News

Physics professor aims to make STEM more inclusive

By Libby Bullinger Staff writer

Earlier this year, Mercyhurst Physics professor Joseph Johnson, Ph.D., celebrated the publication of a book he co-edited. The text, “Internalization of STEM Education,” focuses on the integration of research-based instructional practices into STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) classrooms.

Johnson was one of four editors of the text, along with Augusto Z. Macalalag, Ph.D., Ismail Sahin, Ph.D., and Ali Bicer, Ph.D.

The process of creating the book initially began as just a special issue of the International Journal of Technology in Education (IJTE), but Johnson and his colleagues were inspired to create more and turn it into an entire literary publication.

The purpose of the text is to address issues of STEM education, an area that is widely unrecognized in the STEM research community. Johnson also mentions that the book provides a unique twist on STEM education by incorporating it into special populations such as special education settings.

In addition to co-editing the entire publication, Johnson also co-wrote the first chapter of the text: “Encouraging STEMpathy: A review of literature addressing STEM learning for students with special education services in inclusive learning environments.”

Johnson reveals that inspiration for this chapter specifically derived from several friends and colleagues of his. Johnson’s Ph.D. advisor, Randy Yerrick, Ph.D., has done previous work involving equity in science education which opened Johnson’s eyes to the topic and has caused him to think about it over the years of teaching.

Yerrick was not the only form of inspiration for this chapter, however. Johnson also mentioned one of his best friends, Mike Zielinski, as playing a major role in his involvement in special education in STEM.

Zielinski works as Director of Education at Coastal Harbor Treatment Center in Savannah, Georgia, leading the two to have various conversations over the years revolving around “the difficulties and limited resources for teaching STEM subjects in special education settings.”

This topic fits right into the remainder of the text which also highlights ideas of gender roles and international views on STEM education.

Johnson’s involvement on this project began back in August 2021. Co-editors of the book met monthly to discuss formatting, invite special guest authors for certain chapters, dividing up work reviewing each chapter and providing direct feedback to chapter authors.

For his chapter specifically, Johnson and his team met more often, about once a week, to create content and work on the proposed edits.

The intended audience of the book can extend to a variety of individuals including education researchers, STEM teachers and administration personnel who are implementing curriculum.

Johnson’s unique take on the sometimes intimidating field of STEM provides fresh new information for the science community.

Johnson reflects on his time teaching at Mercyhurst as an extension of this work, mentioning the work and mission of the Sisters of Mercy who were particular interested in creating learning opportunities for underserved communities.

Johnson concludes, “given how closely addressing these issues aligns with the Mercy mission here at Mercyhurst, it is certainly something that is and will continue to occur here.”

Erie composer Harry T. Burleigh honored at TNCD

By Isabella Johnson Staff writer

Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions held an event dedicated to black composer Harry T. Burleigh on Feb. 22.

Campus minister Michelle Scully said, “Together, the group wanted to bring greater awareness to Burleigh’s impact as a Black composer from Erie – specifically, looking at the use of his music in liturgical settings – the use of his music in religious reflection.”

Born in Erie, PA, on Dec. 2, 1866, Burleigh’s impact on American spiritual music was immeasurable. In his early life, Burleigh helped support his family by working as a newspaper salesman, a gas streetlamp lighter, and a Lake Erie steamboat steward.

He discovered his love for music when working as a doorman for parties in which renowned musicians were invited to play. He began taking voice lessons from George F. Brierly and by the time he reached college-age, Burleigh was considered one of the strongest vocalists in Erie.

He continued his musical studies at the National Conservatory of Music in New York, where he had the opportunity to play the double-bass in the school’s orchestra.

Throughout his life he composed over two-hundred works, many of which are still adapted

Contributed photo

Harry T. Burleigh was an African American composer born in Erie.

into worship today. Some of his most influential pieces include “Deep River,” “Till I Wake,” and “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel.”

Aside from his influence on gospel music, Burleigh also helped pave the way for other Black musicians moving into the 20th century.

Throughout his career he faced several instances of adversity due to his race, such as being rejected from the position of soloist at St. George’s Episcopal Church of New York by the congregation, only to later secure the spot through his hard work and talent.

