WELCOME CLASS OF 2028!
Big changes arrive for Stevens Dining
BY ARTHUR SERRA, MANAGING EDITOR
Exciting changes are coming to Stevens Dining this semester! The recent announcements detailed a revamp of the UCC marketplace, updated dining hours, and the creation of new sustainability programs.
Multiple surveys of the student body last school year found that students would like healthier options. These same surveys also found
that Happy Appy—the UCC marketplace’s Asian-style restaurant—was not as popular as the other venues. Thus, this year, Happy Appy has been replaced with a new restaurant: Pom & Honey, described by Stevens as a Mediterranean-healthy bowl station. Beyond being a healthy alternative, Pom & Honey also comes with several halal options, another food option that was previously missing from the UCC.
Another change coming
Summer 2024 campus renovations
to the UCC is an improvement to Piccolo Italia, the UCC’s Italian option. Both the sauce and the pizza dough have gone through several adjustments over the summer in order to improve the consistency of the pizza. Beyond that, the menu will now also include flatbreads and a monthly rotation of pizza, sandwich, and flatbread specials, as well as biweekly pasta specials. September’s pizza, sandwich, and flatbread specials will be Buffalo
Chicken Pizza, Hot Italian Beef & Provolone Sandwich, and Fresh Mozzarella, Plum Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil with Balsamic Drizzle Flatbread, respectively. All of these changes were tested multiple times over the course of the summer break on office workers and students on campus. According to Madison Goslin, Senior Marketing Specialist of Stevens Dining and the
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A look into the First Year Experience course
BY TANYA AVADIA,
BY JEREMIAH CHINWENDU, STAFF WRITER
Those who have walked by the entrance to Walker Gymnasium in the past year have made note of the construction scaffolding that seemingly never goes away. Recent years have seen a number of renovations made to existing buildings as well as several new buildings popping up on campus. Stevens has been working diligently to improve the campus to support the growing com -
ing here to experience new opportunities and advance their careers. These improvements are being made all around the campus.
Palmer Hall began its second phase of renovations to the first floor back in late May. These renovations were completed on August 16. Upgrades have been made to the lounges, laundry stations, and restrooms to accommodate the influx of freshmen
tunity to speak with Chris Shemanski, the Director of the First Year Experience, to learn more about the thought process and work that went into the course’s creation.
FYE is a small chunk of the university’s new Core Success Curriculum, which the university intends will provide all new students with the necessary information and resources to succeed at Stevens. The FYE specifically is going to be implemented through a mandatory one-semester course taken in the fall or
spring semesters; Most incoming students will take it in the fall. This course is designed to be interactive and support both the academic and social transitions to college. When asked why the FYE was created, Shemanski shared that “the initiative is rooted in national best practices that a strong start is crucial to a student’s long-term success.” He also noted how the transition from high school to college is challenging and that the FYE’s goal is to ease those difficulties by providing a sense of community and an academic support system.
Shemanski explained that the First Year Experience will consist of several components: First-Year Reading Program: This program fosters a discussion on the book What Can A Body Do? by Sara Hendren. The main themes of this book will be discussed throughout the course of the semester and through additional events.
Peer Leaders:
While every first year is assigned a Peer Leader during Orientation, each course section for the FYE is also assigned a Peer Leader to assist with the transition to college.
Student Success Coaches:
New requirement for the Pinnacle Scholars Program
BY VICTORIA OKONKWO, CONTRIBUTOR
What makes a scholar stand out in today’s competitive admissions process?
The Lawrence T. Babbio ‘66 Pinnacle Scholars Program for high-achieving undergraduate students has transitioned to a new selection process, which raises questions about what it truly means to be a scholar. Previously, candidates were chosen at the discretion of an admissions committee without needing to apply. Now, the program requires applicants to submit an essay. This change raises the question: Is the new process designed to capture students who may have been overlooked before?
The essay prompt for the 2024-2025 cycle of applicants was, “How will you contribute to the Pinnacle Scholars program, and how does it align with your future goals?” and will remain the same for the next. This prompt seems to look for a better understanding of students’ aspirations and how they align with the program’s goals and values.
In reply to The Stute’s inquiry about the reasoning behind the new requirement for the Pinnacle Scholars program, April Chang, the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, stated, “We are looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong
passion for innovation, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact within their field. The essay provides a platform for students to express these qualities more fully.” Chang emphasized that “It also allows students to express their interest in participating in research and/or study abroad, which are key program benefits.”
Ian Cordasco, a scholar whose testimonial can be found on the official Stevens website, completed summer research on predictive modeling software for forest management. This software helped loggers use probabilities to optimize forest management practices. While the program seeks students who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and dedication to impactful work, it also considers other important criteria. Chang stated, “We continue to seek well-rounded students with outstanding academic achievements and a desire to excel.” Applicants are expected to maintain exceptional grades and engage in significant extracurricular activities, reflecting a holistic approach to the selection process beyond the essay. That allows admissions to admit students with varied backgrounds and perspectives who will contribute to the program in different ways.
HASS Professor Bredin embarks
on the research of actress Blanche Walsh
BY EVAN PAPAGEORGE, HEAD COPY EDITOR
In a recent interview, Professor John Bredin of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) shared insights into his research of the often-forgotten actress of the early age of film: Blanche Walsh. With the upcoming publication of his book on Walsh, Bredin offers his connections to Walsh, who she is, and why he is advocating for a better understanding of her.
Blanche Walsh, born in 1873 in New York City
to a prominent politician, joined the theater world at a young age with her stage debut at 15 years old, and quickly reached fame as she participated in shows around the world in her early 20s. By the turn of the century, Walsh began acting in the newly popular medium of film. By the 1910s, she played one of her most influential roles in the film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s Resurrection. However, Walsh sadly passed away in 1915 when she was only 42 years old. Walsh is the focus of
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF......................................ISABELLA ZIV ‘25
BUSINESS MANAGER............................TANYA AVADIA ‘26
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administrator for these new changes, the falafel was approved by Sara Klein, Vice President of Student Affairs — and self-described falafel aficionado, as being quite good.
The surveys also asked students about their dining patterns and preferred locations in order to better set dining hours for the coming semester. In response to feedback, Pierce Dining Hall will open later but will have extended late hours on weekends. Additionally, Pom & Honey will remain open until 10 p.m. every night.
Dining is rolling out several new quality assurance and sustainability programs. The most prominent of these is that sodas in the UCC will now be packaged in cans instead of bottles. This “SIPs” program furthers the university’s focus on sustainability, by increasing the use of recyclable materials and reducing plastic waste. Changes in the past have included moving away from plastic containers towards compostable paper containers for takeaway and the UCC. Compost trash
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Additionally, Chang also was able to offer advice to prospective applicants, stating, “We encourage applicants to be authentic and reflective in their essays. They should focus on how their experiences and goals align with the
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students. Bathrooms have also been modified to provide gender inclusivity. In addition to this, the second and third floors received a fresh coat of paint and new flooring in the corridors. Jim Luongo Construction performed this renovation and was supervised by the Department of Design & Construction of the Facilities and Campus Operations Division. Dominick Strumolo is the senior project manager and the one who can address any questions or concerns.
