Portland State Vanguard Volume 78 Issue 11 by Portland State Vanguard

VOLUME 78 • ISSUE 11 • OCTOBER 12, 2023

TO REPEAL OR NOT The question facing drug decriminalization P. 4-6

ARTS: Adalia Rios specializes in surreal, haunting oil paintings P. 8-9 SPORTS: How PSU athletes balance academics and sports P. 10-11 SCIENCE: Interview with PSU professor, researcher and adventurer P. 12-13

LL AT A R O F N M U L O C FORM T A L P N O I N I P O N /PSU OPE ME AND AFFILIATION W

PSU

• STATE NA CHOSEN BY THE EDITOR D AN ED TE AN AR GU T PAID, NO @PSUVANGUARD.COM OR • SUBMISSIONS ARE UN IT ED TO NS IO IN OP ORIES AND • SEND THOUGHTS, ST

CONTENTS

COVER DESIGN BY WHITNEY McPHIE PHOTO BY ALBERTO ALONSO PUJAZON BOGANI

NEWS Petitions aim to recriminalize drugs in Oregon

P. 4-5

OPINION Don’t repeal Measure 110 Portland needs better transportation options

P.6 P. 7

ARTS & CULTURE Artist Spotlight: Adalia Rios

P.8-9

SPORTS Sports for success

SCIENCE & TECH From backpacking to building better AI

P. 12-13

Letters from the Editors Comics

P. 14 P. 15

COMMUNITY & WELLNESS RESOURCES Updated weekly

P. 16

P. 10-11

STAFF

EDITORIAL EDITOR IN CHIEF Kat Leon

SPORTS EDITOR Laura Kowall

MANAGING EDITOR Brad Le

OPINION EDITOR Nick Gatlin

NEWS EDITOR Zoë Buhrmaster

PHOTO EDITOR Alberto Alonso Pujazon Bogani

CO-NEWS EDITOR Alyssa Anderson

ONLINE AND PROMOTIONS EDITOR NOW HIRING

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Macie Harreld

COPY CHIEF Isabel Zerr

SCIENCE & TECH EDITOR Cameron Rodriguez

CONTRIBUTORS J.M. Vincent Isaiah Burns Amber Finnegan Aspen Ritter

PRODUCTION & DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR Whitney McPhie DESIGNERS Neo Clark Anand Kailasam TECHNOLOGY & WEBSITE TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANTS George Olson Hongzu Pan Sara Ray ADVISING & ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Reaz Mahmood STUDENT MEDIA ACCOUNTANT Maria Dominguez STUDENT MEDIA TECHNOLOGY ADVISOR Rae Fickle

To contact Portland State Vanguard, email editor@psuvanguard.com MISSION STATEMENT Vanguard’s mission is to serve the Portland State community with timely, accurate, comprehensive and critical content while upholding high journalistic standards. In the process, we aim to enrich our staff with quality, hands-on journalism education and a number of skills highly valued in today’s job market. ABOUT Vanguard , established in 1946, is published weekly as an independent student newspaper governed by the PSU Student Media Board. Views and editorial content expressed herein are those of the staff, contributors and readers and do not necessarily represent the PSU student body, faculty, staff or administration. Find us online 24/7 at psuvanguard.com.

VANGUARD IS HIRING! DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

IMMEDIATELY HIRING!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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Order print jobs with Oregon Lithoprint Distribute newspapers, fliers and promotional materials across campus to their respective locations (PSU Vanguard active newspaper boxes and bulletin boards for fliers) Ensure that the library’s Vanguard archive stays up-todate

No experience required $800 a term, 3-5 hours a week

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Hire, train and manage a team of designers Oversee the design of each issue with an established style guide for layouts, photos and illustrations Collaborate with editor-in-chief, copy chief, and editors to meet weekly deadlines for printed publications Maintain archive of complete issues

HELPFUL EXPERIENCE: Solid communication skills Page layout and typography Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Photoshop Illustration experience is helpful, but not necessary Time management $2,500 per term, ~25 hours a week

CONTRIBUTORS Write. Edit. Photograph. Film. Design. Illustrate. Create. WRITE: News, Arts & Culture, Science & Tech, Sports and Opinion PHOTO & FILM: Create engaging content that captivates our audience in modern and creative ways EDIT: Ensure precision, clarity and consistency in every article DESIGN: Create impactful visual content that empowers, respects, educates, guides and shares truth Learn skills, build a professional portfolio and make your own schedule. We are willing to train inexperienced applicants who demonstrate ability and a desire to learn the skills. Contributors are paid for published work.

PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 12, 2023 • psuvanguard.com

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PETITIONS AIM TO RECRIMINALIZE DRUGS IN OREGON WILL THIS SOLVE THE OVERDOSE CRISIS OR MAKE IT WORSE?

ISAIAH BURNS Three years after voters passed Measure 110, political groups in Oregon propose to reinstate the criminalization of controlled substances. Those speaking out against the measure’s current structure cite the increasing number of overdose rates in recent years and an increase in houselessness due to the measure’s lack of pre-existing infrastructure to support those dealing with addiction.

WHAT IS MEASURE 110?

Passed in Nov. 2020, Measure 110 decriminalized the possession of drugs—the most ambitious act in a series of policy changes. Many Oregonians were ready for a change. Over half of Oregon residents voted in favor of the measure after decades of a worsening drug crisis. In 2014, the Justice Reinvestment Initiative aimed to reduce the unnecessary confinement of individuals. In 2017, Oregon defelonized possession of drugs, turning it into a misdemeanor. In 2020, Oregonians deemed a complete decriminalization of personal amounts of controlled substances a progressive yet logical next step. There are two parts to Measure 110. First, the decriminalization of possession changed from a misdemeanor to a Class E violation, punishable with a $100 maximum fine, which can be circumnavigated by enrolling in a treatment program. The second part of the measure reallocates funds to expand access to addiction treatment.

