The Campus – January 22, 2024

SINCE 1944

VOLUME 79 ISSUE 7

January 22, 2024

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Student run since 1944

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Ramping up recruitment

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Gaiters women’s hockey proves formidable in 2024

10 Foreman Art Gallery: Living

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Why you might not pass that creative writing class with ChatGPT

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Classics and Religions at Bishop’s

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matter and the mineral

From the field to the case competition room

Frosty findings

@thebishopscampus

Layout design by Mikyah Fortune

Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican.

thebucampus.ca

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NEWS

THE CAMPUS JANUARY 22, 2024

Micah Della Foresta, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com

Teachers unions vote on agreement in principle, community weighs in

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By Mikayla Geraghty Staff Writer

efore the holidays, teachers’ unions across Quebec took to the streets protesting working conditions and inadequate salary proposals. Last week, the Common Front began voting on an agreement in principle with the Quebec government on pay and working conditions. The Common Front, includes the Fédération des syndicats de l’Enseignement (FSE-CSQ) and Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (QPAT) – collectively representing over 100,000 teachers.

Unions are voting on a sectorial proposal, which refers to working conditions and class sizes, and an intersectorial proposal which refers to salaries and pensions. Five out of 33 unions in the FSE-CSQ voted last week, with one rejecting. Meanwhile, teaching unions in the Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE) are voting on an agreement separate from the Common Front, and last week’s votes showed some division. While there has been no more talk of indefinite striking at this time, they left their mark on the community.

Anna Bernath, an instructor at

both Champlain College and Bishop’s University has been active throughout the process. Unions from Champlain College are affiliated with the Common Front. She claims that there is inadequate support from the government which is reflected in “outdated infrastructure” and a lack of investment in critical educational resources.

In a statement, she wrote that “despite the crucial role education plays in shaping the future of our society, the government’s budgetary priorities have consistently fallen short, compromising the quality of education for our students.” Along with the goal of resource allocation to develop the education system, the teachers are fighting for a cost of living adjustment along with all public sector workers, she wrote.

When Châteauguay senior teacher Debbie Penning, one of the many teachers a part of the QPAT union, was asked to comment on the negotiations, she told The Campus that: “the main goal of the teachers was to create conditions better suited for learning. Many of our students are struggling and we are looking for solutions in the way of class composition.”

As a teacher of over 30 years, Penning says she continues to advocate for her students during this process. She is fighting alongside colleagues to ensure the best

possible learning environments for their students.

The practice teaching office at Bishop’s University told The Campus that until anything is announced, practicums will proceed as planned until informed otherwise. They will defer to the Quebec Ministry of Education for guidance regarding decisions related to practice teaching in the event of future strike days as they did in the case of COVID-19. They will be monitoring the situation closely.

While practicums and union voting will continue for the next few weeks, fourth-year education student Cliff Neil shared that he would be “devastated” if his six-week practicum was halted should the process deteriorate. “We put so much time and effort into our degree and for many of us the highlight of it all is our practicum. It is the only time we get to experience what we are doing for real.”

Education student Gianluca Iannantuono supports the teachers and the past strikes, but the current education context in Quebec is “not really enticing me to go into this career field. In the next three years I want to be in a classroom, not still fighting for fairness”, he wrote in a statement. “When practicums are restricted to winter semesters only, substitution

Photo courtesy of Anna Bernath [teaching] becomes the only option for building experience ‘year round’”. He noted that substitution teaching is a great source of income as a student and as a learning resource, but when schools shut down during the strikes in fall, that resource was cut off for a short period of time.

Likewise, education students Eric Clipperton and Rowan Halpenny expressed that the turmoil made them feel uncertain and uneasy. At this time The Campus is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates relevant to the Bishop’s community as they come.

South Africa accuses Israel of genocide at UN court Content warning: descriptions of violence, mentions of genocide

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By Savana Cianci Contributor

he International Court of Justice (ICJ) commenced a two-day public hearing starting last Thursday, Jan. 19, regarding South Africa’s allegations that Israel violated its obligations under the Genocide Convention. Israel defended itself at the United Nations (UN) court as South Africa requested the ICJ to order Israel to cease its military campaign in Gaza, accusing their actions of being “genocidal in character”.

More than 100 days since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, marking the most recent surge in violence, the death toll in Gaza is over 25,000 according to Palestinian authorities.

The UN Relief and Works Agency stated that 85 per cent of Gaza’s 2.2 million population – 1.9 million civilians – have been displaced since the beginning of the war On Dec. 29, the South African government submitted an 84-page application to the UN court alleging that Israel has failed to fulfill its commitments under the Genocide Convention. This international treaty obligates signatories to prevent and punish the crime of genocide.

South African lawyers highlighted the last 76 years of systematic oppression and violence that Israel has inflicted on Palestinians while claiming Israel’s extrajudicial killings, bombings and restriction of resources “intended to bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial, and ethnical group”. They also highlighted comments

made by Israeli leaders and soldiers as “genocidal speech”.

Israel has categorically denied these accusations, claiming South Africa’s case was “unfounded”, “absurd” and amounting to blood libel. Moreover, Israeli lawyers argued this case was a deliberate attempt to distort the meaning of the term “genocide”.

They say that they do not target civilians and that the casualties are not genocidal in nature, but an unfortunate consequence of military action in an urban area. Israel’s defense also argued its right to self-defence following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks and maintained there was a lack of evidence of genocidal intent. Germany and France have both come to Israel’s defence, rejecting all genocide accusations.

Prof. Trygve Ugland, a full professor in the politics and international studies

department at Bishop’s University, noted in an email that “while relatively few countries have so far officially supported South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, there seems to be a broader agreement that Israel has not fully respected international law following the [Oct. 7] terrorist attacks in that Israel’s military operation in Gaza does not seem to be proportionate, and that the operation has caused excessive harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure”.

While Canada’s Liberal government has expressed its support of the ICJ and the process of international law, that “does not mean [Canada accepts] the premise of the case brought by South Africa,” read a statement from Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly. The statement said that there is a high threshold of compelling evidence needed to make the case. Prime Minister

Graphic courtesy of Leea Rebeca Ruta

Justin Trudeau, in turn, said Canada is “watching carefully” as the ICJ deliberates on this case. However, he would not indicate whether Canada is in agreement with South Africa’s accusations.