The tunnel connecting Schaefer Recreational Center to Walker Gymnasium is currently being modernized, and the Recruiting Lounge is being upgraded as well. Improvements are being made to the flooring, paint, lighting, and furniture. The goal of these renovations is to create a more welcoming and comforting place for our athletes and create a more aesthetically pleasing environment for all who use these facilities. These renovations are expected to be completed on or around September 30. Stevens has been soliciting the help of NJ Professional Painter, Ston -
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Each course section of the FYE is led by a staff member and a faculty member. The faculty member serves as a success coach for all the students within a particular course section. The goal is for the faculty member to provide
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Bredin’s research. For the past few years, he has delved into her life and worked on ways to make her story more well-known. In an interview, Bredin explained how most of the early work of film, Walsh’s works included, is lost and, therefore, often left out of education and living memory. However, Bredin hopes to illuminate Walsh’s story through his research and publications. In recent years, sources like Film
disposal will also be installed in the UCC kitchen. Stevens Dining continues to make an effort to improve options while preserving environmental sustainability and operational effi-
core values of the Pinnacle Scholars Program and articulate how they would take advantage of the opportunities offered to Pinnacle Scholars.” By doing this, candidates can showcase their unique perspectives and aspirations to the admissions committee.
It is clear that being a Pinnacle Scholar is about authentically embracing who you are. Do you have leadership skills that inspire oth-
hard Floors, and Star-Lo Electric to help with the renovations to the Walker-Shaefer tunnel. The SIT Design and Construction Team is overseeing this project with James Weingartner as project manager These facilities are only a few of the ones undergoing renovations. Burchard had its front entrance redone this past summer to improve its accessibility for people with physical disabilities. The faulty lift has been replaced by a ramp, and other changes are being made to the front of the building. This change, likely a result of the demand from students who require accommodations, is a step in the right direction; Whether it is enough remains to be seen.
Those who were on campus this summer may have noticed the construction happening on the 5th Street entrance to Edwin A. Stevens Center. The staircase leading to the DeBaun Auditorium was stripped completely to make way for a new staircase that aims to be more accommodating to students with disabilities, faculty, and members of the public.
Students have expressed hope that practical functionality plays a bigger role in renovation decisions than campus
mentorship and support for students throughout their academic journeys.
Creating such an expansive program isn’t easy, said Shemanski, and indicated its preparation was a joint effort between members of the faculty, staff, and administration. Working directly with Shemanski, Vice President of Student Affairs Sara Klein, and Vice Provost for Academic Inno -
Matters Magazine, the Russian American Cultural Center, and the New York Public Library have invited Bredin to speak about Walsh.
Yet, Bredin’s fascination with Walsh transcends academia and literature—it is deeply personal. His great-grandmother had the privilege of working with Walsh, which fills Bredin with immense pride. He said his great-grandmother and grandmother held Walsh in high esteem, even sharing memorable vacations with her. This familial connection adds a layer of intimacy to Bredin’s research, making it a labor
ciency on campus. How much the general student body likes these changes will be seen over the next few weeks as the new semester begins. Go try out these new options today!
ers? Are you true to yourself and passionate about making a difference? Do you balance good grades with your involvement in your community and/or school? This is your opportunity to take advantage of the new requirements and share your story. Let admissions know your future aspirations if admitted as a scholar through your essay, and remember to let your authentic self shine!
aesthetics. Humphreys Hall has been in dire need of an upgrade for many years, with some of the biggest problems relating to the water system, ventilation, bathrooms, mold in the rooms, and an underwhelming lounge area. Others living in other residential halls on campus have voiced their problems with their living situations, and it seems as though Stevens is addressing these concerns while at the same time pursuing campus beautification projects like this year’s new Palmer Plaza.
Dorms are not the only build
ings in need of major changes, as science labs in McClean Hall have lacked the necessary equipment for labs. The tools that need replacing in these labs are often shoddy or out of date, which compromises the integrity of the work being done and the products being produced. The Stute spoke to students who said that they believed Stevens was working slowly to address the major concerns of the students and staff, while at the same time funding projects that don’t necessarily appreciably improve the student experience.
vation and Faculty Affairs, David Zheng served as co-chairs of the initiative.
Lastly, when asked about his goals for what students get out of this program, Shemanski stated that he hopes students can get a clear sense of their personal and academic goals and feel confident about their abilities to execute these goals at Stevens.
of love and respect.
Bredin is working to publish a book, Blanche Walsh and Me, examining her life and impact on the film industry. His dedication to researching and shedding light on Blanche Walsh’s life and work comes from academic interests and a personal connection. Bredin aims to bring attention to the often-overlooked contributions of this influential figure in the early age of film. His efforts contribute to preserving cinematic history and honoring the legacy of a remarkable actress whose impact deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
PHOTO COURTESY OF @STEVENSDINING ON INSTAGRAM
Meeting “Tampon Tim” Walz: Who is Tim Walz and what’s with the name?
BY VIKTOR PALMER, CONTRIBUTOR
After President Biden’s exit from the presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris made her campaign debut as the Democratic nominee. Harris’s recent announcement of running mate, Governor Tim Walz, has been met with both heavy praise and scrutiny. Walz has earned himself the nickname “Tampon Tim” from some, including Republican nominee Donald Trump. Harris and Walz have been major talking points in recent weeks, especially after Trump’s announcement of his own vice-presidential candidate, J.D. Vance, as the election increasingly turns into a game of opposites. Who is Tim Walz, and
what can be expected from him in the upcoming election season?
Harris made her vice-presidential announcement nationally in early August, immediately sparking reactions from voters on all sides of the political spectrum. Walz, a former teacher, has prioritized education policy throughout his political career. During the pandemic, he introduced a new plan in order to keep education accessible for children in Minnesota schools and signed legislation in March 2023 providing free breakfast and lunch. One 2023 law, however, has gained extra attention recently. It requires all school districts to provide menstrual products for students at no cost, gaining attention for the gender neutral language used and earn-
ing him the now widely known nickname. Supporters of the Kamala-Walz campaign have since reclaimed the “Tampon Tim” title.
The 60-year-old Walz has been governor of Minnesota since taking office in 2019. Before that, he served on the committees of Agriculture, Veteran Affairs, and Armed Services in the U.S. House of Representatives beginning in 2007. Born in West Bank, Nebraska, he attended Butte High School and earned an undergraduate degree at Chadron State College and later a graduate degree at Minnesota State University. He enlisted in the National Guard when he was 17 and served for 24 years. Retiring as a Command Sergeant Major, he became the highest-ranking enlisted soldier in
The Olympics: how did we do, and what was new?
BY RIYANA PHADKE, SCIENCE EDITOR
This year, the Olympic Games took place in Paris, France, where athletes from 184 countries competed over a two-week period from July 26 to August 11. Over 10,500 athletes competed in the games with their coaches, families, friends, and countries watching from the sidelines.
Knibb, another athlete for the US, gave up her spot to focus on other events at the Olympics. With a newfound enthusiasm and a push from fate, Kristen Faulkner broke away from the pack to win the United States’ first gold medal in the women’s road race in over 40 years.
American rowers Justin Best, Nick Mead, Michael Grady, and Liam Corrigan pulled ahead of
his daughter Hezly Rivera win Olympic gold in gymnastics. Rivera has been extremely supportive of his daughter, relocating his family to Texas to help his daughter pursue her dreams.
