The Battalion - November 21, 2019 by The Battalion

PUBLICATION NOTICE The next print edition of The Battalion will be released Tuesday, Nov. 26. The first Battalion to be printed after the Thanksgiving holiday is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 4.

GEORGIA ON MY MIND

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Research chemist Ashlee Jahnke is part of a team at A&M working to fight the global plastic pollution problem.

Replacing plastic

Researchers work to develop biodegradable alternatives By Julia Potts @juliaapotts Researchers in Texas A&M’s Department of Chemistry are developing a biodegradable plastic substitute to help reduce plastic pollution. According to Texas A&M Today, the multidisciplinary research team headed by chemist Karen Wooley has been working on this particular project for about 10 years. The team at A&M has also paired up with Teysha Technologies, a company that aims to reduce plastic pollution through technological and scientific solutions. According to the Teysha website, the company is paired with many research groups around the globe. The main goal of these teams, including the department at A&M, PLASTIC ON PG. 6

Samantha Mahler — THE BATTALION

Sophomore running back Cordarrian Richardson led the Aggies in rushing yards against the Gamecocks with 130 yards and a touchdown.

Bulldogs first of two top-four opponents for Aggies as A&M begins road stretch in Athens By Tara Drummond @TaraDrummond1

fter earning their fourth consecutive win against South Carolina last week, the Aggies will hit the road to face No. 4 Georgia for the first time since a 44-20 loss in 2009. Wrapping up the last home game of the season, the Aggies made some key plays and continued building their confidence. A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said he was pleased with the Aggies’ performance. “We knew going in that it would be a very physical football game,” Fisher said. “We were able to make plays even when they were doing it right.”

The Aggies garnered 540 yards of total offense, the most A&M has earned against an SEC team since 2016. A&M quarterback Kellen Mond threw for 221 yards and a touchdown and ran for another. It was the 14th time in his career he had rushed and passed for a touchdown in the same game. The victory was big for Mond, as it earned him third place on the Aggies’ career list for pass completions with 565 and moved him into fourth place on the Aggies’ career list for passing yards with 6,917 total. Additionally, Mond joined Johnny Manziel and Jerrod Johnson as the only three Aggies to throw for over 2,400 yards in a season. Mond also became the third Aggie to hit the 50 mark in career passing touchdowns. Despite his and A&M’s recent success, Mond said his focus is still on the Aggies’ upcoming matchup. “It’s a big thing, and definitely the number one thing is confidence in yourself and believ-

ing in what you can actually do,” Mond said. “No matter what, I still have to get out on the field and compete.” Defensively, the Aggies made some key plays and set several career highs. The defense forced a three-and-out on the opening drive for the fourth time this season. Junior defensive tackle Justin Madubuike recorded two quarterback hurries, matching his career high. Sophomore linebacker Anthony Hines also added to his career high, earning 2.5 tackles for loss. “The growth we’ve had is clear,” Hines said. “All goes back to practice. We’ve really been on our P’s and Q’s and are focusing in on the little things that it takes to be successful, and I think it’s starting to really show on the field.” Going into his final collegiate home game, A&M senior defensive back Charles Oliver had a career-high six passes. “I know going into the game to not let GAME PREVIEW ON PG. 5

History and heritage Students, faculty celebrate Native American cultures By Luis Sanchez @LuisSanchezBatt

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

The Department of Multicultural Services has a Native American Heritage Month display in the MSC, including pottery and a dreamcatcher.

Native American Heritage Month has people asking for greater recognition of Native Americans at Texas A&M and across the country. Observed during November, Native American Heritage Month is intended to be a time of reflection and learning about the culture and struggles of Native Americans. President George H.W. Bush declared November be used for the heritage month on Aug. 3, 1990. Assistant professor Marcela Fuentes will teach Native American Rhetorics and Literatures in Spring 2020. She said some individuals do not see Native Americans in a modern context and visualize old depictions of the people. She said she will use literature to help modernize those mainstream perceptions. “[‘There There’ by Tommy Orange] gives an image of the Native American, the contemporary Native American,” Fuentes said. “One thing that happens a lot is people think Native Americans are just running around like you see in westerns: somebody in a headdress, the romanticized image of some guy on a paint horse, maybe a bow and arrow. That’s not real.” Eldrena Douma is a Pueblo storyteller who preserves the stories of her family and educates others on Native American cultures. Douma said while the passing of stories

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keeps tradition alive, the learning and appreciation of Native American culture should not be limited to just one month. “I grew up with storytelling,” Douma said. “It was all around me. It was like air. You just did it every day. Personally, I think that Native American history should be taught throughout the year because there’s something that happens every single month. The main thing is the importance of historical story, especially the family story.”