Several pieces by Burleigh are inspired by African American plantation songs that he learned from his grandfather who was a freed slave, with the intention of preserving them for generations to come.

Burleigh’s grandfather is where he was first taught how to sing alongside his brother, Reginald.

The Harry T. Burleigh program hosted by Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions provided an opportunity for attendees to come together and celebrate community, spirituality, and Black history.

“Through the event, attendees were able to sing together, learn together, and share reflections with each other. The group seemed to really enjoy it, and it brought together students coming from campus ministry, from the music department, from BSU, as well as a few employees,” said Scully.

The student leaders of Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions collaborated with Brittany Barko-Krugger who is a professor of liturgical music and music therapy. Additionally, they had Cheryl Rush Dix, Vice President of the Burleigh Legacy Alliance in Erie, come in and present on some educational pieces about Burleigh. Barko-Krugger played a few of his songs and encouraged attendees to sing along.

The event opened a space for visitors of Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions to expand their knowledge of gospel music as well as the rich history of Erie.

“I think that for many that had grown up in or had spent significant time in Erie, they were surprised that they knew so little about Harry T. Burleigh! The group is hoping to do a similar event again next year,” said Scully.

Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions hosts a wide variety of events as they try to not just do the same thing every week.

This event was a great way to honor an Erie native and wrap up Black History month as February was coming to an end.

War in Ukraine continues to advance

By Bella Lee Staff writer

It is known without a doubt that the 2020s have not been very kind to the world. From the Covid-19 pandemic to popular celebrity deaths to fights breaking out internationally, the planet has gone through a lot. However, things have been taking a turn for the worse in Europe.

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, declared Donetsk and Luhansk, two separatist regions in neighboring Ukraine, territories of Russia, then proceeded to immediately send troops to the country. This has led to chaos within Ukraine as Russian troops are attacking towns both in the air and on the ground.

Ukrainian families are seeking shelter underground if they are not able to escape the country, but the damage is irreparable. As of March 10, there have been 549 Ukrainian deaths reported, 41 of them being children, but the United Nations believes the number is significantly higher.

Residential buildings and hospitals have been destroyed by Russian airstrikes, injuring and killing pregnant women, babies and children. The press has been releasing images that will be forever burned into the minds of those watching.

A set of paramedics desperately attempting to save a 6-year-old girl, dead by gunfire, while her parents wail nearby. An 11-yearold boy in tears being found at the Ukraine-Poland border without his family, with a note from his parents attached to him containing phone numbers of relatives.

Tearful goodbyes between men and their families as they send them away and the men remain behind to fight for Ukraine, including an 18-month-old boy sobbing and hitting his father as he attempts to comfort him.

The pain is never-ending for many of these families. There are Americans and Europeans with relatives in Ukraine who do not know if their family will live another night.

For those that are not lucky, they learn about their families’ deaths like everyone else: through photos or the Internet.

Serhiy Perebyinis, who was caring for his mother, came across an image of four dead Ukrainians in front of a World War II memorial. Three of those victims were his wife and children, ages 18 and 9.

“This is a war crime, and someone needs to be held accountable,” Perebyinis said in an interview with the Washington Post. “I lost everyone and lost the meaning of life.”

Despite this horror and heartbreak, there continues to be hope. A young Ukrainian girl sung the Frozen hit “Let It Go” in a bomb shelter, capturing the hearts of millions.

Donations are flooding in from every corner of the Earth, including from Ukrainian-born actress Mila Kunis and her actor husband Ashton Kutcher.

Martyrs have been made, such as the 13 soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Snake Island by refusing to surrender to Russia and saying, “Russian warship, go f--- yourself” and the one Ukrainian soldier who sacrificed himself to manually detonate a bridge with Russian soldiers when it could not be remotely set off.

However, the biggest light at the end of the tunnel comes from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He has remained behind, fending off Russians from the capital city of Kyiv.

“Thanks to our military, the national guard, the border guards, the police, the Territorial Defense Forces and everyone who joined the defense of the state, we did not become slaves, and we never will,” Zelenskyy said in a video on his Telegram account.