The Olympic Games concluded with athletes coming together one final time at the Stade de France in Paris. Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg and the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed alongside over one hundred performers, acrobats, ers watched as athletes paraded around, showing off their nation’s emony was dedicated to the “host city handover,” where Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo gave the Olympic flag to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The 2028 Olympics will take cently, American gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and American rugby union player Ilona Maher were announced to be competing on the upcoming season 33 of Dancing ber 17. The 2024 Paris Olympics marked a triumphant chapter for
Congress.
The family of the former teacher and football coach has also caught the nation’s attention in recent weeks. Walz and wife Gwen met while teaching high school and now have two children. Their daughter, Hope, received her name following the family’s struggle with infertility. The family recently appeared at the Democratic National Convention and have received press for their close relationships. Walz’s political endeavors reflect that. “I can remember praying each night for a phone call, the pit in your stomach when the phone had rang, and the absolute agony when we heard the treatments hadn’t worked… But we had access to fertility treatments. And when our daughter
was born we named her Hope,” Walz told the crowd during his speech at the Democratic National Convention.
Since he joined the campaign, the election has been heavily discussed as tensions rise before November. His impact on the voters is reflected in the engagement numbers of polls, with numbers changing since the announcement this month. According to The Guardian, polls voting for Harris’s ticket spiked up to 48.4% by August 6 compared to 43.7% on July 31. This spike lines up with the introduction of Walz to the campaign. Walz has turned up the heat in the online debates and driven more attention to the subject with an attention-drawing name and his work in Minnesota.
ess and securing their place as a dominant force in global sports with an impressive haul of medals
10th @9:15pm Pierce 216
STEVENS ALUM HENRY RIVERA AND DAUGHTER HEZLY RIVERA
PHOTO COURETESY OF @STEVENSALUMNI ON INSTAGRAM
PHOTO COURTESY OF OLYMPICS.COM
COVID-19 and its fault in
NJ Transit’s falloff
BY CAMRYN WINANT, CONTRIBUTOR
Many companies have had to make dramatic shifts or shut down because of COVID-19 and the state-owned New Jersey Transit Corporation is facing its own financial difficulties. To cope with the shortfalls, the massive transportation system is making many budget cuts and price increases.
Instead of shutting down due to bankruptcy from COVID-19, NJ Transit has used a federal relief fund to support its loss of revenue for the past five years. However, that fund is expected to be exhausted by 2025. A system wide fare increase of 15% was initiated on July 1, 2024. Additionally, an indefinite 3% fare increase every year will kick off on July 1, 2025.
NJ Transit has been the heart of New Jersey’s public transportation system for over 40 years, dating back to its opening in 1979. It is the nation’s third-largest provider of bus, rail, and light rail transportation covering 5,325 square miles and running through parts of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. In 2019 alone, NJ Transit ran 3,545 vehicles daily, transporting a total of 267.3 million people through the three states.
In 2019, the year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the average amount of revenue per passenger was up to $970.20; However, in 2020, that revenue decreased by 24.1%. It only got worse for NJ Transit in 2021, when the company experienced a 59.4% decrease in revenue. That is an 83.5% decrease spanning the first two years of COVID-19,
a financial blow that no company ever wants to face.
As of right now, 2024 is shaping to be the fifth consecutive year where ridership was below pre-COVID-19 levels, leading to a loss of about $2 billion dollars for the state owned corporation.
Only about 80% of NJ Transit’s ridership has returned since the end of the pandemic. While little progress is still being made, it is not enough to support the necessary maintenance, improvements, and high safety and security standards needed for the comfort of its millions of daily riders. While these price increases are not convenient for anyone, NJ Transit says they are vital for the service to thrive and will result in a fully funded fiscal year for 2025.
However, many people are upset by this change, especially students in the city and people who commute for work. One Stevens student who depends on public transportation in order to get home is upset by this change.
“The price increase is outrageous, and the quality of the system is not worth the amount that I have to pay now.” For students traveling from Hoboken to Port Authority in New York City, the bus ticket fare is now $4.00, $0.50 higher than the previous cost.
Despite all of the backlash on the 15% price increase, the quicker NJ Transit revenue returns back to pre-COVID-19 levels, the sooner they will (hopefully) stop the 3% annual increase. Through all of these challenges, NJ Transit has a difficult road ahead as it balances affordability and public support with financial solvency.
STORM DRAINS ARE PAVED OVER ON PARK AVENUE, PROVOKING FLOOD FEARS
BY JOSEPHINE CHOONG, CONTRIBUTOR
As tropical storm Debby neared flood-prone Hoboken, many residents rushed to prepare for the upcoming storm. However, during the week of August 6, construction on Park Avenue accidentally paved over a number of storm drains, leaving residents worried.
The National Weather Service forecasted two to six inches of rain and rainfall rates up to one to two inches per hour in advance of the storm. On the same day, a Nixle alert reminded residents to avoid and report flood-prone areas and said that barricades would be positioned near flood-prone intersections. Many residents were concerned about the severe weather, with one Hoboken resident, Dave Radlin, exclaiming that when flooding happens, a sump pump is his lifetime. Meanwhile, Councilwoman Emily Jabbuor revealed that those living in garden-level apartments may have to worry about rainwater crashing into their homes. She urges residents in need to contact Commissioner Anthony Romano. The councilwoman clarified that while the contractors had answered her calls, the required repairs
Jabbour stated two major issues: drains from the blocked sump pumps that flush onto the
street and the non-existent curb in multiple places. Jabbuor believes that the County hadn’t taken the concerns seriously and failed to fix the issues, especially considering the impending storm. While 1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano shared similar concerns, he reported that the County quickly addressed Ward 1’s problems and ensured that they would be settled. On the other hand, Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher shared on the eve of Debby’s arrival in New Jersey: “Just confirmed with Commissioner Romano [who asked County Engineer Malvasi while we are on the phone]. The county will resolve tomorrow –not in time for tonight’s storm.”
Hudson County was responsible for overseeing both the contractor, Smith-Sondy Asphalt Construction Co., and the milling and paving operations of Park Avenue’s 17 blocks. Mayor Ravinder Bhalla wrote to County Executive Craig Guy regarding the current state of Hudson County’s affairs. Bhalla was troubled about the county’s inadequate and late response despite having five days to act. Furthermore, despite the City Engineer reaching out to the Hudson County Engineer, the pre-scheduled meeting was canceled, with ensuing calls and texts ignored. However, Guy claimed that they accommodated the city by starting after a water main project had been com -
pleted. That left city officials two years to raise concerns, and the officials were invited to every discussion. When the County officials received notice about the sump drains, they resolved those issues in a matter of days. Guy evoked the project’s necessity as crews worked in temperatures often exceeding over 90 degrees to complete it.
Tropical Storm Debby ultimately caused widespread damage on the eastern U.S. coast, ranging as far north as New York. Millions of Americans were placed under flood watches or warnings, with states south of Virginia ultimately receiving significant flash floods. New Jersey escaped the worst of the storm, and no major flood damage—on Park Avenue or otherwise—was reported in the wake of Debby passing over the city. Regarding the project’s current progress, a county spokesperson discussed on August 13, “County contractors are still working and are currently up by the Park Avenue Bridge cutting joints. This project should be done next week, weather permitting, and this timeline includes the repairs.” As of the week of August 26, work on the Park Avenue paving project was still ongoing in the form of roving repairs between Observer Highway and 14th Street. Concerned residents should contact Hudson County’s Division of Engineering at 201-369-4340.