CRITICISMS AGAINST THE MEASURE

Overdose rates have increased dramatically in recent years. According to the CDC website, in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the overdose mortality rates per 100,000 persons in Oregon were 12.4, 12.6, 14 and 18.7, respectively. In 2021, the latest year of data available, that number increased to 26.8. Emerson College Polling recently conducted a survey which revealed that 56% of Oregon voters agree on repealing Measure

NEWS

110—in opposition to a 45% minority who believe it should be left as it is. The Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS), an organization that has taken a stance against Measure 110, commissioned the survey. In addition, the survey discovered that 54% of voters identified with the belief that Measure 110 has increased houselessness. In comparison, 36% believed it has not affected houselessness, and 8% believe it has decreased houselessness. Another organization, the Coalition to Fix and Improve Measure 110, has filed two petitions aiming to make significant modifications to Measure 110. Both proposals would make personal possession of controlled substances a crime. Additionally, one offers a pathway for those charged with misdemeanor drug possession to have their records automatically expunged after completing drug addiction treatment and probation. The Coalition has a wide cast of influential members, including Nike Co-Founder Phil Knight and Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle. Max Williams—recent CEO of the Oregon Community Foundation and former director of the Oregon Department of Corrections—is another key member. Williams helped write the proposals using his background as a senior lawmaker. “Measure 110 was a lot about meeting people with addiction where they are,” Williams said. “And my problem with Measure 110…[is that] for a lot of those people, we’re leaving them

PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 12, 2023 • psuvanguard.com

WHITNEY McPHIE

there. So the modifications we’re proposing are [not just to] meet them where they are, but to not leave them there.” One of the Coalition’s proposed measures includes mandatory drug treatment for charged individuals instead of the voluntary treatment which Measure 110 currently offers. “One of my biggest complaints about the way measure 110 happened—the idea that we would make the decision to decriminalize the drugs first, before we had constructed any of the infrastructure to implement,” Williams said. “This is a great crime.” Another criticism of Measure 110 is that Oregon did not have a support system prior to decriminalization, such as effective treatment programs and alternatives to law enforcement. “The people who don’t want the modifications we’re talking about say ‘we just need more time and it’ll work…’” Williams said. “Well, we’re three years in, and if it needed more time, then we should have thought about that before we pulled the trigger.”

IS MEASURE 110 THE ISSUE? IS IT COVID-19? OR IS IT SOMETHING ELSE?

ALBERTO ALONSO PUJAZON BOGANI

PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 12, 2023 • psuvanguard.com

Kelsey Henderson is an associate professor of PSU’s criminology and criminal justice department. She worked on a study earlier this year which researched the impacts of recent drug policy shifts. The study is the first part of a much longer planned series of reports. It looks into the perceptions and behaviors of Oregon law enforcement following these policy changes, such as Measure 110. “When measure 110 took effect, it was right at the almost exact same time that we started to see the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders coming down from governments,” Henderson said. “So we have seen a very dramatic spike in overdoses in Oregon, especially in those early years. However, we see that in other states, and they didn’t decriminalize. So it’s really hard to attribute that to measure 110.” CDC reports show that drug overdose rates have risen dramatically nationwide, with a substantial increase after the pandemic. Henderson pointed to the state’s ongoing public defense crisis as another contributing factor to the problem. “In some counties in Oregon, especially the larger ones like Multnomah, there’s great difficulty to appoint lawyers for indigent defendants,” Henderson said. “So cases are being kind of held up. There’s just this huge backlog

going through, and it’s actually risen up to the appellate courts in Oregon. So things aren’t being processed at a rate they should be.” Henderson also cited fentanyl as another potential agent in heightening overdose rates. “It does seem like the Fentanyl crisis has kind of shifted the game, so to speak, whether or not and how that impacts policy is not for me to say,” she said. Some have pointed fingers toward law enforcement behavior as a potential contributor to Measure 110’s perceived ineffectiveness. Henderson’s study found that officers frequently showed reluctance when issuing citations to those found in violation of personal possession policies. In theory, Henderson said this could reduce incentive for users to find treatment and prevent them from learning about what treatment opportunities exist. “[Law enforcement] are typically one of the first faces that folks will encounter in a lot of these situations,” Henderson said. “So, for example, if the goal of decriminalization was that officers give out citations, if they’re not, then that is a very important piece of a puzzle in terms of policy implementation. Because then if that’s the only method for folks to actually be connected with services, that makes mistakes.”

PUBLIC PERSPECTIVE

Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) helped in the writing of Measure 110. With a focus on “building a future shaped by love, not war,” DPA aims to evolve from drug-war tactics in favor of social outreach and treatment initiatives. A press release on their website states that “addiction experts say petitions filed today against Measure 110 will increase costs and reduce addiction services.” On their website, DPA cites statistics condemning the various aspects of drug criminalization, including one study published earlier this year that found adults released from prison were 27 times more likely to die from drug overdose. Portland State students who responded to an online survey about Measure 110 largely concurred that the measure should stay in place. “I think people are too quick to decide,” stated one anonymous student in response to an online student survey by PSU Vanguard. “There are so many people [who] are confusing legalization with decriminalization and aren’t noting the difference…I still stand by the fact that we cannot have a true answer about the measure due to the fact that it was implemented right before one of the most trying times in recent history. Decriminalizing drugs will not make them go away, it will simply make it harder to access the resources that people struggling with addiction need.” Other anonymous students agreed with addendums. “I support decriminalization, but it’s pointless if the rehabilitation system is not up to par to handle the demand,” they stated. “Also, as someone who has worked with the drug addicted population, there is a small portion of the population that would refuse assistance, and they should be criminally punished after repeat offenses and refusals for assistance.” “Measure 110 was a success,” another stated. “While shocking to some, drug use did not increase due to Measure 110, rather it became more obvious to those who ignore it. While we do need more resources, repealing measure 110 isn’t the answer. Ethical harm reduction and easy and ample access to resources is.”

