The
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FRIDAY, MARCH 26 2021
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Hockey player Sean Dickson receives honor from the New Hartford Fire Department
“Alexa, tell me a joke.”- The impact of artificial intelligence
NFL scouts visit Utica College
NEWS | PG. 5
FEATURES | PG. 7
SPORTS | PG. 12
Utica football victorious in its first game against Alfred
New science building breaking ground and continuing to grow
Photo: Sofia Westling NICK MCADAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF In the Utica Pioneers first of a pair of contests in its shortened season, the team grabbed its first victory against Alfred University by a score of 30-17 with a small crowd of spectators gathered on the lawn across from the Todd & Jenn Hutton Sports and Recreation Center. Utica scored two touchdowns before halftime capped off by a strong defensive performance and a safety record by defensive end John Stroughn in the fourth quarter. This will be the team’s only home game of the season with Utica traveling to Alfred on March 29. With no spectators allowed to gather directly in the stadium, a portion of student viewers gathered on the lawn leading down
to the football field, which is where the football team enters the field from. One of those spectators, Sofia Westling, a senior exchange student from Finland, saw her first football game in person. “The vibe was really fun, even though we couldn’t be right up close,” she said. “There were people cheering for their friends, there was good music and the weather was perfect. And even though there were a lot of people, everyone was socially distanced so I felt safe.” Some spectators indicated that there were about 25-to-30 students gathered on the lawn to watch the game, while others estimated that 50 people in total watched the contest, all of whom were scattered across the lawn. Utica
College
Senior
Sophie Langdon was also among the spectators. In a normal setting, Langdon is a member of the Pioneers cheerleading team, which would be found on the sidelines of each home football game. Langdon said the college should experiment with the idea of allowing spectators in the stands. She noted that the college has done its duty by keeping students safe with weekly testing, social distancing and mask enforcement. With these elements present, Langdon believes a certain number of fans shouldn’t be an issue for home sporting events. “There were a lot more people than I expected,” she said. “Everybody was wearing a mask, too. If they set up social distancing guidelines within the stadium, I don’t see why students SEE FOOTBALL PG. 11
Photo: Alexandria Leland EMILY JOSS STAFF WRITER Just outside of Gordon Science Center, the new science building is taking shape as construction continues. This addition is a part of a series of college improvements that are modernizing campus and improving the quality of student life. The $13 million science complex that connects Gordon Science Center and Romano Hall is on track to be open in early August, just in time for the fall semester. All interior walls are up but have yet to be painted, and from the outside, it is clear that the windows have been added and the building is ready for siding. The science complex will be filled with new teaching labs for contemporary
biology, geology and chemistry. The building will also include faculty and student research areas and plenty of space for interactions and work to be done outside the classroom. More specifically, teaching labs will include the following: • Genetics and molecular biology lab • Cell biology and biochemistry lab • Analytic chemistry lab • Anatomy and physiology lab • Animal behavior lab and other animal care facilities “We have specialized research space including a clean molecular lab, cell culture lab and microscopy lab” Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Biology SEE BUILDING PG. 3
STAFF PAGE 2
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SPRING 2021 STAFF
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Editor-In-Chief - Nick McAdam Layout Editor - Stephen Clark Managing Editor - Bailey Hryb Assistant News Editor - Hannah Steyn Features Editor - Rebekah Hedeen Assistant Features Editor - Hope Russo Sports Editor - Abin Boris Assistant Sports Editor - Matt Breault Special Assignments Reporter - Isabella Hudziak General Assignments Reporter - Robert Stevens Photographer - Alexandria Leland Social Media Manager - Alyssa McKenna Cartoonist - Alyssa McKenna YouTube - Brooke Riscica Copy Editor - Gianna Cognetti Tangerine Clerk - Jama Joseph Advisor - Mary Christopher
NEWS
PAGE 3 FRIDAY, MARCH 26 2021 BUILDING FROM PG. 1 Sharon Wise explained. Vice President for College Infrastructure and the Utica College lead on the project, Matthew Carr, mirrored much of the
same enthusiasm for the cutting-edge additions. “Other spaces include a new vivarium with two procedure rooms and four climate-controlled housing rooms,” Carr said.
The geology department is also awaiting state-ofthe-art renovations. “We also have a computer lab facility for GIS classes, mapping classes and other classes in geology and other sciences where
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we need a computer lab space,” Wise said. Although this project is enhancing the science department, non-science majors can still anticipate using the new complex as the building will have an
active-learning classroom space that promotes the integration of lecture and lab for physics and other science classes usually taken by varying majors.