“

There is big cultural history... history that is perhaps connected to your own history. Marcela Fuentes, Assistant professor

Fuentes said the importance of Native American Heritage Month is the opportunity to address the lack of representation of Native Americans and promote awareness of not only that community, but others as well. “It is important to remember that there are other people than just the mainstream,” Fuentes said. “It’s important for everyone to know, not just for Native Americans to have that visibility, but also for people

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of other communities to be aware that there is a big cultural history… history that is perhaps connected to your own history.” Health and Spanish senior Sara Postoak serves as the webmaster of the Native American Indigenous Student Organization. Postoak said NAISO seeks to promote Native American culture in the community and serves to connect members with their culture while they are at A&M. “NAISO is a cultural organization on campus, the only Native organization on campus,” Postoak said. “What we try to do is promote the Indigenous and Native tribes culture throughout the A&M campus and [the] Bryan and College Station area while also trying to be a community touchstone.” Postoak said there are multiple modern issues that Native Americans face, including matters concerning the environment, language revitalization, children being adopted out of their families, forceful sterilization of women, football team names and icons, and the return of museum items back to tribes. However, Postoak said one of the most pressing issues is that of missing and murdered indigenous women, or MMIW. “We have a lack of communication between the tribal governments and the federal government,” Postoak said. “So a lot of the time, missing indigenous women fall through the cracks. There’s also instances where if indigenous women are raped, and the tribal government HERITAGE ON PG. 2

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NEWS

The Battalion | 11.21.19

Polo Garage scheduled to open in fall 2020

Josh Sozio — THE BATTALION

Dining options in the new Polo Garage will include Houston Street Subs, Panda Express, Grab-and-Go Convenience Store, Shake Smart and Salata.

Multi-use structure to house dining facilities and new satellite rec center By Myranda Campanella @MyrandaCampane1 Last spring, Texas A&M announced the construction of a new parking garage along Polo Road near the Emerging Technologies Building. Since then, there have been a number of updates to the construction plans of the multipurpose facility, including a finalization of which dining facilities will be provided. The building as a whole will include a parking garage, a recreational facility, dining facilities and offices for staff members at the top level. Melissa Maraj, communications manag-

HERITAGE CONTINUED tries to handle it, technically, they’re not allowed to pass judgement outside of the tribe.” Sociology Ph.D. student Ried Mackay said many people are misinformed about the realities faced by Native Americans. Mackay said they are often ignored, with current Native American Aggies neglected due to their small numbers in comparison to other student populations. “A study called Reclaiming Native Truth involved over 13,000 people across 11 states,” Mackay wrote in an email to The Battalion. “One of the most haunting things it found was

er for Transportation Services, said the project has decreased its overall costs since the original proposal and the building is anticipated to be open for use by the fall 2020 semester. “Since January, work has been completed to secure the foundational elements, and work is currently underway forming and pouring concrete on all five levels,” Maraj said. “Preliminary masonry work is now underway.” The dining facilities that will be available to all campus members include a Houston Street Subs, Panda Express, Grab-and-Go Convenience Store, Shake Smart and Salata. Jerod Wilson, associate director of Recreational Sports, said the plans for the satellite recreational facility in the building are on track for completion and will be opened by spring 2020.

“This facility will be really convenient for a lot of folks,” Wilson said. “Campus members will be able to park their cars, go to class, eat food and work out all within the same space.” The rec facility, which is planned to be around 30,000 square feet, will be equipped with a small entrance and member services area, a large strength and conditioning area, a turf area for stretching and movement preparation, a multi-purpose group fitness space, and men’s and women’s locker rooms, Wilson said. There will be a large variety of cardiovascular equipment available, such as treadmills, ellipticals, climbers and rowers. The multipurpose group fitness spaces will also offer group classes for campus members. The new rec center was part of the expan-

sion campaign voted on by the student body in a referendum during the winter of 2018. The students voted to increase the Rec Sports fee to fund two of these satellite facilities on campus. “We wouldn’t have been able to build this new facility without the students voting ‘yes,’” Wilson said. “What we’re trying to do with our facilities is definitely expand upon what our students told us and what is most sought after and most needed on campus.” More information about the plans for the Polo Road Garage project is available at transport.tamu.edu/Parking/faqpolo.aspx.