Midge Cadeau, an honours international studies student at Bishop’s University, was of the opinion that “this trial could provide an opportunity for South African activists, lawyers and NGOs to mobilize global support”, pursue greater human rights accountability and exert pressure on states, international organizations and courts.

Demonstrations have erupted worldwide, involving hundreds of thousands of individuals. In the last few months, proPalestinian demonstrations have taken place in London, Vienna, Medan, Kuala Lumpur, New York and other major cities across the world. In turn, pro-Israel protesters have flooded capitals’ streets, including London, Paris and Berlin calling for the release of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.

The final ruling on the genocide case will take years. What South Africa asked for in the hearings last week is for the ICJ to issue “provisional measures” – temporary orders for a state to cease actions as to prevent irreparable harm. For these to be awarded, South Africa would have had to prove the violated rights under the Genocide Convention are at least plausible. No matter the ruling, ICJ decisions are difficult to enforce. While South Africa’s allegations against Israel have elevated this issue to the forefront of global political discussions, it does not indicate an immediate end to the war in Gaza.

NEWS

SINCE 1944

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Micah Della Foresta, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com

What now for Bishop’s?

Ramping up recruitment efforts after tuition hike exemption

By Micah Della Foresta News Editor

prospective students newly introduced to Bishop’s and its unique experience.

he fall season holds some of the most critical months for any university’s recruiting efforts.

When the prospective increase of tuition fees for out-of-province students loomed over Bishop’s University in the fall of 2023, student recruitment was inevitably impacted. On Dec. 14, Minister of Higher Education Pascale Déry formally announced that Bishop’s would be exempt from the increased tuition and the additional french language contingencies. The exemption curbs the negative effect the new tuition policy would have on Bishop’s University, allowing the school to continue offering its experience without a substantial increase in cost.

But now as the spring is approaching, with various undergraduate application deadlines falling between March 1 and May 1, making up for this lost time is the university’s main objective. In an interview with Bishop’s Principal Sébastien LebelGrenier, he detailed the strategies being implemented to recover from the damage done. He explained that the school has been diligently preparing a strategy ever since preliminary conversations began with the Quebec government. As soon as the exemption for the university was announced, the plans could immediately be set into motion. According to Lebel-Grenier, here is a summary of how the school is responding.

Leveraging media visibility: Since the initial announcement from the government, Bishop’s has received unprecedented media coverage throughout the crisis, seeing extensive attention throughout the country on a plethora of media platforms. Bishop’s goal is to take advantage of this increased exposure and use it as promotion, according to Lebel-Grenier.

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Aggressive recruitment initiatives: The school is deviating from its usual recruitment timeline and doubling up on current initiatives to expand reach. They are intensifying recruitment efforts by allocating more resources to the recruitment team, such as by sending them out to more

Reaching a target audience: The recruitment team swiftly reached out to those who had previously shown interest in Bishop’s University, notifying them of the exemption and that Bishop’s would still be an accessible place to study.

They also looked to engage the pool of

fairs and on more recruiting trips.

Marketing and publicity: Bishop’s is adopting innovative marketing strategies with a focus on social media. The institution is experimenting with several strategies and is monitoring its results closely to gauge effectiveness. Lebel Grenier says they will adjust its approach according to its outcomes.

Principal Lebel-Grenier acknowledged that the government’s initial announcement had a detrimental effect on the university.

But despite such a setback, Bishop’s remains optimistic that its aggressive recruitment strategies will recover students and potentially attract even more.

Lebel-Grenier noted that Minister Déry is listening attentively to the school’s needs to properly develop the

Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican

French programs. He says he is confident that the new diversified offerings will become an attractive proposition, alluring new students looking for a professional advantage.

He believes that the school’s historical difficulty with recruiting due to lack of natural visibility has been mitigated, and that moreover, the school greatly benefits from a dedicated alumni whose continual support has made up the difference. He described them and the larger Eastern Townships community coming together as “an extreme source of comfort and energy” which “was essential for success, and it certainly proved to make all the difference in the world.” Lebel-Grenier attributed the support as “the thing that really convinced the government.”

Lebel-Grenier also made sure to note that throughout the process, he was disheartened to see the increased stigmatization towards Quebec and its culture. He told The Campus that Bishop’s is working hard to convey the message that the school is not a site of language conflict, and that some of the negative sentiments portrayed in the media are not an accurate representation of the welcoming community that Bishop’s is home to.

When asked what his message to prospective students would be, he pitched the value of attending Bishop’s as a unique experience. It’s where students will learn about what it means to be an important member of a community and who they themselves can be – all while being exposed to a vast diversity of experiences.

This is reflected in the “deep rooted feelings about this institution [of past generations] that want to see it succeed and continue to be a force in our community” and a force for everyone seeking the BU experience.

AROUND THE WORLD Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic will be testing out a four-day work week. Organizations will be able to choose whether to participate in a six-month trial.

Previous trials, such as a pilot project in the UK, found that employees took less sick leave, slept better and that men contributed to more household tasks with a three-day weekend.

Japan – Japan’s space agency lands the “Moon Sniper”, becoming the fifth country to land on the moon.

The uncrewed robotic explorer used new precision technology that allowed it to target a specific landing point.

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Ecuador – The country is seeing an uptick in gang-related violence.

President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency after an “extremely dangerous” druglord escaped prison, sparking unrest.

There have been prison riots, police kidnappings, and an attack on a TV station.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – Almost seven million people, mostly in the DRC’s eastern provinces, have been displaced amidst fighting by more than 120 armed groups. 26 million people face “very high acute malnutrition and excess

mortality”, according to the United Nations (UN). The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC plans to withdraw by the end of 2024 after the Congolese government requested the mission to leave, saying it failed to protect civilians from the armed groups.

Canada – The federal government announced that Canada would phase out gas car sales by 2035. Automakers will have to phase out the sale of gaspowered passenger vehicles, including trucks and SUVs, and start selling more EVs and hybrids.

Cape Verde – Cape Verde is certified malaria-free, becoming the fourth African country to do so.

The country is an archipelago of 10 islands with approximately 25 per cent of its GDP dependent on tourism.

Malaria-free status could be good for the country’s image, said the Prime Minister.