Hoboken sees upgrades to accommodate a wave of summer visitors
BY MADISON HELLER, OPINION COLUMNIST
Since bustling crowds of students have returned to Hoboken, the campus has been a whirlwind of activity. Between new students adjusting to independence for the first time to past ones settling in for the year, there has been a lot to take in. But while the majority of students have been away at internships or just enjoying the beach, there have been some major changes happening around the city in our absence: The city has become a little bit brighter over the summer. An observant individual may have already noticed the bistro-style lighting that was installed between lamp posts all along Washington Street.
The installation is about 13 blocks long and absolutely stunning. These lights, spanning from Newark Street to 13th Street, were originally just a temporary instal-
lation from the president of the Hoboken Business Alliance, who had a vision to “light up Hoboken.” However, they became an absolute hit with residents and businesses alike, and for good reason. The entire street has a certain warmness and charm to it now that can’t be well described. At a glance, one can understand the appeal; It looks fun and lively in the summer heat, but come fall, it will add a cozy and warm feeling. The wonderful hazy lights also increase the curb appeal of businesses to potential customers. But street lights aren’t the only thing that brightened up the night sky this summer.
For the first time in over a decade, the Macy’s firework show for the Fourth of July happened on the Hudson River side of Manhattan rather than the East River.
For many Hoboken residents, the idea of the fireworks show happening practically in their backyard was exhilarating. On the flip
side, this meant that people from New York and other parts of New Jersey would be flocking to Hoboken to see the show.
Given the limited number of parks and piers in a city that’s two square miles large, many locations were closed off for the evening. Swarms of people still came to watch the fireworks dance on top of the New York skyline, which was beautiful. Thankfully, despite the traffic and the number of people, no serious accidents occurred, and people had a great Independence Day watching the fireworks together. These times when the city is awash in light are special. Whether they are seasonal, or here to stay, they make our lives brighter. It brings communities together and makes us see the beauty in things that we take for granted in our everyday lives. Sometimes, it takes some darkness to force ourselves to illuminate, and really appreciate, what is already there.
Feature: Fall 2024 Budget Meeting Recap
SGA Budget Committee: Alberto Murillo, Andrew Branco, Angela
Jomson, Arthur Serra (AVPF), Dani Qira, Evan Papageorge, Gavin Ng, Kevin Pfundstein (VPF), Kristi Liu, Madison Heller, Michael Moschello, Muskaan Thapar, Ocatavio Morales, Sebastian Sztolberg, Taki Tanemori, Aden Vishensky, Aidan Robinson, Amanda LaFrancois, Cara Leonard, Disha Sanghavi, Edmund Yuen, Jenny Chen, Shane Mitchell, Tanishka Kappor (VPSI)
WELCOME BACK DUCKS
YOU FORGOT SOMETHING
BY JIYA JAISINGHANI, LAYOUT EDITOR
Our newest ducks just arrived on campus on August 25 and likely forgot some dorm essentials that will help to make the first year in a dorm go smoothly. I asked around the flock and cumulated a list of essentials that all the newest ducks will want before classes take over.
Storage Bins
First on the list is, unsurprisingly, more storage. I am baffled by how tiny the closet size is in the dorms. I can barely fit all of my sweatshirts in it, let alone everything else I own. The furniture takes up so much space in the first-year dorm that it is difficult to reorganize or place anything anywhere. Storage bins are needed to compact all of your things in a safe place. Several upperclassmen have mentioned how storage bins have not only helped with consolidating items but also as seating arrangements. A storage bin is a perfect makeshift stool so your friends do not have to sit on the floor all the time.
Collapsible Drying Rack
I expect that all of our newest ducks will be practicing standard hygiene and washing their clothes. With that being said, as a new duck, you may be unaware of the little quirks that all of the laundry rooms across campus have. I am specifically referring to the drying machines either not working or constantly being taken up at the most inconvenient times. Foldable laundry racks can rest against your wall and be out of the way until you need them. Sometimes the drying machines don’t even dry properly and in worry of burning a hole through your socks or shrinking your jeans three sizes, the drying racks are an option that helps you and your clothes stay safe.
Extension Cords
Not having enough outlets is a major issue in dorm rooms. There are maybe a maximum of two outlets and they will be located in the farthest corner,
inaccessible at all times. In my first year, I had two main outlets, one behind my bed and another in my closet. I think we can assume which one I used and which one I put an extension cord in. Most students have more than two devices that need to be charged at the same time. Get an extension cord and save yourself the struggle of having to choose between devices.
Mini Air Purifier
When living on campus you are exposed to a completely different environment that your body needs time to adjust to. In that adjustment period, you will most likely get sick or have minor allergy symptoms. Several of our more experienced ducks have sworn by the air purifier.
Air purifiers use a fan and a filter to trap toxins and circulate the cleaned air in the room.
Air purifiers will make your dorm rooms more comfortable and fresh. Enjoying your first semester on campus without a chronic cough is much easier than suffering through it.
Noise Cancelling
Headphones
Last on the list is this very popular mention among upperclassmen. I just bought my own noise cancwelling headphones this summer and can admit they are life-changing. They are absolutely perfect when you are at the gym since they don’t constantly fall out of your ears the way AirPods do and they help tune out everyone else around you. In addition to that, they are amazing while studying and trying to get schoolwork done. Blocking out your surroundings perfectly keeps you focused on the task at hand and even though they are definitely expensive, they’re worth the long-term investment.
As you start your college journey, it’s important to have a safe and comfortable dorm to go back to, to make the adjustment to Stevens easier. Feel free to get creative with your dorm room and make it a place where you can thrive and enjoy this upcoming school year! Good luck ducks!
Summer college sales!
BY EILIYAH SAROWAR, CONTRIBUTOR
Your DuckCard can be used for numerous things around campus, from getting into your dorm to accessing your meal plan. You can also flash it at a cashier at Aeropostale or Levi’s for 15% off. It’s time to take advantage of NJ Transit’s student discounts and take a ride to your favorite stores for these exclusive student bargains!
Having a laptop is one of the most essential things for a student to own, especially at a tech school like Stevens. It can be overwhelming to pick from hundreds of options. Thankfully, most brands have student discounts. If you’re a fan of macOS, you can buy any MacBook and get a $150 Apple gift card – perfect for investing in great notes with an Apple Pencil or getting some AirPods to listen to music around campus. Other laptop brands, including Lenovo, Dell, and HP, have their own exclusive students discounts as well. HP boasts up to 40% off their latest technology. Many brands also offer sales on necessary school
software. Adobe offers 65% off their Creative Cloud subscription, and NordVPN offers 77% off their VPN subscription. Speaking of subscriptions, many students can agree that keeping up with streaming services can be an expensive hassle. Thankfully, most offer generous discounts. One popular one is the Hulu and Spotify subscription that is free for three months, and only $5.99 afterwards. Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music also offer student deals on their products. If you choose to subscribe to the popular Amazon Prime student discount, you also have access to Prime Video, Kindle Unlimited, Amazon Photos, and more completely free for six months. Other streaming services that offer similar bargains include Apple TV and Paramount Plus. When you start to grow tired of your meal plan, there are still plenty of options available to enjoy affordable food. Many local Hoboken restaurants offer student discounts, as well as a majority of chain restaurants such as Chick-fil-A or Dunkin’ Donuts. If you want to stay in, GrubHub and DoorDash also of -
fer discounted services for students. Finally, if you just want to cook your own food, HelloFresh offers 15% off for a year, and Blue Apron offers half off for your first month.