CAMPUS SAFETY BLOTTER Date of Incident
Time of Incident
Incident Description
Incident Location
3/17/2021
4:15 PM
Failure to Comply
Parking Lot
3/18/2021
4:20 PM
Medical Assist
Library Concourse
3/18/2021
3:38 PM
Verbal Argument
Strebel Student Center
3/19/2021
12:46 AM
Motor Vehicle Accident
3/21/2021
2:04 AM
Disorderly Student
Off-Campus
3/21/2021
5:40 PM
Non-Complaint Student
Roadway
The opinions and columns expressed in The Tangerine are those of the individual writers and do not represent the views of The Tangerine or Utica College.
3/21/2021
4:00 PM
Accident Report
Roadway
News Tips? Opinions? Contact The Tangerine! Tangerine!
3/22/2021
1:36 AM
Property Damage
South Hall
3/23/2021
10:30 AM
Motor Vehicle
Off-Campus
About The Tangerine is published weekly during the academic year by and for Utica College students. To reach a member of the staff, email tangerine@utica.edu or call 315-792-3065. All material printed in The Tangerine is copyrighted. The Tangerine was first published as the Utica College News on Nov. 6, 1946. Submission Policy Letters to the editor are welcomed from all members of the Utica College community. Letters must meet fair and accurate publishing standards and contain no libelous material. Anonymous letters to the editor will not be printed. All letters and editorials must meet the print deadline of 5 p.m. on Mondays. Please send all submissions to tangerine@utica.edu. Takeback requests are a form of censorship and therefore not accepted. Advertising Information The Tangerine accepts paid advertisements. Advertising copy is subject to the same professional publishing standards as content. The Tangerine reserves the right to reject advertising that does not meet the standards established, is libelous, is in poor taste or violates discrimination laws. Please direct all inquiries to tanger@ utica.edu. The deadline for publication is 10 a.m. on Tuesdays.
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NEWS PAGE 4
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UC EMS recertified UC as a COVID-19 vaccination clinic a success at UC HEARTSafe Campus
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PAGE 5 FRIDAY, MARCH 26 2021
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Hockey player Sean Dickson receives honor from the New Hartford Fire Department NICK MCADAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Utica College men’s hockey goalie Sean Dickson was recently named the William V. Kelly Emergency Medical Technician of the Year from the New Hartford Fire Department.
Photo: Colby Kusinitz HANNAH STEYN ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR The National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation promotes community awareness for saving lives through the use of CPR. In order to raise awareness, the NCEMSF has developed the HEARTSafe campus initiative where designated campuses can become certified. According to Colby Kusinitz, the captain of Utica College’s Emergency Medical Services, in order for a campus to be designated HEARTSafe, greater than 5% of the community must be proficient in CPR. “Utica College is hovering at about 10% as it stands,” Kuzinitz said. “This certification is renewed every three years, and basically what it means is that we have enough of our student population certified that if someone were to have a cardiac issue, a heart attack or anything like that, there would be a high chance that someone nearby would have the required skills to at least
help the patient until one of the UCEMS or another professional could get there to help.” Kusinitz was excited to announce that in conjunction with the Emergency Management Office, SLCE and the Deans office, UC will roll out a module during firstyear orientation, to train incoming freshmen in hands-only CPR training and Stop the Bleed training. “God-willing, there’s not, but if there’s a trauma on campus, incoming freshmen will now have the basic knowledge to stop bleeding,” Kuzinitz said. “This just includes applying pressure, packing and applying a tourniquet.” With this new training, UCEMT is hoping to increase its number of CPR-trained students to about 30% by the next certification in three years’ time. This number will include all students in medical fields, and the new classes for the next three years, as well as students in sororities and fraternities who are being certified. Kusinitz said UC EMS
was started four years ago by a student and is now responsible for handling emergency medical situations on campus, being on standby for sports games, and handling any medical training, like CPR, Stop The Bleed training and Narcan administration. “We handle anywhere to 100 calls in a year,” Kusinitz said. “If someone isn’t feeling well, they call campus safety and we can assess them, which saves local resources from having to come onto campus. We are a fully accredited New York City agency, and we are state licensed EMTs.” UC community members interested in becoming certified in CPR or Stop the Bleed can contact UCEMS@utica.edu. “We as a campus are also EMS Ready,” Kusinitz said. “This means we have met with our local emergency departments, and we have a plan in place wherein an emergency situation UCEMS can help out as licensed EMTs, which is a great resource for situations where extra hands are needed.”
