This past weekend, October 18 and 19, Stevens held its annual Family Day. While it featured opportunities for families to enjoy and have fun, it also provided a series of lectures to educate them about what’s happening at Stevens. From quantum physics to quiet quitting to the history of the Stevens’ family, here’s a recap of the faculty lecture series for Family Day.
Starting off, Dr. Igor Pikovski from the physics department shared a brief overview of quantum theory and what made it unique. He noted that quantum technology is just getting started, providing many opportunities for students. To explain what makes the quantum world special, Pikovski separated it into three topics: uncertainty, superposition, and entanglement. He explained uncertainty through a thought experiment about the properties of balls, where some seemed to magically reappear. In the quantum world, some complementary properties cannot be known simultaneously. Knowledge of one erases info about the other. As for superposition, he discussed the many states where information can be encoded. However, the probabilities of that were a problem. Superpositions can help to encode more information and help with problems like factoring large numbers. Meanwhile, entanglement is correlating randomness. It can aid quantum computers in communicating with each other and create an inherently secure encryption process.
Pikovski mentioned the various challenges, such as the frailty of quantum information and the potential of quantum computing not being fully known. His own research group is uncovering the quantum effects on a microscopic scale. Finally, Pikovski mentioned how many universities are building quantum computers. He stated the various applications for quantum physics, including simulators, sensors, cryptography, and computing.
The next lecture was held by Dr. Justine Hervé and Dr. Hyewon Oh from the School of Business regarding quiet quitting, especially among Gen Z. Compared to the previous lecture, this one was more interactive, with audience participation and the use of Poll Everywhere. Recently, the two published a research paper regarding quiet quitting in uncertain times. Post-pandemic, the pair observed that quiet quitting made a major comeback and questioned why it happened. They began to create a definition and hypothesized that it stemmed from a drop in perceived control over one’s outcomes. However, they remarked that it was only one potential reasoning and that further research could be done.
The professors also urged parents to notice signs of quiet quitting within their children and to question if they felt like their child stopped going the extra mile, and if so, why. They stated that students may quit if they felt replaceable or insignificant. To amend this, students should have their sense of control strengthened and their psychological safety feelings acknowledged. The professors emphasized that their role is to create an environment where students don’t quit because of negative feelings. They aimed to foster perceived control so students can thrive.
Finally, Dr. Lindsey Swindall from the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) discussed the connections between the Stevens’ family and the Constitution. Swindall began the lecture with historical context regarding the American Revolution. Because of the debt from the Seven Year War, the British taxed the North American colonies. The colonists disliked that decision and thought that their authority was stepping too far. They began to organize and revolt against the taxes. John Stevens II was involved in the colonial government in New Jersey. The taxation and foreign troops pushed him over to side with the colonists, resigning his seat on the colonial government.
After the revolution, his son, Colonel John Stevens, purchased land that had been confiscated from Loyalist William Bayard at an auction. Swindall commented that if John Stevens II hadn’t sided with the colonists, they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to buy the land. The 564 acres of prime land is where Stevens Institute of Technology stands today. The first house burned down and was replaced by Castle Stevens, which was considered the heart of the school. However, it was later torn down in 1959 and replaced by the Howe Center. Swindall recommended that parents take the time to visit historical sites in Lower Manhattan, such as Federal Hall, where George Washington took the first oath of office. Swindall also provided fun historical resources such as the Amendment Project, a database of amendments that didn’t make it into the Constitution.