NEWS

DON’T REPEAL MEASURE 110 DRUG LAW SHOULD BE IMPROVED, NOT SCRAPPED ALBERTO ALONSO PUJAZON BOGANI/PSU VANGUARD Measure 110 might be out of time soon as some members of the public seek to revoke it

MARY BUHLER Most Oregon voters ruled in favor of Measure 110 in the 2020 election, which deals with addiction, drug rehabilitation and drug charges. According to The Oregonian, a coalition has recently begun to seek to unwind certain portions of the measure. The coalition seeks to recriminalize minor drug possession of a controlled substance—such as meth or heroin—as a misdemeanor crime. It also wants to change voluntary rehabilitation treatment to forced rehabilitation treatment using consequences involving the justice system. The coalition emphasized that it does not want to repeal the law, but rather to improve it. Repealing the measure would do more harm than good. Initially, the idea of partially repealing a measure might seem reasonable. However, significant factors make a case against any interest in doing so. The proposal advocates for a tiered approach based on individual needs, which entails directing individuals toward diversion programs and potentially expunging convictions for those who meet eligibility criteria and successfully complete treatment. Research has shown that forced treatment is nearly always ineffective. The relapse rate for heroin and other opiates is up to 91%, according to a 2017 comparative study of alcohol and opioid dependence. Simply forcing people into treatment won’t solve the underlying problem.

OPINION

" The reality is that forcing someone to do something is inhumane and wrong." Along with this—as much as it can hurt to think about it—the reality is that forcing someone to do something is inhumane and wrong. Even when it comes from a place of love, grief, desperation, or when it feels like it is the only thing left to do, it is still wrong. People cannot get better unless they want to get better. We can hate it all we want, but we must acknowledge the reality of the situation. It is true overdoses and street-drug use have increased since 2020 and 2021, but that is also true for the entire nation. All over the United States, there has been an increase in overdoses parallel to Oregon’s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the age-adjusted rate of deaths from drug overdoses rose 14% nationwide from 2020 to 2021. It is also important to note what else has been happening in the country which could further impact the drug crisis. For example, data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis reveals

that the bottom 50% of households in the U.S. only possess 2.4% of the total household wealth. Many people have lost their jobs due to the pandemic exacerbating the economic crisis. Moreover, according to USA Today, eviction rates have risen in many major cities post-COVID-19, leading to a surge in houselessness and poverty. Furthermore, it has only been three years since the measure was implemented—hence, it is too soon to decide whether it should be revoked. Considering Oregon has never repealed a ballot measure in history, this requires careful decision without rushing toward a conclusion. Regarding those who favor not changing the original measure, Tera Hurst—one of the alliance’s prominent leaders—spoke on the issue. “It’s disappointing that anyone would propose the failed policies of our past and lack of any real solutions,” Hurst said. “It would be harmful, it would be deadly and extremely expensive and it would set our state back years.” If the measure were repealed, state funding would be required to obtain a realistic plan for drug rehabilitation centers. Most of that funding comes from taxpayers, meaning scrapping the bucket won’t be enough anymore. Acknowledging a wide range of information is vital to making the most informed decisions for the well-being of our fellow Oregonians.

PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 12, 2023 • psuvanguard.com

PORTLAND NEEDS BETTER TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS NO FARE, MORE TRAINS, FEWER PLANES ALBERTO ALONSO PUJAZON BOGANI/PSU VANGUARD Traveling by bus is a great way to get around in Portland. TriMet FX buses are one way TriMet has worked to improve routes, but more should be done to increase rider accessibility. NICK GATLIN Portland’s public transit system is—relatively speaking—pretty good. Portlanders took just under 43 million rides on TriMet in the 2022 fiscal year, according to TriMet ridership statistics. While Portland’s public transit system doesn’t make the top-10 list in the United States, it’s certainly better than many other cities. However, it could be better. Ridership has steeply declined since 2020. It dipped from 1.83 million weekly rides in Jan. 2020, to just over 600,000 in May 2020 and only recovered to 1.2 million as of July 2023, according to TriMet. Cars are a disaster for both the environment and city planning, and it’s in our best interest to move as many people as possible away from cars and onto public transit. One change TriMet could make to increase ridership is eliminating transit fares. Per CNN, cities from Kansas City, MO, to Olympia, WA, to Boston have tested fare-free transit. This removes a financial barrier for low-income riders and reduces boarding times. Portland can and should follow in their footsteps. Removing fares in Portland would require more government investment in transit to compensate for the funding gap. However, the return on investment would be worth it. Besides getting more people on TriMet, it would redistribute the regressive burden of fares on lower-income riders to funding from the general population, increasing social investment in public transit. Another broader transportation problem is intercity transit to and from Portland, especially along the PNW Corridor—a 466-mile high-speed rail corridor which runs from Eugene, OR, to Seattle. High-speed rail has long been a dream in the U.S., but besides Amtrak’s East Coast Acela train, there has thus far been a disappointing lack of high-speed trains on American rails. Thankfully, many high-speed rail projects are proposed across the country, including the hypothetical Cascadia line, according to the Washington Post. The proposed train line—which has support from Microsoft in a possible public-private partnership— would connect Portland to Seattle and Vancouver, Canada, with trains running at up to 250 mph. A June 2023 report by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and submitted to the Washington State Legislature and Governor Jay Inslee on the study of highspeed rail in the region fleshed out the idea. It submitted two

PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 12, 2023 • psuvanguard.com

applications for federal funding. “A stronger, better connected economic megaregion — stretching from greater Vancouver, British Columbia to metro Seattle, Washington to Portland, Oregon — has the potential to thrive in the global marketplace,” WSDOT stated. “A key component of that vision is a fast, frequent, reliable and environmentally responsible transportation system that unites this Cascadia megaregion, and positions it for global competitiveness and future prosperity.” According to the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, replacing domestic flights with rail journeys reduces emissions. In one example trip from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, traveling by rail reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 37% compared to a direct flight. Reducing short-distance flights and replacing them with more efficient trains could majorly impact greenhouse-gas emissions in the PNW considering the closeness of Portland, Seattle and Vancouver. That’s not even considering the passenger impact. Trains are far more convenient and far less stressful than planes, but their reduced speed makes them less attractive for many. Consider the commute from Portland to Seattle. According to Google Maps, driving from the former to the latter via Interstate 5 takes just under three hours. The Amtrak Cascades—the current train route which services the two cities—takes around three hours and 25 minutes. On the other hand, a direct flight clocks in at just under an hour. However, a flight has plenty of difficulties along the way. You need to make your way to an airport, which is often hard to get to. You have to deal with airport security before you get to your gate. On a short-distance flight like Portland to Seattle, the time eaten up by airport commute and security delays could make a flight nearly as slow as a car ride. Now, imagine a high-speed train which travels between Portland and Seattle in the same time it takes a plane, but without the hassles of a flight. And trains have wide seats, scenic views and a spacious interior. Imagine entering the train station ten minutes before your train leaves and walking straight onto the platform without security delays. This future—as fantastical as it may seem—is possible if only Oregon, Washington and the federal government work to make it a reality.

