Geneseo’s Brooklyn-based program offers urban research opportunities

Geneseo students can take classes through a program in Red Hook, Brooklyn over the summer. After completing an online preparation course, students have an immersive, two-day research experience. Represented departments include geography, art history, political science, history and English. (Courtesy of Creative Commons)

Although Geneseo is a wonderful place, if you are a geography major with an interest in urban or city planning, the college does not offer many research opportunities in these subjects. 

As such, Geneseo recently began offering a program in Red Hook, Brooklyn, where students are given the opportunity to conduct research in an urban setting after doing an online course designed to prepare them for work in the field. 

In addition to the geography course, numerous other classes are offered for people who want to do research in an urban setting, including art history, political science, English and history. 

Thanks to Greg O’Connell ‘64, Geneseo has a warehouse in the center of Red Hook that serves as a classroom and a base for research. Students in the program spend two days in the summer at this facility after completing the online course.  

 “The goal of the program is to provide an alternate way of learning, a play space style of research,” program head Madeline Smith ‘14 said. 

Though the program is only in its second year, feedback from both faculty and students indicate that it has been a success thus far. 

Jennifer Rogalsky from the geography department has been extremely involved with the program. She taught a course in Red Hook in 2016, is involved with the planning committee and is currently on sabbatical for research on the gentrification in Red Hook. Her class, Geography 377—which focuses on urban planning—is a requirement for urban geography minors and counts as an elective for the geography major and minor. 

The course benefits both students and professors, according to Rogalsky. 

“Lots of the teaching happens easier,” Rogalsky said. “Teaching happens naturally when you’re out showing them the topic. It translates well to the students.” 

Rogalsky also noticed that students’ writing improved dramatically due to their research. 

“I think that it is because they are writing from actual experience, not just abstract ideas learned out of a textbook,” Rogalsky said.

Geography major senior True Capalbo—who took Rogalsky’s class in Summer 2016—echoed this sentiment. When asked about his favorite part of the program, the most enjoyable part was interacting with the locals, accomplishing data mining and understanding what they feel about the city, Capalbo said.  

Capalbo also explained that the two days in the city completely changed his—and many of his classmates’—perspective. 

“If it’s a hands-on experience you’re looking for, that’s what this program is,” Capalbo said. 

In addition to the benefits of an immersive research experience, the program also offers a chance for students who can’t study abroad to do research and to engage in a learning experience outside of the Geneseo campus. 

The Red Hook program is offered again this summer. The program includes Rogalsky’s geography course as well as Art History 173, English 202, History 249 and Political Science 120. 

Geneseo’s summer program in Red Hook provides a beneficial research experience for students of all majors. In pairing a hands-on learning method with a completely immersive environment, students will be sure to get the most out of their courses.

Artist Honl introduces cyanotypes to student creators

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Artist Ellie Honl visited the Kinetic Gallery on Wednesday April 5 to teach a free class on cyanotypes. The students created their own pieces and learned about the history of the medium. (Elizabeth Jacobs/Staff Photographer)

Most people know what a blueprint is, but not many know that this style of printing is not just for architectural plans—it’s actually its own form of artwork, known as a cyanotype. 

In an event planned by special education and English double major sophomore Emma Belson—who is the Geneseo Campus Activities Board’s Arts & Exhibits Coordinator—San Jose based artist Ellie Honl taught the process of making cyanotypes. Honl shared some of the history of early photograms to a group of eager students on Wednesday April 5 in the Kinetic Gallery. 

Cyanotypes are made similarly to film photographs. There is an exposure period in which the image is created, as well as a development period. When it comes to cyanotypes, however, only the outline of images are left behind, which are usually in white or light blue on a bright blue background. 

Honl led students through the process of making their own cyanotypes. To begin, the students took an assortment of objects, such as seashells, beads, buttons and cereal before heading outside. There, they placed the objects on paper, which had been pretreated for the creation of cyanotypes. This allowed the paper to be exposed to the sun. After 10 minutes, the students brought their creations inside to be developed in a water bath. 

“Cyanotypes are more accessible because the materials are cheaper,” Honl said. “There’s no expensive developing fluid, just water.” 

Because of the wind, a second round of cyanotypes were developed inside with UV lights, allowing students to use lighter materials—such as flowers, bubble wrap and feather—to create impressions. During the exposure time, Honl gave a presentation on the history of cyanotypes, mentioning significant artists who have done work in the genre. As a former associate lecturer of printmaking at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, silk screening and cyanotypes are Honl’s area of expertise.

