The Florida Tech Crimson Issue 2 Fall 2018

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RIMSON The Florida Tech

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crimson@fit.edu Issue 2

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1967

FALL

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2018

On the look out for stress

Higher tech at Evans Library jesse villaverde \\ Staff writer

emily walker \\ Staff writer

Analisa Rodriguez, friend of Tiffany Quigley, riding a roller coaster in the Oculus Go.

Students are swinging lightsabers and riding roller coasters in virtual reality, and Martin Gallagher, the Digital Scholarship Lab manager at Evans Library, is capturing it all on a 360-degree camera.

Gallagher is lending new high-tech equipment

Jesse villaverde // Crimson

for students to checkout at Evans Library.

In the upcoming weeks, the library will have four new Oculus Go’s and two InstaCam One 360-degree cameras.

To introduce the tech-

Continued on page 6

In the busy lives of Florida Tech students, it’s easy for stress to creep in unnoticed. A typical day involves rushing back and forth to classes, churning out homework, and frantically searching for parking.

This experience can be especially hard for new students.

Stephanie Perrier still remembers her first few days on campus two years ago.

“As a freshman, I think I struggled more because you’re thrown into this new environment,” said Perrier, a psychology junior.

“There’s so much going on and it’s kind of overwhelming.”

After a summer spent back home, Perrier said returning to campus as a junior is less intimidating.

Perrier said Florida Tech is no longer unfamiliar territory, and she knows how to handle living on her own.

SGA executive board changes david thompson \\ managing editor

The Student Government Association has made four executive board position changes just a few weeks into the 2018 Fall semester.

They sent out a press release to the student body via email on Aug. 25 that said former Vice President Zach Eichholz and former Treasurer Victoria Pavsic have resigned.

Former SGA senate member and presidential candidate, Baylee Keener, was nominated by President Jace Petrowski as Vice President.

Petrowski also nominated Beth Kurkowski as treasurer, Becca Candelari as secretary and Tina DePietro as press secretary, a new position to SGA. All of these decisions were nominated by Petrowski and voted on by

the Senate on Aug. 22 at SGA’s weekly Senate meeting.

All nominations were voted in by a ⅔ approved vote by the senators.

Eichholz resigned just a months after being elected as Vice President at the end of last semester.

He said at the time of the election he did not anticipate becoming as busy as he has.

“The way SGA is going to work this year,” Eichholz said. “At least the way I hope it is, is they're going to be super-proactive, they're going to be in the thick of it, and they're going to be expanding the organization's credibility and outreach which is what Jace and I had always wanted.

SGA can be a powerful tool for good.”

Eichholz said they had “a real heart to heart conversation” with Petrowski about his

concerns with remaining Vice President. “[Petrowski] totally understood,” He was very supportive. I told him I still could help out from afar. I've always been a student that's involved. I'll continue to do things here until I leave.”

Petrowski shared similar feelings about their conversation and said he didn’t want to hold him back and he’s “gotta let him fly.”

“To be honest, he's gotta do what he's got to do,” Petrowski said. “It's not something about a question of character. He looked at me and said, ‘When we first started this, you asked me to give 110%, and at that time I could’, and now because of other obligations that have arisen, things that he didn't

Continued on page 5

However, there are still challenges ahead.

In some cases, stress can be good for motivation and productivity.

However, it can become unhealthy when it reaches a high level.

According to the National Institute of Health, anxiety disorders usually develop in teens and young adults.

In other words, college students are prime candidates for problems to occur.

Dr. Tapley is the director at FIT’s Counseling and Psychological Services, a resource that offers counseling as well as groups and seminars to help students adjust to campus life.

According to Tapley, stress can play a role in triggering a mental health disorder.

“We encourage students to think about how stress impacts their daily lives,” she said. “Is it acute or chronic?” Tapley explained that something chronic

thomas handel \\ staff writer

Florida Tech’s football season kicked off to a rocky start after suffering from unexpected roster changes early in the school year.

Many of the seasoned starters left the team last year after graduating or transferring to other schools. Other players, however, didn’t leave by choice.

One of these players was a quarterback, who earlier in June was arrested with drug related charges .

He was later suspended indefinitely by the Athletics Department from all sports activities.

This is not the first time players have had trouble with the law, as two years ago a senior starting quarterback was booted off the team after facing DUI

Page 6

Page 7

Welcome to the Jungle

Panther Night

Pokemon Go!

