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Articles by Aleena Nasruddin
Editor’s Note - The Bowdoin Orient
Dear reader, Although early artificial intelligence (AI) programs were initially founded a little over 70 years ago, it has felt like the past three years have been the tipping point for excitement around AI, with an undertone of urgency and anxiety.
Reflections on science history: A professor’s take on AI
I walked into Associate Professor of History David Hecht’s office at the start of the semester with vague questions about technological developments. Tucked into the right corner of Adams Hall, his office was decorated with “Atoms for Peace” posters and newspaper clippings of fallout shelters pinned to a bulletin board. Books entitled “The Atomic Age” and “Atomic Age Postcards” were neatly tucked away on his shelf, overlooking his desk and computer with a visibly worn keyboard.
Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine sponsor talk featuring student speakers
CONTEXTUALIZING CONFLICT: Students speak in Kresge Auditorium on Wednesday afternoon in an event sponsored by Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine. Discussion broadly covered the past and future of Israeli-Palestinian relations, Zionism as an ideological project and Palestinian activism in the global North.
What’s in a Name: Searles Hall
Editor’s Note 10/17/25 at 3:18 p.m.: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that George Pottle ’32 fell off the roof of Searles Hall instead of the Bowdoin Observatory. The quote has been removed to reflect this. While walking by Searles Hall on the Main Quad, students may not realize that this salmon pink building was constructed following a tumultuous love story between the widow of a railroad tycoon and an interior decorator.
Weird science: Jack Bateman gives inaugural lecture as the Linnean Professor of Biology
On Tuesday night, a crowd of professors, Brunswick community members and Bowdoin students filled Mills Hall to attend Professor of Biology Jack Bateman’s inaugural lecture, titled “An Evening of Weird Science.” Throughout the night, Bateman explained his genetic research without failing to crack jokes and connect with audience members, staying true to his humorous personality. In his lecture, Bateman emphasized the importance of research that is normally considered “weird” or niche.
New Senior Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs joins Bowdoin administration
After a nationwide search, the College named Martin Mbugua as the new senior vice president for communications and public affairs this past summer—succeeding Scott Hood, who retired from the position after nearly 36 years at Bowdoin. At the College, Mbugua will lead a team of 16 staff members in the Office of Communications and Public Affairs and will report directly to President Safa Zaki.
Professor Scott Sehon launches new book “Socialism: A Logical Introduction”
On Thursday, Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Philosophy Department Scott Sehon launched his new book “Socialism: A Logical Introduction,” which explores the arguments for and against socialism. In his book, Sehon considers rights-based arguments for socialism, then discusses human well-being in both socialism and capitalism. Sehon approaches these in a new way: through numbered steps. “As a number of my students here know, I break things down into numbered step arguments.
Nomad Pizza announces closure, Dutchman’s Wood-Fired Bagels to move in
Over the past two years, Nomad Pizza has turned into a hotspot for students to gather with friends, eat and enjoy live music by student bands. Last week, the owner, Tom Grim, announced that he will retire at the age of 73 and that the pizza restaurant will close next Thursday. Dutchman’s Wood-Fired Bagels, which currently uses an adjacent space in the Fort Andross mill complex and shares Nomad’s wood-fire oven, will take over the space and open a restaurant next year. “It’s very simple.
Students react to Donald Trump’s election with disappointment, uncertainty and confusion
Students woke up on Wednesday morning to texts, news headlines and social media posts declaring Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States. After months of lead-up to the election, campus was filled with discourse and mixed feelings. Bowdoin Reproductive Justice Coalition Officer (BRJC) June Hartman ’26 said that she was disappointed about the election results, especially after seeing the topics that voters listed as the most important factors in their voting decisions.
Wabanaki scholar Rebecca Sockbeson talks indigenous education and epistemicide
On Thursday, professor of education at the University of Alberta, Wabanaki scholar and activist Rebecca Sockbeson gave a talk to Kresge about the importance of Indigenous knowledge mobilization and anti-racist education. The lecture centered around her research on the erasure of Indigenous knowledge in the context of education. Sockbeson was invited to campus to deliver the Brodie Family Lecture, sponsored by a fund created in 1997 to host an annual speaker in the educational field.