Photo: Alexandria Leland ALEXANDRIA LELAND PHOTOGRAPHER More than 230 members of the UC community received the COVID-19 vaccine on March 11. With little notice, the college community responded quickly when the opportunity arose to provide immunizations. Pharmacists from Walgreens administered the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the Strebel Student Lounge from noon to 5 p.m. Utica College employees, faculty, staff, auxiliary services employees and students employees were eligible under New York State health regulations. “Several other institutions were offered the same opportunity but we’re not able to move as quickly as we were to set up a point of distribution,” Vice President for Emergency Management Shad Crowe said. Many people took advantage of the opportunity to fight back against COVID-19. While some looked nervous,
smile lines accented mask-covered faces as EMTs stood by. “The people there were super sweet and helpful,” said Alec Pease, a construction management major. Reasons for getting the vaccine vary across the board, but the common thread is that everyone is just trying to look out for each other. “I live with two people that are immunocompromised so if I can do that, then one out of three of us are vaccinated, then it’s less likely I’m going to bring it home to them,” Pease said. UC community members are a part of the current 12% population in the U.S. that are vaccinated. “We hope to have an opportunity like this again in the near future. However, any opportunity will be based on vaccine supply and distribution by both the federal and state governments,” Crowe said.
The fire department issues annual awards to those who go above and beyond with their service. Of the department’s 1,100 plus calls per year, more than 75% percent of them are medical. The award is named after Kelly, a 39-year member of the department. In 1937, Kelly established what today is known as the Emergency Medical Service. He trained several New Hartford firemen and residents of Oneida County in First Aid and emergency resuscitation. Dickson is currently in his junior year at the college majoring in health studies. Jim Monahan, director of Nursing at Utica College and the Assistant Chief of the New Hartford Fire Department, said this is a great accomplishment of Dickson, who attends school full-time and plays starting minutes with the Utica Pioneers. “He was selected for this award by the fire officers of NHFD where he stood out for his prehospital care even during the pandemic,” Monahan said. “He continues to serve as an EMT/Firefighter for New Hartford and is looked up to by many of the younger members in the department and this award shows the younger members something to strive for and make a difference in
Photo: Sean Dickson, far right the community as he has done.” Dickson started his time with the department after acquiring both his National EMT Certification and his New York State EMT. His current role at the department involves a mixture of everything else he’s involved with, along with waiting for different types of 911 calls. “Early morning hockey practice mixed with a mostly virtual class schedule provides me with a lot of free time to go on emergency calls,” Dickson said. “I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge through
the New Hartford Fire Department. Each day is an opportunity to experience a new challenge and I absolutely love it.”
my EMT certification and perform in the field as an EMS provider,” he said.
Dickson was humbled to receive the award. According to him, he was fortunate to be influenced by many others who have experience in the EMS field. He also gives a lot of credit to his current involvements to help develop his discipline in all walks of life.
On the ice, Dickson holds a .942 save percentage with an average of 1.34 goals against. He’s played in a total of three games so far this season, logging over 178 minutes and posting a record of 2-11. In two years with the team, he’s competed in a total of 18 games and holds a starting record of 7-3 with a .923 save percentage.
“The discipline I have developed through being a student-athlete at Utica College prepared me tremendously to obtain
Dickson’s head coach, Gary Heenan, admires his hard work and ability to balance all of the components in his life at
one time. “He is a serious-minded, hard-working individual who takes a disciplined approach in everything he does,” Heenan said. “It’s admirable that he has been able to balance hockey, athletics and community volunteerism. He is inspired by his father, a former firefighter who recently passed. We are very proud of him.” After graduation, Dickson plans to pursue a career in professional hockey. Following that, he plans to move back home to the San Francisco Bay Area and continue his work as a firefighter paramedic.
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Pio-talk on First-Gen Students: Their stories and advice
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PAGE 7 FRIDAY, MARCH 26 2021
REBEKAH HEDEEN FEATURES EDITOR
On March 15, a Pio-talk was held on Zoom in which first-gen students could share stories about their first-year experiences at college and advice to other students on how to handle transitioning into college life.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been growing and evolving in technology such as internet browsers, phone apps and even your smartwatch. Products including AI such as the Amazon Alexa/Echo are more easily distinguishable due to their indistinguishable voice.
However, one thing that many participants had in common was that during college, one might not feel like yourself, which is the first sign of something known as “imposter syndrome.” “Imposter syndrome is when you don’t feel like you can be yourself at college and you feel like a completely different person when you don’t want to be,” said Nina Nguyen, who experienced
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used for dangerous or malicious purposes,” John said. “Since AI technology is advancing so rapidly, it is vital for us to start to debate the best ways for AI to develop positively while minimizing its destructive potential.” AI, while beneficial in many ways, has the potential for malice and that could take form in multiple capacities. For example, jobs that would normally be performed by a human could be replaced by a robot. While that is not technically evil, it may result in the loss of jobs and have a negative impact on how individuals live from day-to-day.
Types of AI So, what is AI, more specifically, the type of AI that impacts the average individual’s life?
“My parents always told me how proud they were of me for taking the step to go to college and get a degree,” Vincent said. “However, while I did enjoy going to college, the stress I had while attending college was completely crazy.” Some of the panelists talked about their experiences, most of them acknowledging how their college years were spent at a few different institutions. Some started at community colleges like Mohawk Valley Community College and then transferred to others to continue their education and gain bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“Alexa, tell me a joke.”- The impact of artificial intelligence
CHARLES BUCKLEY STAFF WRITER
Mathew Vincent, the assistant director of the new trio program in Hubbard Hall was once a first-gen student.