OPINION PAGES 2-3

AUTO PAGE 4

Continued on page 3

Roster scrambles, but far from shambles charges.

Page 2

INDEX

could indicate a clinical problem.

As the weeks go by, most students will face more assignments and big projects—and eventually midterms.

According to Tapley, this is a particular time when stress strikes and CAPS receives the most calls from students.

“The peaks tend to be at the beginning, middle, and end of the semester,” Tapley said.

Stress levels certainly seem to correlate with exams.

Angel Helton, a freshman in biomedical engineering,agrees that stress levels seem to correlate with exam times. “Right now, I think my stress is less,” Helton said.

“I haven’t had any big exams. Normally I get stressed when I have to take big tests.”

CAMPUS LIFE PAGE 5-7

Trouble came also from outside as well as within. Chris Chugunov, a promising young quarterback, quit midway through the training camps after receiving a scholarship from Ohio State.

Chugunov was a three star recruit and a top 25 player from New Jersey after graduating high school.

Steve Englehart, the head coach of the football team, is undeterred by the setbacks.

“I really like our team,” Englehart stated. “We have great chemistry and good comradery.”

Englehart is excited by the young talent coming into the team, and confident about their upcoming season.

Continued on page 8 Page 8

Soccer SPORTS PAGE 8

2 OPINION ISSUE 2

SEPTEMBER 4

Embracing Your Inner Panther: Welcome to the Jungle!

Ryan Daniels \\

CAPS Outreach Columnist As the sun rises among the forests of a seemingly dense and impenetrable jungle, the young panther must learn to fend for itself for the first time.

Though timid at first, the panther gains a key understanding of its environment through experience and grows to be independent and strong.

Similarly, as the sun rises above the sandy beaches of Melbourne, the young Florida Tech Panthers set to embark on their own.

We may also feel timid at first, as college can feel like a jungle, at times.

Becoming an adult means new responsibilities, new living conditions, and new ways of budgeting your time and money that can seem overwhelming.

But the jungle is also an exciting place!

It is a place where the panther learns to grow and succeed on their own.

Luckily for us Panthers, we have many sources of support to help us embrace our new-found independence while also managing to maneuver our equal number of new-found responsibilities.

Here are some tips for every emerging Panther:

FENDING FOR YOURSELF: Self Care Adjusting to new environments is tough for even the fiercest animal.

For students who have just been set loose to roam on their own, the new-found freedom may be daunting.

You may feel like this is your time to let loose and finally enjoy that ice cream for dinner you’ve been dreaming about.

But careful!

The “Freshman 15” is real, and dreams like that can end up costing you big time.

Make sure you maintain a healthy, nutritious diet, regular exercise, and a good sleeping pattern, as this is often overlooked as we fall out of our old routine and begin again on our own.

Building up that routine is an important first step in making sure your time here is healthy and happy.

A healthy routine can improve self-esteem and overall feelings of well-being, as well as help you better manage those stressful days when nothing around you seems to be going right.

Don’t remember how those legs work after your

long and relaxing break?

Don’t worry! Florida Tech’s got you covered!

Our Clemente Center is free for students and offers a variety of classes and equipment that will keep those legs churning. For more information, visit the Clemente Center’s website at: https://www.fit.edu/ clemente-center/ PUTTING YOUR BEST PAW FORWARD: Academic Planning So, you did it!

You kept up your grades, avoided the temptations of “senioritis,” and got into the college of your dreams.

But don’t stop now, you just got here!

First and foremost: go to class!

No matter how tired or busy you may be, it is one of the most important factors in succeeding as you adjust to living independently.

We know being placed in new classes with new people and new professors can seem intimidating, but we’re all on the same team!

Meeting with an academic advisor or professor shows initiative, and this is the time to begin forming the relationships

that will eventually lead you to the career you’ve been dreaming of.

So remember: the key is to keep moving forward.

For more information, visit the Academic Support Center website at: https:// www.fit.edu/academic-support-center/ BEING A CREATURE: Involved

SOCIAL Getting

New environments offer us a fresh start, but building your “home away from home” can be difficult on your own.

The student sitting across from you is likely feeling the same way you are, so don’t be afraid to spark a conversation!

As always, Florida Tech is here to help. Getting involved with campus clubs and organizations is a great way to take that first step toward building your own Florida Tech community, so visit the Office of Student Activities website (https:// www.fit.edu/student-activities/) to meet those with similar interests or spark some new ones!

