The Battalion: August, 30 2017 by The Battalion

First Responders page 5

Summer Recap page 3

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

Savannah Mehrtens — THE BATTALION

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

The Texas A&M campus received massive amounts of rainfall as an effect of Hurricane Harvey. Mild flooding and road closures, as well as canceled classes occured as a result.

Devastation in Texas and the impacts of Hurricane Harvey Texas A&M professors discuss the damages of Hurricane Harvey, as well as the cause By Brad Morse @bradsmorse53 Hurricane Harvey landed on the Texas coast on Aug. 24 as the strongest storm to hit the state in over 40 years. Harvey’s impact was felt immediately as it brought extreme winds, flooding and intense rainfall. The Bryan-College Station area was effected, though not as much as the Houston region. According to The Bryan-College Station Eagle, College Station Mayor Karl Mooney said areas of the city experienced heavy rainfall and some streets were flooded, but there are no reports of water getting inside homes. Mooney also said the city’s water supply is still safe to drink from. Trash service was interrupted in both Bryan and College Station due to road conditions. College Station trash services will resume the day after regularly scheduled collection day. The Eagle reported that residents are advised to place their trash containers in their driveway or on high ground to avoid the trash being swept away by water. Two Texas A&M students almost drowned after going swimming in Lake Bryan this past Saturday, leaving both of them in critical condition. Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson cautioned residents to stay safe, despite the waters beginning to recede, according to The Eagle.

“I can’t say enough how unwise it is to go out into bodies of water in the middle of a tropical storm,” Nelson told The Eagle. “Don’t go anywhere unless you have to. If you don’t have to be out there, don’t.” Associate atmospheric sciences professor Robert Korty said it was the warm August weather that allowed Harvey to build up to the scale that it did, and make the western Gulf of Mexico the perfect breeding ground for the storm. “Conditions in the western Gulf of Mexico were ripe for strengthening, and unfortunately Harvey entered at the right time to capitalize on them,” Korty said. “Water temperatures are at their warmest this time of year and the Gulf is running warmer than average this summer. Additionally there was no wind shear to impeded cyclone formation.” Texas State Climatologist and Regents professor of atmospheric sciences John Nielsen-Gammon said that the Gulf of Mexico was warmer than originally anticipated, which helped Harvey form. “The Gulf of Mexico was unusually warm,” Nielsen-Gammon said. “The western Gulf averaged about one degree Celsius warmer than normal, so that probably helped Harvey to intensify. We were expecting an active hurricane season anyway because of the warm temperatures across the tropical Atlantic.” Atmospheric sciences professor Courtney Schumacher said that Harvey was kept stationary over Texas by large-scale weather patterns for several days after it made landfall. Schumacher said that in a historical sense, Harvey is the 17th

Aggie football stands tall together A&M football players support teammates affected by Hurricane Harvey By Angel Franco @angelmadison_

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

Sophomore running back Trayveon Williams’s family was rescued from their house in Houston by the U.S. Coast Guard.

With game day quickly approaching for Texas A&M football, members of the team are having to deal with more than just being prepared for their Pac-12 opponent UCLA. Several players on the A&M roster have direct ties to the Gulf Coast and Houston area that have seen catastrophic flooding and rain in the last few days. Sophomore running back Trayveon Williams was one of the players whose family was directly affected by Hurricane Harvey. “It’s pretty unfortunate with me being from Houston and with my family being there,” Williams said. “I send my thoughts and prayers, and thank everybody that is assisting at this time and pray for everyone that’s going STANDS TALL ON PG. 4

Aggies unite to help with Hurricane Harvey relief Student leaders coordinate organizations to aid hurricane victims By Gracie Mock @g_mock2 What started as an idea turned into a viral Tweet within the Aggie Twitter community as leaders of campus organizations joined together to create a group to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. Greta Swift, sport management senior and vice president of the Obstacle Course Racing Team, said the idea came to her as she felt helpless about what she could do to aid those affected by Hurricane Harvey. She said she thought about the strength of the Aggie Network, and her idea clicking into place with the thought of Big Event, and sent out her tweet at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 27. Swift said she didn’t think it would take off the way it did, but within 10 minutes of the post she had responses from nu-