Photo: Stanley Morales on Canva it during her time in college. “That’s why I give this advice to the first-year students: Take any opportunities you can take and don’t just step aside. Also, never be afraid to be yourself.” While some of the panelists talked about imposter syndrome creeping in during their time at college, other panelists talked about the struggle they had with maintaining both college life and work-life outside of college. Some explained that on top of their college workload they also worked 40 hours a week at another job. “I thought college was going to be pretty easy going in, but I learned real fast that it wasn’t when you add work-study from
the school and then going to another job I had offcampus,” said Mercedes Steele, one of the facilitators of the event. One panelist, in particular, talked about how being a first-gen was important to him because not only did his parents never take college classes, one of his parents withdrew from high school early. “My dad left high school early to actually fight in World War II,” said Adam Pack, a biology professor at Utica College. “However, when he left high school and finally joined it was a little too late. We had already won. However, he didn’t go back to school right away. He went into his first job which was shoveling coal for $40 a week, and back
then that was decent pay for a week.” Another panelist explained how her parents supported her but admitted that even with the support she still felt somewhat alone while living on campus and going to school. “I didn’t go to family dinner every other weekend as others did,” said Dr. Kaylee Seddio, one of the new faculty members in the Psychology department. “I didn’t make those fivehour trips home because I didn’t have that strong emotional bond as other students did. That overall made things very lonely for me, but it also fueled me to work harder and get my degree in three years instead of four because
just the idea of leaving the campus and being able to go home was right.” Toward the end of the PioTalk, there was a small Q&A for the panelists from the people attending the event. One of the questions asked was, “To what extent does taking a moment to recognize the first-gen issues increase a student’s feeling of belonging?” “We have to find topics among ourselves, among the campus that engages the community to talk to share,” said Anthony Baird, the chief diversity officer at Utica College. “We all have a story and our story is like a tapestry, that is deeply woven with a theme of the thread.”
“Based on what purpose AI is designed for, it records all information (raw data), processes the information using math formulas (algorithms), uses the result from the new information and repeats the process again and again for better results,” Network Administrator Shakha John said. There are many different types of artificial intelligence but the most common types are those that we find in CAPCHAs (“select all the fire hydrants”), Amazon Alexa’s, Roomba vacuum cleaners and our phones and watches. “With the simulation of human intelligence, processes by machines that are especially computer systems include learning the acquisition of information and rules for using it,” an article from Data Flair said. “The reasoning uses rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions and self-correction.” The key in the statement
Photo Canva above is that the AI is able to reach approximate and definite conclusions and self-correction through the simulation of human intelligence. This means that the artificial intelligence, developed in the image of humans, will take its learning and then self alter its processing to a certain extent. The figure above demonstrates the differences in levels of artificial intelligence. These different levels of intelligence impact our daily lives in various ways. On the left, the figure shows early levels that were crude and unfinished. “It is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines that makes it significant,” an article from Data Flair said. “With the simulation of human intelligence, processes by machines that are especially computer systems include learning the acquisition of information and rules for
using it.” The middle of the figure represents the AI that is found in programs such as Google’s predictive searching engines as well as in email and other online programs that find out information about the individual. “Machine learning is a category within the larger field of artificial intelligence that is concerned with conferring upon machines the ability to learn,” Cecille De Jesus of Futurism said. “This is achieved by using algorithms that discover patterns and generate insights from the data they are exposed to, for application to future decision-making and predictions, a process that sidesteps the need to be programmed specifically for every single possible action.” Lastly, the section on the right of the figure demonstrates the AI technology that is able
to pick up and learn new knowledge and then use it to create new patterns in which the technology uses to read other codes. “Deep learning, on the other hand, is a subset of machine learning: it’s the most advanced AI field, one that brings AI the closest to the goal of enabling machines to learn and think as much like humans as possible,” De Jesus said. Everyday Life While the innovations in artificial intelligence have come to a tremendous distance from where they began, there are both positive and negative impacts that may occur. The potential for fully automated robots may eventually become a reality in the future but for now, our biggest concerns and most impactful plusses lie in other areas. “Unfortunately, as our AI capabilities expand we will also see it being
“[AI] has great potential to do good, but great potential to do evil, too,” Cyber Security major Robert Scocca said. “Bitcoin is an amazing technology, it is in the process of revolutionizing how we conduct finance. However, there are associations with it that it is used to buy drugs and guns on the dark web. Bitcoin wasn’t meant to do evil things, it’s a technology that could be used for good and bad. Same thing with AI technology.” Scocca mentioned how a piece of technology, meant for good and to help others, was used for deeds that are illegal. Unfortunately, as with AI it can be used for evil and give users and bystanders alike a bad taste of the technology regardless of the truth of the matter. “AI makes sense of all this data for tech companies,” Scocca said. “Whether this is a good or bad thing is up to debate. What isn’t SEE AI PG. 8
