I was in the middle of learning how to forge a spoon out of steel when COVID-19 struck. Last semester of university, repetitively pummeling an otherwise intractable object made malleable by fire—finally, I was developing my self-sufficiency. And I felt strong. Naturally, I made myself a forge driveway forge as a quarantine project. Continue reading The Victory Forge: Blacksmithing Self-Sufficiency in A Time of Crisis
Among my more interdisciplinary endeavors at Drake consists of an editorship of the Department of Physics and Astronomy semesterly newsletter. I’ve decided to post these on my blog, as they showcase not only some of my best physics writing, but also my best graphics and design work. Continue reading The State of Physics at Drake
Racism most often manifests subconsciously, and because the current climate insists on reinforcing stereotypes, no one is exempt from its manifestation. But identity and morals are not necessarily defined by one’s base impulse. For this reason, humanity is not beyond redemption. Continue reading An Open Letter to Those Asking “Where’s the Racism?”
Black women face a very specific and unique set of stereotypes that strain the degree of their engagement in many societal and public spheres. One such rarely-investigated sphere is the STEM fields, where black women are exceptionally underrepresented. In response to an academic Documentary Video Challenge, my colleagues and I at Drake University sought to … Continue reading Roots to STEM: The Underrepresentation of Black Women in the Sciences
Michel Norris wrote in The Grace of Silence that people have conversations around race rather than about race. A conversation I held with my grandfather, Charlie “Papa” Upton, exemplifies this statement. Papa didn’t shy away from the topics of race, gender and sexuality. He spoke bluntly and with minimal hesitation. In thinking more about what … Continue reading Walking on Eggshells: The Race Card Project
You don’t need to know physics to follow its laws. And that’s ok, since physics isn’t exactly applicable to the life of the average Iowan most of the time. Continue reading The Quantum Kilogram: A Podcast
Student-athlete Olivia Rogers runs 60 to 65 miles every week, but still finds energy to contribute to Drake’s organic chemistry research. We’ll see her on the blue oval for Drake Relays this April. I’ve been tailoring my skills in the digital medium this semester and found a way to post the videos on my blog. … Continue reading Chemistry to Cross Country: Roger That
The code of ethics for physicists and philosophers Ethics are components of a system by which one may distinguish between two or more equally desirable and undesirable options. At least, that’s how ethics are differentiated from morals, the latter being the system by which one distinguishes between good and bad. Unlike morals, ethics do not … Continue reading A dangerous series of if-then statements
The Iowa College Media Association voted the following article third best news story of the 2017-18 school year. It was originally published in the Drake Relays edition of the Times-Delphic last April. ‘High-curious’ marijuana users no longer risk jobs, scholarships through senate bill One small possession for Iowans, one big leap towards legalization by Lórien … Continue reading Student journalist and blogger wins third in Iowa for marijuana story
A comprehensive and highly accurate guide to writing, not just your name, but any word, in Quenya Tengwar. Continue reading Write your name in Quenya Elvish (accurately)
Hereby the Maverick 