that 40 percent of respondents thought Native Americans are extinct. Texas A&M-College Station alone has 180 Native American students, and though we are a small population, we are no less deserving of recognition.” Mackay said Native Americans are more than willing to tell their story, but they are often not asked to share their experiences. Mackay said younger Native Americans should fight for the preservation of their culture. “Native Americans have a proud history, and we are all incredibly willing to share it,” Mackay said. “I believe that it is vital for Natives of my generation and the younger ones

to stand up and fight for visibility, fight for language and fight for ourselves and the future of our people.” Professor Angela Hudson specializes in Native American history and serves as the primary advisor for NAISO. Hudson said there have always been Native American Aggies in A&M’s history, but to this day, there are no specific services being offered to Native students. “Right now, to my knowledge, [there are] not any student services specifically dedicated to Native American students,” Hudson said. “There are some offices and services that are for diverse student populations. But Native

American students tend to be overlooked because their population is consistently small.” Postoak said NAISO is looking to increase its size and number of activities, and any student is free to join the organization if they wish, regardless of their background. “We’d love to have more members,” Postoak said. “Next semester we’re planning for more cultural activities with our members. But we are open to anyone to join because we’re promoting unity. We’re promoting our culture, so you don’t have to be a Native or Indigenous student to join.”

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The Battalion | 11.21.19

Drumming up friendship and family

Abby Santoro — THE BATTALION

Maroon Steel was founded in 2013 as Texas A&M’s steel pan ensemble, playing the distinctive drum music originating from Trinidad and Tobago.

A&M steel pan ensemble Maroon Steel performs around Aggieland By Oscar Fuentes @osfuentes Maroon Steel is a steel pan ensemble club that started at Texas A&M in 2013 with the purpose of getting together to play and spread the drum music associated with the Caribbean islands. Ocean engineering sophomore and Maroon Steel president Jack Bahmer said the close bonds between group members have certainly made things easier for him as a beginner turned leader. “It is a ton of fun because I came in with a little experience on steel pan,” Bahmer said. “A big thing with steel pan is the group atmosphere. Everyone there is really good friends,

and it’s just a good time playing really fun music.” With what originated as a music class, Maroon Steel vice president and performance studies graduate student Josh Muetzel said Maroon Steel has grown into a student organization where students can join, be a part of something and find a sense of family. “Maroon Steel has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Muetzel said. “My first year of college, it was hard for me to make friends, and after joining Maroon Steel, it was like I was immediately part of a new family. I’ve been involved with a couple other steel bands in other places since, and I’ve found that steel bands are always welcoming of new people.” Maroon Steel also holds performances on and off campus throughout the Bryan-College Station area, one of those performances being downtown Bryan’s First Friday.

GUEST COLUMN

From the Ground Up Cullen Eppright ’22 reminds us what makes work worth doing Tyson Voelkel Guest Contributor Howdy Ags, You’ve probably heard the familiar adage that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. Usually, when people say that, they don’t mean it literally; they mean that work isn’t a chore when you put time and effort into something you’re passionate about, something meaningful. But what makes work meaningful is a question everyone has to decide for themselves. One student, Cullen Eppright ’22, is using his Aggie education to pursue a career path meaningful to him. Cullen grew up on a ranch in Gonzales, Texas, where he spent his childhood dreaming of becoming a fourth-generation Aggie. When he was applying to colleges, his father told him he would support any choice Cullen made as long as it was a public university in College Station, Texas. If that gentle nudge weren’t enough, Cullen was also awarded several scholarships that attracted him to Aggieland, including the Harvey Soefje ’59 Endowed Opportunity Award funded by Corenna Walker, as well as several other Corps of Cadets, university and local scholarships. While working on his family’s ranch, Cullen took pride in helping raise cattle to feed the world. But as he grew older, he saw how the financially unstable nature of agricultural and ranching work affected his family and others in his community. When

he arrived at Texas A&M, Cullen realized that his background could set him apart in the business world. Today, he is majoring in agribusiness and plans to participate in Mays Business School’s Commercial Banking Program. His dream is to provide farmers and ranchers with the tools to succeed financially so they can continue to provide for the world. For Cullen, meaningful work is not just work he excels at, but also work that helps people. One of the great things about Texas A&M University is that it provides an excellent environment to explore what drives you and encourages you to use your passion to serve others. Selfless service really matters at Texas A&M University. Thanks to the generosity of selfless scholarship donors, Cullen and thousands of students like him can attend Texas A&M and discover how they can contribute to society. As you continue your own studies, remember that lives of meaning often include service to others: If you love what you do, you are more likely to also find ways to serve and inspire others. Thanks and Gig ’em, Tyson Voelkel ’96 President, Texas A&M Foundation Watch a video about Cullen’s story at give.am/SupportAggies.