To learn more about embracing your inner Panther and what it means to be an “adult,” please join

us at our “How to Adult Like a Panther” event on Wednesday, September 5th from 7:00-8:30pm in Evans Hall, Room 202.

For a more thorough discussion on managing stress and preparing for both personal and academic success, join us at our Wellness Wednesdays Group that meets from 11:00am-12:00pm at CAPS, starting 9/19/2018.

Call CAPS (321-6748050) to join this group!

Remember that you’re never alone, and that you already have what it takes to survive this jungle we call college.

We could all use a little help learning how to put the pieces together and ROAR with pride!

ISSUE 2

SEPTEMBER 4

OPINION

CAPs building.

Continued from front Just as tests will be unavoidable, so will stress.

Not only will tests come up, but unplanned problems will happen.

Schedules will unexpectedly change, cars will break down, group projects will become chaotic, and homework will pile up.

While most of these things are unavoidable, there are ways for students to cope in a healthy manner.

Perrier uses a planner—a habit she began in her first semester as a freshman.

“When I get a schedule for each class, I go through and I write every single

3

emily walker // Crimson class down for every single day, and I write what’s due each day,” Perrier said. “It helps a lot because I can see weeks in advance, and it helps me manage my time.”

Kelley Chilson, the outreach coordinator at CAPS, agrees that time management is an important skill.

“It’s good for students to figure out their responsibilities ahead of time,” Chilson said. “Often times without a schedule, things can seem really overwhelming when they aren’t actually.”

Taking time off to relax can also be a way to reduce stress.

Tapley said that finding time to engage in self care can be one of the most

difficult things for college students and can thus sometimes actually lead to more stress.

However, Helton has found her own way to unwind. “Running helps me deal with my stress,” she said. “I’ve been on the treadmill or outside in the morning running.”

Perrier agrees that taking time for yourself is helpful—especially if you can get off campus.

“If it’s a weekend, I’ll go to the beach or do something relaxing, like walking around the mall or seeing a movie,” Perrier said.

“Trying to get out of the school element if you can definitely helps. Get yourself away from anything school-related.”

Another resource that can help reduce stress is having friends.

This can be a major concern for some students, especially those that have moved across the country or even across the world to attend Florida Tech.

However, finding a friend might not be as hard as they might think.

Helton, who moved to Florida from Delaware, began making friends before school even started.

“I was originally worried about making friends, but I think orientation helped me meet people,” she said.

“I’m meeting people in my classes now as well.”

Chilson recommends joining a group to find friends.

Not only does CAPS offer a number of groups for students dealing with a variety of issues to come together and talk, but there are also many clubs around campus.

“Get support on campus,” Chilson said.

“Join groups and work on making friends. There are so many campus groups—there’s something for everyone.”

Tapley agrees that using friends as a supportive system is important in college.

In times of stress, a friend can be someone vital to go to for support and comfort. “It’s helpful—the idea of being able to help one another,” Tapley said.

No signatures needed for this petition

annika sundquist \\ staff writer

September 14 is coming up very quickly and that’s the deadline to petition to graduate in Spring of 2019.

Don’t worry if you didn’t know! There are lots of students that feel the same way. A lot of undergraduate students in the first couple years of their programs have never heard anything about petitioning in more than just passing.

Marine Biology sophomore Jennie Lamson said, “I’ve heard of petitioning to graduate, but I don’t really know anything about it. I’ve heard some students talking about having to do it, but that’s it.

In order to graduate, students with enough credits need to petition the registrar’s office. Petitioning has several purposes

behind it, one of which is to make sure students have the appropriate credits to complete their degree evaluation.

Associate dean and head of the School of Arts and Communication, Robert Taylor, Ph. D, said, “Petitioning makes sure all requirements are taken care of, so it is important for students to be in very close touch with their advisors throughout this process.”

When the graduation office was approached with questions about petitioning, they had a lot to say.

They were very helpful answering questions and offered to walk students through the petitioning process, as there are many students that come into the office looking for help.

Joyanna Jomaa, graduation processor, said, “Some students call, and we walk them through it, or we

walk them through it on the computer when they come in to the office.”

The graduation office said they have dates for petitioning posted everywhere. However, they do get stragglers that petition to graduate after the due date because they don’t check the website, FIT Forum, or are “too busy” with their course schedule.