Myanmar – An alliance of ethnic armed groups and the Myanmar military agreed to a ceasefire brokered

by China. Myanmar’s military seized control of the government in a 2021 coup. The alliance is deemed one of the biggest threats to the military junta.

he Campus acknowledges that land on which we operate is stolen land, the traditional territory of the Abenaki people. We live, learn, work, and play on this land, home to Indigenous peoples still living. Canada was founded through colonization, a system rooted in oppression and the abuse of power over others, continuing to affect First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities today. As a student newspaper, The Campus has a responsibility to highlight truth. We are committed to prioritizing underrepresented voices in our community and proactively highlighting Indigenous peoples’ histories and ongoing realities, including their resilience and achievements. We recognize our work plays a role in shaping public perceptions, being able to call-out injustice but also call-in action. We emphasize that we must go beyond a land acknowledgement, which is only one step towards reconciliation. It is the stories in our paper – told with respect, accuracy, and integrity – and the respect and humility we show to the land and others that is more important than what is written in a land acknowledgement. Actionable steps to go beyond a land acknowledgement include educating ourselves and others, and supporting Indigenous traditions, movements, and businesses. —The Campus Team

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OPINONS

THE CAMPUS JANUARY 22, 2024

Annabelle McIntosh, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com

Seeking for something that once was

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By Eric Clipperton Contributor

oing all the way back to my very first days on campus, back in 2019, there were two words that rang synonymous: partying and the Gait.

Now, in 2024, those words still ring true, but I just do not know if I feel the same way. Early on in my time at Bishop’s, I found myself a regular at the Gait whether for a simple Thursday night out (even if I had a dreaded 8:30 a.m. class on Friday) or for one of the many amazing themed Gait nights, like Two-Year’s Eve. Nowadays, I am not sure whether it has been a change in myself, or with life on campus and the Gait, but Gait nights just aren’t “hitting” like they once did.

Over my years at BU, I have had a front-row seat to watch groups of people come and go. With that, the culture in a community will shift accordingly. Now, I feel like the Gait inadvertently panders to those who party way harder than over making it a fun and enjoyable evening for all. This is in part because long wait lines outside and inside the bar mean people feel compelled to drink more before arriving.

I am well aware that the Gait is clublike, it’s not very big, and it is rather popular. But, after standing in line for 45 minutes to get in, to stand in a deformed

huddle for another 45 minutes just to get a single drink – it is really not all that appealing as it could be. I am one to enjoy a drink or two with friends while getting ready to go out to the Gait, but I feel encouraged to drink even more before arriving, knowing how long it will be until I am able to get another drink once in the Gait, a thought process which I feel is not unique to myself.

Pre-drinking is a way to save a buck or two on a night out, but when it gets to the point that people are getting drunk prior to showing up, it has a tendency to weigh down the night for others around them.

has not been the case in part because of the long waits.

Over the years, thankfully, one thing that has not changed about the Gait is people’s love to join everyone on the dance floor. The dance floor is the one thing drawing me back in, even with all of my other apprehensions.

These elements have added a level of comfort to the outing as there are just a few extra steps of protection for those who want to have a good innocent time dancing and hanging out with friends.

[W]hen it gets to the point that people are getting drunk prior to showing up, Will the Gait go back to what it was before the pandemic? I hope not, it has a tendency to weigh because I felt there were a slew of other down the night for others problems running rampant then, now remedied with the increased security around them. presence, along with moving the line Now, I am not oblivious that COVID-19 impacted the social life of the school for a few years. But now, with absolutely no COVID regulations left, there was hope that maybe that spark that drove me to the Gait on white lies night or beach day, would return. Sadly, this

inside and mandatory coat checks. These elements have added a level of comfort to the outing as there are just a few extra steps of protection for those who want to have a good innocent time dancing and hanging out with friends.Will I go back to the Gait? Probably not, but that’s my decision to make.

Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Liu

Spending my final BU semester away at practicum

By Annabelle McIntosh Opinions Editor

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onday, Jan. 8 marked the beginning of the 12-week practicum for final-year students in the School of Education.

In this placement, student teachers tackle 80 percent of a teaching course load. Students anxiously awaited their assignments at the beginning of the semester and received them in late October. Upon receiving the email, I realized that my practicum assignment would require me to relocate. My placement is about two and a half hours away from Bishop’s, however, it is only an hour from my hometown. I was bummed at first to be moving away from beloved Lennoxville, but once the stress of moving my belongings back into my childhood bedroom had passed, I could start embracing this change and began to feel excited for this new chapter.

I have absolutely fallen in love with my placement. Walking into the school every day and being greeted by friendly staff and students has made the long commute worth it. The school has an

incredibly welcoming environment, and I feel so grateful. I have also been paired with an excellent associate teacher, making my transition as smooth as possible. There are many different ways to become involved with school life such as through clubs and intramurals.

It is truly a great place to continue my learning journey.

teachers – something that would have been more challenging in the past.

As much as I miss being on our beautiful campus and seeing my friends, I believe that this has worked out very well so far. My best advice to anyone in

the future who may be placed in a brand new, distant location for practicum, is to just give it a chance and go into it with an open mind. It could be an incredible experience with great opportunities to offer.

This change has also gotten me out of my comfort zone.

This change has also gotten me out of my comfort zone. It can be difficult to arrive in a place that you are unfamiliar with since so much is unknown. This felt especially true as I had stayed in Lennoxville while completing previous placements.

This is also the first time I have been at a practicum where I did not know anybody, as I am the only student teacher in the school. Since this is the case, I have gotten out of my shell a bit more and have been making connections with people other than my fellow BU student

Photo courtesy of Katerina Holmes

SINCE 1944

OPINIONS

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Annabelle McIntosh, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com

2024: The year of listening

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By Emmanuel Sossou Features Editor

Happy new year!” is commonly heard around this time of the year. As the new year begins, we send out our best wishes not only to family and friends but also to strangers. This might be an elderly woman from the convenience store or even that young man from the post office. It’s an introduction and goodbye that people give out of custom or to wish someone well for the months ahead.

It is also the “new year new me” time, where people mentally commit to a fair number of resolutions with an almost admirable determination to stick to them.

From spending more time at the gym, having healthier eating habits or spending less time on social media, the list goes on and on. And yet, most of us fail to keep up with these personal commitments; there are actually a few studies on the reasons behind why.

Undeniably, there is something appealing and almost refreshing to the closing of one year and the beginning of a new one. It invites us to rebrand ourselves, to be better.