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“First Friday performances are always so fun because the crowds really get into it; I think that setting is one of the best places a steel band can be experienced,” Muetzel said. “The audience is standing right there with us, able to dance and move to the music just like we do, and it makes the performance so much more fun.” Even though the First Friday performances are only once a month, Maroon Steel treasurer and finance junior Reagan Kinley said it allows people to come hear Maroon Steel in person and experience the Caribbean sound firsthand. “We did the November one, and we actually had quite a few people come hang out with us,” Kinley said. “It’s just fun, upbeat music, and it’s something different that a lot people haven’t seen before and haven’t heard, so it was really fun.” Muetzel said Maroon Steel also gives its

members room to learn about ensembles and to grow as musicians, so by the time they leave A&M, the experience would not only fun but beneficial for the future. “As a composer and musician, I am looking to get more experience directing ensembles and writing for steel bands before I graduate,” Muetzel said. As time continues to move forward and active members near graduation, Muetzel said all members share the same feeling of friendship and family that playing with the group has given them. “What I will miss the most about Maroon Steel are the great friends I have made in so many members over the years,” Muetzel said. “The bonds we have formed playing in this band will last for the rest of our lives.”

FOOTBALL

The Battalion | 11.21.19

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AROUND THE SEC

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A LOOK AT THE CONFERENCE FOR WEEK 13 By Adithya Prabakaran @ADP_445

Last week, the SEC saw a top-15 matchup go down to the wire, several bowl eligible teams strengthen their record in hopes of a College Football Playoff spot and other teams on the hunt for a bowl game make their cases.

This week, a matchup between two SEC West teams fighting for their bowl eligibility fates stands tall amongst other SEC teams facing non-conference opponents from the Football Championship Subdivision.

Arkansas (2-8) vs No. 1 LSU (10-0)

Tennessee (5-5) vs Missouri (5-5)

Saturday, Nov. 23 — Tiger Stadium — Baton Rouge, Louisiana 6 p.m. on ESPN

Saturday, Nov. 23 — Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium — Columbia, Missouri 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network Both these teams are fighting for bowl eligibility but are trending in completely different directions. After starting 1-4 in the first five games, Tennessee has won four of its last five games with its lone loss in that span coming to Alabama. A big reason for this sudden success is the improved play of junior quarterback Jarrett Guarantano. In the last five games, Guarantano has completed 61.9 percent of his passes and has thrown six touchdowns to one interception. Even though Guarantano has only attempted 71 passes in this span, his consistency off the bench has helped Tennessee score at pivotal times. That will be important as Missouri’s defense has been a problem for opposing offenses and especially quarterbacks. The Missouri pass defense has only allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete

51 percent of their passes and an average of 161 yards per game. Meanwhile, Missouri started off the season 5-1 and in the AP Top 25 rankings, but a loss to Vanderbilt started a four-game losing streak. Last week, the return of quarterback Kelly Bryant was not good enough to energize an otherwise dormant Missouri offense as the Tigers lost to Florida 23-6. While the production of Kelly Bryant will be important for the team, running back Larry Rountree will need to step up after failing to rush for 60 yards in each of his last four games. Missouri’s offense needs to wake up if it is going to win, as the team has not scored a touchdown in its last nine quarters of football. However, making it to the endzone may be hard to do against a team that has allowed only 20 points combined in the last two games.

After an offseason that saw the Razorbacks bring in two transfer quarterbacks, SMU transfer Ben Hicks and Texas A&M transfer Nick Starkel lacked any consistency, eventually forcing redshirt freshman quarterback John Stephens Jones into the starting role. Yet even with this switch, the team wasn’t good enough to stop a Western Kentucky team, led by former Arkansas quarterback Ty Storey, from scoring at will against the Razorbacks. The lone bright spot for the Razorbacks this season has been running back Rakeem Boyd, whose 6.7 yards per carry have helped him eclipse 1,000 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the season. Meanwhile in Baton Rouge, the Tigers are continuing their dominance

of the SEC with Heisman front-runner quarterback Joe Burrow leading the charge. Burrow has thrown for over 3,600 yards, with 38 touchdowns to only six interceptions. His 78.6 percent completion percentage is the best in the country and on pace for the NCAA record season. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is continuing his career season reaching over 950 yards and 12 touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry. In addition to the dynamic duo of Burrow and Edwards-Helaire, a wide receiving corps consisting of Justin Jefferson, Ja’Mar Chase and Terrace Mitchell will wreak havoc against a young Arkansas secondary and is sure to light up the scoreboard in Baton Rouge. Prediction: LSU 55, Arkansas 14

Prediction: Tennessee 24, Missouri 20

Western Carolina (3-8) vs No. 5 Alabama (9-1) Samford (5-6) vs No. 12 Auburn (7-3) Saturday, Nov. 23 — Jordan-Hare Stadium — Auburn, Alabama 11 a.m. on SEC Network Auburn is coming off of its third loss to a top-10 opponent this season. This week, the Tigers will have the ability to recover from that loss against Samford, an FCS team currently fifth in the Southern Conference and averaging a staggering 35 points per game. Auburn is led by freshman quarterback Bo Nix. In the last two weeks, Nix has completed 64 percent of his passes for 585 yards but has only averaged 6.2 yards per attempt and scored three touchdowns. This week,

he, and running back JaTarvious Whitlow will have the ability to run up the score and increase their yardage totals on the season against Samford. Defensive tackle Derrick Brown and defensive end Marlon Davidson will be disruptive as they have been all season and should make things extremely difficult for a Samford offense that has the potential to be potent.