BSG discusses course registration, Headspace subscriptions and Ivies budget
Bowdoin Student Government (BSG) met last Wednesday, October 2, in the Mills Hall event room and discussed the upcoming implementation of Workday Student as Bowdoin’s academic information management system. Professor of History and Associate Dean for Curriculum Dallas G.
BCMA exhibition “Abigail DeVille: In the Fullness of Time” touches on time, history and migration
This summer, artist Abigail DeVille opened her exhibition titled “Abigail DeVille: In the Fullness of Time” at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art (BCMA). The exhibition is a continuation of “Abigail DeVille: Bronx Heavens,” a body of work originally showcased by the Bronx Museum of the Arts. The exhibit explores themes of forgotten history, time and migration among marginalized communities. DeVille worked with curators at both the Bronx Museum of Arts and the BCMA to bring her work to life.
Three suspects attempt car theft in Brunswick Apartments parking lot
On Wednesday at 1:40 a.m., a student reported three people attempting to enter multiple vehicles in the east parking lot of Brunswick Apartments. The group arrived in a stolen vehicle that was left on Longfellow Avenue and fled by foot when Bowdoin security officers and the Brunswick Police Department arrived. Associate Vice President of the Office of Safety and Security Randy Nichols said that the investigation is still ongoing with multiple police departments involved.
The Center for Multicultural Life announces interim team to lead after Director Eduardo Pazos’s departure
In mid-July, former Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Director of the Center for Multicultural Life (CML) Eduardo Pazos announced that he would be leaving Bowdoin to pursue a new position as vice president of community and belonging at St. Olaf College.
Polar Bear of the Week: Lauryn Eisenhart ’24
At last weekend’s Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) in Maryland, Lauryn Eisenhart ’24 led the way with five tries—helping Bowdoin earn the Plate Division crown. Women’s rugby ended up winning 3–1 overall, with Eisenhart winning the title as the second-leading scorer in the Premier Division.
Three students on a mission to rethink student loan debt with their educational start-up
While other senior students might be working on job applications and going through numerous interviews, three seniors found themselves scouring for seed funding, working on elevator pitches and contacting lawyers to create a registered company. After graduating, David Ma ’24, Athis Osathapan ’24 and Adi Pall-Pareek ’24 will work on their own start-up. Their idea is to create a marketplace for income share agreements—an alternative to student loans.
Beyond the books: stories from professor offices
Students often venture into professors’ offices to discuss topics for a potential paper or to ask a question about the next problem set, but rarely learn about the meaning behind the decorations and trinkets that they display in their space. Accordingly, the Bowdoin Orient decided to go on some tours this week to uncover the hidden joys within the offices of six professors. Professor of English Language and Literature and Cinema Studies Aviva Briefel decorates her office shelves with snow globes.
Winter storm leaves Brunswick without power, Bowdoin Security and Central Maine Power comment on complications
Students received a cold welcome back to campus after a winter storm swept through Maine on Saturday, resulting in a three-day-long power outage on campus and in the Brunswick area. The Office of Safety and Security declared a campus-wide weather emergency on Saturday night that lasted until Monday at 11 p.m. Most buildings on campus were out of power, except for Thorne Hall and Smith Union, which can be fully generator powered.
At Bowdoin and Beyond: Suzanne Lovett ’80
Graduating in 1980, just less than a decade after Bowdoin switched to co-education in 1971, Suzanne Lovett entered Bowdoin at a time of great change. Now, 44 years later as an associate professor of psychology and the chair of the psychology department at the College, Lovett finds joy in imparting the same liberal arts instruction on students that she received—and loved—as a student.
Celebrating LACLaS at 25 years with “Valor, Outrage, and Woman”
This academic year marks the 25th anniversary of the College’s Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies (LACLaS) Program. The weekend will be packed with arts events in celebration, including guest speaker conversations, an alumni reception, a concert and Bowdoin’s first-ever bilingual theater production.
New FAFSA form poses delays and technical difficulties for current students and applicants
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) has always been a lot of work for students, but the form has become more troublesome following new challenges in this year’s rollout, including a delay in colleges receiving student FAFSA information. A new version of the FAFSA form was introduced in late December with the intent of simplifying the application process, but applicants and current students encountered technical issues portal lockouts and page freezes.