merous leaders and made the call to Student Body President Bobby Brooks to begin coordination of the nearly 115 organizations. “Basically what everybody’s been doing is organizing several different events, we’re trying to organize supply drives and a service project and it’s moving in a slow manner, but the chaos is slowly being resolved,” Swift said. The effort, simply dubbed BTHO Harvey, already has numerous organizations involved including the football team, Big Event, Aggie Network Ambassadors, resident advisors, as well as fraternities, sororities and other service groups. Austin Erickson, industrial distribution senior and member of Alpha Tau Omega, said he has been part of Swift’s effort since the beginning, initially adding campus leaders and those they thought would be supportive of the relief efforts to a GroupMe. “We just threw in any leaders of other organizations with the assumption that they would be more than willing to help in any way and motivate their specific organizations to help out AGGIES UNITE ON PG. 5

strongest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. since 1851. “Texas has had only a few stronger landfalling hurricanes during that time, including the 1900 Galveston storm that killed many thousands of people from storm surge,” Schumacher said. “Other Texas storms have produced extremely large rain amounts on the coast, like Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, but Harvey is expected to exceed those devastating rain amounts over larger areas.” According to the Office of the Texas State Climatologist, Harvey already ranks in the top five for rainfall brought by a storm, with more to come. “Regarding rainfall, Harvey was the biggest storm ever. Not only did it break the continental U.S. record for single storm rainfall, but in terms of sheer volume of water in a limited area, Harvey exceeds all predecessors,” Nielsen-Gammon said. “Consider this: Approximately 20,000 square miles of Texas and Louisiana received at least 18 inches of rainfall. The total volume is equal to the average discharge of the Mississippi River for three weeks, except it was compressed into four days and deposited onto a major city rather than into the Gulf of Mexico.” Schumacher added global warming likely played a role in the massive rate of rainfall Harvey brought with it. “Discussion among hurricane and climate science experts supports the fact that global warming likely had some role in the extreme rain amounts associated with Harvey, but that HURRICANE IMPACT ON PG. 4

Column: Seeing the good in this world Assistant sports editor Alex Miller reflects on his time volunteering in Houston By Alex Miller @AlexMill20 At 12:45 a.m. Monday morning, a friend of mine came to ask me the last thing I expected: Did I want to leave for Houston at 4:30 a.m. with him to help victims of Hurricane Harvey? A little over three hours later, I looked at my alarm contemplating if I really wanted to do this. So naturally I got up and went. What ensued may be the most surreal day I have ever experienced in my life. I was invited by a friend who saw a Facebook post late Sunday night. Within two hours, 15 of us, all students, were ready to go. Most of us were Aggies, some were native Houstonians, but we all wanted to help. We met a convoy of boats from the company Lochow Ranch Pond & Lake Management, Aggie owned and VOLUNTEERING ON PG. 2

Courtesy of Alex Miller

Assistant sports editor Alex Miller left College Station early Monday morning to aid rescue in Houston.

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operated by John Jones, Class of 2002. Jones put together a crew of his fellow employees, but called for volunteers such as us, many of whom were Aggies. As we meandered our way into Houston through the flooded areas of U.S. 290, taking back roads around Prairie View and Waller, reality began to sink in – this could be bad, Price Includes really bad. Logo and Name Our first stop was in northeast Houston in Greenspoint. (More logos available) CGP-MD-01_PAD_PI DDamian 160829-F Price Includes I began to witness the tragedy of the flood as we made our Logo and Name Shop for Little Aggies (More available) to anlogos Aggie Xmas way through. Nearly a dozen people were rescued, most just IShop havefor adult andAggies other Little carrying a single bag. I saw a family paddling down the road things in between. to an Aggie Xmas on an air mattress, too. I have adult and other etsy.com/shop/aggiesandbows Nothing compared to our next stop, Fort Bend County, thingsReveille’s in between. by Charlotte, Seamstress For Sterling Silver Jewelry: etsy.com/shop/aggiesandbows which had been given a mandatory evacuation early Monday DiscoveResearch, Inc. (PI DDamian) 979-778-2293 bystores.ebay.com/charboeg979 Charlotte, Reveille’s Seamstress morning. On our near-hour long drive across Beltway 8, I Date: 08/29/2016 charboeg@yahoo.com 979-778-2293 could have counted the number of cars we passed on my Spot: Migraine Prevention (Protocol CGP-MD-01_Version Date_09May2016) hands — it felt like a scene out of the movie “The Day After charboeg@yahoo.com udes Tomorrow.” Name For Houston being the fourth-largest city in America, it ilable) felt dead. Aggies Our convoy of boats gathered at a Kroger which was a Xmas d other post for the National Guard. From there, the 50ish people we ween. had divided into three teams with one goal – rescue anyone iesandbows stranded. s Seamstress My team, led by Brandon Booth, Class of 2005, soon 2293 reached our ‘launch pad,’ which was Westpark Tollway. For hoo.com those who can imagine what going the wrong way down Westpark Tollway in an air boat is like, it was about as wild • For Adults age 18-75 with migraines • as it sounds. Booth tried to mentally prep us for the worst – finding a Up to $600 paid to qualified participants • dead body. The thought of that had me begin to question what I had gotten myself into, but the next five hours proved why I did. About half a mile down from the ‘launch’ was a large apartment complex filled with people crying for help. We had two  air boats in our team begin to make trips to the center where a crowd had gathered to be picked up. From there, we took them to a CVS/pharmacy at the intersection of the tollway where the National Guard loaded rescues into the bed of army trucks to be transported to Kroger where they would then board buses and be taken to a secure shelter. My job was the grunt work, I would jump out once we reached the shallow areas and hold the boat in waist high