Saturday, Nov. 23 — Bryant-Denny Stadium — Tuscaloosa, Alabama 11 a.m. on ESPN Last week, Alabama was on a mission to prove it belonged in the top four of the College Football Playoff after losing at home to LSU the week prior. After taking a convincing 35-7 lead against Mississippi State, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a season-ending hip injury. In a game showcasing Alabama’s talent for the College Football Playoff committee, Tagovailoa’s injury could not have happened at a more inopportune time in the game and in the season. Now led by sophomore quarterback Mac Jones, the Crimson Tide should have the opportunity to work out any kinks in

its offense against FCS opponent Western Carolina, a team currently eighth in the Southern Conference and averaging 21.4 points per game. So far this season, Jones has completed 69 percent of his 65 attempts for 566 yards and four touchdowns. Even without defensive end Raekwon Davis, who is currently questionable with an ankle injury, the Crimson Tide has defensive playmakers in linebacker Anfernee Jennings, safety Xavier McKinney and cornerback Trevon Diggs to shut out this Western Carolina offense. Prediction: Alabama 38, Western Carolina 3

Prediction: Auburn 28, Samford 14

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A&M vs. GEORGIA

Luke Henkhaus

Editor-in-Chief @luke_henkhaus

LUKE

HANNAH

This is a classic “rock-paper-scissors” situation. Gamecocks beat Bulldogs, Aggies beat Gamecocks, and Bulldogs beat Aggies.

Cole Fowler

Assistant Opinion Editor @thecolefowler

COLE “uga” is such a stupid mascot name. Rev > uga any day of the week, yo.

MEAGAN Meredith Seaver

MEREDITH BRADY

Photo Chief @MeredithSeaver

I know the odds are slim but talk to my insurance agent, Jake Fromm State Farm.

Hannah Underwood

Sports Editor @hannahbunderwoo

With players like Swift and Speed, this game can’t be good for A&M.

Meagan Sheffield Life & Arts Editor @mshef350

November is the month for calculating how many points you can afford to lose and not fail miserably, both in eCampus and in football.

Brady Stone

Head Page Designer @bradystonex

Kirby Smart will look Kirby DUMB after Saturday.

FOOTBALL

The Battalion | 11.21.19

5 things to watch for during A&M-Georgia

Sports content sponsored by:

www.hiddencreekrv.com Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band completes its last halftime drill in Kyle Field for this season, led by Combined Band Drum Major Micheal Milton.

By Jackson King @MrJacksonTKing

Last Saturday, the Aggies won their fourth consecutive game with a 30-6 victory over South Carolina, securing a fifth straight season of seven or more wins while making sure the team stays .500 in SEC matchups. This week, Texas A&M begins the final stretch of the season as the Aggies travel to Ath-

Georgia and A&M are two run-heavy offenses, each rushing over 38 times a game over their last four games. They are also coached by former disciples of Nick Saban who instill tough mentality and set of expectation in their players. While Georgia had a much more successful season, both teams possess Top-50 offenses and Top-25 defenses. Both teams preach a tough, physical approach, and the game will become a battle at the line of scrimmage.

While their passing game has been inconsistent, the Georgia rushing attack has kept its offense going this season. Against Auburn, the Bulldogs gained more yards on the ground than through the air, thanks to tailback D’Andre Swift’s 106 yards at 6.2 yards per carry. This season, Swift has been a big part of Georgia’s identity on offense, ranking second in the SEC with 1,027 rushing yards through the first 10 games despite often facing defenses loading the box. The Aggie defense has struggled to contain run-heavy offenses, allowing both Mississippi schools to rush for over 200 yards. Georgia will look for Swift and their other tailbacks to wear out the A&M defense.

GAME PREVIEW CONTINUED emotions get the most of me,” Oliver said. “I knew that it would be my last so I just wanted to do something special. They gave me the

Isaiah Spiller and the ground game

A battle of brawns

D’Andre Swift and the Georgia rushing attack

ens to face No. 4 Georgia. The Bulldogs enter this matchup having secured their third consecutive SEC East title while remaining in the running for the College Football Playoff. Here are five things to watch for as the Aggies take on Georgia.