OPINION

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:

ADALIA RIOS HEALING THROUGH HORROR-FANTASY

PAINTING MACIE HARRELD

Portland State senior Adalia Rios is a BFA student who specializes in oil painting. Her art blurs the boundaries between horror and fantasy, giving life to otherworldly creatures with a gloomy intensity. Rios characterizes her works as both surrealist self-portraits and tangible expressions of mental illness, grief and isolation. Originally from Mission Viejo, CA, Rios relocated to Portland three years ago. Currently she works for The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU, and this year will be a curator for Sugar Cube Gallery—PSU’s BFA project workspace. Portland State Vanguard spoke with Rios to learn more about her identity and art practice.

VG: Can you tell me about your upbringing and your family? Were you artistic as a child? Rios: Yeah, I definitely was. I’ve always loved art. I had a class called “Meet the Masters” in elementary school. It was our allotted time per week to make art, and every single time was my favorite of the whole week. One of my classmates came over [during that class] and was like, “Oh my gosh that’s amazing. You’re doing such a good job.” And I was like, “Oh, wow. Thank you.” It was this first time I felt that acknowledgement—of seeing me—like someone saw me because they saw my art. VG: What led you to your decision to major in art? Rios: So I was going to community college in California for a while, not really knowing what I wanted to do, being scared to commit to an art major a little bit—that hesitation. But it came to this point where I was like, “I don’t really care about anything else,” you know? This is the only thing that satisfies the need inside me like nothing else does, so why would I do anything else?

ARTS & CULTURE

COURTESY OF ADALIA RIOS “The Seer” is one of Rios’ pieces from 2023. Rios often takes inspiration from nature in her work.

VG: What kind of mediums do you create with? Rios: I’m predominantly into oil painting. I’ve been branching out with other mediums like sculpture. I really like to use clay, and I recently was working on a wire piece. But nothing is as satisfying as creating an oil painting… for me. VG: What is your artistic style, and what inspires your aesthetic? Rios: I’m very fantasy-based in my work. I take a lot of inspiration from mythological creatures, and the fantasy that I consume. I read a lot of fantasy books. I watch fantasy shows, and I just feel like I really enjoy just the mysticism of all of that. I kind of live in the fantasy realm, I feel like—in my normal life even. I do a lot of, I guess I call them self portraits—but they’re not portraits of myself, they’re supposed to almost represent me in a fantastical way, like maybe through the different mythical creatures that I’m painting, or animals. I like to incorporate a lot of natural landscapes in my paintings. But I see them as self portraits. VG: Can you tell me about a specific work of yours and the story behind it? Rios: I have one. So it takes place in a forest setting, and there’s a creature who is depicted in this forest kind of reaching for these

two glowing lanterns that are being held up by the branches of the tree, dangling down. And I made the creature’s face morph into a star, and then he turns into a star with the points at the end of his head. And he’s bruised and he has this look of despair almost on his face… So specifically with that piece, I was going through a very difficult time with mental health, and so I was trying to capture that feeling—that struggle—with this painting. Reaching for the light a little bit, like a desperation to be out of the darkness.

VG: Why do you make art? What does art do for you— whether it be in your own process of creating or in engaging with other artists’ work? Rios: I feel if I’m viewing other people’s art, I’m searching for that mutual understanding—of just the horrors of being alive [that] sometimes get to you… I’ve been searching for a representation of my pain and my struggles, and it’s really frustrating to keep coming up emptyhanded because grief is really—nothing holds a candle to it. And so trying to create something that I feel like is a representation of that is difficult, and it’s something that I’m navigating right now. I feel like what I’m searching for is that acknowledgement, an understanding. I feel like if I can take how I feel and put it into a painting, it will make more sense to myself and to other people.

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VG: What is your creative process like? Where does your imagery and subject matter come from? Rios: I get most of my concepts just from my head, thinking about different ways in which I could portray a feeling that I have. It all starts from that. I’ll be feeling something very strongly, and I’m like, “Oh my god. I need to deal with this.” Like, “How can I paint this so that I can understand it?” And then I’m constantly looking outward for inspiration. For example, the lanterns that I was talking about in one of my pieces—I saw those. I was at a bar and I saw them, and I thought, “Those are beautiful.” And I took a picture because I was like, “Those would be really cool to incorporate in one of my pieces…” Or a lot of animals, too. I’m just really inspired by natural, organic forms and nature. I’ll be out hiking, and I’ll take a picture of a certain view, like, “Oh, that would be a really cool backdrop for whatever craziness I have in my mind right now.” VG: Let’s talk about how your identity has influenced the themes in your work. Is there any aspect about who you are as a person that has shaped your art? Rios: Totally. I think my identity in being a woman ties in a lot to my work… I think that some of the mental health struggles that I go through are because I’m a woman... Or because I have that experience in society and the pressures that are placed onto me just inherently from existing. I am Irish and Colombian. That is my background, but I was born in the [United] States. I feel like I’m very connected to the cultural history of both of those places. I’ve looked a lot into my ancestry and lineage. If you ever look back at your lineage, it feels so magical and almost fantastical in that same way. It gives me that same feeling of, “Oh, this is almost like something I’m not supposed to know about.” I found—I think it was my great grandma—and I found her family in the census form, and it said “Man in the house” and then it was the father, and then it said “Other” and it listed the wife and all the children. Seeing stuff like that—it feels like fan-

COURTESY OF ADALIA RIOS One of Rios’ pieces from 2022, “There’s Bruising on My Shining Star” which personifies the struggle with mental health

tasy. It gives you that same surrealist feeling. It’s just so weird that there was a point in time when that’s how it was—just other. I’m just other.

