Two Broome County restaurants have flawless health inspections; three marked with critical violations in AprilUSA TODAY NetworkOut of 25 health inspections conducted in Broome County last month and 23 had unfixed violations remaining from previous inspections according to new reports released by the Broome County Health Department There are over 90,000 food service establishments in New York state, according to health.ny.gov Inspections include any establishment public or private that uses an on-site kitchen to serve food Due to the volume of food establishments inspected in the last month, only 20 report results are shown below. You can search for current and past New York state health inspection reports on data.pressconnects.com Critical violations that must be corrected on the spot include items 1A-7H Non-critical violations that can be corrected at a later date given by the health inspector include items 8A-16 YAMS HALAL Comments from inspection: None.122 Oak Hill AVENUE Comments from inspection: Discussed complaint with operator Checked multiple cases of bread in walk in cooler No mold observed on white bread.135 PARK AVENUE No health code infractions were found at these establishments during their inspections Red “critical” violations involve “food source and condition pest contamination of food and the use of toxic materials,” according to a spokesperson from the New York State Department of Health Critical violations must be corrected at the time of inspection because they include factors that could lead to foodborne illness restaurant inspections are not conducted on a pass or fail basis violations are not related to factors that could directly cause foodborne illness but they could have a negative affect on the operation of the restaurant These types of violations relate to the maintenance Non-critical violations are low-pressure and must be fixed according to the timeframe given by the health inspector The frequency of food establishment inspections in New York state depends on the risk category of the establishment and the establishment’s history of health code compliance High-risk food establishments are inspected twice per year Examples of high-risk food establishments include table-service restaurants diners and school kitchens which prepare foods – these are establishments that have complex food processes like preparing food in advance or reheating and cooling food Medium-risk food establishments don’t require such complex processes because they serve low maintenance food Bars and coffee shops are typical low-risk food service establishments due to the minimal preparation required for their food service The inspectors from health departments in each county are trained by the New York State Department of Health to standardize food establishment health inspections across the state. Information for each county's health department can be found at health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/ctyadd1.htm the health department in each respective county is responsible for enforcing public health regulations If you suspect that a food establishment is dirty or might be violating health standards, report them to the Broome County Health Department and they will investigate the complaint. To file a report, submit a complaint on https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/food_safety/complaints.htm A marijuana retail business will not be setting up shop at the site of a former paint store on Binghamton's West Side Vivid Wellness LLC was awarded a state license for a cannabis store at 242 Main Street last October The small building just east of Glenwood Avenue had been home to Daniels Paint and Decorating Center for decades who said the building had been under contract to be sold but the deal fell through Scherer had operated Daniels Paint until the business was acquired by another company in September 2023 Scherer said he had waited for about one-and-a-half years to finalize the property sale but it never happened Although a cannabis retailer won't be opening at the site another business is preparing to move into the building Guaillas Roofing of Middletown has started renovations to establish a showroom at the Main Street location Company owner Luis Guaillas said he expects the Binghamton site to open by the end of this month Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: Email bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter A marijuana retail business will not be setting up shop at the site of a former paint store on Binghamton's West Side.\nRead More Vivid Wellness LLC was awarded a state license for a cannabis store at 242 Main Street last October Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: Email bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter - 2,949 people moved to New York from Maine in 2022 making up 0.98% of new residents that moved from another state -- It was the #3 most common state for people moving away from Maine Posted by | May 5 The Rumble Ponies were lifeless on the offensive side of the ball in Game 1 as D’Andre Smith provided the team’s lone hit Erie’s pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts Reliever Douglas Orellana followed with two scoreless innings allowing two hits and striking out two as he lowered his ERA to an impressive 0.73 BOX SCORE Third baseman William Lugo had a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. Yonny Hernández contributed with a 1-for-3 day and drove in two runs. Center fielder