“I assume that many of you think that photography is a form of art,” Honl said. “Actually, it developed as a form of science. Photography changed everything. It changed art, it changed science, it changed culture.” 

Cyanotypes were one of the earliest forms of photography, as they were first used to create scientific reproductions of algae by Anna Atkins. It only became accepted as an art form when photography replaced it as a better way to create scientific diagrams and reproductions. Christian Marclay, who creats cyanotypes of cassette tapes, and Hannah Lamb, who hand stitchs silk, metal thread and cloth into her prints, are other noted cyanotype artists.

Upon wrapping up the presentation, Honl showed attendees how to treat their own paper so that they could create their own cyanotypes at home.    

In addition to teaching the class, Honl has an installation in the Kinetic Gallery. 

“Basically, it’s about the way people cope with stressful situation,” she said. “If you enter the gallery, the most maladaptive coping methods are on the left, and as you move toward the right, healthier coping mechanisms are depicted.” 

Honl’s exhibition will be on display through April 14.

Planned Parenthood speaker informs on different birth control methods

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Planned Parenthood outreach specialist Rachel Snyder talked about the pros, cons and myths surrounding each type of birth control. In the context of the current political climate, Snyder also reassured attendees that contraceptives will be protected under Title X in New York State. (Annalee Bainnson/Assoc. Photo Editor)

To kick off Women’s Health Week, Geneseo Healthguards invited Planned Parenthood outreach specialist Rachel Snyder to give a talk titled, “Birth Control Options: What’s Right for You?” 

Planned Parenthood of Western New York guarantees private, non-judgmental reproductive health care to men, women and children; this includes their commitment to working with groups to increase knowledge about sexual health. They serve over 40,000 people per year in the western New York area. 

During the presentation, Snyder dispelled myths and gave overviews about methods of birth control, which encompassed long action and reversible methods, short-term options and emergency methods. 

Long action reversible contraception methods—frequently abbreviated as LARCs—includes intra-uterine devices, implants and shots. They are defined by the fact that the user does not need to remember to do anything—like take a pill—for an extended period after implementation and that they are reversible, unlike a vasectomy or hysterectomy. 

The most common method of these is the IUD. Snyder addressed the common misconception that IUDs are only for people who have already had children. More young people use IUDs as their form of birth control, however, due to the fact that they can last up to 12 years, depending on the brand and type. 

For college students, Snyder recommended the arm implant, known as Nexplanon. 

“The advantages to this is that there is no invasive gynecological exam, it’s not as permanent and there is less pain than an IUD since the cervix doesn’t need to be expanded,” Snyder said. 

The final method of long action reversible contraception methods is the shot Depo-Provera. This needs to be administered every three months. 

Snyder also talked about short-term methods of birth control, which included male and female condoms, birth control pills and the NuvaRing. 

Additionally, this section of the presentation featured videos on how to put on and use male and female condoms properly. Snyder warned against using both at the same time, however, as she said that this creates friction, which can cause an uncomfortable experience.

Snyder went on to mention the importance of using a water or silicone based method of lubrication with condoms, in order to dispel the friction that condoms may cause. 

Birth control pills, condoms and the ring are considered short-term methods of contraception because they both require regular action by the user. A common misconception about the ring and birth control pills is that they cause the user to gain weight, but this is untrue, according to Snyder.

To end her presentation, Snyder spoke about emergency contraceptives: the copper IUD and the morning after pill. Both options work up until five days after unprotected sex, with the copper IUD being the most effective. 

One type of morning after pill—called Ella—comes in second after the copper IUD in terms of its productiveness, as Ella is just as effective all five days. Plan B, while effective up until five days, only works best if taken within three days. 

In a question and answer session, attendees brought up the policies of the current administration in relation to reproductive rights. 

Many people came to Planned Parenthood right after Inauguration Day to get long-term contraceptives such as IUDs and implants because they were afraid that access to birth control would be limited, according to Snyder. Title X, which is well defended in New York State, protects a person’s right to contraceptives. 

“You still have nothing to worry about in regards to contraception,” Snyder said.

Scrumptious sugar cookies

It’s the week of Valentine’s Day, which means that it’s socially acceptable to indulge yourself on candy and baked goods. We all have our favorite store-bought brands—but let’s be honest, homemade is always better. This Valentine’s Day, get together with your significant other or with friends to make delicious, homemade sugar cookies to celebrate the holiday of love.