One of the best parts about Stevens is the location. There are countless attractions and museums to visit, and thankfully, most offer a student discount. If you just want to catch a movie with some friends, make sure you pick AMC and take full advantage of their lowered price for students. You can also save at Broadway, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, and Carnegie Hall. Most museums, including the Intrepid and the American Museum of Natural History also offer generous sales. This all is a lot of information to take in at once, but don’t worry, there’s a discount to help with that too. Relaxation apps like Headspace and Calm also offer up to 85% off, which can be especially helpful during finals week.
As a general rule, always be sure to Google “student discount” after each purchase. You never know what offers are available for you!
Science
Drugs are bad, take notes instead
BY JONATHAN LAI CONTRIBUTER
“I take notes like some people take drugs,” is what Tim Ferriss said in his blog on December 7, 2007. Notetaking in educational institutions has always been a staple of the student experience. These days, it is very hard to walk into a classroom anywhere without seeing students hunched over their notebooks or iPads, dutifully writing whatever their professor is talking or writing about. As the times evolve, however, so do the methods of note-taking, and as with many things, people seek to optimize their ability to do so. Whether you take notes with an iPad or the classic pen and paper, it’s always good to have an open mind.
While there are different methods of note-taking, they aim to achieve the same purpose: reinforce and organize spoken information into a visual form of one’s thoughts. Many argue that pen and paper is the way to go, like Professor Sonu Bedi at Dartmouth University, who implemented a “No electronic policy.” According to Bedi, “[Paper and pencil note-taking] requires you to actually internalize what is being said.” Bedi is not the
only person who thinks this, either. Student Lucy Korte at Dartmouth University says, “If you’re trying to learn and memorize, pen and paper are definitely better.” Additionally, after doing a poll on my Instagram, out of my 664 followers on instagram, 52% of them said they prefer pen and paper more. To round it off, two studies done in 2021 show that students have a higher retention rate when they write on pen and paper rather than a tablet. While there is an overwhelming amount of data supporting that pen and paper is the optimal notetaking method, many still choose to support note-taking digitally.
Digital note-taking exploded in popularity after the pandemic, and since then, it has only gained traction. Many STEM students prefer taking notes on an iPad as it makes it easier to organize notes and draw better diagrams. Some even say that it allows them to take notes more efficiently, especially if the professor is known for going fast.
Computer Science major Derek Chu from the University of Wisconsin Madison is an iPad notetaker. He says, “When I do take notes I take it on my iPad because it is a lot more organized and convenient. I don’t have any stray paper and
Element 120 on the periodic table might be within reach
BY AMELIE DELA CRUZ, CONTRIBUTOR
On July 23 at the Nuclear Structure 2024 meeting, researchers presented the results of their experiment that employed a new way of making superheavy elements. Superheavy elements—those with greater than 103 protons—are created by shooting beams of highly energized isotopes into target atoms. As neutrons are shed from the isotope’s nucleus, the nuclei of both the target and isotope fuse together to momentarily form a superheavy element. Typically, Calcium-48 was used as the isotope because of its stability and wealth of extra neutrons. Now, chemists postulate that an isotope of titanium can be used, one with six extra neutrons. Known as Titanium-50, this atom, while less stable, maybe the key to using the newest superheavy elements.
This development came along due to the scientists’ need to make a heavier element with a lighter target atom. As the target atoms become heavier, they become less abundant and harder and less practical to work with. For example, Berkelium (element 97), the element combined with the calcium isotope to make Tennessine (element 117), is difficult to produce. The process of making increasingly heavy elements would be much harder when it is also difficult to make the required target atom. An isotope beam like Titanium-50 that has more protons will open doors to the synthesis of other, heavier elements, such as the ultimate goal of these studies, element 120.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory proved the Titanium-50 can be used to synthesize Livermorium
(element 116), an element that had previously been made just us ing Calcium-48. In their 88-inch Cyclotron, the isotope was heat ed to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit and condensed into a highly en ergized beam aimed at a plutoni um target. After searching for the superheavy element for 22 days, two atoms of livermorium were found. This proof-of-concept will be paramount in creating more superheavy elements like element 120, especially using lighter, more stable target atoms. Element 120 would be created by aiming the beam at a californium target. The breakthrough could be an import ant part of finding the “island of stability,” a section of the periodic table where superheavy elements may exist for more than just a fleeting moment. Although this new addition may only exist for a millisecond longer than other man-made elements, some mod els say that element 120 could ex ist for a relatively long time.
I don’t need to carry around 10 notebooks everywhere. It’s basically a better notebook.” What Derek says is how a lot of other students reason with using an iPad. Caden Marcum of Dartmouth says, “I like the functionality and accessibility that comes with an iPad. You can upload visual aids and diagrams that you can’t do with pen and paper.” The main attraction of using digital technology is that it is, as Derek says, a better notebook in terms of organization, efficiency, and
notes digitally is that it is a distraction.
“We only have one hour together in class, and only 50% of the time are you really focused on the content. So you’re really short-changing yourself,” is what Professor James Binkoski said about digital notes being a distraction. The internet is a wonderful and bountiful oasis for any scholar. However, it is also a hellscape of distractions for any person lacking the discipline to avoid these distractions. In personal experience,
online or even playing minesweeper on Google. I myself have fallen victim to the minesweeper blackhole during my hour and a half literature classes. Digital note-taking is a double edged sword. It can be the reason you excel and the reason you fail. No matter which way you take notes, it is important to note that if it works for you, keep doing it. It is always a good thing, however, to know the pros and cons of your choices. In conclusion, to riff off of Tim Ferriss: don’t take
How far can Olympic records fall?
Despite this revolutionary new process, synthesizing element 120 will still be a challenge. Jacklyn Gates, the lead author of the experiment, states that it will be “about 10 to 20 times harder to make element 120 than it was element 116”. This could be due to many factors, including the fact that superheavy elements decay almost instantaneously because of their instability, and therefore it will be hard to locate the atoms in the Cyclotron. If the scientists are able to detect these atoms, though, they will be well on their way to coining the latest element and the first in the eighth row of the periodic table. The discovery would be a feat of chemistry and nuclear physics, paving the way for applications in many other disciplines of science.
The 2024 Paris Olympics closed out on August 11, 2024, with new world records set in a number of events by very strong and dedicated athletes. The Olympic Games have been a long-standing tradition in which nations from all around the world send athletes to represent them in competitions that showcase some of the most amazing feats in their respective sports. As the years have progressed, most of the events in the Summer Olympics have seen their world records beaten time and time again. However, world records for the fastest times in men’s and women’s sprinting and swimming events have begun to plateau, leading many to wonder if we are close to reaching the full extent of human potential.