VG: Do you have any advice for young artists or for students interested in studying art? Rios: Don’t be afraid to make really bad art. Not everything you make has to be a masterpiece. Because the masterpieces are few and far between. The process of making bad art is really part of the whole thing, because you’re letting yourself have that freedom. If you keep your boundaries so tight, with, “Oh, this needs to be perfect,” [then] you’re limiting yourself a lot. And then you’re not exploring all the things that you could be exploring. It’s also supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to be an outlet for you.

COURTESY OF ADALIA RIOS

Portland-based artist Adalia Rios creates imagery to represent “the horrors of being alive”

PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 12, 2023 • psuvanguard.com

VG: What project are you working on right now? Rios: I’m actually writing a story that I want to incorporate into my BFA project. It’s a fantasy-based story, of course. That’s what I do. But it’s influenced and inspired by real life events. I want to illustrate some specific moments in my story—with [a] giant,

large-scale canvas to go along with it.

VG: What are your plans after graduation? Rios: Once I graduate, I’m just going to rejoice in my graduation before I really make any solid plans. I do have a couple of ideas of what I would like to do. I’m really into the idea of art therapy… I think that it can be so cathartic and so underutilized for people. I think there’s a big stigma around [you needing] to be an artist to create art and to reap the benefits of creating art. And I just don’t think that’s true at all. VG: Who do you make art for? Rios: For my audience. I want for other people the same thing that I want for myself. I’m really hoping that I get some kind of emotional reaction from people, because I put so much of my emotions into the painting. Everyone’s going to take in art in different ways, and they’re going to smoosh it to make sense for their own lives. I love that, because I think that what I put into it is not what everyone’s going to see, but people see what they need. And I think that’s so amazing. That’s my goal. If I’ve done that, I’m happy.

ARTS & CULTURE

ALBERTO ALONSO PUJAZON BOGANI/PSU VANGUARD The Peter W. Stott Center—aka the Viking Pavilion—is where student athletes play, train and study. Balancing sports and athletics can be a challenging task.

SPORTS FOR SUCCESS PSU ATHLETES EXCEL IN ACADEMICS LAURA KOWALL Balancing the demands of sports and academics can be challenging, but Portland State student athletes seem to have all the tools they need to succeed. Success stories often begin with unique journeys, and the path to becoming a studentathlete at PSU is no exception. Libby Bissen—the director of academic services here at PSU— shared her journey as a former student athlete at Lewis & Clark College and her passion for helping student-athletes achieve their academic goals. “I wanted to stay around athletics—like in the college athletics environment—and [be] really passionate about both academics and the athletics side of things,” Bissen said. “[I wanted] to help the student athletes make the most of their academic experiences and [be] able to support them in their athletics, as well.” Similarly, Cinco McCarthy—a forward for the PSU women’s basketball team—transferred to PSU intending to make the most of her last two years of college.

SPORTS

Having moved from the east coast, McCarthy was attracted to PSU’s friendly community and scholarship opportunities. “I lived in Connecticut, and I went to school in Boston,” she said. “I just felt like for my last two years, I needed to take advantage of moving away—like so far away—and essentially doing it for free since I was going to be on scholarship. Well, a lot of people don’t really get the opportunity, and then… when I came on my visit around the coaches and everything, it felt good, felt like it was somewhere I needed to be.” As a transfer student and graduate student, she’s familiar with the challenges and rewards of being a student athlete. One of the most remarkable aspects of PSU’s student athletes is their ability to balance the rigorous demands of academics and athletics. McCarthy provided insight into her daily schedule, revealing a jam-packed routine that includes early morning workouts, practice, class and personal study time. “I’ll wake up at 5:30 [a.m.],” McCarthy said. “I’ll probably

try to work out before we have practice. So I’ll work out maybe 7–8 [a.m.]. And then we have practice from 9–11 [a.m.]. Right after I normally come home, I eat, shower. I try to take a nap. And then I just like reading for class. I’m a grad student now, so it’s a lot harder.” Her commitment to a schedule helps her manage her time effectively, ensuring her academic and athletic responsibilities are met. Bissen discussed the tailored advising approach PSU employs to meet the diverse needs of student athletes from various sports. “We have one advisor who only works with football, because they are such a big team,” Bissen said. “So we split it up by team[s] in that way, and then we work with the coaches closely to figure out what different teams need in terms of support.” The academic support system at PSU includes academic advisors, study halls and additional resources. Student athletes receive guidance from their academic advisors and specialized

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advisors who provide hands-on assistance when needed. “So, you know football is busiest in the fall, so they plan their classes around that,” Bissen said. “They do like a little bit fewer classes in the fall and then they know they can do more in the winter and spring as an example.” “The schedule—the regimen—has to be right,” McCarthy said. “But yeah, it’s definitely jam-packed.” Bissen discussed initiatives like study hall requirements and academic recognition nights. Study halls provide structured study time, ensuring student athletes are on track with their coursework. “A lot of people don’t know that student athletes have to meet a lot of academic requirements to be eligible for the NCAA,” Bissen said. “So that is something that our office is constantly working on.” They also hold academic recognition nights to celebrate student athletes and emphasize the importance of balancing academics and athletics successfully. “We do also love to recognize our students who are doing well in their classes,” Bissen said. “Like this year we are doing our academic recognition night at one of the volleyball matches on Oct. 19.” Student athletes at PSU have consistently earned recognition from the Big Sky All-Academic Team, showcasing their commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, various teams at PSU have received awards for their remarkable team GPAs, exemplifying the collective dedication to academics within the athletic community. “The Vikings’ women’s indoor track & field team received the most honorees with 16, followed by men’s indoor track & field with nine. Women’s basketball had seven players earn the honor, while men’s basketball had one,” the Big Sky Conference reported. Achieving academic success as a student athlete comes with its fair share of challenges. One significant challenge is requiring student athletes to meet strict academic criteria to remain eligible for NCAA competition. Bissen highlighted the importance of helping student athletes stay on track with their

