Opinion

The Polytechnic Editorial Staff shares a list of advice compiled during our Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond event to help incoming freshmen adjust to life at Rensselaer.

Business Manager Alexander Orr ’25 shares his love for horror games and why everyone should give them a try.

Managing Editor Gavin MacKenzie ’25 discusses the benefits of holding the flashlight for your dad.

What sport is right for you? Associate Sports Editor Dylan Ohno '26 goes through various sports and the appeals of watching each one.

Previous staff member Laura Zwirn '23 writes about Daniel Lander, Lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Features Editor Anna Zuniga ’26 reveals students’ troubles with dining on campus for those with dietary restrictions.

Features Coordinator Megan Waller ’26 describes her experience with how COVID-19 has continued to negatively affect her life as a college student. She also shares her attempts at breaking that cycle.

Composing Editor Ryan Hickey ’25 discusses the potential of advanced AI like GPT-5 and argues against the call to pause its development.

We all know the classic lecture, homework, and exam course structure. Unfortunately, not too many students have experienced classes where they can interact with what they’re learning. This is why newly elected Grand Marshal Ben Viner ’24 encourages the incorporation of experiential education at RPI.

Vlogging can keep precious moments active in time. Photography Coordinator Annelise Eggen-McElmurry ’27 explains how the art of videography creates joy.

Editorial/Opinion Editor Soma Patra ’26 recounts her recent journey to New York City with her fellow staff members of The Polytechnic.

Associate Business Manager Gemma Beatty ’26 discusses the recent popularity of film photography and whether this vintage trend is worthwhile for both the industry and its customers.

RAs at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) have been fighting for fair pay, better work distribution, and improved communication with RPI administration for around 3 years. After significant effort and organizing, the RA union at RPI is poised to win their labor union election, which will take place next week on March 28th and March 29th.

The Polytechnic asked the President of the Union candidate to discuss her goals and to reflect on her experiences in Student Government. Here is her response.

The Polytechnic endorses Ben Viner ’24 for Grand Marshal. With goals to improve campus resources, expand the work of senate committees and increase communication between the student government, student body, and administration, Viner outlined several key ideas he had for the Student Senate.

The Polytechnic endorses Ava Gallagher ’23G for President of the Union. Along with improving communication, Gallagher plans to ensure all clubs are well-represented, rebuild the E-Boards’ relationship with the student-athlete population, and establish new spaces around campus and within the Union for different organizations.

The Polytechnic endorses Ria Massoni ’24 for undergraduate president. Massoni’s goals to further improve the Arch Task Force and establish communication between the class councils can create a stronger Undergraduate Council for the year to come.

The Polytechnic asked undergraduate president candidates to discuss her goals and leadership experience and to reflect on Student Government as a whole. Here are her responses.

The Polytechnic asked the Grand Marshal candidate to discuss his goals and to reflect on his experiences in Student Government. Here is his response.

Associate News Editor Alex Boyko '26 writes about his experience with piping plovers and a recent opportunity to support them with help from the Audubon Youth Advocacy Program.

Efforts to make synthetic breastmilk are underway, with companies such as Biomilq, TurtleTree Labs, and Helaina seeking to create artificial human breastmilk. Why artificially create breastmilk is there any benefit?

An individual by the name of Tyriek McGraw was arrested for criminal trespass on campus on February 9. Posters issued by Public Safety were placed around on campus, warning students about the individual.

The idea of HelloFresh makes sense but it doesn’t always work for everyone. Associate Composing Editor Marissa Ho '26 explains why.