Tufts Now staff look back over the year and talk about what led them to their favorite pieces, everything from saving a life to solving Rubik’s cubes
First-year roommates Abigail Miller, A22, (left) and Sara Renkert, A22, carry a rug to their dorm room on the third floor of Houston Hall during Move-In Day in August 2018. Photo: Anna Miller
At the end of the year, we ask the Tufts Now team to pick the favorite pieces they wrote or produced—and what those pieces meant to them. Enjoy the wonderful mix of features, and check them out.
Cheers to Tufts’ Pop-Up Pub
A group of Tufts students play cards at the “Pop-Up Pub: Tufts Campus Pub & Social Spot” event open to the Tufts community. Photo: Anna Miller
In September, President Sunil Kumar came to our University Communications and Marketing quarterly meeting to talk about some of his priorities for the university. He mentioned that he’s looking for ways to create opportunities for Tufts students to relax and make time for fun—which are sometimes pushed to the back burner for busy students. I wished someone had suggested this when I was a student, because once I started making time for fun and connection and balancing my life, everything got so much better.
I got the call to cover the Tufts Pop-Up Pub events and was excited for the opportunity. The pop-up operated out of Hotung Café on the Medford/Somerville campus and took place on a handful of Thursday nights during the fall semester, provided a space for the entire Tufts community—students, faculty, and staff alike—to gather and socialize in a relaxed setting.
I checked out the pub on its opening night, and talked to students about how they think campus life may improve thanks to the offerings of an on-campus pub. Writing this story was a helpful reminder that when life gets busy and stressful, it’s good to make time to relax and connect with others. —Sara Norberg, digital content production specialist
Could a Plant Help Guide Design of Next-Generation Solar Panels?
A Macodes petola jewel orchid. “I put them under the microscope, and saw that their leaf surfaces were not flat, like ordinary leaves, and that they had a micro pattern,” Giulia Guidetti says. “It was all curiosity-driven.” Photo: Jenna Schad
Back in May, I went to a reading at Porter Square Books with the author of The Light Eaters, a science book about plant intelligence and life on Earth. The title refers to this: plants eat sunlight and produce glucose, the basis for most life on the planet.
So when I came across a paper by two School of Engineering faculty titled “Discovery of Living Optical Networks in Orchid Leaves as Inspiration for Light Harvesting and Redistribution in Soft, Curvilinear Material Formats”—I had to know more. That’s one of the joys of my job: I get to call up smart people and talk with them about their work.
Giulia Guidetti, a research assistant professor working in the Tufts Silklab, had stumbled across an orchid with an unusual property: it thrives in very low-light conditions. Curious, she investigated its properties, and thought: aha, there might be a way to mimic this light collection and put it to use for all of us, in the form of more efficient solar panels. —Taylor McNeil, senior news and audience engagement editor
A Dean’s Surprise Reunion with the Person Who Inspired Her Path
Jerry Hemenway, Jr., M69, and Tufts University School of Medicine Dean Helen Boucher at a recent reunion for the school's Class of 1969. Photo: Matt Healy for Tufts University
When we as writers and editors talk about the deans at Tufts, we often highlight their career achievements, leadership credentials, or impactful research. Rarely do we get the opportunity to peek into their lives as young children, before they became successful professionals. Which is why the story of School of Medicine Dean Helen Boucher’s chance encounter with her childhood pediatrician is so special.
Jerry Hemenway, Jr., M69, had no idea that the little girl from the big, rambunctious family who peppered him with questions when he was a pediatrician in Connecticut went on to become the dean of his medical school. He also had no idea that he was such a big inspiration for her chosen path.
At the School of Medicine’s Class of 1969 reunion this summer, the two had a reunion of their own after Boucher recognized his name on a guest list. After all these years, she finally got the chance to thank Hemenway for the excellent care he provided for her and her siblings and share the impact it had on her.
I recorded a chat between Hemenway and Boucher as they recounted their reunion, and an audio excerpt is posted with the story. Hearing Boucher describe what it was like visiting her pediatrician—there were no clocks, and he had all the time in the world—and her joy in seeing him again will, I think, warm even the most jaded hearts. —Angela Nelson, deputy editorial director
The Dorms (and Rules) Have Changed, But Roommates Remain Key to Student Life
Two Jackson students sit in a dorm room in 1920, when college pennants were a common decoration. Photo: Melville S. Munro, courtesy of Tufts Archival Research Center
More than two decades after their Tufts graduation, former roommates Mark Tang, E02, and Amit Kothari, E02, M07, remain best friends. They share their story (and a vintage photo of a “birthday cake smash” in Stratton Hall) in this article about dorms and their evolution, written by fellow Jumbo Kristin Livingston, A05.