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water while people climbed in. The amount of people we had to come back for did not seem to end either. Residents would notice us driving in and just when we thought we had gotten everyone, 20 more would come out of nowhere. It was the reaction of the people we were helping that stuck with me. Through this tragedy and despite devastating destruction, the people we rescued we filled with pure joy and thankfulness as random strangers helping them. The group we rescued was one of many backgrounds and ages. Some elderly, nearly a dozen infants and quite a few pets as well. It amazed me how these people could stay so strong as we carried them away to an unknown future while all they could do was look back and watch their home wash away. Many carried just a couple trash bags filled with a few pair of clothes and sometimes food. Many were probably uncertain what laid ahead for them as we helped them off the boat and sent them into the hands of the National Guard. Many of them may have their lives changed forever. In total, we helped rescue close to a hundred people in our boat alone, and the boats in our area brought back several hundred people all together. We had to leave the scene around five o’clock to be certain that we would return to College Station before more rain came and the main roads became completely blocked off, trapping us in Houston. As I took a shower that night, I felt guilty. But then I realized something, instead of feeling guilty, I should be thankful. Thankful that I still have running water and electricity. Thankful that all our grocery stores and restaurants are open this week providing food for us to eat. Thankful that tomorrow I can carry on my normal life. Thankful for my faith, which gave me the strength to persevere and showed me so many things. From Houston PD escorting us to Greenspoint, to the Louisiana Game Wardens coming across state lines to provide extra boats, to the Fort Bend County Constables directing traffic through high waters and the seemingly endless line of State Troopers headed into Houston while I was heading home – you are courageous and incredible. Time will tell how long it will take for Houston to recover from this catastrophe. But I know one thing – there are people who will work endlessly to make it happen as soon as possible. And that is what is good in our world.

Gracie Mock— THE BATTALION

Leaders from across campus work together to coordinate relief efforts such as clothing, food and blood drives for those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

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The Battalion | 8.30.17

source of all the student organizations on how we’re gonna help this big problem.” Chris Riggins, recreation, parks and tourism senior and Aggie Network Student Ambassador, saw the tweet and that Swift was organizing campus leaders and decided to join. “I just kinda felt like I was kinda useless, just sitting here not able to help, I didn’t know how to help or where my talents could best be put to use and I wanted to help out,” Riggins said. “Whenever I found out that there was a group of students who felt the same way and wanted to do whatever they could to help out, I just wanted to get involved in that.” Swift said there is now a group of eight to 10 leaders coordinating with local branches of the Red Cross, the College Station City Council and other local groups to focus their efforts. “We’re trying to stay local with our efforts and not go into Houston,” Swift said. “We’re trying to help the local community and donate supplies to Houston and money to Houston.” The decision to stay local came from the organizations being campus organizations, which restricts them in terms of transportation and more, according to Erickson. “We’re trying not to be an official group, but more of a guidance on where and how to help or to group up with other people that want to help,” Erickson said.