Women’s sports teams host annual National Women and Girls in Sports Day event
Dance music, cheers and whoops filled Farley Field House on Sunday. For the first time, all 17 women’s sports teams participated in the National Girls and Women in Sports Day event hosted by the College. Around 100 girls in first through fifth grade from the Brunswick area participated in scrimmages, ran drills and chatted with Bowdoin women athletes. The girls that participated in the event were split into groups of six and took turns with each team for 15 minutes.
Nomad brings new energy to Brunswick
Watch out, Bolos—Nomad has entered the Brunswick nightlife scene. In the first concert featuring Bowdoin students at the Fort Andross establishment, Night Hawk and Far From Juno performed covers and original music in Nomad’s theater space. The show drew a strong crowd, composed mainly of students, to eat pizza and watch the bands perform.
Door lock schedule embraced after Lewiston shooting
On Monday, the College adopted a new exterior door lock schedule that requires OneCard access for academic buildings during normal business hours. Though the College had been considering this new door lock schedule for over a year, the schedule was primarily adopted as security protocol in response to the mass shootings in Lewiston on October 25.
Athletics department hosts Paralympian and “Survivor” contestant Noelle Lambert – The Bowdoin Orient
On Wednesday, Bowdoin students gathered in Kresge Auditorium to hear Noelle Lambert speak about her life as a college and professional athlete after losing her leg in a moped accident after her first year at University of Massachusetts Lowell. Lambert went on to be a Paralympian and competitor on the reality TV show “Survivor.” But following her accident, Lambert did not think she would be able to continue her career as a student-athlete.
Sociology Professor Basaran talks book about circumcision practices in Turkey – The Bowdoin Orient
On Thursday, Associate Professor of Sociology Oyman Basaran spoke to colleagues, community members and students about his new book “Circumcision and Medicine in Modern Turkey,” which delves into the process of male circumcision. The book launch was moderated by Associate Professor of English Hilary Thompson. Circumcision is seen as a rite of passage for young boys in Turkey.
Women’s soccer beats Williams College in NESCAC semifinals, looks towards NCAAs – The Bowdoin Orient
After winning against Williams College (9–3–5; 6–2–2 NESCAC) in the second round of penalty kicks (PKs) on Saturday, the women’s soccer team advanced to the NESCAC championship for the first time since 2015. The team was down by one in the first half of the game against Williams, but Ella Olcese ’25 scored a goal in the 80th minute to tie the game 1–1. The team was then forced into two overtime periods and PK rounds.
College hopes to boost morale in winter months with quad lights initiative – The Bowdoin Orient
On Sunday, the end of daylight savings time signaled jarring 4:30 p.m. sunsets and the onset of a cold winter in Brunswick. But this year, there is a silver lining, or lighting, to the turmoil. Even though the sun now sets earlier, campus will still shine bright with the addition of LED lights wrapped around the lampposts on the Quad as well as the trees in the Odeum outside Studzinski Hall.
In the absence of a symposium, students reflect on their summer research experiences – The Bowdoin Orient
This year, about 200 students stayed on campus over the summer to complete research ranging from genetics to the study of political systems in the United States. The President’s Summer Research Symposium was postponed due to the College’s recent lockout. Three of the 170 students who were selected to present share their perspectives on summer research at Bowdoin.
An academic scare: Briefel and Middleton release new book exploring labor representation in horror films – The Bowdoin Orient
Just in time for the height of spooky season, last Friday marked the launch of the book “Labors of Fear: The Modern Horror Film Goes to Work,” the first study of horror’s critique of labor, edited by Edward Little Professor of English and Cinema Studies Aviva Briefel and Associate Professor of English and Visual and Cultural Studies at the University of Rochester Jason Middleton.
Nomad Pizza brings new energy to Brunswick nightlife – The Bowdoin Orient
From electronic dance music nights to movie screenings, Nomad Pizza has a variety of new events in their calendar for this October. The wood-fire pizza restaurant decided to host new community events with the goal of reaching a wider audience and creating a hub of energy in Brunswick. Having grown up in Brunswick, Events Coordinator Keith Carlon said that he wanted to bring more social opportunities to town with new programming.