Erin Garcia de Jesús wrote in Science News about the progression of the fastest times in both swimming and running events for men and women in the Olympics. The gold medal times for the men’s 100-meter dash have gone down by one second since the inception of this event in 1912. Donald Lippincott won the first gold medal in this event with a time of 10.6 seconds. Usain Bolt’s unbeaten world record from 2009
times for the women’s 100-meter dash have gone down by roughly three seconds since the inauguration of this event in 1922. Marie Mejzlíková Ii won the first gold medal with a time of 13.6 seconds, and Florence Griffith-Joyner set a so-far undefeated record with a time of 10.49 seconds.
The gold medal times for both men’s and women’s 50-meter freestyle events have both fallen by roughly 3 seconds since the first records of their events were set. For men, Jonty Skinner won the gold medal with a time of 23.86 seconds in 1976, and the current record was set in 2009 with César Cielo bringing this time down to 20.91 seconds. In the women’s event, the first gold medalist was Kornelia Ender, who achieved a time of 26.99 seconds. Sarah Sjöström beat her own world record in 2023 by completing the race in 23.61 seconds. Writers of the Washington Post support the statement that the fastest times in running events have plateaued more compared to swimming events. “In the past decade, swimming world records have been broken 43% more often per event than in individual Olympic track races.”
Over the last several Olympics, there have been a number of improvements made to the structure of events as well as the suits
letes. These improvements have aided in helping people perform better in their respective sports while reducing their risks of injury. Training methods have also been improved to help athletes build strength and hone their techniques to maximize power efficiency in their movement. Time will tell how effective these changes will be in producing the world’s best sprinter or swimmer, as it is unknown how low the records in sprinting and swimming events can get. Research published in the Journal of Physiology suggests that humans might be able to run as fast as 37 miles per hour, or 100 meters in 5.65 seconds. What is it going to take for us to see an astonishing run like this in a future Olympics? It is likely that we have not yet had the right person come along with the right technique to achieve this. A good sprint is done by driving your feet as hard as possible into the ground with every step taken, but how hard and in what way can one do that in order to reach such a speed? There is more room for improvement in the record of swimming, but the margin by which people beat the times of former competitors continues to shrink, leading many to believe that we are close to seeing a sprinter or swimmer move as fast as humanly possible.
CHINWENDU, STAFF WRITER
Opinion
MIND OF A FRESHMAN
The hills that kill
you need to say enough is enough. While for some, that might be because of an annoyingly strict professor or an overbearing parent, for me, it is none of those
SENIORITIS
things. For me, it is walking. Specifically, walking up hills. I think everyone can agree that walking uphill is, in no way, their favorite pastime. If it is, all power to you, maybe try cross country. There are multiple ways into campus, but the two most popular routes into campus are through the main gates (which you take from going into town) and up the stairs from the parking lots (which you take if you are commuting by ferry or train from NYC). Either way, it is going to make you regret not hitting the treadmill. Assuming you are taking the
stairs onto campus, you have already walked about 15 minutes from the ferry or the PATH train. This walk actually isn’t so bad as it is by the hudson and actually pretty calm. This all gets ruined however by the end when you need to hike up around 5 flights of stairs. In the unfortunate event that you live farther up the hill at Castle Point or Humphreys or some of the other dorms to the west, there is only more hill waiting for you after the stairs. Imagine, after a tiring night out in the city, you and your friends are all puckered out and now have to walk up these stairs and
the hill. Not very enticing. In the grand scheme of things, however, these stairs aren’t too bad compared to the other options to get into campus.
I have a bone to pick with the steep hill leading to the main gates. The placement and location of the hill make it so that if you ever want to get food from Washington Street, you are forced to walk down the hill, get the food, and then walk back up the hill, and the hill doesn’t stop once you get up to the gate. The hill continues into the campus all the way up until essentially the admissions office. That isn’t
even the worst part from what I have heard from upperclassmen. When you are buying food, you normally are only returning to campus with something light, maybe a Shake Shack hamburger, or a gigantic $5 slice of pizza. However, it becomes even worse when you are going grocery shopping and have to haul all those heavy bags back up the hill to your dormitory. As a self-appointed foodie, the hill is a very big deterrent when it comes to getting food. Normally the answer to whether I want to go out and get food is an ecstatic “Hell yeah”. However, ever since
the existence of The Hill, the question isn’t “should I get food” it’s, “do I want to walk that hill today”. That hill is the savior of my bank account and the bane of my stomach.
As someone who comes from the hilly lands of Little Neck, hills are nothing new to me. I have been walking up hills since the ye olde days of elementary school. However, at a certain point, you just get tired of walking up hills. There comes a point where enough is enough. I have had enough of these hills, and at some point, I am sure you will too. Happy hiking people.
Nostalgia is for later
Seventh semester. Huh. A few weeks ago, Stute Weekend was wrapping up just as the RAs were moving in for training, and as the lull of summer campus
came to a close, my wise Editor in Chief pointed out, “I can’t really remember what I was doing the first day of class last semester.”
The details of whatever I was doing during the beginning of not just last semester but the previous six semesters have since slipped my mind; my very first college class being the exception. It was in this dark room in the North Building with those awful little desks that were attached to the seat. The desk was not the good type of desk-seat combo that is fun to crack your back on,
BOOK OF THE WEEK
but the evil variant where the desk continues along under your right arm to connect with the back of the desk chair, and there’s never enough room for your exam and cover sheet (it’s a bigger battle than you might think). I remember my ears filtering out the teacher, wait no, it’s the professor now—who was probably glossing over something important in the syllabus–and thinking, “So this is it…college.”
Oddly, I feel the same this week. As a freshly minted senior, I am only 75% of the way to my de -
gree, but I can’t shake the mixed feelings regarding the fact that my college days are more behind than ahead, especially when I think of how far away a Red and Gray Café chicken parm panini (r.i.p.) or a General Chemistry in-class group worksheet feels. I really hope I remember my “last firsts” of these last two semesters here well, but evidently, that’s not how the Pierce cookie tends to crumble.
A few days ago, I finished up my internship with my first ‘big girl’ commute. I’ve always found joy
New fantasy books are just built different
Recently, I have had a problem where the book I’ve bought and the book I read are completely different. This is not an issue of thievery but rather an intriguing description of overpromising and underdelivering consistently. Fantasy is one of my long-time favor-
ite genres of fiction to read and incredibly popular to boot. But what is consistently popular is romance. And as anyone alive and literate in the 2010s can tell you, when dystopian fiction became popular, there were so many hot male love interests caught in love triangles they could’ve formed a small nation. But to summarize, the main plot was disregarded for the will-they-won’t-they subplot, and the world was left essentially abandoned. This same curse has infiltrated the world of fantasy fiction en masse, creating the Romantasy that appears to be in every new book. So it has been refreshing to read a book with an intriguing premise, and not
once has it taken over by the B-plot. So I was delighted when I read my most recent book, The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley by Sean Lusk, and it delivered everything I could have hoped for and more. The plot follows the aforementioned Zachary and his father Abel Cloudesley in the late 1700s in England and follows them as father and then son, venture into Constantinople for the sake of each other. What is particularly interesting about this book is the sheer amount of world building despite it being a play on real historical events. Abel originally goes to Constantinople as a spy hidden inside a mechanical chess-playing robot, known as The Turk, as
its hidden operator. Though never used as a spying device, The Turk was a real thing that existed, and there were people inside of it who secretly played chess for the robot. Magic and engineering combine into one constant thing rather than being separate. Zachary is able to see the future through the use of his glass blue eye, and the theme of magic and science being the same thing is very present throughout the story. It’s cohesive and captures the reader’s attention to the world and how magical it is by being exceedingly normal. There are no cheap tricks or twists; it is simply a good story that is unique in its concept and sets up the world in that upon reading
COMIC CORNER
BY JOSIE STRANO
in making little landmarks and/or sayings in my head for commutes I make regularly, each with their own corresponding estimate on how much time is left in my trip, but as I drove my resented 40-minute return to Hoboken for the final time, I missed the first of my two key landmarks. I did not rejoice at the congestion relief of the “Nutley Nuts” finally getting off of Route 3 at the exit to Nutley, NJ–I was too preoccupied with how this was my last time driving the commute.