Along with the needs of necessity like blankets, pillows and first aid kits, Erickson said financial donations are greatly needed as people are being relocated. “The biggest need currently would be financial donations, that’s what the Red Cross has been telling us,” Erickson said. “What they really need is financial donations that can be sent to get those exactly what they need, straight to those places rather than having these physical objects that need to be towed or hauled away or stored.” Riggins said there will be many opportunities for Aggies to help out, including donations of items such as canned goods or clothing at drop off locations. “I know there’s gonna be some blood drives on campus, we’re working on getting one together right now and there will be blood donations centers open around town and the Red Cross is definitely gonna need a supply of blood,” Riggins said. A website, bthoharvey.org, has been created and will serve as a place for Aggies to go to get more info on the relief efforts and donate. Brooks said he is glad to see the number of Aggies willing to take part in these relief efforts. “We have such a special spirit here at Texas A&M, and this is one of those times that it shows the most,” Brooks said. “I’m very excited to see how much Aggies can accomplish for this state when it needs us.” Check out the website, or their social media pages, @bthoharvey on Twitter, and BTHO Harvey 2017 on Facebook for more information.

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THE BATTALION is published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising call 979-845-2687. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com. Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.

LIFE&ARTS The Battalion | 8.30.17

3 Courtesy of Athlyn Allen

Junior Athlyn Allen spent her summer in Namibia, Africa, interacting with local tribes and learning about the tourism economy of the country.

Courtesy of Constantina Hug

Computer science senior Constantina Hug spent her summer interning at The Raytheon Company in Austin, Texas.

Not an average summer: Aggies learn, serve during the break Students reflect on the experiences that impacted them over the past four months By Madeleine Brennan @madkathbrenn From an accidental tribal marriage to a week spent with underprivileged foster kids, Texas A&M students spent this past summer engaging their communities and taking their education beyond the confines of the classroom. According to Texas A&M Today, A&M is the nation’s leader in public universities sending students abroad and sends over 3,000 students abroad each school year. A&M also remains a hub for students learning on campus and in nearby cities. Each summer, A&M sends out thousands of students across the state and around the world to impact communities, participate in internships and the local workforce and continue to learn, abroad and at home. Computer science senior Constantina Hug interned at The Raytheon Company in their Center of Innovation in Austin, Texas this past summer. Hug said her internship mainly focused on an attempt to stimulate an operating system’s crash to create an exploit, where she worked alongside the vulnerability research team. “There’s always more to learn within computer science and cyber security,” Hug said. “Instead of being overwhelming, it was super exciting because the people within that industry are incredibly helpful and willing to train you, equip you and

empower you to know more about the industry and computer science.” Hug said although classroom education remains a fundamental aspect of college, interning provides a valuable, real world experience with one’s major or future job. University leadership sophomore Matthew Swanson dedicated a part of his summer to the Royal Kids Summer Camp, a week-long summer experience dedicated to kids in foster care. As a camp counselor, his job was primarily to ensure kids had fun and felt free to be themselves during camp. “You have to be constantly on the lookout for these kids, pouring encouragement and love into these kids,” Swanson said. “Even though you’re having fun too, it’s not at all about you, because, for a lot of these kids, it’s the only time they get to focus solely on having fun.” With activities that ranged from ziplining to woodshop, the camp is specifically geared towards creating space for the kids to express themselves. Above all, Swanson said, the purpose was to show them how much they’re cared about. “Every night while we’re putting them to bed, we get to encourage them and show them how much we love them, how much God loves them,” Swanson said. “It was really cool getting to see the kids respond to that.” Across the world from Swanson, agricultural communication junior Athlyn Allen engaged with the local communities and wildlife of Namibia, Africa through the Agriculture Photography and Agricultural Leadership study abroad program. With tourism as the largest means of economic growth, Namibia has had to modernize quickly to respond to the incom-

ing visitors. “Namibia hasn’t been a country long, so they’re still working on establishing means of earning economy for their people,” Allen said. “Tourism is huge what with the diverse game and hunting opportunities there. However, because tourism has grown so rapidly, the country has actually modernized itself and there aren’t many of the tribes that still live in huts.” Throughout the program, Allen had the opportunity to interact with local tribes involved in the rising tourism industry in Namibia. During one encounter with a local tribe called the Damara, Allen found herself accidentally married to a local tribesman. “There was a ritual dance they were all participating in and inviting people into,” Allen said. “All I could think was, ‘Yeah, I totally want to do this dance.’ Before I knew it, I was paired with this young man around my age and we were married, just like that.” After her experience abroad, Allen said she encourages other Aggies to go out and study abroad as well. Studying abroad gives students the opportunity to live the things they’re learning, Allen said, they don’t spend their time sitting in a classroom. “You’re out there experiencing it. For me, it was more critical in my education than many classes I’ve taken just on campus or online,” Allen said. “I would encourage everyone to do it. Get out there and do it. If you’re afraid, go talk to someone about their experience, but whatever you do, don’t let that keep you from actually experiencing your education.”