One element of the Aggies’ physicality that has been on display is their growth in the run game. Since the Auburn game, the rushing attack has increased its output in each game, and the South Carolina matchup demonstrated the advantages of the run-first strategy. The duo of Isaiah Spiller and Cordarrian Richardson gave the Aggies two tailbacks to rotate between, and quarterback Kellen Mond was also a threat on the ground. As the Georgia run defense ranks third, allowing less than 76 yards per game, the battle between the A&M rush attack and the Georgia rush defense will be a focal point when the Aggies take the field.

Jake Fromm Georgia’s starting quarterback has had an inconsistent junior season, completing less than 50 percent of his passes in his last two games while averaging fewer touchdowns than last season. In Georgia’s only loss of the season against South Carolina, Fromm was a big factor with three interceptions, three sacks and a 55 percent completion rate. Against an Aggie defense that has limited the last two SEC quarterbacks they have faced, to less than 50 percent completion, Georgia will look for Fromm to remain consistent and hot.

opportunity, and I took it.” The Bulldogs are 9-1 on the season and 6-1 in SEC play. Last week, Georgia edged out Auburn 21-14 and moved up to the fourth spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. “On the road, you can’t make anything

A&M on the road

bigger than what it is,” Mond said. “At the end of the day, it’s just a football game. You can’t hype it up too much because it’ll add extensive pressure on yourself. We’ve just got to go in there and play our game.” The Aggies will head to Sanford Stadium

With Jimbo as head coach, the Aggies have gone 2-4 on the road, their only wins coming against struggling Ole Miss in 2019 and South Carolina in 2018. Against ranked opponents, the Aggies are 2-7 on the road since 2014. In that same span of time, Georgia and LSU are a combined 15-7 against ranked opponents at home. To win one of these two final games, the Aggies will have to work through their road woes.

in Athens to face the Bulldogs on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m., and the game will be televised on CBS.

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The Battalion | 11.21.19

PLASTIC CONTINUED is to create and commercialize a sustainable biodegradable polymer with the durability of plastic that is environmentally friendly. In theory, this product could reduce large amounts of pollution, especially in the ocean. Peter Hai Wang, assistant research scientist for Wooley’s team, said while recycling is important, it won’t be enough to slow down the effects of pollution in the world because the current system is not efficient. There are many kinds of plastic which require different processes to be recycled or reused. “These current products have a lot of additives, and there are different types of plastics, so the way we recycle them is not efficient,” Wand said. “When you have a product of that value, it doesn’t really drive the effort to recycle.” Ashlee Jahnke, Class of 2008, has been an assistant research scientist for Wooley’s team since 2016. She said the statistics on plastic pollution are shocking and could possibly become much worse if nothing is done about it. “Plastic waste is just an enormous problem,” Jahnke said. “We’re putting ten million metric tons of plastic into our oceans every year. It’s actually predicted at our current rate that by 2050, plastics are going to outweigh fish in the ocean.” Jahnke said their team aims to re-

duce plastic waste in the ocean with its product. “Degradable plastics, our materials for example, will break down in the ocean, back to the same natural products we built them out of,” Jahnke said. “So they won’t be environmentally harmful.” Although this field of science has many helpful perspectives from other research teams, Jahnke said the properties of other new biodegradable plastics have a tendency to limit their applications. Wooley’s team is unique in that it has developed multiple polymers that can be used for different types of products. “We don’t make a single polymer,” Jahnke said. “We have a plug-and-play platform where, based on two small families of monomers and how we formulate things, we can change the thermal and mechanical properties of the polymers to meet a wide range of applications.” There have been many different projects pertaining to a biodegradable plastic substitute in the past, Wang said, but the team at A&M is applying their new materials in a more financially accessible way. “I have worked on different platforms,” Wang said. “Majorly, their application was biomedical. The current project is totally a different target, like making this material cheap so people can afford it, as opposed to having a good material that’s super expensive and people won’t be able to use.”

In addition to decreasing the cost of the materials, Jahnke said the team is aiming to include more natural substances in its product. “In the last year or so, we’ve been focused on bringing the cost of the chemistry down, as well as increasing the natural content of the polymer system,” Jahnke said. “There were some pieces that were petroleum-derived that we’ve still been using, and we’re making the switch over to materials that can be naturally and renewably sourced.” Recently, Wooley’s team has taken a step forward and is working on a pilot scale to commercialize their materials. Jahnke said they are currently working with L’Oréal cosmetic company. This partnership arose with new regulations from the European Union regarding degradability of certain products. “We have a nondisclosure and a material transfer agreement in place with [L’Oréal] for them to start doing some biodegradation tests under their conditions,” Jahnke said. Wang said the convenience of plastic as a material does not outweigh its detrimental effects on the environment, so it is important to do something about it now. “Although plastic is a super great material, and you can find them all over, we do face the problem that it cannot biodegrade,” Wang said. “It impacts the environment and our lives as well.”