I know a big transition period is coming, but in
my experience, it is not the final day, nor the first day that I remember best. It’s the recurring friendship ‘rituals’ like Morelia Paletas, yoga class or trivia night with the people I love, weekly in-class worksheets, and chicken parm paninis that stick with me. I want to set the intention of being present and enjoying the little details, so hopefully I don’t get too caught up in the imminent life change and miss what is right in front of me. There will be plenty of time for nostalgia later.
it, you believe that magic is real and you are living in it. If it has not been clear, I absolutely adore this book and highly recommend others read it. But, what is more important is what this book shows for the fantasy genre as a whole. It is not stuck with romance as the real driver of the plot. Nor does it need to hide behind flashy displays of magic or a plot that focuses on the end of the world to be high stakes. The best stories, regardless of genre, have an emotional heart that beats through them. Some of the more recent Fantasy novels I have read have reflected this. Diverse backgrounds and unique stories focus on normal people and what
they go through in these worlds. That is what I love about fantasy, not the chosen one or someone special, but normal people stepping up to face problems and persevering.
BY AVA WANG ‘25
BY MADISON HELLER ‘27
Opinion ON SHUFFLE
UNMASKING: AN AUTISM STORY A new semester: Navigating change with autism
BY EVAN PAPAGEORGE ‘26
Welcome back to Unmasking: An Autism Story! If you’re new here, welcome to the journey where we unmask the mysteries of autism. This column last appeared in Fall 2023, and while the previous edition was a fantastic journey, I’ve learned much more and am eager to continue sharing. If interested, read the past articles to learn more!
As a new cohort of Ducks joins our campus, reflecting on my initial days at Castle Point feels fitting. Transitioning from high school to college—or from summer break back into the semester—can be stressful for all students. First-year students find themselves in a completely new environment, often away from their parents or guardians for the first time. Despite Stevens’s excellent orientation, the stress of starting college is a significant part of this life stage. However, for individuals with autism, the challenges can be even more stressful.
For those with autism,
FOR
moving into college introduces an additional layer of stress. Many individuals with autism experience heightened anxiety during periods of change. Routines offer a sense of planning, stability, and familiarity, but starting at college can disrupt the stability they rely on. I participated in the Pre-Orientation program, which gave me a few extra days before the other 1,000 first-year students arrived. Even with these additional days and the fantastic support from my RA, Peer Leader, and other staff members, there were times when I felt overwhelmed. I had to figure out new systems for laundry, meal times, and navigating shared spaces like the bathroom. Despite the support and having a great time, the transition was undeniably challenging.
Another significant stressor in the college experience is building a social network—finding friends, study groups, lab partners, and all the interpersonal relationships essential for a balanced college life. Making these personal connections involves navigating conversations filled with social cues, body language, and pop culture references. For individuals with autism, these interactions can seem like a daunting and confusing mess. While neurotypical individuals can understand this web of references and nonverbali-
MATH’S SAKE What’s all that noise?
BY CHARLES BEALL B.S. ‘23 & PHD STUDENT
fy: White Noise Radiance. They have several “albums” that last about 10 hours, and all the tracks are continuous types of noise. For instance, I am proud to say I have made my way
through all 100 parts of their Brown Noise album. (Pt. 100 has under 600,000 streams, compared to Pt. 01’s almost 8 million – the former is truly slept on!).
There are many other types of noise this artist offers, from waterfalls to bacon sizzling, as well as an incredible 63-volume set of “Ambient birds,” but I want to focus on the “colors” of noise that are offered by many apps nowadays to supposedly aid in sleep or focus. This will lead us down a bit of a mathematical rabbit hole, although one that I promise will not get too technical (we’ve only just started school after all).
Let us start with the artist’s namesake: white noise. A signal is referred to as “white noise” if the inten-
ty, individuals with autism often struggle, making the challenge of creating new relationships especially difficult. I entered college with friends I had known for nearly a decade and had spent years developing those connections. When I arrived at Stevens, I struggled as friend groups and cliques formed around me, often appearing out of nowhere as I struggled to understand the social norms at play. It took me a few weeks to find a group I felt comfortable with, and even then, I didn’t fully settle in until near the end of my first semester.
Although starting college can be particularly stressful for individuals with autism (and I was genuinely terrified during my initial days at Stevens), I am deeply grateful for the experience. Learning to navigate the rapidly changing college environment, transitioning from long-known friends to an entirely new social landscape, and managing the chaos of beginning college life has been invaluable. For those who are struggling with these changes, whether or not you have autism, remember: IT WILL BE OKAY! Change can be frightening, but your new life will eventually become routine. So, settle into your new home for the next 14 academic weeks and join me as we continue our journey to unmask the mysteries of autism.
Short ‘n Sweet ‘n everything you
features an improvised outro that has consistently excited audiences across the world. This song is her internal dialogue directly unfiltered and raw. She is fun, young, and honest in everything she writes.
sity of the noise, measured in decibels (dB), is equal across all frequencies in a given range. For humans, we tend to be interested in the band between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz, since this is what the average human ear can hear.
This constant intensity is a property also held by white light: if a light source is emitting all frequencies in the visible spectrum equally, then we will see it as white. The other colors of noise are named in this spirit: blue or violet noise is so named because the intensity goes up as the frequency increases, while red or pink noise has the most intensity in lower frequency bands.
But brown is not a color in the visible spectrum, so what about Brown Noise?