Student Counseling Services offer resources for mental health SCS helps students cope with mental health illnesses and academic induced stress By Abbie Maier @Abbsmaier Busy college students may struggle to maintain their mental health during the semester, but the Student Counseling Services (SCS) provide support for all current Texas A&M students and staff. To ensure the balanced mental health of students, SCS offers multiple services including crisis intervention, a HelpLine call center, group counseling and career counseling. Student counseling can be accessed online, by telephone or in person across from the White Creek student apartments. Associate Director of SCS Mary Ann Covey came to A&M as a graduate student in 1988 and has been officially working for SCS for 25 years, helping students understand their options. Covey said suicide has become a pervasive issue in today’s society that SCS works to prevent. “The most important thing we can do is to keep a student safe,” Covey said. “After that, we’re really trying to support the academic mission. It’s trying to help that student that’s really anxious, that’s not able to perform at the level of their potential.” Covey said in a society with a multitude of phone applications and technological tools, people have an abundance of stress management techniques. Covey said she encourages students to continue taking measures to keep their mental health in good condition, especially during the anxiety-charged weeks leading to finals. “The biggest thing that I see happen with finals week is all the things that students do for self care for 14 weeks, they just throw out the window during finals week,” Covey said.

“Don’t abandon the things you do for self care. If you’re a students feeling overwhelmed. workout person, don’t just stop working out.” “Definitely try to take care of yourself,” Bienski said. SCS administrative associate Jerri McSloy, Class of 2004, has “There’s a lot of late nights and not getting enough sleep. But been a part of SCS since 2001. McSloy aids the professional it’s very important to listen to your body and know that you training for the interns and doctoral-level practicum programs. need to rest. Just know that there’s a light at the end of the She said she invites students to not be afraid to come into the tunnel. You will get over this.” SCS, and the atmosphere there is welcoming and accepting. “I think that regardless of what they’re coming in for, we definitely can help,” McSloy said. “It’s very confidential. Sometimes people don’t want to be known for coming into the counseling center. So the fact that we do biofeedback, relaxation and career counseling shows that no one knows what you’re going to be coming in for. It could be for your career.” SCS administrative coordinator Lori Bienski has been working at SCS for 16 years. She said she strives to show all students the same care she would for her own child, who is an A&M graduate. “If they have a question, I just think ‘What if this was my child?,’ and I do my very best to try and help them,” Bienski said. “I feel like when a student comes here, we want them to feel like they are listened to, that we care about them. We care about their success. We truly care, and we respect the student. We respect everyone.” Senior Customer Service Assistant Pearlean Howard starts the screening process for students who come into the complex, and helps with scheduling. Howard said that confidentiality is one of the most important aspects he stresses when meeting with students. “Basically, before they get to the counselors, we start the process here,” Howard said. “Sometimes we have to protect the students, if a mom or dad calls. As a parent, I know they’re concerned. But [students] are young adults right now and conMariah Colón — THE BATTALION fidentiality is the law.” SCS stresses the importance of not disregarding mental SCS offers students a variety of ways to handle their mental health during highly stressful events. Bienski offers advice to health, stress and anxiety.

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The Battalion | 8.30.17

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Severe weather caused damage around campus and the B-CS area, including this goalpost on a football practice field.

STANDS TALL CONTINUED through anything and lost anything.” Williams, who rushed for over 1,000-yards last season and calls Houston home, said his family was rescued by the Coast Guard after their house began to flood. “They’re in okay shape,” Williams said. “The house isn’t in the best shape right now, the first floor has water damage,