I remember hearing about one of those

resolutions on the radio while driving to the airport with my dad. “2024 is the year of listening”, shouted one of the hosts on the radio. I remember smiling at first, thinking that it was funny coming from a radio channel. My dad, on the other hand, seemed to agree as he nodded, possibly hinting at the suggestion that I should listen to him more.

As the radio show went on, I kept thinking about what the host had truly meant with that resolution. Looking back on 2023, a call to listen, as in to listen to others, doesn’t sound out of place.

It deserves a spot on that never-ending list of resolutions. Amidst the growing challenges of accelerating climate change, the recent events involving Palestine and Israel, the war in Ukraine and every other military conflict or violence claiming innocent lives around the world, the past year has had its fair share of distress. We indeed find ourselves at a time where we need to listen more and be more attentive to the world around us, to each other, to mother nature.

So, as we embark on this new year, armed with all these new resolutions, let’s also consider the importance of not only hearing, but truly listening.

Graphic Courtesy of Leea Rebeca Ruta

Why you might not pass that creative writing class with ChatGPT

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By Colin Ahern Contributor

rtificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various industries, but falls short in the domain of creative writing. While AI has demonstrated prowess in realms such as healthcare and finance, its application in literary creation unmasks limitations that hinder its ability to replicate the nuances of human expression.

One challenge AI faces in creative writing is its inability to grasp the depth of human emotion and experience. Creative writing is not merely a technical exercise; it requires a profound understanding of human sentiment, culture and context.

AI struggles to capture the intricacies of emotions and infuse them into storytelling.

In preparing for this article, I asked ChatGPT to write me a short story about photography. The text was vapid and bland (and featured far too many adverbs).

At first glance, it appeared to follow a young woman who was photographing an amusement park, but there was little beyond the image of cameras capturing the ephemeral. The story was juvenile in scope and took an extremely utilitarian approach to creating meaning; photos are of things in the past, therefore a camera is a bridge to the past. The text read like a seventh grade creative writing submission.

Furthermore, creative writing is an inherently subjective process. It involves personal experiences, unique perspectives and an individual voice that reflects the author’s identity. AI, operating on algorithms and patterns learned from vast datasets, may produce coherent text,

but it often lacks the idiosyncratic touch that makes writing truly authentic. The distinctive flair, personal style and the ability to convey a writer’s worldview are elements that AI struggles to replicate.

For example, if we consider Raymond Carver’s short story Cathedral, the text is riddled with syntactical errors that generate a voice of humor and irreverence that endears the narrator to the audience.

AI generated stories tend to read like a shopping list that has been infused with hackneyed expressions. The writing tends to appear stiff and lifeless on the page, devoid of mood.

Fundamentally, creativity lies in the ability to break free from established norms.

While AI can analyze existing works and generate content based on learned patterns, it leans heavily on predictability.

Fundamentally, creativity lies in the ability to break free from established norms. While AI can analyze existing works and generate content based on learned patterns, it leans heavily on predictability. The very essence of creativity lies in pushing boundaries, defying expectations and exploring the uncharted. AI is limited in this sense and frequently leans on physical links between ideas to create meaning.

When asked to analyze Walt Whitman’s Songs of Myself, ChatGPT

omitted any mention of his concepts surrounding existing in places through influence and desire. Much of the poetry collection refers to our ability to transgress space and exist anywhere that we are thinking of or being thought of.

This is a seminal piece that completely revolutionizes theories about the self by presenting individuals as unique and powerful beyond the realm of the physical.

In short, he blurs the boundaries between the self and the universe.

While AI has undoubtedly carved its

niche in various industries, its application in creative writing remains fraught with challenges. The complexity of human emotion, the subjectivity of creativity and the need for unconventional thinking pose significant obstacles for AI systems.

While these technologies may assist in generating text or providing inspiration, the heart of creative writing lies in the uniquely human ability to express, explore and innovate — elements that remain elusive to the realm of artificial intelligence.

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SPORTS

THE CAMPUS JANUARY 22, 2024

Owen Kitzan, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com

Challenging weekend for BU men’s hockey followed by sweet victory

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By Reece Bastien Contributor

ver the weekend of Jan. 13 and 14, the men’s hockey team traveled to upstate New York to face off against Clarkson University. This was the first confrontation between the two clubs. Bishop came in with a solid record of 3-3-1 prior to the matchup and Clarkson boasted 9-6-0.

In the first game, goaltender Jack MacFarland made his debut in the crease sporting the BU logo. The team performed well, however, they proved to be a little rusty following the winter break. BU men came out on the wrong end of a 5-2 game.

MacFarland looked solid in his debut, stopping 25 out of 30 shots. Fred Nicolas, assisted by Henri Dessereaux, managed to pot one for the team. Dessereaux also added one goal of his own.

MacFarland once again got the nod in the net for Bishop’s second game.

However, Clarkson proved their strength in another 5-2 game, the BU men falling short. Clarkson recorded 38 shots, and Macfarland stopped 33, an impressive showing. Ryan Massicotte found the back of the net for his second point of the weekend, followed by Kalum Gendron who managed to score a goal as well. Dessereaux continued his solid performance with an assist and his third point of the weekend. Keyan Hogan also delivered for the team, recording assists in both games as well blocking shots alongside his defense partner Jack McGowan. McGowan had an assist himself and continued to show his physical presence all across the ice.

BU ranked 13th in Amateur Athletic Union Division II standings at this point, and they looked to climb that chart this past weekend in the Boston area.To start off the road trip, they faced off twice against Babson University who entered the weekend with a 6-8-0 record. Bishop’s

won 14-1 and 20-1 in sweeping games against Babson, who proved to be no match for the purple. On Sunday the BU men faced Quincy, sitting 3-3-0 at the DIII level. Bishop’s stunned with a 9-5 win including a comeback from when they

were down 4-1.

Club hockey will have two back to back home games on Jan. 27 and 28.

Make sure to check the team Instagram @ buclubhockey for more details on times and results.

Photo courtesy of Dennis Woxland

Taking score of 2023 Gaiters football

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By Dylan Monico Contributor

he 2023 season was filled with plenty of ups and downs for Gaiters football. The Gaiters attained their best record (6-2) of the Cherif Nicolas era.

They fielded a high powered offense led by second-year quarterback Justin Quirion (Saint-Georges, QC). Quirion finished the year with 1457 passing yards and five touchdowns. A devastating shoulder injury forced Quirion out of the final three regular season games as well as the AUS semifinals against Mount Allison. Fourthyear quarterback Mason McGriskin (North Bay, ON) stepped up in his place and led the team to four consecutive victories.