They still have a chance to petition, but they are hit with a late fee. If students fail to petition before September 14 there is a late fee of 30 dollars. If they fail to petition until the term they want to graduate, it is a 60 dollar late fee.

According to Karin Almasi, associate registrar, “Over 1,000 students petition to graduate in the main term. Spring and Fall are really big graduation classes, and that doesn’t include the students that petition to graduate that take online

classes.”

With that many students petitioning to graduate, the school could make a substantial amount just because graduating students missed the petitioning deadline. With petitioning to graduate online being easier than ever, the graduation office says that there is just no excuse not to get your petition in on time.

Jomaa said, “It’s all online now. No signatures are required anymore unless students need to have their adviser sign course substitution forms.”

Ayo Adebisi, a senior, said, “I am petitioning to graduate with 2 minors. I am a chemical engineering major with a minor in computer science and a minor in Nano technology.”

When asked if he knew the deadline to graduate, Adebisi said, “I think it is September 12? The head of

BME sent an entire email to graduating students in the department so we could sort it out.”

Petitioning to graduate is important to faculty because they want to see their students succeed, like Taylor.

Taylor said, “Students don’t usually have problems petitioning to graduate, but I urge them to make sure all their course substitution forms are done as students go through the process, and not to wait until the last minute when there could be potential setbacks.”

If you are petitioning to graduate for Spring 2019, remember the deadline is September 14. Don’t get stuck paying a late fee when you have slaved over your classes for this exact triumph!

4

ISSUE 2

SEPTEMBER 4

AUTO

Gran Turismo In Real life

and following closely the progress of the Acura RSX Type S, on the used car market that is, and it kevin boodoosingh \\ became clear to him that design editor owning the car he once played on a video game was possible.

Armed with $10,000, the hunt began.

Call after call and viewing after viewing, he still didn’t find the optimal Vivid Blue RSX Type S. He even broadened his search to other cars, Nissan 240’s, Civic Si’s and even the Toyota GT86.

But the problem was that most of those cars Acura RSX Type-S in Gran Turis- photo by // gran turisweren’t in great condimo wiki mo: A-Spec tion at his price range or they had really high miles “I remember driving Japan. the car in Gran Turismo, Japan got the new and were beaten up.

Then, after being on around all the different Acura but kept it as tracks and I thought to Honda Integra Type Craigslist for another 3 myself, how can a front R while the rest of the hours, it popped up. A wheel drive car handle world made due with the 2005 Vivid Blue Acura Type S, with low miles, this well,” said Nishal Acura RSX Type S. Sankat, a senior in aviaThe Type S was a tion management with watered down version of flight. the Type R but it was still In 1995, Honda intro- impressive with the new duced the Integra Type R K20 engine producing a to the Japanese domestic fair 200 hp and 142 lb.ft, market and it did what which was 17 hp down any new car should: blow from the Type R. minds.

Even though Sankat With its massively had been familiar with popular B18 engine and this car from its incepsharp handling, it was tion, he never really quickly recognized as one thought about owning of the world’s best front one. wheel cars, in the car However, 5 years community. ago Sankat decided on Honda kept this plat- attending Florida Tech form for the next six for his college education. years and finally introHaving to deal with duced a brand new Integ- all these new changes , ra for the year 2002. his main concern was the Released in June of difficulty of buying a new 2001, the new Acura car.

“RSX” hit the streets Sankat had been Enjoying the water front. everywhere except doing a lot of research

Nishal and His ’05 Acura RSX-Type S

Admiring his ride.

kevin boodoosingh // Crimson

Side profile.

lightly modified and it was located in Miami. All for $8000.

Which he believed to good to be true but the temptation was too overwhelming. Sankat quickly made his way down to Miami to view one of the best front wheel drive car’s produced.

After the test drive Sankat realized why he wanted this car and why it took this long to find the right one, he said.

“The seller was extremely dedicated to the car, keeping it looking almost new and did tasteful mods like intake, exhaust, tune and great tires. He wanted to make sure the person buying the car would also take care of it as he did.”

Without a doubt, Sankat is taking of this car as well as the previous owner.

“I truly love this car.

The feeling I get when VTEC hits is amazing.

For a naturally aspirated car, it pulls awesome.”

Sankat added that he was so afraid of ruining the paint that he only drives the car on occasion.

“I bought a $500 Lancer to use as a daily.

It’s tough to drive the RSX everyday and having to worry about the paint being chipped.

I still can’t believe it’s the original paint.”