HURRICANE IMPACT CONTINUED coastal infrastructure changes via an increase in roads and buildings in low-lying areas exacerbated damage and storm impacts more significantly,” Schumacher said. Nielsen-Gammon said that Texas will be at risk for future flooding until the rivers drain out. “Until the rivers drain and the ground dries out, southeast Texas will be susceptible to additional flooding,” Nielson-Gammon said. “It will take less rain than usual to produce flooding because rivers are already high and the water can’t soak into the ground.” Harvey has already wrought immense damage in it’s wake, and both Korty and Schumacher said Harvey will go down as one of the most damaging storms in American history. Accord-

but as long as they’re okay that’s all that matters. They actually out and video, I think the world understands what a lot of had to get rescued by the Coast Guard, they had to have a people in this region have known for the last three days,” helicopter come and get them, but they’re alright.” Sumlin said. Williams said he was unsure about which shelter his family With more than half of the A&M players affected by the was located in, but that he had been in contact with them and hurricane, Sumlin said the athletic department has been workthey were safe. ing with the NCAA and the university to help families of the Being days away from opening the season on the road Wil- athletes get to safety. In addition to that, Sumlin said the team liams said regardless of the disaster, he will be focusing on the has had regular meetings with the players to talk about what job that lies ahead — preparing for UCLA. they are going through. “It’s game week,” Williams said. “I have to get ready men“It’s something that has hit home with us as a team, with tally and physically for [the game] but dealing with this, I’m a number of players from the in and around Gulf Coast and just praying and hoping for the best.” Houston,” Sumlin said. “We’ve had some meetings here about According to Williams, despite everything his family has family and friends, loved ones, people that are cut off. It’s a gone through in the last few days, they have told him to worry tough time for the people of Houston and Gulf Coast. Our about the game and not them. thoughts and prayers are with you.” “They’re actually telling me to worry about UCLA saying The Aggies will wear a decal on their helmet to bring that they are okay,” Williams said. “It means a lot seeing that awareness to the the families affected by Harvey when they they are mentally strong. It helps me out, I’m glad that they are take on UCLA at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on mentally strong and that makes my job easier.” Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on FOX. In last season’s game at Kyle Field, Williams ran 42 yards to set up the Aggies in the redzone in A&M’s 31-24 overtime victory over UCLA. This time around Williams hopes to have the same success, which will have a deeper meaning for him. “I’m going to go out there and play for those guys, play for Houston and play for the 12th Man,” Williams said. Offensive lineman Colton Prater said the team has rallied around Williams and praises the young running back on his ability to remain focused on the circumstances. “He’s been a rock,” Prater said. “I’ve been asking him every day, ‘How’s your family? Where are they at?’ And he’s just been steady and that’s one of the things that I love about Trey is he doesn’t get too down, doesn’t get to high. I know it’s affecting him but he’s a tough guy and he knows that we’re there for him for whatever he needs.” A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin said the raw images that Alex Miller — THE BATTALION have been on the news and social media help people who aren’t from southeast Texas understand the severity of the dam- Volunteers in Houston use an airboat to assist in rescue ages caused by Harvey. efforts put on by the city. High water caused streets to flood, “It’s really a tough time, now that the pictures have come trapping some people in their homes and vehicles.

ing to a Fox Business report, Harvey could cost Houston $50 billion in property damage alone. “In addition to the destruction around Rockport where the storm came ashore, the epic flooding in the Houston metropolitan area alone would make this a historic storm,” Korty said. “River flooding is a third problem still to come, as the lower Brazos, Colorado and other rivers crest from inland rains later this week. Any one of these components would have made Harvey a historic storm, and this storm has all three.” Nielsen-Gammon added that an increase in mosquito activity will be another effect of Harvey, and that the storm may set a new precedent for safety measures. “Depending on the extent of water damage and the amount of rebuilding that must occur, there will be increases in the cost of many building supplies,” Nielsen-Gammon said. “The

storm may cause the Houston area to reevaluate the margin of safety it demands against floodwaters. Mosquitoes will be engaging in a breeding frenzy.” Korty added that we are currently in the peak weeks of hurricane season, so it would be a prime time for another storm to build up. He said that right now, there is one affecting the Carolinas and another is likely to form in the far eastern Atlantic. Both Korty and Schumacher said that despite the impact left by Harvey, one hurricane can’t affect the seasonal weather. Once the storm has passed, the upcoming fall weather should return. Nielsen-Gammon added that the wet soil will make additional high temperature weather unlikely, but that humidity will be higher than normal for a while.

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$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.

HELP WANTED

Cheddar's and Fish Daddy's now accepting applications. Apply within, University Dr. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for interview.