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 cup butter 

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: 

1.    Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 

2.    In a bowl, mix flour and baking soda. 

3.    Soften butter in the microwave and cream it with sugar until smooth. 

4.    Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. 

5.    Blend in the flour and baking soda mixture until thoroughly combined. 

6.    Roll dough into teaspoon-sized balls and place on a baking sheet. 

7.    Cook for 8-10 minutes or until light golden brown. 

8.    Let cool before eating or frosting. Makes 24 cookies.

Frosting

Ingredients:

3 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup butter

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1-2 tablespoons milk

Optional: food coloring

Directions:

1.    Soften butter in microwave, then mix with powdered sugar. 

2.    Stir in the vanilla and one tablespoon of milk. Test the consistency of the frosting and keep adding milk—a half of a tablespoon at a time—until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. 

3.    If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to make the frosting pink. 

4.    Spread on the cool sugar cookies, decorate to taste and enjoy!

Staff writer Whitley Brincka contributed to this article.

Professor encourages support of minorities

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At predominantly white colleges, black students are more likely to drop out or underperform. Professor of counseling and human development from the University of Rochester Doug Guiffrida talked about ways to support these students. (Ash Dean/Photo Editor)

As part of an ongoing series of talks, Geneseo hosted associate professor of counseling and human development Doug Guiffrida from the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester to give a presentation titled “Supporting African American Students at Predominantly White Colleges” on Friday Feb. 3. 

Guiffrida based his presentation on a qualitative study he conducted while working on his post-graduate thesis at Syracuse University. Based on data collected during the past 50 years, black students are more likely to drop out or underperform when attending predominantly white colleges. Guiffrida wanted to give these students a chance to tell their stories and to offer ways to fix this problem.

Based on a study of 99 black students, 15 were dropouts, 65 were low achievers and 19 were high achievers. Through the study, Guiffrida discovered that three non-academic factors play into a black student’s ability to succeed: ethnic and cultural organizations, family and friends from home and the influence of faculty and academic advisors.

The importance of having ethnic and cultural groups on campus cannot be emphasized enough, as the study found that having a support group of like-minded peers is essential to making black students feel welcome, especially at predominantly white colleges. 

There are two sides to this, however; high-performing students said that they were involved but prioritized academics, while low-performing students said that they were intensely involved, to the point where their leadership roles in these organizations overshadowed their academic study. Thus, Guiffrida emphasized the importance of faculty to advise students not to overextend themselves in clubs.

The expectations from family and friends at home also play a significant effect on the lives of black students at college. Many of the students Guiffrida spoke to were from low-income areas and from families who often could not afford to send them to college. The way the family acted about the student going to college, however, would affect their performance in school. 

Less supportive families led the student to feel as though they were selfish for going to college. Oftentimes, they went home to help or worked multiple jobs so that they could send money home—leading to a decline in academic performance.

Families and communities that viewed college as a way for the student to better themselves and the community often had a positive effect on the student, providing them an incentive to not just succeed, but to surpass expectations.

The final factor that affects black students is support from faculty and academic advisors. Since white advisors often find it difficult to relate to the cultural experiences and backgrounds of black students, students who did not have black faculty to talk to often underperformed. 

Black faculty members are better able to relate to black students and better equipped to deal with their families—especially the ones who feel as if their student shouldn’t go to college. 

After the presentation, Guiffrida and multiple Geneseo faculty members engaged in a discussion on how to combat the issue of underperformance by black students when they have a right to succeed just as much as any other college student.  

“To me, finding ways for people to become more integrated together, to be exposed, to form real relationships with people from different groups is the key,” Guiffrida said. 

Here at Geneseo, we should take his advice to heart and strive to educate ourselves on the struggles of others, as well as actively support all of our peers.

Females flock to athletes for social prestige

The objectification of women is a commonly known and widespread phenomenon in our culture and is frequently discussed in forums regarding current social issues. Oftentimes, however, we forget about the double standard of objectification. Males—particularly male athletes—are frequently subject to objectification by female fans.

This issue is relevant and pervasive here at Geneseo, especially in regard to varsity male athletes. At Geneseo, some women tend to act like groupies. Generally, there is not an outrage about this kind of behavior; or, at least not in the same way as there is about men doing the same to women, thus creating a double standard.

The idea of male sexualization cannot be discussed without talking about “Rainbow Lists,” which are lists created by sororities for their members where the goal is to sleep with one guy from each fraternity or organization on the list. 

Some of the most highly prized organizations on campus, however, remain the varsity sports teams. Hooking up with a varsity male athlete can carry a certain social weight. 