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FEATURES
PAGE 9 FRIDAY, MARCH 26 2021
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Spring semester without UC graduate student develops a spring break Ear-Savers for healthcare workers
Op-Ed: Connection through adaptation and COVID-19 after one year ALEXANDRIA LELAND PHOTOGRAPHER Death has been pressed up against our maskcovered noses due to the fear and reality of COVID-19. As our heart rates rose and the media continued to hum to the beat of seemingly staccato death numbers and infection rates, COVID-19 surpassed its one-year anniversary. It’s easy enough to say that we’d like to have just swept our anxiety under the rug, but it gets complicated when the rug was pulled from underneath us. Instead of tripping up, we stayed on our feet watching everyone’s moves on and off the screen. When the pandemic crept in, we shut our doors like a child trying to ward off the monsters that lie behind it. The abrupt halt paused our forward outlook and turned our gaze to what was right beside us. Whether it was by free will or force, families became closer than ever before. In isolation we found comfort in rekindling lost connections. Life gets antsy for us to craft our own paths, and as we do so we can start to deter from those close to us. Junior Madelyn Roberts found that she was losing connection with her sister over the years and the time in quarantine allowed them both to realize how much they enjoy spending time together. Activities like bike riding and working out usually seem mundane, but during a pandemic that’s about as much fun as they got.
Photo: Canva Photo: Canva “The bond that I felt like we lost a little bit was reconnected,” Roberts said. It was like they got to travel back in time to when they were younger and free of impending responsibilities. At home when the screens were off life seemed to be okay, but when the power button was pressed and the phone screens unlocked, that’s when stress arrived. The media ocean was a constant reality check after reality check while just trying to navigate how to reach out to friends and family. Roberts found that her media usage increased throughout the pandemic and heightened her anxiety. With 24-hour news, it’s difficult to not feel the need to constantly check and scroll. The importance of healthy and supportive relationships has been reiterated and called on to answer the cry for human connection. Most would argue that things definitely aren’t normal. Senior Logan Newman wants us to remember that things are weird, but this is a pandemic. Working through this past year Newman has watched businesses and people adapt to the way of the coronavirus landscape. One by one the social distance markers were placed on the floors of
AI FROM PG. 7 grocery stores and the doors started to open up again. With the new rules in place, we all had to rely on each other to do our part. “A lot of people felt like we were being taken out of our comfort zone, but honestly it didn’t really feel like that,” Newman said. “If people and businesses wanted to run close to usual, they had to adjust to the pandemic.” Newman didn’t want to be scared, but then he realized this thing wasn’t going away. It was clear to him while working at a nursing home that something was going on. He witnessed death, and he watched how others were getting through it. They set up tables and window visits and tested the senior citizens. Even with that, a married couple living at the nursing home had to socially distance. The man wanted to walk closer to his wife to give her a kiss, who was all dolled up to see him, and he wasn’t allowed to kiss her. “Just let the man kiss his wife,” Newman said. We can’t take life for granted. We also must recognize how strong we are to have grown through this experience. With all of the negativity that COVID caused, it has made us more grateful than ever before.
up to debate is that all this data gives companies like Google and Amazon immense power, it’s essentially an intelligence cornucopia of all of their users.” Health With technology making leaps and bounds in all kinds of directions, health is just another aspect of all that AI is doing for humans on a daily basis. Apple Watches, for example, have proven their worth in society by using the AI involved to track patterns that may save lives. “Apple has already listed many claims to have saved countless lives,” Endpoint Administrator, John Oevering said. “In each of their keystone addresses for the Worldwide Developers Conferences (WWDC) over the past few years they have brought in customers that have been saved due to the ability for the apple watch to detect falls, heart arrhythmias, and many other health conditions.” Oevering went on to say that Apple does a good job at keeping the information it stores about an individual private and keeps it encrypted for only the user to be able to access. The privacy aspect of Apple’s data storage is very important as if it were put into the
wrong hands or stored in a mass vault with other individuals’ information it could do quite a bit of damage. “Wearing watches that track your body is another way for tech companies to gather information from people,” Scocca said. “Yes, this may give cool health-related statistics to the user, but rarely do we think about the amount of information we give to tech companies every time we sign up for an app or buy a new gadget.” For all people engaging in technology, it is always wise to be conscious of what sites are used, how much personal information we give them and what permissions are granted but that is not to say that the overall benefits of AI do not outweigh the cons. “Overall, AI is just another piece of new technology that is there to benefit us,” Oevering said. “Can it be scary to think that a computer is able to think on its own and is able to react like a human? Yes, however, a human must program AI to interpret data, and even advanced AI programs are unable to do something they were not programmed to do. Like computers and cell phones I envision AI just being another technological innovation that becomes commonplace within our society.”