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degree progress, especially when dealing with credit transfers and busy schedules. “I like to be on a set schedule because it helps me with my days,” McCarthy emphasized. McCarthy discussed the pressure of competition while maintaining academic excellence. She emphasized the importance of time management and proactive planning to meet academic commitments even during travel. Balancing academics and sports can be demanding, but McCarthy’s dedication reflects the commitment of many student athletes at PSU. Student athletes at PSU excel in the classroom and develop transferable skills which benefit them both academically and athletically. McCarthy pointed out that time management skills honed through her athletic pursuits help her manage her academics effectively. The discipline required to balance academics and sports has proven invaluable. Maintaining motivation is another essential aspect of academic success for student athletes. McCarthy finds inspiration in the opportunity to motivate others through her clothing brand— Continued Confidence—which targets mental health and selfconfidence. Her commitment to personal growth and motivating those around her is a testament to the culture of support and encouragement at PSU. “I want to give everybody an outlet to just know that they’re enough,” McCarthy explained. One of the aspects student athletes appreciate most about PSU is the sense of family within the athletic community. McCarthy highlighted how being part of a team provides a ready-made support system and allows her to form relationships with fellow student athletes from various sports. The shared experiences of balancing academics and athletics create strong camaraderie and mutual support. One remarkable aspect of PSU’s student athletes is their stellar performance in academics. According to the Collegiate Consulting Report, PSU’s student athletes outperform their fulltime undergraduate counterparts, boasting an average GPA of 0.1 points higher. Moreover, their six-year graduation rate is 37%

higher than the average full-time undergraduate student at PSU. Even more impressive is that PSU allocates fewer resources to athletics than the Big Sky Conference average. Despite this, the graduation success rate for PSU student athletes surpasses the conference average, according to the report. For men, 86% of PSU student athletes graduate within six years compared to the mean average of 80%. The numbers are equally impressive for women, with an average of 93% at PSU compared to the conference average of 89%. This academic excellence may be attributed to the daily rigorous balancing act that student athletes undertake. They dedicate themselves not only to their sports but also to their studies, showcasing the kind of commitment and time-management skills which will serve them well in future endeavors. “The graduation success rate for PSU student athletes also exceeds the conference average,” the report stated. PSU student athletes also play a vital role in enhancing campus diversity. Data shows that PSU’s student athlete population is more diverse than the full-time undergraduate population. While 49% of full-time undergraduates identify as white, only 38% of student athletes fall into this category. According to the data, “the majority of students identified as ‘non-white.’” While student athletes make up less than 3% of the total student population, their contribution to campus diversity is notable. They bring unique perspectives and backgrounds which enrich the academic and social environment at PSU. Participation in PSU Athletics instills habits and skills associated with good sportsmanship, teamwork, health, physical fitness and safety—highly-valued professional qualities. Additionally, student athletes develop social skills, perseverance and a strong work ethic. A recent national Gallup-Purdue Index study of college graduates supports this notion, showing that former student athletes are more likely to thrive over time than their non-student-athlete counterparts.

SPORTS

FROM BACKPACKING TO BUILDING BETTER AI COURTESY OF DR. CHRISTOF TEUSCHER Teuscher has broken records in his adventures and enjoys pushing himself both physically and mentally.

PROFESSOR PUSHES LIMIT ON WHAT CAN BE DONE J.M. VINCENT Dr. Christof Teuscher is a professor of engineering and computer science at Portland State. His research pulls from many different fields to address societal problems. His approach applies unassuming techniques to pervasive issues in fields of study ranging from medicine to artificial intelligence (AI). His most recently published article is “A Novel Deep Learning, Camera, and Sensor-based System for Enforcing Hand Hygiene Compliance in Healthcare Facilities.” In 2016, he set a record for completing the 700-mile, rugged and largely-unmarked Oregon Desert Trail fully self-supported. He completed the endeavor in 17 days and 15 hours, averaging around 40 miles per day. He climbed Mount Adams, and trekked nearly 140 miles to Mount Hood before climbing its peak in less than 70 hours. Teuscher recorded his adventures and kept an exhaustive record on his website. Portland State Vanguard spoke with Teuscher to learn more about his research and background.

VG: How do you think the environment in which you grew up shaped you? Teuscher: It shaped me quite dramatically. I grew up in a very small town. There were about 1,800 folks, and it was very rural. There was lots of farming. Most people didn’t go to college. Most people would do an apprenticeship. So I did that—an apprenticeship as an electronics engineer. The Swiss educational system is quite… flexible in the sense that there’s multiple paths you can explore, even if you don’t go to college. You can go to technical high school. You can still go to a higher educational institution. So there’s various paths that allow you to explore all kinds of different degrees and certificates. After four years, I knew I didn’t want to be an electronics engineer for my entire life, so I went to college. I then decided to get a degree in computer science from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. I think it was a really good choice. At that point, I didn’t know what research was at all. And over

SCIENCE & TECH

the summer, one of my professors asked me, “What’s your plan? Do you want to do an internship in my lab?” I said yes because I didn’t have anything else to do. So, I got to know what research really was in an academic environment. They sent me to a conference in the [United States]. It was my first, and I presented a paper. It was really exciting.

VG: Was that your first time in the U.S.? Teuscher: That was my first time in the U.S. First time at a scientific conference. First time presenting. It was a lot of new things. I had to learn quickly. I didn’t know anything about this at the time. I had no master plan. I thought, “Once I get my degree, I’ll go back to industry and work.” But then suddenly, I learned about PhD programs and sooner or later I was in one and eventually finished. That wasn’t my plan at all. It was just happening because I had these opportunities. My mentors believed in me and gave me opportunities that I didn’t have or didn’t know even existed. That’s something I try to do here at PSU. My door is open for students to knock and ask for opportunities that I’m more than happy to provide. So, I’ve worked with a lot of undergrad students and high school students. It’s a way to give back and really provide opportunities that others may not have or may not even know about. VG: Can you tell me more about your endurance sports? Teuscher: Endurance sports came much later, basically after my fortieth birthday. A friend asked me whether I wanted to do a 50k run. I didn’t even know what that was, and I just said yes. Then I realized it was actually longer than a marathon. I started training for that and then really got hooked. I figured, “Okay, now that I have the fitness to do 50 kilometers. There’s 50-mile races, and there’s 100-kilometer races, and there’s 100mile races, and there’s more than that.” So I just kept going. It’s very much related to my research because I tend to push limits with the research we’re doing in terms of computer ca-

pabilities, [or] exploring new things that computers can… or should do and will do in the next couple of years. Endurance sports are very similar in that sense. You’re pushing your own physical and mental limits. It’s also a way for me to be a role model for students. I have pretty high standards. I expect students to work hard. So to me, that means I also work hard. If their faculty advisor does crazy things, maybe that’ll drive them to also do things a bit out of their comfort zones.