McGriskin would finish the season with 680 passing yards and five touchdown passes. He also proved a true threat on the ground and in short yardage situations, contributing seven rushing touchdowns on the season. He logged four during the regular season, the second-most in the conference.

Third-year running back David Chaloux (Joliette, QC) was an indispensable player in Bishop’s offense.

Chaloux’s 1144 all purpose regular season yards ranked sixth in the entire country. Chaloux attacked opposing teams’ defenses in the run game, the pass game and the return game. His career at Bishop’s gathered the attention of the CFL as he was invited to the CFL Invitational Combine in Waterloo.

There were a couple of other standout Gaiters among the team. Veteran receiver Oliver Burnett (Fredericton, NB) hauled in six receiving touchdowns on

the campaign; the performance tied him in second across the entire country and earned him a conference all-star honours.

Up front, a trifecta of conference allstars led the Gaiters: fourth-year Mitchell Martel (Kirkland, QC), senior Olivier Fournier (Frampton, QC) and last but not least the AUS Rookie of the Year Mikael Pattin (Mandeville, QC).

As star-studded as the offense was, the Gaiters’ defense deserves recognition for its astounding record. The defense finished first in the entire country in yards allowed per game. On the defensive line, third-year Samuel Robichaud (Quebec City, QC) was a force to be reckoned with. He finished the season with 32 total tackles and five sacks, tying him for second-most sacks in the conference and ranking seventh in the entire nation. He would also add 10.5 tackles for loss, the fourth-highest in the country. Robichaud was congratulated with all-star honours alongside with third-year linebacker Gabriel Royer (Lawrenceville, QC). A leg injury would put the star linebacker out of the final regular season game and the playoffs. Despite this, Royer finished the year with 41.5 tackles, fifth-most in the country, and three interceptions, tying him for the second-most in the country.

Royer’s performance over the last three years at Bishop’s landed him a spot at the CFL National Combine in Winnipeg.

One of the leaders in interceptions in the country is Bishop’s Yani Gouadfel (Mitry-Mory, France). He finished the year with six total interceptions. He returned one interception for a touchdown in the semifinal against Mount Allison, and in the regular season he returned

a fumble for an interception. Gouadfel was honored for his accomplishments not only with a conference all-star but also an invitation to the CFL Invitational Combine. In essence, 2023 was one of

the most successful seasons in a while for Gaiters football. A 6-2 record and at one point a ranking of 10th nationally is certainly an outcome the Gaiters will look to build on in 2024.

Photo courtesy of Dennis Woxland

SPORTS

SINCE 1944

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Owen Kitzan, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com

Women’s hockey proves formidable in 2024

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By Owen Kitzan Sports Editor

he Gaiters women’s hockey team enters January looking strong through their first five games.

With games against the Université de Montréal (UdeM), University of Ottawa and Carleton coming back from the winter break, followed shortly by McGill and Concordia, the team came out with a promising record of 3-2-0.

The team first faced off against the Carabins on Jan. 7. The Carabins came in with a record of 5-3 and proved to be a strong opponent, edging out a narrow defeat over the Gaiters 4-3. Gaiters Justine Turcotte and Angélique Pagé scored in the first while Maude Pépin netted one in the third. This sadly wasn’t enough to stop a strong Carabins team who would score four goals on their 29 shots, coming out on top.

Moving in, the Gaiters took on the University of Ottawa on Jan. 12. The Gee-Gees boasted a record of 4-10 before the matchup and proved no match for the Gaiters. The purple claimed a 5-1 win.

Goaltender Ericka Gagnon delivered a strong performance allowing only one goal on 33 shots. Justine Turcotte and Maude Pépin once again lit up the rink with two goals apiece. They were joined

by teammate Neleh Vigneau Sargeant for the fifth point of the game.

The following day on Jan. 13, the Gaiters went head to head with Carleton.

The Ravens posted a 5-10 record prior to the matchup, and BU would prove to be formidable. Ericka Gagnon would once again get the nod between the pipes and maintained another impressive performance with a 28-save shutout. This time it was rookie standout Gabrielle Santerre who posted a two-goal game of her own, both assisted by Marie-Camille Théorêt and Neleh Vigneau Sargeant.

Santerre would follow that up with another two goal performance against McGill on Jan. 19. Aglaé René de Cotret backstopped the Gaiters with 20 saves on 21 shots. Meanwhile, Regan Garreau and Marjorie Bolduc both potted one. As the final buzzer sounded on the game, the scoreboard read 4-1 in favor of BU. The final game of the five that they’ve played so far in 2024 was a matchup against Concordia. Ericka Gagnon got the start but was pulled after allowing seven goals on 23 shots. Charley Wing was put in, stopping eight out of eight. Gabrielle Santerre, Noemie Garneau and Angélique Pagé found the back of the net, but the Stingers got the better of the Gaiters that day 7-3.

The Gaiters now have an impressive

Upcoming Winter home games

11-7 record this season. With seven games remaining, BU currently sits in third behind a powerhouse Concordia and the Carabins. The next home game you can catch will be on Friday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m.

Come out and support your Gaiters!

W

ith 2024 underway and a new semester of sports upon us, let’s look back at what the Gaiters accomplished in the fall semester. Men’s basketball finished off 2023 with a record of 4-2, a solid start to their campaign.

Standout players for the team this year include Charles Robert who averages 18.9 points. The women’s team ended the year with a 2-4 record. They are led by Victoria Gauna, who averages an impressive 15.1

points and 10.6 rebounds.

Women’s soccer finished 4-8-2 in 2023 which placed them sixth out of eight teams. Jessalyn Hill found herself with an all-star for her efforts, with Teagan Handley and Emma Deschatelets making their way onto the all-rookie team. They resumed play in January and are looking to improve for 2024.

Women’s rugby finished 0-6 this year in a competitive league. While this is not the result they hoped for, they look for a comeback in the future.

Men’s rugby ended up finishing .500 on

Photo courtesy of Simon Swain

Women’s Hockey (Jane & Eric Molson Arena) Jan. 26 vs McGill – 8 p.m.

Jan. 28 vs. Ottowa 3:30p.m Men’s Basketball (Mitchell Gym) Jan. 27 vs Laval – 8 p.m.