“Sometimes I can’t even wait for the weekend, just so I can take it for a drive,” said Sankat.

As car enthusiasts, I believe we all hope for the day to own the cars we once played with on video games.

kevin boodoosingh // Crimson

kevin boodoosingh // Crimson

ISSUE 2

SEPTEMBER 4

CAMPUSLIFE

5

Continued from front expect, he cannot; and so for the Senate, for the SGA, and for me, he said he had to step down, and I totally understand that. It's just one of those things that it wasn't expected, but it was something that was for the better.”

Entering his seventh year at Florida Tech, Eichholz is the Resident Director of the Residence Quad which he said can be up to 12 hours of this week at least.

Then on top of being Resident Director, he interns for the Environmental Programs Coordinator of Satellite Beach and he said that has become very time-consuming.

“I had less hours on my plate in my internship with the City of Satellite Beach, and they got bumped,” Eichholz said. “Now I'm up to 20 hours a week…

And then in the back of my head, I'm like, ‘I'm really not going to be able to do this.’ I found myself getting anxious like I don't know where I'm going to have time. I have a girlfriend which I very much like to see. It was just something that I was not going to be able to commit the time to.”

Eichholz said that he understands if some students that voted for him may be upset but thinks that SGA is still heading in the right direction.

“I was honored that I was voted in, I never thought I'd ever do it, and it's ironic because one day I'd like to be in probably in politics. I’m working for the City now, so getting a good taste of that. But, I would just say I think SGA is still in great hands and we ran on a platform, right, and that platform still exists with or without me.

Marcus Farley was at the general SGA meeting on Aug. 29 representing Its On Us at Florida Tech and Student Organization for Sustainable Actions.

Farley is a junior majoring in business accounting, with a minor in sustainability.

He said that he voted for Petrowski and Eichholz last spring and he hadn’t heard of the recent executive board changes until that night he was attending the meeting.

“I wasn't too aware of that until pretty recently that he would be step-

"I think the Senate displayed not only their true power in the situation, but also that they take the responsibility seriously, and that's exactly what this is."

photo by // florida tech sga facebook ping down,” Farley said. “I thought Zach was a strong running mate. He brought a lot of sustainable knowledge and sustainable activities to the campus, which I think is good. We just got certified last year with to be a bronze star campus I believe. And it's just something sought after that big universities. The majority of universities in Florida are certified. We just got certified last year. And so I thought Zach bringing sustainable knowledge would be a way to elevate the campus.”

Without Eichholz, SGA has now elected Baylee Keener as Vice President.

Eichholz said that Keener is a great person for the position. “[Keener] knows SGA, she's been in the organization for a while, she loves it with a passion,” Eichholz said. “I think with her prior experience in the organization and Jace's outside view, together they will do things for the organization that are going to be first of their kind, lasting, and great.”

Before she was nominated for Vice President, Keener met with Petroski to pitch some ideas she had because she was being considered for SGA’s ethics coordinator.

At the meeting, Keener said Petrowski asked her “What would be your perfect position in SGA?" “First, I said speaker of the Senate because I've been in the Senate and I've been a department head,” Keener said. “Then he was like, ‘Well, aside from president’, joking because I ran against him for president. I was like, ‘Well, aside from President, probably Vice President.’”

Keener said Petrowski then showed her Zach Eichholz's resignation letter and asked her how she felt about being appointed as his Vice President.

“I was ecstatic,” Keener said. “I probably looked so stupid. I was smiling. I was so happy. I was originally just going to be involved in his cabinet, but now I'm on the executive board. So, it was a great day. I was excited, and I was ready to get to work. That night I went home, looked over all the documents, exactly what my job was, exactly what we needed to get done. All kinds of stuff like that, so it was great to hit the ground running.”

When Keener originally applied for a student liaison position she said that she hoped everything could be water under the bridge.

Petrowski and Keener ran against each other in

the 2018 SGA presidential election last spring.

“We were really civil about it, but our campaigns were very similar,” Keener said. “So, I know that we will work well. We have a lot of the same views as far as transparency, as far as getting as much work as we can do involving as much faculty and stuff as we can.”

Petrowski said because of Keener’s past experience in not only SGA but Greek Life as well, that was the best person for the job.

“She's extremely passionate about SGA and specifically about providing for the students,” Petrowski said.

During the Aug. 29 Senate meeting, Petrowski and the executive board brought up the addition of an executive cabinet that would act as liaisons.