With archival photos of dorm life from the 1920s, ’50s, and ’70s and a sweeping history that includes dorm shenanigans, dress codes, and even prices (imagine when room and board cost $10 a year!), this story offers a fun window into students’ homes away from home. —Heather Stephenson, senior deputy editorial director
Figure Skating Star Michelle Kwan’s New Life as a U.S. Ambassador
The most award-winning U.S. figure skater ever, Michelle Kwan now aims to advance the Biden administration’s foreign policy instead of landing complicated jumps. Photo: Shutterstock
Like many Americans of a certain age, I remember Michelle Kwan as a teenage figure skater in the 1990s, phenomenally graceful on the ice and gracious off it. When I learned that she had been named the U.S. ambassador to Belize, I was intrigued. How did an Olympic athlete become a diplomat?
True to her affable reputation, Kwan cleared time to talk with me about how her graduate work in international relations at The Fletcher School (where she earned a master’s degree in 2011) helped her pivot from nailing double axels to promoting democracy and prosperity. Although she has shelved the sparkly costumes, it’s clear she’s still tackling challenges with her trademark grit and charm. —Heather Stephenson, senior deputy editorial director
For This Tufts Club, Sweet Dreams Are Made of Cheese
Searching for an idea for the “In The Club” feature that appears in Tufts Magazine, I discovered the cheese club was among the most active undergraduate student organizations on campus. “OK, I’ll bite,” I thought. The result was a few hours of great (grate?) conversation with some extra sharp students, and a story that appeared in both the magazine and on Tufts Now.
I was delightfully surprised to learn the founder of the current iteration of the club is named Coby Formaggio. No, that is not some sort of nom de fromage—his last name is, indeed, the Italian word for “cheese.” That’s one of the reasons when, as a high school student touring Tufts, Formaggio, A24, he conceived the idea of reviving the club, which had gone dormant several years before.
I talked with Formaggio from his Italian study abroad site—alas, he was not in Parma—to learn about the club and his predilection for cheese, including an anecdote about a trip he and his father took to Formaggio Kitchen (no relation), the legendary Cambridge cheese shop. I also had a chance to chat with Michael Khela, A26, and Aliénor Rice, A24, who helped fill me in on all the cheesy wordplay the club loves to employ: Their annual dance is the Cheese Ball; their officers call themselves the CharcuteriEBoard.
“I don’t think any of us expected it to take off the way it did,” Rice told me. “I think it’s because it caters to a very specific type of student that Tufts happens to have a lot of: a student who likes hanging out with friends, who’s a little bit nerdy, a little bit of a foodie, and a little bit quirky, too.” That sounds about right to me. I am always so pleased to meet the cultured, curious, and clever undergraduates who make the Hill such an interesting place. —Helene Ragovin, senior content creator/editor
Got 7 Seconds? These Speed Cubers Will Make Your Head Spin
Like many of you, I had a Rubik’s Cube sitting unsolved on my desk for years—a colorful reminder of things I kept meaning to figure out. That day finally came when my 9-year-old son picked it up and asked, “Dad, how do you solve this?” Spoiler alert: I had absolutely no clue.
This year, as the Rubik’s Cube community celebrates 50 years of twisting and solving genius, I had the chance to film and feature Tufts’ very own world-class cubers—Chris, Zach, Peter, and Thiago. These cube masters were creating a stunning mosaic at Tufts Community Day to commemorate the Ex-College’s 60th anniversary, and I couldn’t resist. I pulled Chris aside, mic’d him up, and said, “OK, Chris, teach me. I promised my son!”
Chris delivered an epic crash course, and suddenly, the unsolvable started to make sense. Inspired, my manager, Katie Strollo, and I created a “Cube Hacks” section for an IG Reel series and this Tufts Now feature. From finger tricks to cube anatomy, these tips made the complex surprisingly doable—even for people like me. The video’s flow is packed with insights, and I hope it inspires you to tackle your own cube!
The best part? My son thought it was so cool that his dad worked on this story. While the cube on my desk remains mostly unsolved, one side is almost fully colored. Baby steps, right? Maybe with more “Cube Hacks,” I’ll finally crack it—and truly honor the Cube’s golden anniversary. —Jandro Cisneros, senior multimedia producer
How a Scrappy Team of Students Built an Electric Racecar in a Year
It takes a lot of grit to go outside your comfort zone and persevere when the going gets tough. Even more so when you have an ambitious goal—such as building a Formula-style electric racecar from the ground up.
That’s what is so impressive about Tufts Electric Racing. Almost all of the students come to the club with little to no experience, and through peer-to-peer mentorship, troubleshooting, and a lot of willpower, they take the challenge head on. Not for a grade or class credit, but just for the sheer joy of engineering. What could be more inspiring than that? —Anna Miller, senior multimedia producer
Let’s Talk About Women’s Pelvic Floor Health
Photo: Shutterstock
Before I had my son, I was only vaguely familiar with the term “pelvic floor.” I had no idea what the muscles lining my pelvis were responsible for, or how they could be weakened or strengthened, regardless of pregnancy or gender.
Through my own pre- and postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy, I learned the importance of keeping those muscles strong and how pelvic floor health can impact quality of life.
When I returned from leave, I wanted to share what I had learned with our audiences and to shed light on a topic that some might feel uncomfortable talking about. Tufts University School of Medicine Clinical Professor Evelyn Hall, a urogynecologist specializing in pelvic floor health, shared a wealth of information that can help women impacted by pelvic floor issues, for a story I published this fall.