VG: Do you tend to say yes more than you say no? Teuscher: That’s a difficult question. I used to say yes a lot, especially earlier in my career when there were a ton of opportunities. I just said yes to them until several folks that were my mentors and those I worked with told me, “Look, Christof. You gotta learn to say no because you cannot be successful everywhere.” I was really starting to be spread thin in so many ways. I see that with students in my lab now. If you say yes to too many things, you’ll likely fail, and your whole career can fall apart. I think I learned the hard way to say no, and now I’m much more selective in terms of what I say yes to. VG: How do you know when to say no? How do you know when enough is enough? Teuscher: That’s difficult. The Oregon Desert Trail is a good example of where I was physically forced to stop. I just couldn’t walk anymore. I had an injury, so that’s almost the easiest situation where you just can’t continue. But there are other situations where it’s more about assessing risk, and figuring out whether or not I’m willing to take those risks. They are sometimes difficult decisions. Sometimes I regret my decision. I think, “Oh, I could have done it.” But in the moment, it’s really hard to assess if it’s worth the risk or not. I have examples where I turned around or quit because I felt like I wasn’t willing to take that sort of risk in terms of weather, in terms of food, in terms of safety. Sometimes it’s poor planning. Sometimes I think I can do it in, let’s say five days. I pack

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COURTESY OF DR. CHRISTOF TEUSCHER Teuscher records his adventures to inspire others and have a social way to connect with the experience.

five days of food, but then it turns out I actually need seven days. I have a ton of examples where I quit. But these are—to me— learning experiences, where the next time you do it better. You go again, and you’ll likely be successful. I think I’m successful because I’m persistent. I try again. While others give up and don’t go back, I often go back.

VG: How do you train for something like that? Teuscher: It depends. Some things need very specific training. Like for this recent race I did in Italy—Tour de Glacier—it has 100,000 feet of elevation gain. That’s huge. So you really need to train for ups and downs. It means I’m doing a lot of Mount Defiance in the gorge, because that’s one of the steepest and tallest peaks in the gorge.

cally just go.

VG: Why is it so important for you to record these expeditions and share them with the world? Teuscher: There are two aspects. One is to inspire others. People watch these movies, and they may do an adventure just because they saw my little clip. And two, making movies—it’s almost like having a buddy. I can talk to my camera if things don’t go so well. I can share my thoughts with the camera. So there’s almost a social aspect to recording the expeditions. Doing it changes the moment, makes it more lighthearted.

VG: You said you got your start with this in ultra running, but you’ve also said that it’s lost its appeal. How did you come to that conclusion? Teuscher: I wouldn’t say lost its appeal. To some extent, perhaps. It changed. I’m chasing different things. That’s partly because I’m getting older. I used to run quite competitively for long distance races. When you’re a little bit older, I think you’re in better shape mentally than some of the younger folks, who are much stronger physically. Mentally, though, they may not have the experience. And so there’s a sweet spot. I was just at the end of that period. I can’t really compete with a 30-year-old.

VG: What’s been the biggest innovation in your field in the last five years? Teuscher: Definitely the rise of AI and machine learning and neural networks… Deep learning became this huge thing, not because the models were new, but because we had more computing power. We could suddenly simulate scales of a network that we were not able to simulate five or 10 years ago. But the foundations are still the same. It goes back to [Alan] Turing, [Frank] Rosenblatt, and [Donald] Hebb—all of these early pioneers of neuromorphic systems and computing. Not much has changed foundationally. It’s the scale that is different. Clearly, that’s pushed the field to a whole new level. Now everybody knows ChatGPT.

VG: And what’s your next adventure? Teuscher: I don’t know. That’s always a good question. I have a long list of things on my radar. I usually decide based on the weather or depending on my meetings and availability. Some things need more planning than others, but I have a list of adventures that I could pull off in a couple of hours. They’re planned to the last detail, so I can pull up my notes and basi-

VG: Hardly anyone knew what a large language model was. Now we talk about it every day. What do you think the gaps are in the layman’s understanding of AI? Teuscher: It’s hard to say. People are afraid, but AI has been helping us for decades—quite literally. You wouldn’t fly a plane without it. There’d be no reservation system without it. Voice recognition wouldn’t work without it.

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So ChatGPT is really only the tip of the iceberg. People are afraid society will collapse because of X, Y and Z, but AI is already everywhere, just not out in the open like ChatGPT has become.

VG: Is there anything in your field that you’re particularly excited about? Teuscher: What comes next in terms of humans being replaced by machines? I think we have numerous examples now where machines do much better than humans. This goes back not just to ChatGPT, but way earlier. Machines started to do better in many domains. There are new challenges, too. How will humanity use AI? Will we be able to live without these tools in ten years? VG: What sort of research are you and your students working on right now? Teuscher: We’re really trying to push computers into new domains and have computers do things differently, better, faster, more… efficiently. We’re really in no man’s land. We don’t really know what will work. My students mostly write computer-coderun simulations, and run hypothetical models of hypothetical computers to see what they can do. A lot of it involves machine learning as well. And these AI models use a lot of power. Data centers are very power-consuming. So everybody is trying to build computers that are less power-consuming. We also explored DNA computing—using biological building blocks to essentially build computers. That can have or could have, huge implications for personal medication. It would be really cool if you [could] swallow a smart machine that finds your cancer cells and kills it. There’s sort of these science fiction-y projects that we have, where we’re not building machines out of silicon components or traditional computer building blocks but out of DNA, out of enzymes—you name it. It’s amazing.