Club volleyball coaches needed! Salary plus expenses. Practices Wednesdays &Sundays, December-April. Two tournaments a month. brazosvalleyjuniors@gmail.com

HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $75-$150/hr, up to $500/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com

HELP WANTED Frittella Italian Cafe, Casual but elegant environment; need motivated individuals with good work ethic, neat appearance and personable. We will train, apply in person.

REAL ESTATE BUY/SELL with Team McGrann! Michael, TAMU'93 Civil Engineering 979-739-2035, mcgranntx@yahoo.com Nadia 979-777-6211, Town&Country Realty. Hablamos Espanol!

Part-time/Full-time help needed at Bell Fence Supply, pipe cutting, forklift operation, possible welding, etc, will work with school hours/schedule, call Doug Tucker at 979-703-8901 to schedule interview. Work around your class schedule! No Saturday or Sundays, off during the holidays. The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring an Advertising Sales Representative. Must be enrolled at A&M and have reliable transportation. Interested applicants should come by our office located in the MSC, Suite 400, from 8am-4pm, ask to speak with Joseph.

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AGGIELAND PHOTOS STARTING SEPTEMBER 18TH Specialties Photography will be set up to have your FREE portrait taken for Texas A&M University’s 2018 Aggieland yearbook. ALL CLASSES: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Thursday in the Sanders Corp Museum Library until October 19th!

It’s your yearbook. Be in it.

Should any student be unable to make the specified times on campus they can contact Specialties directly to set up a complimentary in-studio appointment at 979-696-9898. Any graduating seniors who wish to set up a cap/gown photo will need to contact the studio at 979-696-9898. Cap/Gown sessions cost $21.95.

NEWS

The Battalion | 8.30.17

I nte l l i g e nce C a re e rs.g ov /N S A

Professor, experts aim to improve emergency response

NSA IS COMING TO YOUR CAMPUS

Meredith Seavers — THE BATTALION

Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing out of Patrick Air Force Base in Florida prepare helicopter before deploying to Houston.

Researchers strive to better communication networks in disaster situations By Emmy Bost @EmmyBost When disaster strikes, first responders communicate using a strong controlled network, which helps control the flow of information. However, this network can be neutralized, leaving people in danger. Receiving and delivering critical information during a disaster plays an important role in effective emergency response. However, because of unexpected repercussions of a disaster, such as power shortages and telephone tower damage, the network infrastructure that is vital to communication during emergency response can be compromised. To address the possibility of network interference and unreliability during an emergency, computer science professor Radu Stoleru and his team have devised a system to improve the transition of critical information for emergency responders. “The technology is pretty important so we need to do everything we can to make sure that that network is available to first responders at all times,” Walt Magnussen, Stoleru’s research partner and director of Internet2Technology and the Academy of Telecommunications and Learning Technologies said. Stoleru said that The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), a byproduct of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, is an investment to build a broadband network for public safety. Magnussen said FirstNet designated AT&T with the task of creating this federal network — a separate network built with prioritization for first responders. “If the network is down because of the infrastructure damage, then this type of technology, sometime in the future, when it’s available, would let first responders get around those types of problems,” Magnussen said. Stoleru’s current research is focused on the development of DistressNet-NG, the second generation of DistressNet, which

was developed in 2011. Stoleru said this new version will allow emergency responders to have access to broadband communication and data, where they’ll be able to send and receive video streams and communicate in situations where there’s no communication infrastructure. “We are bringing new infrastructure and more mobile devices are also able to talk to each other,” Stoleru said. “When you drive on the highway and see cell towers that allow your phone to connect to the network, if those towers are gone, we can still enable mobile devices to communicate, send data, receive data and also to process this data. This data processing that typically takes place in a cloud, we can do it on mobile devices” Cohesive communication between the researchers involved will be an important part of developing a system that is fielded and useful in saving lives, Stoleru said. “Our project is for three years and we already have ideas for things that we have not proposed to do but we would like to do … Depending on the research that we perform over the next three years, we will see how fruitful or beneficial our ideas may to be real public safety personnel,” Stoleru said. If the DistressNet-NG research is determined to be viable, then Stoleru and his collaborators will involve first responders and the public safety community to test network viability out in the field, Magnussen said. “You could come up with what you think is a great idea, a great way of doing something and then you put it in the hands of a police officer and you say you know that really doesn’t work. So a part of what we’re doing is testing and the implementation phase of it.” Magnussen said. Jason Moats, associate division director for the Emergency Services Training Institute with TEEX, said it will be beneficial to understand how to better use this research, once completed, in the field. “What this research, and research like it, will do is help us identify ways in which we can get that to the point of consumption, whether it’s in the fire truck or the police car,” Moats said. “It will also help us to send information from the field and back in a more stable, better way.”