Feb. 3 vs. Concordia 8 p.m Women’s Basketball (Mitchell Gym) Jan. 27 vs Laval – 6 p.m.

Feb. 3 vs. Concordia 6 p.m Women’s Soccer (Centre Multisport Roland Dussault, Sherbrooke, QC) Jan. 29 vs Laval - 1 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Emma McGregor

Wrapping up 2023 sports

By Matt Abizaid Contributor

Come cheer on your Gaiters!

Please consult gaiters.ca for updated locations, times, and dates of all games.

the year with a record of 3-3. Marshall Mather got himself a look on the second all-star team after an impressive season.

Teammate Greg McDowell stole the show, bringing home a first all-star team honours and the title of RSEQ rookie of the year. The future looks bright in the swamp.

The men’s and women’s golf teams led an impressive 2023 campaign with the women placing third and the men winning an RSEQ championship. Ryan Smith took home the title of RSEQ Coach of the Year. Scott Loach and Landen Harison both made the second all-star team while Shawn Robillard and Ryan Massicotte were named to the first all-star team. On the women’s side, Avery Mack and Macy Louvet-Maik stood out on the second all-star team. It was all around a phenomenal year for Gaiters golf.

Women’s hockey stood at 8-50 coming out of 2023, a promising beginning to their campaign. They are led the way by rookie phenom Gabrielle Santerre who locked 28 points on the year, followed by Neleh Vigneau Sargeant and Maude Pépin who each averaged over a point per game. The Gaiters hockey team will be a force to behold in 2024.

Gaiters lacrosse finished their conference 3-7, standing fifth in CUFLA

east.

Antoine Tremblay, Markus Young, and Max Naysmith received CUFLA Honourable Mentions for their stellar performances.

The varsity cheer team is also hard at work with multiple practices and conditioning sessions per week.

Their competition debut on Jan. 28 is highly anticipated.

Photo courtesy of Matt Garies

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FEATURES

THE CAMPUS JANUARY 22, 2024

Emmanuel Sosssou, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com

Classics and Religions at Bishop’s Society is now live

By Virginia Rufina Marquez-Pacheco Contributor

T

here are few fields of study as multidisciplinary as the study of classics and religions. The classical studies program and the religion, society and culture program offers their students the opportunity to analyze the complexities of being human from unique lenses. These fields are so fascinating that students have decided to continue their conversations beyond the confines of the classroom. Indeed, the Classics and Religions at Bishop’s Society (CRABS) was recently ratified by the SRC at the end of the fall 2023 semester.

As an academic society, CRABS’ mission is clear: to promote the study of religions and the ancient Mediterranean world within Bishop’s and the wider community. This will take the form of educational initiatives open to all. The upcoming plans of the new academic society will feature guest speakers and discussion nights.

In addition, CRABS also wishes to support students in their academic journeys. CRABS looks to provide Ancient Greek and Latin study sessions, and information sessions on

experiential learning opportunities such as archaeological excavations. Learning about the classics and religions, however, does not always have to be serious.

CRABS aims to make learning fun with initiatives such as trivia and movie nights followed by an open discussion session. And, let us not forget a toga party at the Gait!

CRABS also has a secondary mission: to promote the humanities more broadly. Nowadays, the humanities struggle to keep their important place in higher education. By promoting some of its fields in a fun and welcoming way, the students behind CRABS hope to highlight the importance and value of a humanities education.

Anne-Marie Laroche, one of the co-founders and co-lead of CRABS explains what the club represents: “The humanities, but especially the study of classics and religions is very dear to me and is a topic I know many people would be more interested in if they had the chance to explore it more. Creating CRABS was about creating a space to celebrate these often-overlooked subjects and to create a community based on both appreciating and critically studying them in a welcoming environment.” These words echo the fundamental principles

of CRABS: education, inclusion and fun.

CRABS hopes that you will join its community of classics and religions enthusiasts.

CRABS welcomes individuals from all backgrounds. The club hosts their next event on Jan. 25

at 6 p.m. Participants can look forward to a movie screening and discussion session. For any questions and more information, feel free to email crabs@ ubishops.ca or message us on Instagram at @classics_religionbu.

Photo courtesy of CRABS

Compost is finally coming to the residences!

By Frédérique Leblanc-Piette Contributor

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s of January 2024, compost is coming into all the residences.

The Sustainable Development Office team will gradually distribute small compost bins to residents along with instructions and informational pamphlets.

of organic waste/matter. Organic matter refers to anything that is not from synthetic sources or that has not been treated with synthetic materials, such as; leaves, food scraps, cardboard, newspaper, etc.

Once decomposed, either naturally or in a composting facility, that waste is transformed into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants.

It is important to note that anything that grows decomposes eventually.

Composting centres simply speed up the process by providing an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi and other decomposing organisms (such as worms, sowbugs and nematodes) to do their work. Other commercial centres create specific biological conditions to break

Composting at Bishop’s Depending on where you are at Bishop’s, the type of activities you do, where you live and the type of waste you produce, your composting journey will vary, adapt and evolve.

Likewise, this month, those living in residences will receive small bins adapted to their needs in a room or apartment without a kitchen or cooking space. This implies that the amount of compostable items will be largely reduced as there are no cooking scraps. However, the bin will still be very much needed for items such as tissues, snack leftovers, soiled paper, dead leaves or dirt from indoor plants, compostable containers and more.

For the past year, food scraps have been collected and composted on campus with the help of the experimental farm’s team. Ultimately, the objective is for this compost to be used for crop cultivation on the farm.

What is compost?

Compost is waste composed only

Photo courtesy of SD Office

down materials only suitable for industrial composting, such as certain plastics or containers. The resulting decomposed matter, which often ends up looking like fertile garden soil, is called compost. It is very valuable, and farmers often refer to it as “black gold,” as it is rich in nutrients and can be used for gardening, horticulture and agriculture.

Why compost?

You might wonder why compost matters if everything ends up in the soil anyway. Approximately 40 per cent of residential waste is organic according to Environment Canada. Thus, there is a lot of waste that can be diverted! When organic waste is buried in landfills, the lack of oxygen means its decomposition produces more greenhouse gases like methane. In addition, recycling food and other organic waste provides a wide range of environmental benefits. Once decomposed, the waste can become a great fertilizer used to grow more food, which means fewer synthetic fertilizers are needed. There can be cascading effects if fewer landfills are needed and if nutrients are recycled. A circular system and improved soil health can reduce the impacts of droughts.

