part of me that has been there since childhood. One of the songs I listened to constantly while doing laundry in the mornings and during my first year was “The Chase” by Hearts2Hearts. The song is about embracing your curiosity and being unafraid to take the first step into a new adventure, even when the future is uncertain. To me, “The Chase” fully encapsulated my first year at Stevens. I didn’t know if I

would ace my midterm or pass the audition for Stevens A Capella club, but I wanted to put myself out there and try. I wanted to chase my goals and explore the new environment I was slowly adapting to. This song inspired me throughout the year to do the small, yet meaningful things like inviting a friend out to lunch or introducing myself to a professor during office hours. Even though most days during my first year at Stevens went well, there were still bumps in the road. I remember one rough day during my first semester. I felt stressed about my

grades after receiving a test score that I wasn’t too happy about. As I walked back to my dorm while the sun was slowly starting to set, I listened to the song “Youtiful” by Stray Kids. This song helped me remember that I shouldn’t put so much pressure on myself when I make mistakes and doubting myself will only hurt me, not help me. Taking a moment to listen to a relaxing melody and breathe was exactly what I needed to clear my head and boost my mood. For me, music served as an anchor that kept me grounded in my goals and relieved my stress when times were tough. It was

the reason why I felt energized in the morning before classes or relaxed after a long day. One of the reasons why I love music in general is how every person has a different experience when listening to a song. The same song that energizes and motivates someone could evoke feelings of nostalgia for another. Listening to music is a great way to process your emotions and stay regulated during stressful situations. Although my second year of college will be less terrifying, I’m still going to have my mini dance parties in my bedroom while I get myself ready for the day!

FOR MATH’S SAKE

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Reflections on The Book of Two The fantastic world of differential equations Ways

BY MAYA MEENTS ‘28 Back in high school, I came across this book by Jodi Picoult called The Book of Two Ways, and it remained on my “to-be-read” list until the day I came across it again at Symposia Community Bookstore and thought I’d finally give it a read. For those who know nothing about it, the story follows the protagonist, Dawn, as she lives out two versions of her life: one as an archeologist in Egypt, and another as a mother and death doula in New England. Throughout the book, she is faced with the dilemma of wanting to pursue a passion, but also wanting to return to the life that she had spent time building for herself. She is constantly trying to figure out what life she wants to lead, what she values, and what is her place in the world. Reading this book, you can’t help but also question the decisions you’ve made in the past, and wonder how they’ve led you to the place you are now — but what if you could’ve done something differently? Would you have done it? Are you content with the life you’re living? The book opens with an airplane crash that, thankfully, everyone survives. Everyone on the flight is

then given the opportunity to take a one-way flight anywhere in the world, and this is what starts the split of worlds for Dawn as she thinks about where she could go with this ticket. Reading this, I thought of my own life, as I related to the feeling of wanting to go out and live a new way of life a lot. Recently, I studied abroad in Hong Kong, and I remember during the first few weeks of the exchange I began stressing about the prospect of returning, thinking about how it’ll feel to be back in a place I’d always known. I would be returning to a life I’ve always known, and I felt like I had more to offer the world than what I could by staying there. But, there is so much that comes with having a home. When you live abroad and people ask you where you live and where you’re from, it has always been very comforting to have one simple answer: here. This place comes up in almost every greeting, every story, every memory — I couldn’t be me without the life I’ve had up to this point. And, there are still so many things unfinished — I haven’t even gotten close to exploring all of Hoboken, seeing all of the national parks, finishing my degree, meeting all the people I haven’t met yet, and spending time with my parents as they get older — it was too soon to consider leaving for good. Dawn has a similar realization throughout the book, where she needs to return to the life she had because that life made her who she was in that present moment, and there were things left unfinished — she had a daughter to be present for,