Photo: Canva REBEKAH HEDEEN FEATURES EDITOR Ann Marie Brown, a 37-year-old graduate student at Utica College is accustomed to working hard and on a deadline thanks to her experience in a steel company. The experiences Brown gained through the company enabled her to react in a way that truly helped front-line workers quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The daily volatility of the steel markets, or supply and demand, have really prepared me for the changes that COVID-19 has thrown my way,” Brown said. “I have had to learn to quickly adapt and overcome adversity which is also a major component of occupational therapy. When the problem presented itself, my natural reaction was ‘I need to find a way to help, and help quickly.’” As health care workers continue to log eightto-12 hour shifts during the pandemic, the use of N-95 masks over an extended period of time, according to Brown, can eat away at the back of their ears. Almost like
Photo: Alexandria Leland how a person would react when a mosquito buzzes around them. Brown reacted to the pandemic by using her resources at Utica College to design and create an ear-saving device with the 3D printers in the occupational therapy department. “3D printing is part of a family of manufacturing technology called additive manufacturing,” Christopher McFadden of Interesting Engineering said. “This describes the creation of an object by adding material to the object layer by layer.” The photo above is the finished product of what Brown’s ear-savers look like. The following video from Mashable briefly describes how 3D printers work and offers insight as to why using them for Brown’s project was so effective. The level of efficiency and cost-effectiveness brought by the 3D printer is imminent during a time where supplies and individuals to complete the job are sparse. Concerning the design
of the ear-savers, Brown discussed she researched the internet in hopes of locating a design that would work well for her purposes. Brown finally found the Cults 3D printer forum. There she was able to download and modify the design making her end of the process slightly less overwhelming. Brown made an impact on the community by using her past experiences and current network to make the most of her education. Not only that but she has been able to assist frontline workers by aiding them in their comfort. “I honestly didn’t think that my little project would have the impact or notoriety that it has generated,” Brown said. “When it comes to doing something out of your comfort zone, I say go for it. For both undergraduates and graduates, be active members of your communities, both at UC and at home, get to know your neighbors, search to find the gaps in services within your community and work to fill those gaps. You’ll be surprised how a little help can go a long way. I know I was.”
CHARLES BUCKLEY STAFF WRITER The impact of COVID-19 caused the college to eliminate a traditional spring break and instead give two break days spread out this semester. The first break day took place on Thursday, March 4 and the next break day is scheduled for Friday, April 2. Now that the first day off has come and gone, some students explained how they used the day for complete relaxation while others used the break day for academic reasons. “I used the day to volunteer and help the theater build their set, spend time with friends and get homework done,” Sophomore Patrick Hampe said. “It was a day I needed.” However, not everyone carved out their day for academic catch-up. Some like first-year student Cody Nonemaker used it to detach themselves from school and focus on themselves and work at home. He spent time with friends by going out to brunch and then cleaning his room.
While eliminating a spring break was done for the safety of students, some students are not happy with this change and would have preferred spring break had been kept instead of replacing it with two spread-out days. “Even though I enjoyed the day off, I still think we should get a week off because I honestly feel we need more than just two days to relax from classes,” Nonemaker said. Benjamin Petrison, a first-year cybersecurity major, said it feels like the college is punishing students for the actions of a few people. “It kind of feels like they don’t trust us at all even though most of us are doing our part,” Petrison said. “If most people went on spring break they would mostly stay local and not do anything stupid.” While some have issues with this change, others think this was done with good intentions. SEE BREAK PG. 10
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Op-Ed: Online learning, lost motivation year has exaggerated these feelings. With anxiety levels seemingly higher than usual, two Utica College professors decided to conduct a survey to see what’s going on.
Photo: Canva ALEXANDRIA LELAND PHOTOGRAPHER A new landscape can be a daunting territory to navigate, especially when it is a black mirror sectioned into small rectangles that each hold a small face. Yes, we’re talking about online learning. The motivation students get from social connections has deflated. The way we learn, grow and develop confidence has been altered with no means of escaping. A glimmer of hope has started to shine as of late, but motivation still seems to be lost. It may seem like we have been more isolated than ever, but an apparent truth is that all students have been in this BREAK FROM PG. 9 “I do think that the college made the right decision on this because safety is a top priority,” adjunct lecturer of music Lynne Ferrara said. “However, I also know that some students would have preferred to still have
together. Students are all experiencing feelings of loss, while the extent varies, a common thread is that something is missing. Professors have been watching over the students and have hope for the future, as does the counseling center. But while times are still rough, online learning has been a drag. “When I see Zoom, I just shut down,” said Junior Kayla Viti. Her classmates didn’t seem to chime into discussion either, as the motivation to talk over Zoom didn’t seem to exist. “It’s just kind of awkward to press that unmute button to start talking,” she said. There is no comparison spring break.” Along with their thoughts on this change, some students have agreed that even with the two break days there are still plenty of things people can do to pass the time, especially with better weather on the horizon.