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Ashlee Jahnke, Class of 2008, has been a part of the biodegradable plastics research team since 2016.

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OPINION

The Battalion | 11.21.19

they do not belong in this campus?” Barahona said. “Why are they still dropping out? Why is it not nurturing the sense of belonging? It’s something the administration fails to see and something that is highlighted in our petition as well.” While there are a plethora of student resources for the Latinx population on campus, what would be unique about the Latinx Center are the three main pillars it has set out to cultivate: academic opportunities, cultural exploration and student support. Increased recruitment, retention and graduation among Latinx and other minority students would be a direct academic result of a Latinx Center. This is a key academic goal for A&M as an HSI. If prospective students of color visit this campus and see a physical space created for people like them to thrive, then students would feel more encouraged to consider attending A&M. Whether it be participating in research PROVIDED or being motivated to start their own, just the opportunity for students to be The Texas A&M University Latinx Unity Commission, along with other Latinx student inspired and exposed to others in their organizations, is petitioning for an on-campus Latinx Center. community in a designated place where they feel like they belong would make the most significant difference in their academic endeavors. There is a power difference that currently exists in campus spaces; a Latinx Center would bring together faculty and students to encourage community and experience of the Latinx community on conversation beyond the classroom. Kimberly Lerma this campus. It should be about not only According to Barahona, it would enhancing available education for this develop meaningful connections among Guest Contributor population but also about providing socurrent students, faculty and staff, alumni cial support to foster a home away from and community partners focused on posKimberly Lerma is a communication senior home for Latinx students. itive student learning, while establishing and public relations officer for the Council This is why the TAMU Latinx Unity for Minority Student Affairs, a student-led Commission was created. Together with an inclusive community. When it comes to cultural exploration, organization that aims to create awareness, other prominent Latinx student organiit’s essential to acknowledge that this pilprovide resources and take action to empower zations on campus, TAMU LUC is advolar is about a lot more than just cultural the immigrant community. The organization cating for an on-campus Latinx Center, awareness. has also been part of the effort to establish a a space that would exemplify what it “The Latinx culture is not just about Latinx Center at Texas A&M. means to be Latinx-serving. drinking cafe Abuelita that is representaAs student demo graphics have tive of a Latinx ethnicity [Mexican], but Dear Aggies, changed, so have students’ needs. What it’s so much deeper than that,” Barahona worked for the Latinx community 10 said. As Texas A&M approaches the 25 years ago on this campus doesn’t work Annual events on campus where culpercent threshold to become a Hispanic for the growing population it is today. tures are displayed on poster boards and Serving Institution, the steps taken to acSociology Ph.D. candidate and TAMU talked about by organizations have good commodate this population must involve LUC board member Cindy Barahona said intentions, but the Latinx center would a shift from merely enrolling Latinx it’s not just about the number of resourc- be able to dive deeper. students to serving them. es, but the quality that is lacking in conCultural exploration in the Latinx “Hispanic Serving” has to be more necting Latinx students to the culture. Center would entail depth and dimenthan just a quota. It should be about “You could list a thousand programs sion. It’s a continuous effort to underusing funds provided as a direct aid to geared towards the Latinx population, stand the complexities of the various improve the all-encompassing college but why are students still feeling like ethnicities within the Latinx community

Aggies need a Latinx Center

A physical space would help A&M truly serve this growing population

itself, and it involves constant engagement. Through this process, students would gain an opportunity to explore their own identity and nurture an atmosphere of inclusion. Student support comes in all shapes and forms. It’s in no way a one-dimensional measure. According to feedback from the petition, which received over 2,500 responses, many students felt the Latinx Center would provide “a community in which they feel like they belong.’’ This pillar would remind students that they’re not alone. It would intend to offer access to timely information and emotional support to help students cope with stress, fear and anxiety, from people who understand the complexity of being a minority student on a white majority campus. Additionally, it would aim to include the resources to help all DACA recipients, TPS or undocumented students that would feel more comfortable in such a space. For whatever reason any student decides to step into the Latinx Center, whether they are trying to find guidance or community, interested in expanding their career or research opportunities as a Latinx student, or as a non-Latinx student who is interested in learning more about the culture, TAMU LCU would encourage and welcome everyone to the Latinx Center. The designated space would provide resources, connections, understanding and empathy to students unlike anything currently on campus. It would demonstrate an appreciation for cultural differences. The Latinx Center is vital at A&M as the Latinx population enrolling in postsecondary education continues to grow. The Latinx Center would reflect the university’s institutional identity. Without it, there is no shared understanding or way to evaluate how well A&M is “serving” the Latinx student population or attempting to foster an inclusive environment. This is an opportunity for the administration to listen to Latinx Aggies’ needs and to go that extra step and to tackle the issues still facing this community on campus. But it is only the first step. If implemented, the Latinx Center will be an ever-evolving resource that grows and accommodates Latinx Aggies for generations to come.

