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Stevens Institute of Technology

June 15, 2020 — October 1, 2020

Like many universities across the country, Stevens is responding to the global coronavirus pandemic by instituting sweeping changes across campus to ensure the health and well-being of our staff, faculty and students. Despite the unprecedented upheaval, we expect that Stevens experts will continue to contribute their insights and opinions as they relate to the historical significance and financial repercussions of this pandemic.

Between June 15, 2020, and October 1, 2020 Stevens was covered by national, regional and local media, receiving 1,294 mentions. This includes features in digital, broadcast and print media, highlighting faculty research and expertise as well as institutional progress.

Below are select media highlights resulting from the distribution of multiple news releases, dozens of media inquiries seeking expert commentary on a variety of issues and current events, as well as targeted outreach to promote stories and initiatives from Stevens.*

Media Spotlight

More colleges shift to online learning for fall semester

Fox News interviewed Nariman Farvardin on Stevens' reopening plans for the fall 2020 semester. Farvardin explains the university's decision to reopen campus with reduced density and a mix of online and hybrid learning experiences. Cavuto highlighted Stevens' selectivity of top students.

Stevens Experts in the News

Could a new swine flu strain mean a second pandemic?

Rolling Stone spoke with Theresa MacPhail about a new strain of H1N1 and the potential that it could create another pandemic. MacPhail mentioned that the influenza surveillance system in the U.S. has been tracking and preparing for it.


Bringing the ocean's midnight zone into the light

The New York Times interviewed Samantha Muka on the significance of the Monterey Bay Aquarium creating the world's first large-scale exhibition of life in the deep sea. Muka is currently writing a book detailing the history of aquarium technology.


New video shows largest hydrogen bomb ever exploded

The New York Times tapped Alex Wellerstein to comment on Russian nuclear energy agency, Rosatom, releasing a formerly secret documentary video about the world's largest hydrogen bomb detonation. Business Insider also covered the story.


Gen Z is the next 'Greatest Generation'

The Star-Ledger spoke with Jesse Kay about the Gen Z generation, describing his entrepreneurial mindset. Kay launched a virtual lemonade stand, Makin' Lemonade Fund, to raise donations for the CDC Foundation, Feeding America and the Direct Relief Fund. He raised $100,000 in eight weeks.


Fake reviews should stay online, researchers say. I'm not so sure.

The Los Angeles Times spoke to Ted Lappas about fake reviews and whether they should stay online. Lappas also commented on the high number of reviews available. The article was picked up by the Seattle Times.


The real Warren Buffet anomaly and how to turn a profit from it

Forbes ran George Calhoun's column explaining how Warren Buffet invests and then breaks down how other investors can emulate him. Between April 2020 through September 2020, Calhoun has written 24 columns for Forbes. They can all be found here.


In Pennsylvania coal country, miners forgive Trump for failed revival

Reuters spoke with Kristyn Karl about the power of coal miners to influence election results, given their widespread political networks and influence. The article was covered by Yahoo! Finance, U.S. News & World Report and dozens of local stations.


Port Authority using new information to prep for storms

AccuWeather highlighted the Davidson Laboratory's partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The partnership has produced forecasting models that can help detect early signs of flooding.


What can you do with a physics degree?

U.S. News featured commentary from Rainer Martini about the value of and career possibilities for a physics degree, as well as how an undergraduate degree in physics can be used for entrepreneurship or graduate school.


Diversified versus concentrated strategy - which is best for you?

U.S. News interviewed George Calhoun on the differences between diversified and concentrated portfolios, and how investors can determine which works for them.

'Rising Risk' docuseries examines alarming predictions about New York City flooding

ABC7 New York tapped Philip Orton for its "Rising Risk" docuseries describing the threat of a rising sea on lower Manhattan. He is featured extensively in Episode 2: Flooding Future, in minute 3:39 and 6:57.


Want to know how a nuclear war might go? There's now a frighteningly detailed 'game' for that

Forbes references Alex Wellerstein's NUKEMAP tool in this article on a newly released Nuclear War Simulator.


'Hard to say what flips the switch': publishers are building voter hubs to spread information, grow engagement

DIGIDAY talked to Lindsey Cormack about how publishers are sharing information on how to register to vote and how that can impact people actually doing so. She compared it to advertising saying that the more people who see it, the more likely they are to actually do it.


PPP loan forgiveness: what you need to know

Inc. tapped James Biagi to author a piece on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Biagi breaks down the program and explains steps that recipients should follow to ensure they comply with the law. He has written six columns for Inc., which can be found here.


China overshadows nuclear treaty talks between U.S., Russia

NBC News interviewed Alex Wellerstein about the possibility of not extending the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New START. He spoke of the uncertainty that would result if it is not extended.


Will a nuclear weapon ever be fired again?

Newsweek interviewed Alex Wellerstein about why nuclear weapons have not been used since the events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and what led to them being used at that time. The article also appeared on MSN.


5 valuable business intelligence use cases for organizations

TechTarget interviewed Christopher Asakiewicz on how business intelligence tools can be used to support decision making.


An election night that could last weeks: how news publishers are updating their digital strategies for the results long haul

DIGIDAY tapped Lindsey Cormack about how much longer it will take to count votes with more Americans seeking alternatives to voting in person. Cormack said it is likely we will not know who wins the election until December.