between an online learning environment to an in-person educational experience. The phrase, “you’re not getting the education you paid for,” has been uttered many times to students and even spoken to themselves. “I don’t want to get up out of bed to go to a discussion board,” Viti said. At first, Viti said the online learning experience was alright because she was working off of nervous energy. Then when winter break came, her brain became loose. It seemed surreal returning to campus. Anxiety and depression have always been a conversation that coincides with the college experience. This past
“One of the best recommendations is going for a walk around campus,” physical education major Kaden Calafranesco said. “Or better yet, if your hometown is close and has a basketball court you can go play some
Deborah Pollack, assistant professor of psychology, conducted a survey of 200 students and the results showed that more than half of the students had anxiety in the severe range, while 100% showed at least one sign of ADHD. Anxiety and ADHD can exacerbate each other, so it can be tricky to identify what exactly is going on. While going through these hard times, it is important to remember to not take life for granted and focus on what really matters. Patrick Grizzle, a junior, said that he stays motivated by remembering that he wants to make something out of himself. These times have made him miss the competitive edge sports gave him, but to get through it, he uses the Harold Athletic Center on campus. We are all trying to get through this in our own ways. Professors have made notice of students checking out, and they want to keep us checked in.
to active students. Their services include individual counseling, case management and programming surrounding mental health issues. Through the counseling services improvements, students can achieve greater overall functionality in multiple areas of life. Dave Roberts, professor of psychology and psychology-child life encourages “pockets of social connection,” in his classrooms. Every period, he says hello to everyone and asks how they’re doing. Taking special care of each other during this time is important. Pollack said we need to lower the bar of expectations for others and practice empathy. “If I see a student depressed or withdrawn, I’m going to err on the side of caution and check-in,” Roberts said. “Even if you just show someone you care, it can be just enough to pull someone out of the abyss.” The world is not meant to be experienced through a computer. Although students may be techsavvy, they don’t like online learning. “Through this cloud of COVID, we will see a silver lining,” Roberts said.
Utica College also offers free counseling services basketball.” Now that the Mohawk Valley is experiencing some milder weather, some say they are starting to feel “spring fever” coming on. “I have that feeling,” Petrison said. “This is
another reason why I wished we had kept spring break instead of getting only these two break days, we need more than two days to relax from classes.”
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Panarin back with Rangers after leave of absence due to assault allegations MATTHEW BREAULT ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR New York Rangers 29-year-old left wing Artemi Panarin is back with the team after a 16day personal leave of absence. This absence was following assault allegations from Panarin’s KHL coach Andrei Nazarov, who is also a former NHL player. Nazarov, who hasn’t coached Panarin since he was a 20-year-old unheralded player on Chekhov Vityaz in the KHL, went to the Russian Tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda, claiming Panarin assaulted an 18-year-old woman in a Latvian hotel bar 10 years ago. When the allegations originally surfaced back on Feb. 20, the Rangers released a statement that said Panarin “vehemently and unequivocally” denied the allegations.
Photo: Getty Images “Freedom for Navalny” in English. According to the statement released by the Rangers during the time when the accusations first surfaced, the entire situation is fabricated and the accusations are an “intimidation tactic” against Panarin.
Many individuals believe the allegations surfaced due to Panarin being an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Last month in an Instagram post, Panarin supported Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who has long been a prominent face of Russian opposition to President Vladimir Putin. The caption of the post, which is originally in Russian, translates to
“This is clearly an intimidation tactic being used against him for being outspoken on recent political events,” the Rangers said. “Artemi is obviously shaken and concerned and will take some time away from the team. The Rangers fully support Artemi and will work with him to identify the source of these unfounded allegations.”
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of the National Hockey League and Major League Baseball have all allowed fans to view a select number of games, including the Super Bowl, pending each spectator provides a negative test and follows each COVID-19 protocol.