BY PRISHA VAGVALA ‘28
For as long as I can remember, Sri Thai has been more than just a restaurant—it’s been a favorite place for my family and me in Hoboken. Having lived in Jersey City for more than 18 years — Sri Thai has been our favorite go-to spot for every celebration,
family dinner, and occasion that calls for the comfort of authentic Thai cuisine. But now, I’m facing the unexpected reality of saying goodbye to our beloved restaurant. Rumor has it that Sri Thai has closed its doors for good. It’s been nearly a month since they last served a plate of their famous pad thai or any dish. While I hope this isn’t the end, I feel compelled to pay tribute to the place that has meant so much to me and countless others who call Hoboken home. For those of you who never had the chance to visit Sri Thai, let me describe what made this place so special. A small, humble place, Sri Thai
sits in the corner of a quiet street at 234 Bloomfield St. In the serene setting, adorned with Buddha figures and bamboo plants, you can smell the mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked Thai food. Our family’s order rarely changed: two chicken pad thai, one green curry, two shrimp or chicken skewers, four spring rolls, and two servings of mango sticky rice. Each dish represented the culinary talent of the chefs, but personally, for me, it was the chicken pad thai that had me enamored. It’s simply the best with its perfectly seasoned chicken and balance of sweet and salty flavors. Sri Thai was more than
BY ABIGAIL THOMAS
‘26
Unless you have been living under a rock, I am sure you have heard of the Bardot look-alike it-girl that is Sabrina Carpenter. The ex-Disney actress, Pennsylvania raised singer sky-rocketed to stardom over the summer with her mega-hits “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please.” Sabrina Carpenter boasts through rhyming lines and playful sweetness about her love life being full of coffee-loving partners and reputation-threatening encounters. On Friday, August 23, Carpenter released her sixth studio album titled “Short ‘n Sweet.” The 25-year-old singer teamed up with New Jersey’s favorite producer, Jack Antonoff. If you have seen this name on every top album, this is because Antonoff collects pop music It-girls like Infinity Stones. Lana Del Ray, Gracie Abrams, Lorde, and Taylor Swift are just some of the music masters that Jack Anatnoff has produced. Sabrina Carpenter has always been comical and innocently promiscuous in her songwriting through the years. One of her viral songs is called “Nonsense” which
Her most recent project “Short ‘n Sweet” capitalizes on Carpenter’s experience navigating her world of fame, relationships, and the early 20s experience. Highlights of this album include track nine, “Slim Pickins.” This song marries Dolly Parton’s twang with the modern-day 20-something’s relationship issues. She emphasizes the struggle of never finding “the one” and romanticizing the heartthrobs of the past. She says “Since the good ones are deceased or taken…” she will just end up alone in this online loving culture. I love how she is so beautifully frustrated that she simply rhymes and riddles this melody about wishing she could find the perfect boy. Carpenter seriously explains how her most recent boy doesn’t even know the difference between the trio of homophones, “there, their, and they are.” She is hilarious and honest, doing a great job at accurately explaining the current dating pool.
Sabrina Carpenter is highly adored for her catchy beats and witty lyrics. She has a sensitive side that nicely contradicts her more provocative facets. Carpenter highlights the dichotomy of her songwriting when she partners her flirtatious phrasing with her vulnerability. Track four, “Sharpest
Tool,” talks about an ended relationship involving an unreliable partner. She navigates this relationship by accepting that her partner isn’t perfect and seeing past their faults. However, when she starts to give up parts of herself to this relationship, her partner becomes distracted. She phrases this unfortunate occurrence by singing “then a bird flies by and you forget.” While continuing to remain a couple, Carpenter says that she’ll just “waste another year on wonderin’ if that was casual.” They go on never talking about their issues or sorting things out. Ending in stress and resentment, her partner is still at the top of her mind despite the confusion and discomfort they brought upon her. Sabrina Carpenter writes strong California hits and romanticizes the “good old days” of love. She is consistent in her efforts to speak to the 20-somethings who are experiencing love in its most saturated form. Carpenter is sitting at the top of the music charts and is unwavering in her determination to become a worldwide sensation. If you have the time this week to listen to some of her music, be sure to listen to it with your bestest of friends. An album about relationships calls for a night-in with your best friends and lots of fun! This pop album is perfect for everyone even if you don’t purposefully stream her music, you will be sure to hear Sabrina Carpenter’s new album anywhere and everywhere you go!
This noise gets its name not from the color, but from a man named Robert Brown. A Scottish botanist from the 1800s, Brown noticed how certain pollen particles moved in a jittery fashion when immersed in liquid. Later, mathematicians and scientists, including Albert Einstein, developed a mathematical way to describe such movement, although it is still predominantly called Brownian motion. Being close enough to the color theme, this is how “brown noise” stuck.
Mathematically, Brownian motion is an example of a stochastic process, which is a sequence of random events – like the location of a small particle in a fluid – at specific points in time. Brown noise signals are
Goodbye Sri Thai - I will always cherish you
great food, it was also about the experience. Every time you peer above the counter you can catch a glimpse of the food being prepared fresh. And for someone like me, who struggles with a sensitive stomach, this freshness made all the difference. Sri Thai was one of the few places where I could indulge to my heart’s content without fear of regretting it later. The food arrives fresh from the kitchen, clouded with steam. Though dishes are served fast, the attention to detail that goes into the food is unmatched. It wasn’t until I ventured out of Hoboken to different places like Miami and a cruise to Aruba that I gained a newfound
constructed from Brownian motions: one can think of particles bouncing off air molecules at different points in time in a special way to create the sound vibrations that lead to the noise. The intensity of Brown noise is proportional to one over the square of the frequency.
These “power-law” spectra, where the intensity is related to the frequency raised to a specific power, is how colors of noise are rigorously defined. But what’s more, one can miraculously obtain white noise from a Brownian motion, by taking a special type of derivative of the motion. This is different from the derivatives you will see or have seen in calculus courses, but one can think of it as an “instantaneous rate of
change” for the stochastic process. In part because the derivative of Brownian motion is white noise, stochastic integration, which is used in the stochastic calculus courses offered at Stevens, becomes possible. But enough math for now! On a sentimental note, for new readers, this marks the beginning of my third year of writing For Math’s Sake, and my sixth year at Stevens. From my experience, college is a place of much noise, ranging from delightful (especially if you’re in DeBaun PAC for a concert!) to jarring. But it is the time for all of us to make that noise, freely and proudly, while keenly listening for the important signals in the mix.
appreciation for the Thai food at Sri Thai; both experiences resulted in terrible stomach aches. These experiences made me realize just how special Shri Thai was; their food wasn’t just delicious, it was prepared with a level of care and authenticity that is hard to find elsewhere. On my last few visits, however, I noticed slight signs of change. The once fully stocked dessert menu was suddenly lacking, with their iconic mango sticky rice—one of my favorite treats—frequently unavailable. The dessert was a delightful conclusion to the meal, with the perfect combination of coconut and mango. The contrast of cold mango
and warm rice created an enjoyable experience, resulting in a euphoric blend of flavors. I truly hope that I will once again be able to walk through the door of Sri Thai and sit at the same table we always sit at, near the windows with the red curtains. From there, you can watch the chill Hoboken lifestyle as you enjoy your delicious Thai food. So, to Sri Thai, I want to express my heartfelt thanks. Thank you for the countless meals, the warm hospitality, and the memories that will linger long after the last plate of pad thai and mango sticky rice has been served. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
FOODIE FINDS
ROVING REPORTER
By Rafael Lee Li and Mia Petrolino
Have suggestions for this year’s roving questions?
Write your ideas below, tear off this corner, and leave it in our mailbox outside of our office at UCC 216!
Sudoku
Nishka Mehta ‘27 “NEW DROP”
Nicholas Vetsas ‘27 “I Really Want to Stay at Your House.”
Sam Rozek ‘25 “Doses & Mimosas by Cherub.”
Kate Moss ‘26 “Silver Lining by Mt. Joy.”
Jack Wietzke ‘27 “The Time of Your Life by Bug’s Life.”
Abigail Izzo ‘25 “Eye of the Tiger by Survivor.”
William Hojegian ‘27 “Terraria Overworld Day theme.”
Christopher Persico ‘27 “Sundress by ASAP Rocky.”