Members of the Senate were hesitant to agree on adding the executive cabinet due to a lack of clarity.

Petrowski complimented the senate’s hesitation to add the executive cabinet.

“If you don't understand something, you shouldn't just blindly accept things,” Petrowski said. “And I

Turn out for SGA's first general meeting.

think the Senate displayed not only their true power in the situation, but also that they take the responsibility seriously, and that's exactly what this is. It's checks and balances, and there's nothing wrong with the executive cabinet."

Petrowski said he hasn’t felt any pressure after being the primary decision maker with the executive board changes.

He said it has only caused delays. “...I feel like I took a chance in putting them in those positions. They were not people that I had directly worked with in the past, but I talked to people who knew them professionally and put them in high regard, and I believe that I made the right decision.”

david thompson // crimson

6

ISSUE 2

SEPTEMBER 4

CAMPUSLIFE

A Little Rain Cannot Stop The Black Panther

Panthers engrossed in the Black Panther.

Christian Martinez \\ staff writer

Rain may have made the Panthereum unsuitable for watching a movie, but with some quick thinking, that problem was easily solved.

Florida Tech’s Media Board presented a screening of the hit movie, “Black Panther”, for anyone to see for free as a part of the welcome week’s activity schedule on August 24 at eight p.m.

The original plan was to use an inflatable movie screen at the Panthereum, with popcorn as a snack to go with the movie.

Due to rain, the movie had to be held in the nearby Denius Student Center on the second floor.

A movie is usually hosted on the first week of the semester by the school’s Media Board, which is made up of the Kaleidoscope (art and literature magazine), Crimson (newspaper), FITV (video

christian martinez // crimson

production), and FTCR (radio).

“We play a Marvel movie every year because it’s what people enjoy,” said Nicole Kern, a senior communications major and Editor-in-Chief of the Kaleidoscope.

Even with the change in plans, most of the attendees liked the movie and the screening.

study sessions,” said Tim Porath, student at Florida Tech.

“This is the best experience I’ve had on campus so far. This is a good relaxer,” said Alexander Smith, 18, mechanical engineering major at Florida Tech.

Many of the students said they agreed the screening would have been better if rain hadn’t hit the Panthereum and if there had been snacks like popcorn.

Hopes are high that the next screening held on the next welcome week goes without a hitch.

“I totally want to see Infinity War,” Smith said. “I haven’t seen it and I have to see it.”

The event was as expected but the students who attended had a good time, which was the goal of the event in the first place.

The screening was a success, taking an unforeseen circumstance and making the most out of it.

"This is the best experience I've had on campus so Far. It's a good relaxer."

Many also said they have seen “Black Panther” at least once before and came to the screening for a fun time.

“I really liked the events that bring the students together to just have a nice evening out that’s kind of low-key or more relaxed in between

Continued from front nology to students, the library has set up “Tech Tuesday.”

“This weekly event would be an opportunity to show students upcoming technology that can integrate with their projects,” Gallagher said. “It’s not a large group event; just one where I can explain my passion of new tech towards others.”

Cody Summer, an ocean engineering senior, is excited to use the new cameras for his big project called O.R.E.O. ROV in his department.

“The camera would allow us to make three-dimensional measurements from an underwater cave.

This creates an interactive 3D scene from just a two-dimensional 360-degree picture,” Summer said.

The Overhead Remotely-Operated Environment Observer is a submarine that maps the underwater ecosystem using sonar and video imaging. Instead of using 3D laser printers and multiple cameras, the ocean engineering

team would just use one of Gallagher’s InstaCam 360 camera attached to the submarine.

Eric Jones, a mechanical engineering freshman, was also interested in the technology that Gallagher showcased.

“The technology is very fascinating to see. I tried a virtual reality headset like the Oculus Go at a Microsoft Store,” Jones saids.

Many students had fun using the Oculus Go, a virtual reality headset by Oculus Inc. that immerses students into different environments. Riding a rollercoaster is a popular activity that Gallagher demonstrates to students in virtual reality, especially with the spinning-top chairs.

“It felt like it was a real rollercoaster ride,” said Tiffany Quigley, a freshman in aerospace engineering. “If I had my own VR headset, I would use it to immerse myself plane-riding for aerobatics.”

Tech Tuesday will be held every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. on the first floor of Evans Library.