SCIENCE & TECH

MEET BRAD LE, VANGUARD'S MANAGING EDITOR Hi! My name is Brad, and I am the managing editor for Portland State Vanguard. I came to Portland State after transferring from Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC). I started at MHCC’s student newspaper—The Advocate—as a staff writer, where I was the editor-in-chief before coming to Vanguard as a News editor. I eventually took over the role as managing editor. Being the managing editor is primarily a behind the scenes job, where I perform a lot of Vanguard’s invoices as well as other financial presentations. I also help all newcomers apply for Vanguard. While being the behind the scenes guy is certainly a far cry from when I used to work in traditional reporting—or glory-chasing as I liked to think about it— I’ve come to really enjoy being behind the scenes. I’ve been writing for so long that I never really thought about how I was plateauing in my portfolio of skills. Now, I’m learning about all the other logistics which go into running a newspaper. I think that is what makes working for Vanguard and student newspapers a wonderful place for opportunities. No person stands alone, and it is built on a foundation of specialties. If you want to learn more about writing in the News section, then we have opportunities for that. The best part? Even news writers have their own niche! I really enjoyed working on politics. Interviewing the heads of the Oregon Republican and Democrat parties was the height of my career. But I don’t know as much about TriMet affairs or environmental politics. Let me help you join us! Vanguard is supposed to be an asset to the students. Whether you want to write, copy edit, take photos or do graphic design, we can always help you improve something. COURTESY OF BRAD LE

Letters from the editors MEET ZOË BUHRMASTER, VANGUARD'S NEWS EDITOR Hi all, I’m the News editor for Portland State Vanguard. I have reported and edited for Vanguard since winter 2023. I look forward to serving the campus community once again this year by reporting on issues impacting Portland State and the community. I’m currently a senior at PSU majoring in anthropology with interests in journalism and international consultancy. I transferred to PSU from Clark College, where I served as section editor and editor-in-chief of The Independent—Clark’s student-run newspaper. As the News editor, my intention for the News section of Vanguard is for its contents to reflect the most salient issues within the campus community, rooted in ethical reflexivity and comprehensive, non-biased reporting. Our organization is student-run. As such, we seek to question abuses of power within the university and highlight stories of those marginalized while reporting with transparency and accountability. If you ever find discrepancies or inaccuracies within our pages—as happens with all human-led operations—I encourage you to please reach out. If you have tips regarding any issues or events on campus you would like to see covered, please send the News desk an email at newseditor@psuvanguard. com. Additionally, if you have an interest in journalistic writing or covering news, drop us an email or stop by the newsroom in the sub-basement of Smith Memorial Student Union.

COURTESY OF ZOE BUHRMASTER

MEET THE TEAM

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NEO CLARK

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COMICS

Community & Wellness Resources UPDATED WEEKLY By Kat Leon

Happening soon ASL Club SMSU 258 Oct. 12, 3 p.m. Free for students ASL learners of all levels are invited—from beginners to fluent signers—to come together in person and build signing skills

Housing Walking Tour 2712 SE 20th Ave. Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m. Free Free lunch with a focus on middle-housing types and a discussion of Oregon’s housing legislation, particularly House Bill 2001

Bowling Bonanza! SMSU Basement Oct. 16, 4 p.m. Free PSU’s geology clubs are hosting a bowling and game event to reunite after the summer and welcome newcomers who are interested in all things geology

Being an Emotional Anchor Workshop: Part I Online Oct. 18, 12 p.m. Free Learn emotional regulation skills for both kids and parents

Children’s Costume Swap SMSU 333 Oct. 19, 11 a.m. Free The Resource Center for Students with Children invites the PSU community to a children’s Halloween costume swap. Snacks, games and crafts are provided.

Live @ Lunch Parkway North in SMSU Tuesdays/Thursdays, 12-1 p.m. Free

Community

Wellness

PSU Basic Needs Hub

SHAC Mind Spa

SMSU Suite 435 Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free for students

UCB Suite 310 Mon–Fri (by appointment) Free for students

Helps students access resources such as funds, food, housing, employment, childcare and health support

Solo space to experience biofeedback, light therapy, meditation, massages, relaxation and more. Must be enrolled in at least five credits for summer or fall.

PSU Food Pantry 1704 SW Broadway (temporary location) Tues–Thur, 12–4 p.m. Free for students Access to free groceries in a welcoming, equitable, trauma-informed way. Must be enrolled in at least one credit for summer or fall.

SMART Recovery Meetings University Center Building 340 E Times vary Free In peer recovery, students with shared experiences connect to reduce stigma and build a campus recovery community

SHAC Weekly Online Parent Support Group Online Thursdays 11 a.m. Free Come together as parents in a relaxed setting to support each other, share ideas, collaborate and commiserate

Community Technology Space 730 SW 10th Ave. Suite 111 (entrance on SW 9th Ave.) Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free Multnomah County official cooling center with access to free technology, internet, limited books and events

Oregon Energy Fund Varying Locations Mon–Fri, hours vary Free Provides energy bill assistance to low-income Oregonians to support household stability

Mindful Meanderings Listen on Spotify Available 24/7 Free PSU-produced podcast about being mindful while outside, practicing gratitude, finding joy and being in the moment

Telus Health Student Support Download on App Store or Google Play Available 24/7 Free Connecting students with free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support

Workshop Wednesday Video Series Watch on Youtube Available 24/7 Free PSU Campus Recreation Center staff videos about topics ranging from Leave No Trace and plant identification to hiking spots and land acknowledgments

BORP Online Fitness Studio Watch on Zoom Mon–Sat, hours vary Free Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program’s (BORP) virtual exercise classes for people with physical disabilities

Cosmic Kids Yoga Watch on Youtube Available 24/7 Free Using fun and popular stories to get kids engaged in a calm, relaxing, mindful workout

A music series for students by students. A place to study, eat, meet local bands and make new friends!

RESOURCES

PSU Vanguard • OCTOBER 12, 2023 • psuvanguard.com