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOODREADS.COM

Welcome to another academic year at Stevens! This will be my fourth year as a PhD student and eighth year in total at Stevens, and with it brings something new: This fall, I will be a teaching assistant for MA 221, a course on differential equations that many undergraduates take. While the course material covers many techniques for solving differential equations and understanding their solutions, I thought I would write an article that gives a high level overview of the subject. I hope I can also convince you of the exciting nature of these equations, and their surprising ubiquity in real-world applications. Let us start with a very basic question: What even is a differential equation? We have likely all seen mathematical equations at many points in our early education, but it’s equally likely that the solution to these equations was a number. For instance, the solution to the equation 3x + 1 = 7 would be x = 2. However, with differential equations solutions are mathematical functions that are expressions that take different outputs based on given inputs. And the reason that differential

equations are so interesting is because they describe a relationship between a function and that function’s derivatives. Already, I have introduced a lot here. One can think of derivatives as an instantaneous rate of change of a function, but the term “instantaneous rate” is oxymoronic. Can we actually even trust a differential equation in telling us anything meaningful about a function? In fact we can, but to do so we must use the notion of limits to define derivatives. Limits themselves are hard to grasp intuitively. Think of Zeno’s paradox, where Achilles is racing a tortoise that starts a certain distance ahead. We expect Achilles to overtake the tortoise at some point, but Zeno describes this: Every time Achilles gets halfway closer to the tortoise, the tortoise itself has moved some distance away too! Describing this mathematically leads to the concept of limits and, with it, derivatives. But note that we are always on tricky footing if we really think about it! Nonetheless, differential equations show up all around us. In their “simplest” form, the solutions of differential equations are functions of one variable, typically understood as time in modeling. With these “ordinary differential equations,” or ODEs, we can still model population growth of various species, the spread of communicable diseases, and the synchronization of flashes made by lightning bugs. Even more exciting is when solutions are functions of multiple variables — we tend to call the corresponding equations “partial

differential equations,” or PDEs. Here, we can model more complex processes, such as the propagation of electromagnetic waves, the conduction of heat through materials, and the dynamics of fluids, plasma, and other exotic phases of matter. These equations very quickly get very hard to solve! Finally, one may argue that, while the above ODEs and PDEs may model various processes really well, there is always still some uncertainty in how we describe such complicated things. And indeed, one can introduce this uncertainty as specific types of randomness, which gives rise to “stochastic differential equations,” or SDEs. It would take at least another article to describe these faithfully, but suffice it to say these SDEs can be used to model financial markets, or in statistical mechanics, where one tries to make sense of the random motions of atoms and molecules. To conclude, I hope this introduction to differential equations will also help quell some concerns that the content of MA 221 is useless or irrelevant. Even when the course material becomes extremely challenging, I find the myriad applications of such fundamental mathematical concepts to be equally motivating. And it may feel like we are chasing a tortoise just out of reach, but I have confidence in all of you to make significant academic strides this semester. I wish you a happy start to the Fall, and many successes in solving differential equations and related problems throughout!

one! As you all know, it is the start of a new semester! Which also means it’s a time for new beginnings! Last semester, I remember being intimidated by all the changes, but now on my third round of it, I feel ready to take on the challenges of a new semester! Here is what I personally advise for the start of a new semester! Get yourself organized! Whether it be on a sheet of paper, on a tablet, or in Google Calendar, each semester brings a new schedule with new locations, classes, and professors, so it’s important to know what section you are in and so on and so

forth. Organize your room in a way that aids your schedule. If you’re prone to crawling back in bed for a nap, face your desk in a different direction so you don’t see it when working! Lend yourself to a rebirth of productivity! Welcome the change! If you’re an incoming freshman student, transfer student, or just adjusting from the adventures of your summer, it is important to recognize that change will happen, even if it’s not how we’d prefer it. One of the best ways to cope with an ever-changing world is to recognize the differences in your life and

find a new way to work with it. For instance, if you have a new roommate who likes music as they sleep, maybe you ask them to use headphones or keep it low. Start the beginning of the semester as relaxed as you can and go with the flow! Work with a routine! It’s important to start working on a routine now because it will be harder to implement better habits when the stress of the end of the semester arrives. For example, if you are trying to use the gym more, carve out a spot in your schedule for it now and make it part of your habit. That way, you’ll know

what times are for studying and what times are for doing things you enjoy. A new routine can mean getting ahead of a brilliant semester. Last but not least, remember to give yourself grace. After all, it can take a minute to regulate yourself to the hustle and bustle of school. In the start, have fun and enjoy the nice weather, but remember to stay on top of your work before it gets too overwhelming. If none of this has served you well, then maybe find some beargrass and keep it in your pocket — it just might bring you luck in an unexpected way.