There are numerous reasons for this, one of these being that certain teams—such as the Ice Knights—are the face of the university, akin to football players acting as the face of other big schools. The social aspect of watching a hockey game with friends can contribute to the desire to hook up with someone playing in the rink.

“It’s the biggest sport we have,” communication major senior Caitlin Hamberger said. “It’s the one everyone goes to watch.” 

While male objectification is clearly prevalent on college campuses, less backlash exists against it. Part of this is due to the fact that the sexualization of male athletes has no effect on the perceptions of their playing ability, as found in a study done by social scientists at the College of William and Mary. This means that sexualizing a female athlete can cause people to degrade her playing abilities, while sexualizing a male athlete does not have the same effect.

The masculinity of varsity sports also may contribute to teams being sexually desirable and sought after. Varsity male swimmers and divers on Geneseo’s talented Blue Wave are notorious for chiseled physiques, varsity male soccer players maintain lean and muscular builds, and basketball players, well, “all girls love tall guys,” according to junior economics major Julia Chong. 

Many times, females will seek out star players that score the most points. Girls will start noticing a player the better he gets, according to an article on alligator.org. The possibility of sleeping with someone who could become a successful professional athlete—and the social prestige that comes with it—is an added attraction. 

As for hockey: “It’s an age thing,” junior English major Darby Daly said. “It’s how good they are at their sport, because you usually have to go away for hockey before you come play for Geneseo.” 

Maturity certainly plays into it, since most freshman hockey players come in at least a year or two older than the rest of the class.

It is important to consider the double standard behind sexualizing varsity male athletes when analyzing gender relations on the Geneseo campus. The culture behind male sexualization often relates to talent and success—but hooking up with an individual, athlete included, should be based on more than just varsity status. Instead, focus on intellect and charisma.

Genesee Valley, home of early female medical pioneers

Western New York has a rich history filled with social movements from issues like abolition to temperance to the women’s suffrage movement. 

Few, however, know that many of the first women in medicine came from the Genesee Valley region. Even fewer know about their ties to famous civil rights leaders, including Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Historical researcher Jane Oakes ’79 shared stories of the first women physicians at the Livingston County Historical Society and Museum on Sunday Jan. 22.

The rich history of women breaking into the medical industry begins with Elizabeth Blackwell. After attending Geneva Medical College she became the first female physician in America. She was the first in a long process of normalizing female scientists and doctors, as evidenced by the fact that the school she went to closed its doors to women after she graduated. 

“It is so interesting to me today to find that there were still people—men—back in the 1840s and 50s who saw no problem with women going out and getting a degree in medicine,” Oakes said. 

One of these men, Dr. Orin Davis, founded the Central Medical School in Rochester. He was one of the first to admit women alongside men to study medicine. Because of his influence, women such as Drs. Fidelia Flagg Warren, Sarah Adamson and Ruth Edson Goddard Davis—the first women to get medical degrees after Blackwell—were able to attend medical school. 

After graduation, many of these women failed to find jobs due to prejudice against them at hospitals, forcing them into founding their own medical practices. This includes practices in towns not far from Geneseo, such as Cuba, Geneva, Dansville, York and Nunda. 

Additionally, outside of practicing medicine these first women physicians led rich and colored lives, often working with famous historical figures to bring about civil change. 

Oakes spoke of Dr. Harriet N. Austin, who was a friend of both Stanton and Anthony. Austin was the pioneer of the famous “American Costume,”—a shorter skirt worn over pants, which was a rebellious choice of outfit at the time—as popularized by Amelia Bloomer. Furthermore, Austin’s practice in Dansville is where famed Civil War nurse Clara Barton came to recover after the war. 

Douglass also worked with many of the early female physicians of Western New York who were often abolitionists. These include Douglass’ friend Dr. Theodosia Gilbert Chaplin and Dr. Lucretia Jackson, who ran the Underground Railroad station in Peterboro, N.Y. 

This vein of research is entirely new and there is still much to be learned about these amazing women. As a result, there is misinformation and omissions. 

“What I try to bring to this research is not just facts and figures, but the human story,” Oakes said. 

It is important to learn about pioneers of women in medicine, as “these women forged ahead despite difficulties, despite prejudices, despite—in many cases—physical violence toward women medical students,” Oakes said. 

In the face of the hardships that these early women doctors faced, they persevered. “They did not let it stop them from doing what they thought was the right thing—from what they thought was their right as female citizens of the United States,” Oakes said.