After hearing from readers that my story made the topic more approachable, I’m hopeful it means more women will feel validated in seeking treatment. It also informed my decision to write another story for men who are impacted, which I hope to publish soon. —Emily Brognano, senior content creator/editor
Making Magic at the Silklab
In 2018 I graduated with a double major in biology and filmmaking, so I always find extra joy in creating videos that mesh the two worlds together. This year I was lucky enough to get to work on a project on the Silklab at Tufts, which has quickly become one of my favorite pieces I've produced.
I got to learn a lot about these tiny silkworms and the amazing properties of silk—and got the opportunity to meet with some of the scientists driving the forefront of materials science. Their enthusiasm and relentlessness for their various areas of research was contagious, and helped me create something a step beyond what we had imagined. It was truly a symbiotic relationship, and I think that any project that I’m able to learn along the way is a smashing success in my eyes. —Jenna Schad, multimedia producer
The Many Faces of Taylor Swift
“In a time where we talk about how divided we are, she seems to be a unifying force," says Sara Johnson, associate professor in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development, of Taylor Swift. Photo illustration: Momo Shinwaza
This year, I embarked on an epic quest on an issue of urgent national importance: Taylor Swift. Why do we love her? Why do we hate her? Nearly 20 years into her career, why can’t we stop talking about her?
I figured a lot of the story would be about music. I spoke with a songwriter and guitar teacher and two a cappella-singing students about catchiness and singability. I also had great conversations about feminism and nostalgia with two Ex College student teachers, and chatted about the nature of celebrity with a Film & Media Studies grad student. An Eliot Pearson professor gave me food for thought on role models and parasocial relationships.
I even found a talk through the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s Diversity & Inclusion Interest Group titled “What Taylor Swift Teaches Us About Engaging Stakeholders”—that didn’t make it into the piece, but it was amazing to know it existed.
I loved hearing everyone’s hot takes. “Lord knows I have opinions,” said one music professor who dodged my efforts to get them on the record. But the process of writing the story was also its own kind of answer to my question, “Why and wherefore Taylor Swift?”
She provides a great way to bring together students, faculty, and alumni from a wide range of fields and perspectives, and have illuminating, thought-provoking discussions on a topic everyone knows something about. Maybe that’s partly why she’s still so successful. —Monica Jimenez, senior culture and trends editor
Rare Books as Tangible History
A detail of an illuminated portion of “The Book of Hours,” a 15th century text on display in Global Book Cultures, a class hosted at the Tisch Library Special Collections.
In this story, rare books from Tufts Special Collections became gateways to the imagination as students saw and touched manuscripts, books, and fragments from pivotal moments in the making of books.
I was excited by the chance to connect with students and faculty, but it turned out I was also blown away by discovering the riches of the Tufts Special Collections. It was inspiring to hear Chris Barbour’s vision to ensure that the collection, including medieval manuscripts and early printed books from the Renaissance, is not static, but actively incorporated into teaching and learning.
I was impressed by the four faculty who signed on to support that philosophy; they clearly have big ideas about how these precious books, while evocative of antiquity, are also timeless. It might have been a mini-course, but they had big ideas about how to “read” and appreciate these influential texts. They were teaching by channeling curiosity, through questions and observations, into deeper understanding and knowledge that transcends the fragile page and lingers in the mind. —Laura Ferguson, senior content creator/editor
When a Teammate Saves Your Life
At the end of the dedication, Frank Giliberti (shown at left above) and Adam Kacamburas threw out the first pitch to Kacamburas’ sons. “They know what a hero Frankie is,” Kacamburas said.
My two favorite stories this year had completely different casts of characters, but I can’t talk about one without thinking about the other. Both were stories of near tragedy; thankfully, serendipity and heroism brought happier outcomes.
Back in 2019, a group of Tufts alums, close friends since their days on the Jumbos baseball team, were enjoying a day of golf when one of them, Adam Kacamburas, A04, collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. Against the odds, he was playing with someone who knew CPR, his friend Frank Giliberti, A04, a firefighter in Medford.
The title, When a Teammate Saves Your Life, gives it away, but there was a coda. In April this year, Kacamburas and his teammates surprised Giliberti with a special tribute at Sol Gittleman Park on College Avenue. The friends let me record them talking about all these events for an audio story, and hearing the many emotions in their voices is 10 times better than reading the words.
Just four weeks after that ceremony, only steps away from the plaque honoring Giliberti’s heroism, another fateful intervention happened, something of A Miracle on College Ave. Tufts alum Charles DeVirgilio, E80, was driving just in front of the baseball park when he, too, went into cardiac arrest.
This time it was strangers who were nearby to answer the call, including Medford police and Tufts athletic trainers. They worked together to get DeVirgilio’s heart beating again. Like Giliberti, they had trained for instances like this. But coming through under pressure is something else entirely. —Julie Flaherty, deputy editorial director