Nick Morabito added an RBI in a quieter 1-for-3 outing Right-handers Alex Carrillo, Hunter Parsons, and Ryan Lambert each logged scoreless outings in relief combining for five strikeouts over four innings Carrillo and Parsons each struck out two in a single inning of work while Lambert tossed two shutout frames despite issuing a pair of walks Jacob Reimer finishing 1-for-4 as the team’s bats stayed active throughout the game fanning two and issuing one walk to preserve his spotless ERA Right-hander Tanner Witt impressed in relief, tossing 2 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts and one walk. Frank Elissalt followed with two scoreless frames of his own allowing no runs while striking out one and walking two Copyright © 2005 - 2023 Metsmerized Online | Designed & Developed by WP CLINICS BU closes regular season with program-record setting win percentage of 73.3 By - May 4 the Binghamton softball team concluded its best regular season in program history with a doubleheader sweep over America East powerhouse Albany on Friday earned BU its 15th and 16th wins of the AE slate “We were happy to get the two wins at Albany,” wrote Binghamton head coach Jess Bump so I was happy with how we had to grind out some wins.” 16-2 AE) began Friday locked into a pitcher’s duel against the hosts Junior pitcher Brianna Roberts kept the Great Danes from reaching home through the first four innings but the Bearcat bats struggled to rally behind her This opened the door in the fifth frame for an RBI double that put Albany up 1-0 but Roberts held Albany to just one run through six This allowed the answer to finally come off of sophomore utility Maddy Dodig’s bat in the top of the seventh in an RBI double with a 1-2-3 bottom of the frame by Roberts sending it to extras Binghamton capitalized from there with an unearned run to begin the eighth before junior outfielder Bella Farina sent home two more to make it 4-1 While Roberts got rattled by a series of singles that brought the score to 4-3 she settled in for the dagger punchout to secure the 18th win of the year “Both [Roberts] and [junior pitcher Olivia Kennedy] have been solid for us all year,” Bump wrote “The two of them along with the rest of our pitching staff has kept us in every ball game we have played all year.” BU got on the board far quicker in the nightcap with a bases-loaded HBP and an error putting the squad up 2-0 through two frames The ball finally left the yard for the only time in the day in the fifth as freshman infielder Rachel Carey hit one deep to left field to score three runs and go up 5-0 While Albany leveraged an error to bring a Great Dane home in the fifth it was 6-1 after Carey netted her fourth RBI of the contest on a single this lead was far from safe in the seventh Kennedy started to lose control with a pair of walks while the defense fumbled a fielder’s choice to load up the bases This would allow run number two for the Great Danes on a single before two more went home on another single after a Bearcat error After a RBI groundout made it a one-run ball game Kennedy coaxed the final out to escape with a 6-5 victory “Defensively we have been better over the last few games,” Bump wrote “I wouldn’t necessarily say our defense wasn’t solid on Friday we just had a few things not go our way that we let snowball a little But the defense and pitching locked in to get us the eventual wins.” Friday’s sweep secured the best regular season overall win percentage and conference win percentage in program history at .733 and .889 This caps off a historic regular season where BU clinched its first sole AE regular season title since 2017 Binghamton will welcome the field as it hosts the AE championship tournament starting Wednesday meaning they will play the winner of Bryant vs at the Bearcats Softball Complex in Vestal “I think this year more than ever our home field is going to give us a huge advantage,” Bump wrote and it sets the perfect stage to bring home a championship.” Broome County fire department boats were dispatched to the Susquehanna River as police searched for a man who stole a vehicle from a downtown Binghamton business Saturday when a Nissan NV200 van was taken from Court Street The stolen vehicle was logged passing license plate readers heading westbound on the Vestal Parkway The van was spotted by Vestal police minutes later parked on the shoulder of the parkway across from a Binghamton University building Police used video from nearby surveillance cameras to develop a description of the suspect involved in stealing the van A police dog brought to the area indicated the culprit may have headed toward the nearby river Police requested fire department boats to stage along the river as a precaution Boats from the Johnson City and Binghamton fire departments were sent to the river in case officers needed assistance police video recorded at a nearby business and determined the thief apparently had been walking along the Vestal Parkway after he abandoned the stolen van No information was available from Binghamton police on the effort to locate the suspect Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter Gallery Credit: Emily Sherman Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz Read More Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter The Binghamton Black Bears are in the finals of the 2025 Commissioners Cup and are looking to become the cup's first ever back-to-back champions The Black Bears play two games in North Carolina before