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We write Stevens history HOBOKEN, NJ | OCTOBER 10, 2025
VOLUME CXXIII No. 5
NEW STUTE EVERY FRIDAY • EST. 1904
The Syllabus Bank: know before you enroll
New Org Fair brings fresh opportunities to campus BY JEYLAN JUBRAN, OPINION COLUMNIST
BY FIONA SHI, BUSINESS MANAGER
SEE BANK PAGE 2
BY RIYANA PHADKE, SCIENCE EDITOR Undergraduate chemical biology students at Stevens now have a unique opportunity to dive deeper into research during the summer, thanks to the newly established Kumbaraci-Jones Summer Assistantship. The program provides stipends for students to focus on lab
work, sharpen their research skills, and explore scientific questions beyond the classroom. The assistantship honors the legacy of Dr. Francis T. Jones, who, along with his wife, Dr. Nuran M. Kumbaraci-Jones, played a pivotal role in shaping chemical biology education at Stevens. In 1978, the couple launched the university’s
With Mayor Ravi Bhalla stepping aside after two terms, Hoboken faces a contest for its next leader. The mayoral election, held on November 4, 2025, will determine who holds the mayor’s office from 2026 to 2030. Early voting in Hoboken began in late September and runs through early November. To date, six candidates have officially filed to run for mayor, each promising a fresh vision for Hoboken’s future. Among the early front-runners is Councilwoman Emily Jabbour, a former City Council president known for her focus on constituent services and transparency. Jabbour was born in Boston, MA, and moved to Hoboken in 2008. Jabbour’s campaign emphasizes improving Hoboken’s public schools—an issue she connects to personally as the mother of two daughters in the Hoboken Public School District—along with enhancing public transportation and increasing accessibility within city government. She is relying on appealing
to voters seeking steady, informed leadership. Dini Ajmani, another contender, brings both financial expertise and a deeply personal story to the race. Originally from a small town in India, she credits her parents for instilling her work ethic and resilience. After earning degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Stanford University, Ajmani served as Assistant State Treasurer under Governor Phil Murphy and later as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Treasury Department. Now a member of Hoboken’s Planning Board, she lives in the city with her husband and two daughters. Her campaign focuses on fiscal responsibility, housing affordability, and data-driven governance, arguing that her experience leading large organizations has prepared her to address Hoboken’s growth, infrastructure, and public safety challenges. Councilman Michael Russo, representing Hoboken’s Third Ward, is running as both a neighborhood advocate and a reform-minded candidate with deep local roots. A lifelong resident and the city’s longest-serving councilmember, Russo
NEWS (2-3)
SCIENCE (6)
FEATURE (4)
Breast Cancer Awareness Discover the history behind breast cancer awareness month and how to get tested!
NASA’s Webb Telescope? Huntington’s disease? Junk food = memory loss? Read about what’s going on in the world of science. PULSE (10)
Read answers from the Stevens community to our weekly Roving Reporter, plus solve our weekly puzzle and sudoku.
chemical biology bachelor’s program, blending rigorous chemistry coursework with biology courses covering cellular, molecular, and physiological biology. The program was designed to prepare students for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and research. “When I joined the Stevens faculty many years ago, I met Dr. Jones, who
SEE NEW PAGE 2
NATIONAL NEWS
Hoboken’s 2025 mayoral election begins
New org fair brings opportunities to campus! Learn more about the new student organizations on this campus and see what you would like to join!
SEE JONES PAGE 2
Kumbaraci-Jones Summer Assistantship advances student research
LOCAL NEWS
BY SERENA PANUCCI, NEWS EDITOR
was already working to establish a chemical biology major at the university,” Kumbaraci-Jones recalled. “At the time, biology was largely a descriptive science. Dr. Jones and I recognized the importance of integrating quantitative science and hands-on research into the curriculum. We wanted stu-
TIANNA SPITZ FOR THE STUTE
The Syllabus Bank is a public SharePoint folder containing recent syllabi for a significant number of courses at Stevens. Initially focusing on the Schaefer School of Engineering & Science (SES), the resource has expanded its coverage to include the School of Business (SSB) and the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS). The Syllabus Bank began as an initiative proposed by student representatives on the 20222023 SES Dean’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Council (DUSAC) and has since been managed by the SES Office of Undergraduate Studies, with the late-School of Systems and Enterprises being a contributor. In September, the Stevens Honor Board joined the effort. While the Syllabus Bank currently does not contain a syllabus for every single course, students are highly encouraged to consult it to aid their academic needs. According to the History and Expected Use of the
On Wednesday, October 1, from 3 to 5 p.m., the Student Government Association (SGA) hosted the first-ever New Org Fair, an event organized by Assistant Vice President of Student Interest (AVPSI), Jannah Abo-Donia, to highlight recently approved student organizations and provide them with a platform to connect with the Stevens community. The event took place in the UCC Techflex, drawing 141 students and filling the space with tables, displays, and free food that encouraged attendees to linger and learn about each organization. Stevens Amnesty, Model UN, International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), Click-it Club, the Hellenic Society, Color Stack, EmpowerHER, Stevens Furry Club, Stevens AI Club, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Undergraduate Research, Future Business Leaders, Jazba, Sikh Student Association, Pickleball Club, Mock Trial, Stevens Industry Account, and Stevens History Club were among those
Federal government shutdown and what this means for Stevens students
comes from a family steeped in public service; his father, former Mayor Anthony Russo, and his mother, Michele Russo, both held leadership roles in Hoboken. His campaign combines a hands-on perspective with civic pride, focusing on community safety through a permanent parks patrol, revoking Sunday parking meter fees, and keeping city government visible and accountable. Another well-known figure, Tiffanie Fisher, current Second Ward councilwoman, has launched her campaign on the promise of reconnecting City Hall with everyday residents. A longtime advocate for residents, Fisher has spent nearly eight years on the City Council emphasizing fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and good governance. Fisher frames her campaign as being focused on finishing major projects, such as the Uptown Waterfront Park, addressing housing affordability, improving infrastructure, and ensuring future development puts residents’ needs before politics. Her message centers on keeping
SEE ELECTION PAGE 3
BY SOFIA STOECKEL, STAFF WRITER The federal government shut down at midnight on October 1 after Congress failed to reach a deal on funding, according to CNN. The day prior, on September 30, Stevens’ President Nariman Farvardin sent out an email warning about the possible impending shutdown, as well as a discussion on possible future issues that students and staff might be concerned about. He explained multiple topics such as financial aid, immigration status, and federal research for anyone who may be worried about the shutdown and wondering how it will affect them. The first topic he explained is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) processing, and how it may be delayed, but that current federal aid disbursements should initially continue. Fortunately federal work-study will not be affected so this will not be a concern for students. According to Associated Press (AP) News, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) explains that their core operations will continue during
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NYTIMES
the shutdown, meaning federal student loans and Pell Grants will continue to be disbursed without issues. The next topic President Farvardin explained was about international students. Luckily, the shutdown will not affect immigration status if a student is in F-1/J-1 status sponsored by Stevens, although there might be delays with different processes like Social Security issuance. He warned against international travel because of uncertainties in federal immigration policies. Farvardin advised to carry a hard copy of your most recent I-94 record
and report address updates through the ISSS portal to not have any issues. For faculty and researchers, he said that different federal research agencies (National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DoD) and DOE) will pause reviews and new awards while the government is shut down. There also might be restrictions for faculty working in federal labs or on cooperative agreements. The Office
SEE FEDERAL PAGE 3