We know change can be stressful, but we hope that with help and a little bit of will, we can become a greener and more sustainable campus together, for a better future.

FEATURES

SINCE 1944

9

Emmanuel Sossou, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com

A chat with ITS about the new password policy and cybersecurity today

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By Gabrielle Liu Editor-in-Chief

n Jan. 17, students, staff and faculty received an email that Bishop’s would be phasing out seven-character passwords with a new 12 or more character requirement. Why? In less than the time it took you to read that first sentence, a computer could have hacked your seven-character code. The Campus sat down with Scott Stoddard, manager of IT support services at Bishop’s, for a chat about the new password policy and cybersecurity today.

According to Stoddard, this is the first campus-wide password policy change in at least the last 15 years. Our lives are so much more online now since then. Our emails are highly targeted treasure troves as recovery backups for social media, shopping accounts and accounts with private information. For a business office or an institution, cybersecurity attacks can be incredibly costly. The rate at which hackers attack and the consequences involved have risen as all of our lives are online or in the digital world, he says. ITS’s ticketing system Octopus, where users can request ITS help, is indicative of this. Stoddard says that around 2008, when Octopus was first implemented, they received 1000 tickets a year. Now, they could receive 1000 tickets every week and a half.

The new 12-character passwords are meant to protect against brute force attacks, where a computer repeatedly enters passwords until it succeeds. A widely cited study by the security firm Hive Systems says it takes only four seconds for a brute force attack to crack a 7-character password (with lowercase, uppercase, a number and a special character).

Stoddard notes that Bishop’s prevents these attacks from happening in the first place through account lock-outs and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

ITS recommends using a passphrase: a series of set words and numbers (e.g.

rainbow-45-GREEN-sheep) that is easier to remember than a random jumble of characters. While discernable words may seem to be less secure, computers have no way of knowing the length of your password, explained Stoddard. Thus, they wouldn’t know where the word “rainbow” is placed in the possible expanse of your password. Thus a long, memorable passphrase is effectively very secure.

Bishop’s users will now have to use MFA only every 30 days instead of 14.

“Security is always a balance between convenience and security”, says Stoddard.

He recalls that while today, MFA is widely

Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican

used across banks, financial institutions hesitated before implementing them.

Their customer bases weren’t just techsavvy teenagers, but elderly people. The security side of the spectrum seems to be gaining more in popularity these days, he says. Stoddard mentions that Bishop’s is working on adding geographical identity to the MFA process so students and faculty can see where exactly a login is taking place.

Students should use different passwords for every account, stresses Stoddard, despite human nature. Password managers like iCloud Keychain will help them auto-save and auto-fill these passwords. Stoddard says that in general, there is a need for more digital security literacy and Bishop’s could benefit by implementing some form of training. He notes that students are digitally enabled these days with their phones and apps, but there is a lack of sufficient knowledge when it comes to cybersecurity and digital privacy. Furthermore, the world of artificial intelligence is progressing rapidly, to a point where he says families are being taught to create a “safe word” to counter AI-generated voices posing as family members in phone call scams.

Amidst scams, deep-fakes and powerful technology, Stoddard reminds that while there are a lot of people doing “bad” things with technology, there are also many who are using it for good.

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ARTS & CULTURE

THE CAMPUS JANUARY 22, 2024

Caitlyn Gerrish, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com

Living matter and the mineral: Foreman Art Gallery’s doors open to first exhibition of 2024

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By Caitlyn Gerrish Arts & Culture Editor

ast Thursday, Foreman Art Gallery hosted a reception launching their first exhibition of the year: As Geocreatures. The collection features the work of seven artists with a mixture of art forms and mediums ranging from videography, sound and light installations to sculpture. The exhibit challenges visitors to reflect on the ways evolution has impacted the planet specifically through the lens of geology.

As the exhibition’s curator Sylvie Parent explained, As Geocreatures is interested in the relationship between living things and the mineral world.

“They encourage us to adopt a geological perspective and to consider the impact of living things on Earth.” The title of the exhibition was inspired by philosopher Jane Bennett, who views humans as “geocreatures”, as we are composed of the same chemical elements as the earth. “From our remote mineral origins to the remnants of our civilizations that are destined to end up encased in rock, we are geology.”

Each artist’s installations provide insights into these connections between

geology and the living world. Illustrator and filmmaker Boris Labbé uses 3D models and satellite imaging to envision what the formation of a mountain range would look like. Cécile Beau, a visual artist currently located in Paris, presents an installation which demonstrates the real-time alteration of stones when continuously exposed to various liquids through the use of a drip irrigation system. Inspired by scientific research, sculptor Patrick Coutu uses imprints of rock walls from across Quebec to capture the “mineral history” of a site.

Interdisciplinary artist François Quévillon uses videography to depict “a botanical and mineral encounter”, featuring a boulder and intertwined tree roots. Ontario artist Stefan Herda uses chemical manipulations to create artificial crystals which are held within plant-based supports like driftwood.

Artist and lecturer Jen Southern’s animated video tells the narrative of a mound of seeded clay and the way it interacts with its environment on a loop. Finally, interdisciplinary designer and sound artist Yesenia Thibault-Picazo explores the

phenomenon of metal assimilation through living organisms using videography and specimens.

“The mineral world takes us back to our distant origins and will also witness our demise, through fossils and the remains of our civilizations in a future that will be drawn, in part, by us.” As Parent says, As Geocreatures materializes the multifaceted relationships between geology and the living world. The exhibit is open until March 23.