ISSUE 2

Professor Profiles:

SEPTEMBER 4

CAMPUSLIFE

7

What isn't Stanfield up to next? eleanor mathers \\ editor in chief

While most people are struggling to get out of bed on Mondays, A.K. “Andy” Stanfield, Ph.D, is getting ready to drop another track on SoundCloud and release his 6th book, all while getting ready for the next day as an assistant professor of English at Florida Tech.

While some are struggling to get out of bed Monday, A.K. “Andy” Stanfield, Ph.D, has dropped a SoundCloud track, released his 6th book, and prepared his upcoming week as an Assistant Professor of English at Florida Tech.

“You have to be your own worst critic,” Stanfield said. Being involved in music and writing since his early twenties has taught him that there is always room to improve and to criticize.

“Stop believing that your moment will come around one day,” he said.

“Do something even if others say it’s wrong.”

He said that he learned

from failures and, instead of dwelling on them and wishing he could have done things differently, he used it to remind himself where he came from and how far he had come.

Global Tribal, his newest book, has taken him 15 years to complete. Stanfield will refrain from reading other works of fiction while writing because A.K. "Andy" Stanfield it influences his work.

“If I read other people’s stuff, their style will seep into my stuff,” he said.

“Then I have to go back and fix everything to get it back to sounding like me, like how I see things.”

Just like he has

his own style of writing, he has brought life to the EDM and synth sound in Melbourne.

With just over 400 tracks on SoundCloud, his music with QuarterHawk has grown since he began with a Native Instruments “maschine” in 2014.

“I didn’t want to be a retroband.

I knew all the theory and I didn’t want to Eleanor Mathers // crimson be something typical,” Stanfield said.

He continued to integrate the technology while working with Slackadaisicals, a group that was put together in 2014.

They layer synth and bass onto percussion and vocals, focusing on the collaboration of

“I'm Still Out here Doing What I Enjoy. I Couldn't Choose what I love most, So I do all of it. ”

sound rather than bringing together a written script.

“When we first started, I would bring these prewritten songs and my partner, Jason Griggs, would do a drum track to it and it was much more of a traditional band,” Stanfield said.

“Now, it’s truly more of a partnership and I’m basing things off of what he brings in. It inspires me to go to different places than I wouldn’t have if I was just writing myself. I’m having so much fun just working more as a team than just the “Songwriter”.”

Stanfield’s worked to break from the mold of a traditional musician or author, mixing genres and doing what he loves for himself rather than turning into a job.

“I was afraid that if I got a Ph. D, it would take all the fun out of it.” Instead, Stanfield said he fell in love with teaching.

“I’m still out here doing what I enjoy,” Stanfield said. “I’m a scholar, writer, musician – I couldn’t choose what I love most.

So, I do all of it.”

Pokémon Go is still going on at Florida Tech khemari howard \\ staff writer

Since it’s release back in 2016, Pokémon Go has been fluctuating in popularity, going from about 34 million players at launch to only 5 million daily active players, according to Niantic.

“I didn’t have many friends that played the game in my area when it first came out,” Briana Student, a freshman aerospace engineering major said. “It wasn’t that huge in my community.”

Though the game may have died in certain parts of the world, it’s more than alive at Florida Tech.

Through Discord, a chat application for gamers, the players here on campus have created a simple system that aims to allow everyone to get as much out of the game while still encouraging friendly competition.

“I initially created it for my friends, so we could communicate,” Quinten

Starren, founder of the Discord group, said. “I didn’t anticipate finding this many people, but I’m glad it has grown.”

Starren no longer attends Florida Tech, but continues to be a big influence.

He manages the group the best way he can and welcomes new members as they join.

“It’s a lot more organized,” Kristen Brenner, a first year biomedical engineering graduate student, said. “Especially when everyone works together and points out Pokémon around campus that I really need.”

Brenner was walking through campus with her eyes glued to her phone in typical Pokémon Go fashion when someone approached and invited her to join the Discord.

However, there are many people on campus who play Pokémon Go that don’t know about the group

and the systems they have in place.

“It’s very upsetting when people don’t work together,” Student said. “It makes the game a lot harder.”

There’s nothing official saying that players must abide by the rules the group has agreed upon, however it makes the experience smoother given the limited amount of in-game gyms on campus.

Many of the students who have joined in the past few weeks have loved their time spent with the group.

“It kind of feels like a family,” Dale Allison, a freshman marine biology major, said. “Seeing how much Pokémon Go has brought people together— it's fun just finding others who play.”