Bowdoin Women in Computer Science faced with long lines and more men at Grace Hopper Conference – The Bowdoin Orient
Last week, 16 students in Bowdoin Women in Computer Science (BWiCS) attended the annual Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) in Orlando, Fla. The conference aims to create a more inclusive environment in the technology industry, especially for women and non-binary identifying students. However, the students who attended this year noticed an increase in the amount of attendees at the conference, including a large number of men at the conference.
Women’s soccer team scores a comeback win against Middlebury College – The Bowdoin Orient
The women’s soccer team (4–2–2; 2–1–1 NESCAC) achieved a comeback 2–1 win against Middlebury College (4–2–2; 1–2–1 NESCAC) on Saturday. The Polar Bears scored in the 86th minute, winning back-to-back contests against the Panthers. The Panthers led the game in the first half, but forward Mia Williams ’27 tied the game in minute 72 with a shot into the lower corner. “It didn’t really feel real. I couldn’t believe it went in.
After heavy preparation, Hurricane Lee causes minimal damage to campus – The Bowdoin Orient
Before Hurricane Lee swept through Maine with winds reaching up to 50 mph on Saturday, Facilities Management, Safety and Security, and athletic teams prepared heavily for the impending storm. Throughout campus, and Brunswick, Lee’s damage was minimal, and its path far tamer than initial projections suggested. Facilities Management inspected and fueled all generators on campus, cleared storm drains and catch basins and stored loose furniture throughout campus grounds.
An electric love: Facilities Management switches to electric vehicles and equipment – The Bowdoin Orient
Campus has been feeling electric lately—Bowdoin Facilities Management is aiming to switch entirely to electric vehicles and equipment by 2028. Facilities started this initiative two years ago as a part of Bowdoin’s broader Climate Action Plan for the campus to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2042, and it has made significant strides towards this goal since then. Fifty percent of vehicles and 80 percent of hand tools used by the grounds team are electric as of this week.
Henry Penfold and the long nautical row-d to Bowdoin – The Bowdoin Orient
While the majority of students packed up their cars or boarded planes to get to Bowdoin this August, Henry Penfold ’26 grabbed his 18-foot rowing boat and two oars to embark on a 100-mile trip from Deer Isle to Harpswell. After four days, he arrived at the Schiller Coastal Studies Center just in time for Lobster Bake. Penfold had been considering rowing to Bowdoin for a while, but he decided to execute his plan after seeing the good weather forecast for the days leading up to move-in day.
YONC debuts new “Yalbum” with summer tour – The Bowdoin Orient
This summer, Celtic and fiddle student band YONC hopped across the East Coast to promote its new album entitled “The Yalbum.” The band finished recording the project in July and promptly went on tour in the Bronx, N.Y., Providence, R.I., Boston and Portland. The group partially credits Smith Union bathrooms with sparking the concept for the album.
Sustainable agriculture panel illuminates networks of change – The Bowdoin Orient
On Wednesday, The Civic Engagement Team of the Office of Sustainability hosted the final talk of their month-long series on sustainability practices in agriculture. Entitled “Farming For a Greener World,” the talk covered the relationship between agricultural practices and climate change, the intersection between capitalism and sustainability and sustainable methods to grow food.
Students will gather to share personal narratives at The Moth Radio Hour event – The Bowdoin Orient
Writers, poetry lovers and literature enthusiasts will gather in Burnett House next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. for The Moth Radio Hour, a live storytelling performance event. A tradition at Bowdoin before Covid-19, this event was reestablished by three students this year.
Izumonookunl: a multidisciplinary, multigenerational ode to Kabuki takes the stage – The Bowdoin Orient
Bright lights, a disco ball, a swing and a two-foot layer of fog accompanied Assistant Professor of Dance Aretha Aoki as she took to the stage last Saturday in her multidisciplinary dance performance: IzumonookunI. On either side of Aoki were her fellow performers: her husband Ryan MacDonald and their six-year-old daughter, Frankie. The piece draws inspiration from the shrine maiden Izumo no Okuni, the founder of the Kabuki dance style, who lived in 17th century Japan.