NATO allies, most of the Western countries, are not getting involved in the war as of now because Ukraine is not a part of NATO.

However, Zelenskyy and many members of Ukraine’s Parliament are asking for more help from the West in order to stop Russia from taking over their country.

Poland has been aiding Ukrainian refugees as they cross the border into Poland to escape the war.

Poland has even offered to send Ukraine extra MiG-29 fighter jets, but the Biden administration rejected that proposal.

Zelenskyy has also called for NATO to issue a no-fly zone over Ukraine that way NATO can shoot down any Russian air Force, but that plan was also refused by NATO as they do not want to get involved in helping Ukraine save their country from Putin.

Merciad IN A MINUTE

Aid to Ukraine

Mercyhurst is partnering with State Representative Bob Merski’s Office and our Sister City; Lublin, Poland to support Ukraine in their time of need.

There are two receptacles in Old Main where personal hygiene items, underwear, bed linens, towels, first aid kits, bandages, and nonperishable food items are being collected.

Sigma Tau Delta St. Patty’s Day Bingo

The English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta, is hosting a St. Patty’s Day Bingo.

This is not only for members of Sigma Tau Delta, it is open to anyone who would like to support the English Honor Society.

The event will be held in the Student Union on March 22 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

College Night at the Flying Squirrel

MSG is hosting an event on March 17 at the Flying Squirrel, the “World’s Largest Trampoline Park.”

The event will be held on March 17 from 5:30-8 p.m. Transportation and food will be provided.

Students who wish to go must RSVP on Laker Launchpad. There are only 100 spots, so be sure to RSVP soon.

Did you know?

The first Black newspaper in America was published on this day, March 16, in 1827.

The newspaper was called Freedom’s Journal. The founding editors were Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm.

Freedom’s Journal set the stage for more Black newspapers such as the Pittsburgh Courier.

New MSG President and VP prepare for 2022-2023 year

By Vydalia Weatherly Staff writer

A few weeks ago, Mercyhurst students went into their emails to cast their votes for the new Mercyhurst Student Government President and Vice President. The results are in.

Lily Smith will serve as President and Evan Medvec as Vice President for MSG for the 20222023 academic year.

Smith is double major in political science and public history. Medvec majors in intelligence studies with a minor in data science.

Both individuals are highly qualified to take on these new roles. This past academic year, Smith served as one of MSG’s Diversity and Cultural RSCO Senators working to help clubs such as Irish Club, American Sign Language Club and International Students Association.

Medvec served as a Ridge College senator, but during previous years he served as a 2023 Class senator as well as serving on the Sustainability and University Operations Committee.

When asked what compelled her to run for the position Smith said, “I wanted to run for President to be a relatable person for students to turn to for advice or just to chat about the student experience at Mercyhurst.”

“For my career path, I want to get my Master’s in Public Administration and work on education policy reform. I am passionate about public service, and I figured this would be a great place to start,” said Smith.

“I love Mercyhurst and I see the potential for so many things to improve here. I was also mainly motivated because I knew a Black female had not been elected student government president at Mercyhurst before. Having the chance to break this glass ceiling and inspire Black female students at Mercyhurst in years to come is what really fueled me to run. Representation matters. Black women need to see themselves in leadership roles to know it is possible. Mercyhurst is also a predominantly white institution so having a Black student in this role will allow for a closer perspective on ways Mercyhurst can improve race relations and retention of students of color. I can now proudly say I am the first Black female student government President, and this reality is so much bigger than just me. It’s about making real change and inspiring people at Mercyhurst to reach for opportunities they may have considered beyond their means. Gratitude is a very important part of my life, and I always say I feel lucky to even be able to attend an institution of higher education. It is a privilege to have this opportunity and we should try to make these four years the best they can be. When I heard I won, I was filled with happiness, but I also have a deep-rooted sense of purpose that carries me through day to day.”

Being the first black female in the university’s history to serve as an MSG president means a lot to Smith and she hopes she uses this opportunity to positively impact the school.