AGGIELAND YEARBOOK

It’s not too late to order your copy

of the 2017 Aggieland Yearbook, a photojournalistic record of the 2016-2017 school year. The 115th edition of Texas A&M’s Official Yearbook will be available before the holidays. Go online to aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-845-2613 to make your purchase.

$75.00 + Tax (Includes Mail Fee)

Remarkable student and career opportunities. Recruiters ready to chat. Mark your calendar now!

Texas A&M SEC Welcome Social, Career Fair and Interviews Tuesday, September 5 Friday, September 8

U.S. citizenship is required. NSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Don’t forget to preorder your copy of the 2018 Aggieland yearbook. The 116th edition of Texas A&M’s official yearbook. Ordering can be done online at aggieland.tamu.edu, or by calling 979-845-2613. Distribution will be the Fall 2018.

2016 Aggielands and previous yearbooks are now on sale. Stop by room L400 in the MSC or call 979-845-2613. $40.00 + Tax (Includes Mail Fee)

NEWS

The Battalion | 8.30.17

New Provost set to take office in October

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Courtesy of University of Michigan

As Provost, some of Fierke’s duties will include overseeing academic planning, maintaining relationships with outside organizations, and more.

Carol A. Fierke will join A&M staff from the University of Michigan this semester By Luke Henkhaus @luke_henkhaus Texas A&M will welcome a new member into the Aggie family this fall as Carol A. Fierke assumes the role of Provost and Executive Vice President on Oct. 16. Fierke was officially selected by the university on June 19, marking the conclusion of a nearly 10 month long search process in which more than 140 applicants were considered. “I am exceptionally pleased that Dr. Fierke will be our next executive vice president and provost,” A&M President Michael K. Young said in a statement. “As chief academic officer, and as the second in charge for the university, she will contribute greatly to the leadership of Texas A&M. We look forward to benefitting from her experiences as an academic leader, scholar and advocate for higher education.” As Provost, Fierke will be responsible for every aspect of the university’s academic mission as it relates to faculty, staff and students. The Provost also oversees academic planning,

budgeting, supervising and reviewing programs in resident instruction, research and continuing education. “I was very impressed with everyone that I met during my visits and the outstanding work that is being done to enhance the research, teaching and service mission of the university,” Fierke said in a statement. “I am honored to join you in continuing to lead the university on a positive trajectory in making a significant impact on students and society.” Another key duty of the Provost’s office is to maintain communication with significant organizations outside of A&M like the Board of Regents, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Legislature, Governor’s Office, Legislative Budget Board and agencies involved with accreditation of the university. Fierke is currently completing her duties at the University of Michigan, where she has served as Dean of the Rackham Graduate School and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs — Graduate Studies. In addition, she serves as the Jerome and Isabella Karle Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry and professor of biochemistry in the University of Michigan’s medical school. Fierke joined the University of Michigan in 1999 after receiving her Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Carleton College, her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Brandeis University and completing post-doctoral work at Pennsylvania State University. During her time at the University of Michigan, Fierke has been recognized for her improvements to education and campus environment. An active contributor to the University of Michigan’s ADVANCE program for highlighting diversity and excellence, Fierke received the 2016 American Chemical Society’s National Award for Encouraging Women into Careers in the Chemical Sciences. Fierke’s work in the field of chemistry has been widely recognized, and her contributions to the study of enzymes in particular have earned her the American Chemical Society’s Repligen Award in Chemistry of Biological Processes and the Protein Society’s Emil Thomas Kaiser Award. Additionally, Fierke’s research has received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health and has also received funding from organizations like the National Science Foundation, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Office of Naval Research and Keck Foundation. During her time at the University of Michigan, she was part of the Fierke Research Group. Their research focused on a better understanding of biological molecules by looking at their chemical mechanisms and structure-function relationships, amongst other topics. Fierke will replace Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Douglas J. Palmer, who has held the office since former provost Karan Watson was removed from the position in July. Palmer previously served as Dean of the College of Education and Human Development from 2006 to 2015. Before fully assuming the role of Provost on Oct. 16, Fierke will visit campus for a welcoming reception on Sept. 19 in the J. Wayne Stark Galleries.