The College hosts admitted students for annual Bowdoin Bearings event – The Bowdoin Orient
The Office of Admissions hosted its annual Bowdoin Bearings program this Thursday and Friday to welcome the 850 students admitted to the Class of 2027 to campus. After a two-year hiatus from hosting admitted students overnight on campus due to Covid-19 protocols, the admissions team expressed excitement about being able to offer admitted students a more complete experience this year.
Interdisciplinary faculty symposium addresses transnational adoption in Asia – The Bowdoin Orient
Last Friday, the departments of sociology, Asian studies and history hosted a day-long symposium on transnational adoption in Asia. Four guest speakers addressed topics central to the discourse on transnational adoption, such as the Chinese adoption narrative, the use of genetic testing in adoption and the history of Philippine international adoption.
Stromae’s “L’enfer”: Roxanne Panchasi talks mental health and celebrity – The Bowdoin Orient
On January 9, 2022, French television broadcast a live news interview with renowned Belgian singer Paul van Haver, better known as Stromae.
Nighthawk, Lily in the Weeds perform at “Blue” – The Bowdoin Orient
After weeks of preparation, two Bowdoin student bands traveled to Portland last Friday to perform at “Blue,” a live music venue. Nighthawk organized the event and invited fellow student band Lily in the Weeds to perform with it. Both bands showcased covers and original songs at the mainly jazz-centered hangout location. The band Nighthawk initially booked this event through a cold email that member Colter Adams ’24 sent to the venue.
Women in climate activism explore intersectional approach to climate justice – The Bowdoin Orient
The Environmental Studies department partnered with the Nature Conservancy to host a panel entitled “Women in Climate: Community” yesterday in Kresge Auditorium. State Director of the Nature Conservancy in Maine Kate Dempsey ’88 led the discussion alongside three female panelists involved in fighting climate change. The panelists focused on the intersectionalities between climate justice and other social justice issues and steps for creating holistic forms of climate action.
Polar Investment Club hosts endowment Q&A – The Bowdoin Orient
Editor’s note 11/18/22 at 5:53 p.m. EDT: A previous version of this article mistakenly stated that this event was hosted solely by the Polar Investment Club. The article has been updated to reflect the two groups who hosted the event. 11/19/22 at 1:20 p.m. EDT: A previous version of this article mischaracterized Brown’s experience at the investments office this summer. The article has been reflected to clarify her experience.
Bowdoin Dems hosts 2022 election watch party – The Bowdoin Orient
On Tuesday evening, shortly after the last Mainers cast their ballots for state and nationwide races, a small number of Bowdoin students gathered in Chase Barn to watch the election results pour in. The event was sponsored by Bowdoin Democrats and was the culmination of the group’s efforts to get more students involved in the pine tree state’s politics.
Tai Chi brings relaxation techniques to the quad – The Bowdoin Orient
Every Tuesday and Thursday, students hurry across the quad to class, passing by a comparatively less stressful scene—a group of community members practicing Tai Chi. The classes are taught by Bowdoin alumnus Ken Ryan ’71. Ryan started these classes 20 years ago, and since then they have grown every year. After initially holding the classes inside academic buildings and College Houses, the classes were moved to the Peter Buck Center for Health and Fitness once it was built.
BSG focuses on community building – The Bowdoin Orient
Soon, Bowdoin students will not be judged on the merits of their academics, but instead on how well they can construct a snowman. During their meeting on Wednesday, Bowdoin Student Government (BSG) made plans for the upcoming Winter Carnival, a proposed community-building event to take place sometime this winter. Tentative events include ice skating, a reindeer meet-and-greet and a snowman building competition, among others.
McKee Photography Grant recipients present their work at photography exhibition opening – The Bowdoin Orient
McKee Grant recipients presented their work during the annual showcase at the Edwards Center for the Arts on Wednesday night. The $1,000 grant funds travel over the summer for recipients as they compile a collection of photographs on a chosen topic. Collection topics this year ranged from indigenous land to nature in Maine. Grant recipient Brandon Lozano-Garay ’24 decided to focus his project on Monhegan Island, located just off the coast of Maine.
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