“Being the first Black female student government president at Mercyhurst will hopefully affect the school in a multitude of ways. As a Black student at Mercyhurst, I have been asked to participate (and have gladly done so) in several race discussions, diversity panels, and things as such. The number one problem Mercyhurst faces with diversity is RETENTION of students of color. We need to create more initiatives and safe spaces for students of color; accepting them and leaving them to navigate their own path is not enough. I hope to help with this. In addition, the intersectionality of being a Black woman. Too often, women of color are knocked down, belittled, and society takes their intelligence as a threat. This needs to change. We should celebrate, not be intimidated by, intelligent women of color,” said Smith.

“For me, this is also extremely personal because it reminds me of a memory of my late Dad, who was Black, wanting me and my siblings to have every opportunity possible. After Barack Obama won president, my dad went to the store and bought groceries for a celebratory breakfast. He saw one of his colleagues at the store and told them with the biggest smile on his face, ‘Obama won, man! I cannot wait to go home and tell my kids they can be President some day.’”

“This is not to say Obama’s presidency wasn’t flawed. It was, just like every other administration. However, the day he won was the first time little Black children could picture themselves in the most powerful position in America. Thinking of that comment from my Dad brings me great peace because it shows the significance of representation. People of color are too often underrepresented in leadership roles. Although I am president of a much smaller scale organization (MSG), that is what this is all about-representing people of color and showing future students of color that it is indeed possible to break these barriers. It is indeed possible to achieve great things as a Black woman,” said Smith.

Smith only has one year to accomplish her goals.

When asked what she wishes to accomplish most, Smith responded by saying, “While President, I hope to increase awareness to racism and ways Mercyhurst can help combat racism on campus. We can do this through more discussions based on books and movies about race. I have facilitated discussions in the past and found them extremely educational for people with less background on how to be an actively anti-racist ally. I also hope to create mental health forums for students each semester and promote the counseling center more. Mental health is something everyone struggles with at some point, so it should be talked about. We have resources on campus we can utilize, I want to promote them more and add to them to create a fortified experience. I also want to increase school spirit and student engagement in general coming back after Covid-19 years!”

Medvec ran unopposed for the Vice President position, but that has no impact on the validity of his win.

“My friendships with the Mercyhurst community and experience within MSG compelled me to run,” said Medvec.

During his time as Vice President, Medvec hopes to accomplish great things.

“I have three major points: more inclusive, sustainability, and logistical operations that improve the Mercyhurst community,” said Medvec.

Similar to every other election, some students on campus voted for the other candidate or voted no confidence.

Smith has a message for those who voted as such.

“ I study Politics, so I know the reality is that winning the election does not equal being liked by everyone. My job is not to be liked by everyone; I cannot really control that. My job is to do my best to be a voice for all students, so I hope you give me that chance.”

“To all the students who voted against me or voted no confidence, I hope I can still be a voice for you in some way. I hope you can see me as someone with good intentions looking to push the limits of what is possible to create the best experience and environment for all students. I have lost friends over my years here because they were not comfortable with me constantly speaking out against racial injustice, so I know this comes with the territory of being a student of color, specifically a woman of color. Again, this is about something bigger than just me. We need to start having these uncomfortable conversations to make actual progress. I am open to any suggestions on ways to improve anything on campus. I love Mercyhurst and will work hard to serve the student body,” said Smith.

Lily Smith was elected to be the Mercyhurst Student Government President and Evan Medvec to be the Vice President for the 20222023 academic year. As the first Black female to serve as the MSG President, Smith has big plans for more inclusivity on campus. Medvec is looking forward to serving the MU community as VP. He also has plans for inclusivity as well as sustainability and logistical operations.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

NEWS Mercyhurst kicks off mask recycling initiative

By Ashley Barletta News editor

Since the onset of the pandemic, landfills have been brimming with discarded paper masks. To try to combat the waste production, Mercyhurst has partnered with Lifecycle Revive, located in Brantford, Ontario, to recycle used face masks.

“Through some clever outreach from the Sustainability Club and some partnering with the Sustainability Office on campus, campus members will soon have the opportunity to pilot a recycling initiative from MEA Health out of Canada,” said Colin Hurley, executive director of Community Engagement.