Students gathered near a virtaul Pokémon Go gym.

Khemari Howard // crimson

8

ISSUE 2

SEPTEMBER 4

SPORTS

Panthers raking up rewards

It's a bird, it's a plane... it's the Super Fan App! Ashley letendre \\ Social media coordinator “High tech with a human touch” has been taken to heart by the creators of the Super Fan app.

The athletics department has teamed up with a newfound “fan” app that is catered to bringing panthers fans together at games. This app is called the Super Fan app created

by Super Fan U, a company dedicated to creating fan spirit through technology.

Students can download the app, sign up under panther rewards and create an account to receive points for attending various events.

Daniel Supraner, the director of Athletic Communications, has been working with the Athletic Department to kick start this app for students to use.

“The reason why we started is because in last number of years we’ve had poor and decreased attendance. We thought of a way to incentivize attendance and engage our student body more,” said Supraner, “We thought this app would be successful because we’re

communicating it to the students through their phones.”

At sports events, students can check in on the app in order to receive prizes or become the fan of the month.

“Once they download the app they can win prizes by attending athletic events and earning points.

The students who accumulate the most points will be named fan of the month and win a giveaway alongside being featured on social media.”

Another addition to the fan prizes is an end of the season prize drawing for each sport for the “Sports Fan of the Year.” This is where any panthers fan can possibly win “a grand prize of swag from the team and sponsored gifts.” Supraner says the plan is to announce the winner at the last home game for each sport.

Although the swag bags and fan gear are utilized to bring students to games, the athletic departments main purpose of the app is to increase panther pride on campus.

Kevin Capella, the assistant director of athletic communications, said, “It’s gonna drive attendance to all of our sporting events.

Create a sense of pride within our sports and that’s one of the main goals of the app to boost pride. To have more panther pride for the students.”

Students are now taking part in the app and experienced it first hand at the soccer game on Aug. 30.

Senior in aviation, Jahleel Gomez-Womack, attended the game and downloaded the app for the first time.

“It’s a good initiative and once it becomes popular on campus, it will create a sense of panther pride,” Womack said.

Alumni have become aware of the app and are intrigued by the new concept of a technology fan base.

Kiayna O’Neal, a FIT graduate of 2018 and newer alumni said, “I really wish this was here when I was a student. It would’ve given me an opportunity to know more about athletic events on campus. I mean the cool

Screenshot of the SuperFan app

prizes are enough to get anyone to download this app.”

Students are now becoming more aware of this app and have the opportunity to earn points at a variety of sports events.

If any students have questions about the app or

Soccer starts off season with a win marc kanneh \\ contributing writer Florida Tech’s men’s soccer defeated the Lee University Flames 1-0 at the Rick Sottler Field on Thursday, Aug. 30.

In a slow first half the Flames maintained possession of the ball but the Panthers were able to keep the pressure up reaching the 45 minute mark at a tie.

The Panthers finally took the lead in the second half when junior midfielder, Luca Campanini, assisted by senior forward, Paris Junior Roserie, scored the first and only goal of the match at 59:26.

Not long after, Robbie Madden was sent off on a red card leaving the Panthers to play the rest of the match with 10 men.

Even with one man down the Panthers kept up their defence and even made several more attacks on the Flames.

Kevin Boodoosingh // crimson other inquiries, they can email Daniel Supraner at dsupraner@fit.edu.

The next upcoming event for students to use the app will be the women’s soccer game, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. where students can check into the event and get points for it.

match on Monday at Union University, Tennessee.

“It’s important that we rehydrate and get our recovery in,” said Campanini. “Three games in five days, it’s all about recovery.”

Continued from front

Luca Campanini, 23, controlling the ball.

Head Coach Robin Chan acknowledged the importance of starting off the season with a win but admitted that there was still a bit of work to be done.

//florida tech athletic department

Coach Chang stated, “we’re happy with the squad. We’ve got a lot of competition for places. I feel like with the boys that are struggling to recover we’ve got replacement

players that’ll come in and do a good job for us.”

The Panthers left the match Thursday with a match coming up on Saturday at Auburn University, Alabama and a

Damien McGhee, a third year wide receiver, shares his coach’s vision and is eager to begin the new season.

“I feel really good about the team,” McGhee said. “We are building something good and are really clicking.”

The football teams first home game is on Sep. 8 at 1 p.m at the Panther Stadium.