Via Twitter @BobLonsberry

The phrase “ok boomer” has become a viral sensation, commonly used by Millenials and members of Generation Z across social media.

“ok boomer:” Harmless joke or ageist slur? Recent criticisms of the viral phrase are mostly missing the point Kameryn Griesser

@kamerynbethtamur

he recent popularity of the phrase “ok boomer” has launched a slew of viral meme content, memorable clapbacks and even professional journalists declaring the start of an “all-out generational war.” As more people caught onto the trend, there arose a wave of criticism, primarily among the so-called “boomers” themselves. They claim the phrase is an ageist slur used to discriminate against older people. Among all of these criticisms, none have gained as much attention as the tweet by Bob Lonsberry that declares “boomer is the n-word of ageism.” My first reaction to this was to be highly critical of the absurd nature of such a comparison. Equating an internet meme to a word with such heavy historic weight meant to specifically target a marginalized community seemed almost laughable to me. However, it did cause me to stop and reconsider: is “ok boomer” technically an ageist phrase? While one could argue that the phrase in itself derogates the very term used to describe an older age bracket of generational Baby Boomers (those born between the 1940s and 1960s), it would be more useful to examine how and when people use such a new phrase. In

many instances, you would reply with an “ok boomer” when the person you are addressing states an opinion that is politically, technologically or socially outdated by the standards of younger generations. This means that even those who are not “boomers” by the traditional definition can be called one based solely on their perspectives. Therefore, the term “boomer” actually represents a broader criticism of conservative and neoliberal ideologies commonly attributed to older generations. It is a denunciation of traditional mindsets, not older individuals themselves. However, if you are still unconvinced, allow me to suggest that even if the phrase is technically “ageist,” it doesn’t mean people need to stop using it. A big contributor to the meme’s popularity was a viral TikTok video in which an older man accuses Generation Z and Millenials of having “Peter Pan Syndrome,” which causes them to never want to grow up and face reality for what it is. However, reality is looking bleak to many teenagers and young adults going forward. Between facing the alarming threats of global climate change, rampant corporate lobbying and having to enter an increasingly unstable gig economy with mounting student debt rates, the last thing that young people want to be told is that this is as good as it gets, and they just have to “try harder.”

To many, the staunchly neoliberal politics and social modes of older generations have led younger people spiraling toward a grim future where unhinged greed and vast income inequality become the new normal. In turn, not unlike any tale as old as time, the political concerns of younger generations are often met with apathy and inaction by older people. It only makes sense then for younger folk to create this blasé joking retort as a signifier that they too can completely refuse to interact with certain ideas. Not only do younger generations feel that they have been left to clean up a borderline dystopian mess of a situation created by Reaganomic dreamers and corporate democrats, but the power structures that created these circumstances are still in place today. It is true that Millennials and Gen Z members are highly visible and well-represented in the most prominent media sources. However, a look at our governmental institutions, voter turnout and largest stakeholders in the U.S. economy shows us that true power to influence policy is still very much concentrated in the hands of those over the age of 50. When it comes to divisive comedy, modern conversations about who can joke about certain identities (age, race, etc.) are messy to say the least. However, one commonly overlooked consideration for setting these boundaries is the important role of existing power structures

and their ability to shape the material conditions of those belonging to specific groups. If comedy is ultimately a form of catharsis, then power imbalances between certain groups of people become an essential determinant for who really gets to laugh at another group’s expense. “ok boomer” could be considered insensitive toward an older age group depending on how and when it is used. However, its very existence is indicative of the larger imbalance of influence between the two groups. All of this being said, I want to comfort the boomers and Bob Lonsberrys of the world. Yes, despite the massive influence that older generations hold in our offices and economy, institutional ageism does exist, especially when intersecting with class identity. You can see examples of this from employment discrimination to negligent treatment in the healthcare system. As “ok boomer” begins stalling as a meme, I hope more young people can continue to put their growing ideological dissonance with the past toward something more than a harmless joke. Doing so, however, will require the acknowledgment that their political goals can work for the “boomers” of the world too. Kamryn Griesser is a business administration freshman and opinion writer for The Battalion.

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