The location of the box for mask recycling has not yet been determined, but is soon to be.

“The PPE collection box will be filled with disposable masks from campus and then shipped back to Canada for use in the company’s scale up of recycling operations and collections of accepted medical waste,” said Hurley.

Lifecycle Revive is a company that recycles medical waste as well as other personal protective equipment, or PPE waste. Their mission is to stop hospital waste from being incinerated or thrown into a landfill.

The company website says, “Lifecycle Revive will reclaim non-contaminated medical waste from Ontario’s hospitals and reprocess it into raw materials for all kinds of products.”

PPE waste includes syringes, surgical face masks, disposable blades and scalpels, face shields, surgical and isolation gowns, shoe covers, sanitizer containers, and waterproof aprons. The amount of each of these products that has been thrown away has increased greatly since the start of the pandemic.

A study regarding the amount of plastic waste since the Covid-19 outbreak began indicates that 4.4 to 15.1 million tons of mismanaged plastic waste (MMPW) has been generated from the start of the pandemic through November 2021, when the study was published. Roughly 87% of MMPW is from hospitals, while 7-8% of it comes from use by individuals.

According to the company website, the machinery used at Lifecycle Revive can divert over 1,000,000 pounds of material per month from the landfills.

Lifecycle Revive accepts surgical face masks, N95s, N99s, CN95s, CN99s, FN95s, FN99s and KN95 masks as well as face shields.

The masks, once collected, are sterilized and formed into pellets, which are then used to create “non-woven textile for masks and disposable isolation gowns, and injection-molded items used in healthcare,” according to their website. The best part is, the items made from the pellets can be recycled too.

Mercyhurst is partnering with Lifecycle Revive in an attempt to reduce its carbon footprint as a school.

“I appreciate MU students being reflectively aware when it comes to the care of our earth and when considering the possibility of recycling the masks that have been like a part of our daily wardrobe during the pandemic,” said Hurley. “The end of life of those blue medical masks or N95s worn during the pandemic has often ended with the landfill.”

Unfortunately, dirty masks cannot be accepted, so if you accidentally dropped your mask in the mud on a day when the snow was melted, it is best to throw that one in the garbage.

“Occasionally, we’ve all witnessed the unfortunate mask litter along the ground over the last two years,” said Hurley. “Trash is often the destination in the medical field for lots of medical waste that heads to the landfill in the U.S.”

In addition to the mask recycling initiative, Mercyhurst is also partnering with the Trex program to collect plastic bags, film and bubble wrap. This will take place over the next six months, and the goal is to reach 500 pounds of plastic.

“Starting April 1, there will be three bins placed throughout centrally located campus buildings so employees and students can participate,” said Hurley.

“How much is 500 pounds of plastic bags? Approximately 40,000 bags! Student leaders from the Sustainability Club and other volunteers will take the collected bags to local receiving businesses and record weights over the next months.”

The plastic collected is used to make benches, which are then placed around the school.

“If MU reaches its goal, it will get another durable bench in Fall 2022 made from recycled plastic similar to the benches located near the Sr. Maura Smith garden on the hill behind Warde Hall along the Mercy Walkway,” said Hurley.

The partnership with Trex can provide an opportunity to get rid of any unwanted plastic bags lying around.

“As a reminder to the campus community: Waste Management does not allow the clear plastic bags to go into the recycling dumpsters! This is why campus education and compliance is crucial so that we avoid fines and maintain a cleaner recycling stream,” said Hurley.

“It’s been a few years since the last Trex program challenge before the pandemic, so this is a welcomed program to educate and also reward the campus community.”

Even if you are a person who doesn’t use much plastic, there is likely still some of it in your room, apartment or house that you aren’t using.

“While we don’t live in a post-plastic world where we can completely reduce our need for bags, wraps, or films, hopefully the Trex challenge opportunity can help us to be mindful of our resources,” said Hurley.

Though Earth Day is still over a month away, this mask recycling program can be a reminder that caring for the planet does not have to stop and end on a set schedule. It is never too early or too late to do something that will positively impact the planet. STUDENT GOVERNMENT

This weekend’s campus events