Photos courtesy of Gabrielle Liu

Comic

By Leea Rebeca Ruta Graphics Editor

ARTS & CULTURE

SINCE 1944

Caitlyn Gerrish, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com

Crossword:

By Colin Ahern Contributor

Words we don’t use enough

Crossword answers Down 2 Riposte 3 Boondoggle 4 Pragmatic 6 Cartesian 9 Convalescent 12 Churlish 13 Ornamental 16 Aperture 17 Harrow 20 Chant

Down 2 sharp comeback after an insult 3 unambitious dream job 4 direct, to the point 6 math’s plane 9 person recovering from illness 12 harsh or mean-spirited 13 just for show 16 opening for light 17 unsettle or upset 20 used by cults, like a song

Across 1 Inexorable 5 Void 7 Esoteric 8 Gourd 10 Cleave 11 Orthogonal 14 Zweihander 15 Olfactory 16 Arbitrary 18 Damnable 19 Anima 21 Poindexter

Across 1 cannot be stopped 5 abyss, darkness, empty 7 specialized knowledge few people know 8 fleshy fruit, hard skin 10 to cut in half 11 not diagonal 14 two handed sword from 16th century germany 15 connected to the nose 16 random, devoid of reason 18 something that could be damned 19 Jung’s female personality in a man 21 tedious know-it-all, socially inept

THE CAMPUS STAFF 2023-2024 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Gabrielle Liu

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THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS: Savana Cianci Eric Clipperton Colin Ahern Reece Bastien Matt Abizaid Dylan Monico Frederique Leblanc-Piette Virginia Rufina Marquez-Pacheco Kai Luginbuhl

Owen Grand Jack Best

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12

ECONOMICS & BUSINESS

THE CAMPUS JANUARY 22, 2024

Joseph Aubert, Economics & Business Editor » thecampus.businesseditor@gmail.com

From the field to the case competition room Victory at the Battle On Bay case competition demonstrates student-athletes’ drive

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By Jayme Marteniuk Staff Writer

n a display of talent and determination, Bishop’s lacrosse athletes Sebastien Elie and Jacob Turenne, men’s rugby player Brenan Priest and teammate Charleston Turner recently took first place at the Battle On Bay Case Competition in Toronto. Representing the Bishop’s Williams School of Business, the team not only secured an award but also showcased the transferable skills and qualities student athletes carry over into the world of case competitions, making them a force to be reckoned with. Case competitions are known for their intensity. Participants invest significant amounts of hard work

and preparation without receiving course credits for their efforts. Yet, the experience gained from case competitions can be invaluable. They can sharpen professional skills, promote teamwork and instill confidence and credibility.

Sebastien Elie, who majors in accounting with a minor in finance, believes that participating in these competitions should be mandatory for all students and not just an option. Their collaborative team environments and the need for quick thinking is exactly what young individuals will encounter in their future careers. Elie emphasizes that sacrifices are part of the journey. However, he expresses that the payoff is well worth the effort, and the skills acquired extend far beyond the competition

room. Elie draws parallels between the discipline, time management and hard work on the lacrosse field and the demands of case competitions. As an athlete, he says he sees opportunity to channel the energy and determination created during the sports season into his academic and professional endeavors.

Jacob Turenne majors in finance with a double minors in economics and business technology analytics. Familiar with competition as a lacrosse player, Turenne embraces case competitions’ challenges as an additional game off the field. Turenne highlights the importance of time management and journaling to organize thoughts and stay focused. He acknowledges that case competitions can be

Battle of the Bay Case Competition Team

a lot of work, leading some students to drop out. However, Turenne urges participants to look at the bigger picture, emphasizing that the ultimate reward is well worth the effort invested.

Rivalries with teams such as Brock, Guelph, and Western University are fierce on the lacrosse field, say the athletes.

However, what sets athletes like Elie and Turenne apart is their ability to carry this competitive spirit from the field to the competition room.

[W]hat sets athletes like Elie and Turenne apart is their ability to carry this competitive spirit from the field to the competition room.

Elie, Turenne, Turner and Priest’s success at the Battle On Bay Case Competition underscores the tremendous potential and unique skills that student athletes can bring to academic and professional settings. Athletes’ ability to seamlessly integrate discipline, time management and a competitive spirit into the world of case competitions serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and students alike. The journey from the field to the competition room is not only possible but can be exceptionally rewarding, creating well-rounded individuals ready to conquer any challenge that comes their way.

Tech triumphs: Three power moves shaping stock market shifts

By Owen Grand, Jack Best & Kai Luginbuhl Contributors

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Apple Vision Pro pple’s highly anticipated entry into the augmented and virtual reality space is poised for a groundbreaking debut with its launch of the Vision Pro, the company’s firstever augmented reality (AR) headset.

Scheduled for release on Feb. 2, eager consumers began placing pre-orders on Jan. 19. The release marks a milestone for Apple as it steps foot into a new market.

The Vision Pro may disrupt the tech landscape, challenging established players like Meta and Sony.

While future users anticipate its advanced gaming and enterprise features, Apple’s strategic emphasis is on its service. Several streaming apps will offer 3D movies and users can experience immersive entertainment. The device’s

hefty price tag of $3,499 may raise eyebrows, but Apple’s large subscriber base and developer ecosystem could play crucial roles in popularizing the headset.

The new headset, although impressive, remains a small product category compared to Apple’s core iPhone business. Unless it scales rapidly and attracts a significantly larger customer base, it may not have a substantial impact on their stock price.

AI accelerates lithium-ion battery tech The batteries sector has long sought chemical innovations to create less lithium-dependent batteries. Lithium mining can be expensive and damaging to the environment. Top scientists have been attempting to develop new combinations with lithium and other elements to create a cheaper and more efficient battery. Battery tech development has been notoriously slow due to the abundance of tests required to find superior and more efficient chemical

combinations for electric batteries.

A team of researchers at Microsoft and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a new chemical makeup for solidstate electric batteries. The AI model processed 32 million possible inorganic material combinations and narrowed it down to 18 combinations of high interest.

This was all done in under a week. Experts said that without the AI model, it could have taken a decade to process that many combinations. The AI-derived solid-state electrolyte, named N2116, uses 70 per cent less lithium than current solid-state lithium batteries. It took researchers just nine months to develop a prototype, suggesting that the door is wide open for more positive AI-facilitated research.

Microsoft rises back to the top On Jan. 12, 2024, Microsoft reclaimed its title as the world’s most valuable company, reaching a new record-high

market cap of $2.887 trillion. This is in part due to incorporating AI technology across its existing software, thereby enhancing its value for consumers.

The battle for market capitalization in the tech space has been closely monitored over the past years, with companies like NVIDIA taking the markets by storm, experiencing a remarkable 1,349 per cent increase over the past five years.

However, the tech giants, Apple and Microsoft, maintain a significant buffer that distances themselves from the rest of the competition.

As technology continues to evolve, Microsoft has not only emerged as a top player in the market cap race, but it has also solidified its commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation. For us, this recent success signifies more than just a numerical milestone; it is a testament to Microsoft’s strategic foresight and adaptability in navigating the everchanging tech landscape.