Think Halifax not Hiroshima for Beirut explosion

Forbes spoke with Alex Wellerstein about the largest human-caused explosion prior to atomic weapons, and the assumption that all explosions resulting in mushroom clouds are the result of atomic bombs.


The time we almost nuked the moon

Digital Trends spoke with Alex Wellerstein about the idea during the Cold War to set off a nuclear weapon on the moon in order to showcase America's space capabilities and weapons capabilities.


7 steps to prepare IT for a second-wave Covid-19 outbreak

CIO Magazine talked to Paul Rohmeyer about how organizations can better prepare their IT departments in case there is a second-wave Covid-19 flare-up this winter.


Stock warrants 101: an explainer

U.S. News interviewed George Calhoun for its overview on what stock warrants are and how are they different from stock options.


Should you invest in debt securities?

U.S. News interviewed James Biagi on the role debt securities can play in an investment portfolio and how they can be included in an investment strategy. The article was also picked up by Yahoo! News and MSN.


Solvency vs. liquidity ratios

U.S. News spoke with James Biagi about the difference between solvency and liquidity ratios, and how to utilize them when analyzing a company to invest in. The article was also picked up by Yahoo! News.


Why and how to talk politics with our children

The Art + Science of Mom spoke with Lindsey Cormack on why parents should speak to children about politics. She explained children should understand the importance of exploring beliefs and participating in democracy.

Research, Innovation and Technology

Scientists solve mystery of bombardier beetles' hot, toxic spray

The Washington Post covered Athula Attygalle's research on the chemistry behind the bombardier beetle's ability to spray its would-be attackers with toxic, hot chemicals. The news was also covered in the Washington Post's kid's blog, ScienceDaily and Arkansas Democrat Gazette.


The partner premium penalty

Psychology Today covered Murad Mithani's research investigating the link between leadership ability and partner beauty. The study found that perceived competence of leaders is affected by the attractiveness of their spouses, and that while an attractive partner enhances the apparent leadership ability of a man, female leaders suffer a penalty when their partner is attractive.


New A.I. tool promises faster, more accurate Alzheimer's diagnosis

Medium covered K.P. Subbalakshmi's research on how language used by Alzheimer's sufferers could become a useful tool in diagnosing the disease in its early stages. The news was picked up 88 times across more than 10 countries, including premier outlets in France, Columbia and Spain.


Atomically thin magnets for next generation spin and quantum electronics

Technology.org picked up Stevens news release announcing EH Yang's work on the development of a new atomically thin magnetic semiconductor that can not only harness an electron's charge but also the power of its spin. The work provides an alternative path to creating ever smaller and faster electronics.

Alumni News

NASA develops COVID-19 prototype ventilator in 37 days

NASA featured Michelle Easter '15 in a video on developing a prototype for a new high-pressure ventilator specifically designed for COVID-19 patients. Stevens spoke with Easter for an in-depth look at the accelerated timeline for building this ventilator and how Stevens prepared her for the role.


K12 CEO Nate Davis honored with ASU+GSV 2020 Innovator of Color Award

Fox40 News ran a release recognizing Nate Davis '76 for his commitment to leveraging technology as a changemaker to keep children learning, regardless of their background, abilities, or classroom setting.


4 questions with Sheryl Duffus Williams

Medium interviewed Verizon Communication network engineer Sheryl Duffus Williams M.S. '18 about her career, how she became interested in STEM, and how she is a champion for continuous self-improvement and the power of education.


We are all called to protect the earth | Faith Matters

The Jersey Journal wrote about the significance of Giuliano Giudici's '79 work on flood control in Hoboken in a piece about the effect of climate change on sea level rise. Giudici oversaw massive infrastructure change in their sewer pipes that increased the capacity to hold water by 15 times the old pipes.

Institutional and Campus News

ROI influencers: higher education

ROI-NJ included Nariman Farvardin on its college presidents: the head of the class list, and Gregory Prastacos and George Calhoun on the deans and directors list.


Colleges with the best return on investment

U.S. News listed Stevens among 20 four-year schools with the highest 40-year return on investment, including MIT, Columbia, Harvard and Yale. Stevens ranked seventh among the prestigious list.


Schools, businesses, cities push back on rule blocking some international students

NPR mentioned Stevens in an article about the hundreds of U.S. colleges and universities pushing back on a ban on international students from attending U.S. colleges in the fall if they only take online classes.


12 affordable online MBA programs that will help you land a 6-figure job after graduation

Business Insider listed Stevens among 20 four-year schools with the highest 40-year return on investment, including MIT, Columbia, Harvard and Yale. Stevens ranked seventh among the prestigious list.


Seton Hall, Stevens announce 5-year dual degree aimed at producing more engineers, STEM grads

ROI-NJ highlighted a new 3+2 dual-degree program offering students an accelerated three-year bachelor's in physics from Seton Hall and a two-year master's in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or artificial intelligence from Stevens. The news was covered widely in NJ outlets.


R&D Council of NJ announces 2020 Thomas Edison Patent Award winners

New Jersey Business announced Stevens as the recipient of a 2020 Patent Award for Hady Salloum's work on acoustic tracking and detection of low-flying aircrafts.



The Division of Communications and Marketing will provide media highlights to the Stevens community throughout the year.
For comments, contact thania.benios@stevens.edu

*Please note this report does not include media coverage from athletics or news of Stevens alumni in all new management positions.

Stevens Institute of Technology
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