a job and clients she cared for, and a husband who is also her friend. Deciding what to do and what to value in life is daunting and personal. It is important to travel, to dream big, to try new things, and lead a life embracing your ambitions. However, it is also so beautiful to be able to plant roots in a place, and to have a place to call home, and those you love beside you. There is beauty in that duality, and in the human experience of never being certain with the life you’re leading, but always having the opportunity to change it and try something new. I applaud this book for exploring the nuances of this struggle most readers have faced or will face at some point in their lives. And to those who struggle with feeling like they are living a life they are not proud of, I hope maybe reading this or reading the book reminds you that you aren’t alone and to trust yourself to make the decisions you need to make. Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think or what this made you think about, my email is mmeents@stevens.edu, I would love to hear from you! Until next time, Maya

BY CHARLES BEALL B.S. ‘23 & PHD STUDENT

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS

Beargrass

BY CLAIRE DEANS ‘29 The Victorian Language of Flowers was used for decades to relay feelings that people had a hard time expressing or were too embarrassed to share. Each flower has its own mean-

ing, and each color further explains the emotions they imitate. The flower we will be looking at today is the Beargrass. With a long, sturdy stem, this flower can reach anywhere from two to six feet. The blooms are concentrated at the top of the plant, with each blossom having six white petals and stamens. It was thought to be a good luck charm when gambling, seeking employment, and when having general difficulties. In the Victorian Language of Flowers, the Beargrass symbolizes new beginnings and rebirth. Welcome back, every-

Friday, September 18

Campus Pulse

Jordan Benzon ‘29

Chris Zona ‘28

Malak El-moamly ‘28

“The one next to the Duck Card Office”

“Burchard single bathroom”

“5th floor Babbio”

ROVING REPORTER

By Brady Sansotta & Shahd Ibrahim Kosta Georgiadis ‘29

“You’re not invited but it’s mine”

“What is the best bathroom on campus?”

“The UCC one is fine”

Matthew Harris ‘29

Amanda Lipko ‘29

Sutej Upadhyaya ’27

Lia Mehr ‘28

“Sky Bridge bathroom”

“UCC Gym gender neutral bathroom”

“Gateway South 4th floor”

Puzzle Page

Dominic Souza Kings Tour

Cryptolist 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.

Popular Shoe Brands

LGQGLZ

DQNW

PMKPZ

RCBL

ZNWPAWMZ

JLDZ

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

Hidden Links

Chain Reaction

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?

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.

Sea

Beatles

Eagles

Thomas

Passenger

*Puzzle instructions by Stephen Pachucki

Sudoku Difficulty: Easy

Air

Famous Pop Musician [6-7] Clues: 1-2. Mechanical level used to change transmission gears 2-3. Usually hourly paid jobs 3-4. Exercise at the gym 4-5. Exterior to a building 5-6. Horizontal

Arctic Monkeys Def Leppard Vreede

O *Puzzle instructions by Stephen Pachucki

Cargo

G___ S____ W___ O__ S___ W___

Englot *Puzzle instructions by Stephen Pachucki

ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLES CROSSWORD

KINGS TOUR

Castle Point Hall CHAIN REACTION Dash Board Game Over Due Date

HIDDEN LINKS Martha, Samuel, Edwin, Wesley → First names of academic buildings on campus Bat, Firefly, Raccoon, Owl → Nocturnal Animals Reeve, Cavill, Welling, Corenswet → Actors who have played Superman