can’t come to spectate, especially since we’re getting tested weekly.” Professional sports leagues such as the National Football League, a select number of teams
Now that Panarin is back just 16 days later, it
leaves many wondering about the results of the investigation. Utica College Graduate Student Miranda Cuda said it is quite possible that the accusations were because of Panarin’s political views, but she also believes the NHL didn’t investigate enough into the situation. “I think all allegations like this should be taken seriously and looked into,” she said. “However, after hearing that the coach who is initiating the allegations is aligned with Putin, it is hard to believe that there isn’t a motive behind it. I personally think the NHL hasn’t done their due diligence because they allowed Panarin back without seeing if there is any truth behind the accusations. If
The game serves as part of an ongoing initiative from the college and the athletic department to run every single collegiate sport at the same time. According to recently released information, there hasn’t
it comes back that there is truth behind all of it, it’s going to look extremely bad for both the Rangers and the NHL.” As of March 11, Panarin is back with the team practicing, though his return to the lineup is still unknown. According to New York Rangers Head Coach David Quinn, Panarin still has to get into game shape before he gets the chance to wear the red, white and blue uniforms again. “We’ve continually talked with him,” Quinn said. “He’s all in, ready to go. He’s been off the ice for a while, so we’ve got to get him game ready.” Since Panarin’s absence, the Rangers are 4-6 without their former leading scorer. Panarin been a positive case from athletics since a member of the men’s hockey team tested positive on March 6, which paused the team’s game against Elmira College after the second period. Most
spring
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has 18 points on the season in 14 games and he was just recently passed by his teammate Pavel Buchnevich, who now has 20 points in 25 games. The Rangers players are excited for the anticipated return of one of their four assistant captains. In an interview with NBC Sports, Rangers Defenseman Ryan Lindgren couldn’t hold back his excitement discussing the idea of Panarin’s return. “He’s such a positive, energetic guy. It was great seeing him, great having him back in the locker room,” Lindgren said. “He’s excited to be back and we’re definitely excited to have him back.”
including softball, baseball and lacrosse have or are about to begin play, with a wealth of winter sports including hockey, basketball, and track and field continuing respective seasonal play.
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NFL scouts visit Utica College interception and a fumble recovery. According to Addo, this season will be his best one yet. “Just knowing that like you’re finally where you are at the cusp of where you want to be and having that in the back of your head all the time,” Addo said. “The way my mind works is it’s going to make me work ten times harder and go ten times crazier.”
Photo: @Utica Football Twitter Account ROBERT STEVENS GENERAL ASSIGNMENTS REPORTER National Football League scouts from the Washington Football Team and Houston Texans visited Utica College on Feb. 16 to meet with the Pioneers football team. Head coach Blaise Faggiano and three Utica College football players: Maki Medici, Kwasi Addo and Devin Bryant. All three players are expected to play next season for the Pioneers. This meeting consisted of measurements for the player’s bodies in order to identify strengths and weaknesses. Due to COVID-19 protocols applied by the National Football League, the players were unable to conduct the Wonderlic test that consists of live running and strength
training. Faggiano is expecting that the scouts will follow up with these three athletes after seeing the spring film. “It’s exciting,” Faggiano said. “Every year I’m asked by the scouting services to submit guys who I think could play the next level and film takes it from there. They are going to look at the spring film. So, we’re hoping to put together some spring film for them in the next month and then you just never know what can happen.”
said. “I don’t know if I’m going to get there but I’m certainly going to try. It’s certainly a boost for my work ethic because I know that I have to push myself beyond anything that I’ve done before and I’m ready for it.”
Medici, a senior punter and kicker for the team, is ecstatic for the eyes of the NFL to be on him throughout this year. He understands the dream is within reach. Now, he just has to seize it.
Coming into the season a third-team specialist Preseason All-American according to d3football. com, Medici has very high expectations for himself. Last season he went 15-19 on field-goal attempts for 18.9 percent en route of the fourthbest field goal percentage in program history and ranked 15th nationally. He was also 31-35 on extrapoint attempts. He led the team’s nationally ranked punt return with one of the longest hangtimes in program history.
“It’s a dream, but at the end of the day, I’m not in the NFL yet,” Medici
Addo, a senior linebacker, has had his sights on the NFL ever since he was
young. He believes that he showed his abilities early after being brought to be a member of the varsity team for the majority of his freshman season. Addo is a huge advocate for never giving up no matter what division of football one plays after. He believes he was overlooked by Division I programs for his size coming out of high school. “This type of opportunity just shows that no matter who you are and no matter where you come from, as long as you work hard and you do everything that you’re supposed to do, then they’ll find you,” Addo said. Last season, Addo led the Pioneers defensively in total tackles with 97. This was a culmination of his 41 solo and 56 assisted tackles. He also finished the season with 3.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for a loss, one
Bryant, a senior defensive back, hasn’t been able to hit the field much in his collegiate career with the Pioneers due to injuries but the submitted tape gave the scouts enough looking at his athleticism. Bryant hasn’t played since 2018 where he played in two games and recorded three tackles. The Pioneers are looking to gather a large sum of the film on Bryant over the course of both the spring and fall. Faggiano had nothing but praise for his players in regards to this unique opportunity. His main point of emphasis was not their statistics but the leadership they demonstrate and their actions off the field. “When the scouts called, they didn’t ask me one football question,” Faggiano said. “They asked me about leadership and character. These guys have made such a positive impact on our campus and I think that’s one of the things that we saw in recruiting. Opposed to some big large university where you’re just a number, you come to a place like Utica College where you are able to have a great education and really make an impact.”