returning to Visions Veterans Memorial Arena on May 9 for game three with up to two additional games played if necessary Here is everything you need to know about when and where the Black Bears will play how to get tickets and the best spots to park in downtown Binghamton The Binghamton Black Bears will play two games in North Carolina at the Carolina Thunderbirds home arena The Black Bears will return to Binghamton for a third game held at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena on May 9 the two teams will play up to two more games in Binghamton to determine a winner in the best-of-five series More: Endicott, Vestal house listings: What's on the market in 2025 Binghamton Black Bears tickets for the team's May 9 home game can be purchased in person at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena Box Office or online through Ticketmaster Available tickets as of May 2 range from $23.25 to $29.25 with college student discounts available in person at the box office Where can I park for Binghamton Black Bears games?Parking for Binghamton Black Bears games is available for $4 at the 15 Isbell St Parking passes can be purchased along with tickets both in person at the box office and on Ticketmaster and are also available at the parking garage gate on the night of the game Handicap-accessible parking is available in front of the arena at 1 Stuart St For more information regarding accessible parking call the Black Bears front office at 607-722-7367 Various parking garages in downtown Binghamton are located walking distance from the arena Paid -parking at parking ramps and surface lots is available during game times Black Bear fans looking for additional parking can find street parking available throughout downtown Binghamton with parking available for $1 an hour between 8 a.m street parking in downtown Binghamton is free The Friends of the Broome County Public Library group has been around since the library was at its first location on Exchange Street in Binghamton The mission of the organization is to promote the services and resources offered at the Broome County Public Library — now on Court Street — by raising money for essential programs Friends of BCPL made $35,400 after combining the sales from its bookshop and recurring book sales bringing in $57,192 for programs and services like adult yoga classes Library director Josias Bartram said the contributions from the Friends of BCPL help financially carry the programs and services offered to the public "It's more difficult to pay a lot of program expenses through our budget," Bartram said the remaining funding is spread across all other areas of need More: Mother's Day 2025: Try tea blending, hikes, brunch, hands-on classes in Binghamton area The library is one of the few remaining places that is free to use and open to the public and its programming capitalizes on that access "We've really focused on services that serve the community," Bartram said The Peer Support Program offers one-on-one support from specialists who have firsthand experience with difficult situations like mental health the doors to the Decker Room are open for anyone who may need guidance to community resources The latest goal for the Friends of BCPL is to extend the hours of operation for the Peer Support program and hope to include Saturday in the future The library also operates a community fridge which acts as an accessible vending machine The fridge is stocked with items from local farms to help promote agriculture and includes contributions from other local organizations For Friends of BCPL President JoAnne Hanrahan the impact the volunteers and board members are making on the community "is so important" and could not be achieved without teamwork between the Friends and the library staff for whom the group also funds holiday parties and staff development "They are so supportive that we just feel that's our way of thanking them for helping." Hanrahan said Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInBINGHAMTON (WBNG) -- 12 News observed a police presence on Chenango Street two windows on the third floor appeared to be shattered 12 News saw workers cleaning broken glass off the ground The street in front of the building is closed off with police tape Stay tuned to 12 News for more information By - May 4, 2025 The Binghamton men’s lacrosse team’s season came to an end in the America East semifinals with a 10-9 overtime loss to No. 1 Bryant. The Bearcats trailed the Bulldogs until late in the fourth quarter, when Binghamton grabbed a 9-8 lead. Bryant, however, found the tying score to force an overtime period, where it scored first and sent the Bearcats home. “Obviously, I was proud of the way we fought and thought we showed a lot of heart,” said Binghamton head coach Kevin McKeown. “In the end, just ended up one short on the scoreboard.” “We were able to get the lead with six minutes left, but unfortunately, couldn’t hold on to it and couldn’t get the ball in overtime and credit to them, they scored a good goal there,” he continued. The Bulldogs (10-5, 5-1 AE) were first to find net, going up 1-0 early in the first quarter. Bryant soon found another score, building its lead to 2-0. Binghamton (5-9, 3-3 AE) continued to search for its opening score, rattling off three consecutive shot attempts, but it was Bryant who found net yet again. BU opened its scorebook after winning the ensuing face-off, and graduate student attack/midfielder Liam Ferris found twine. “We talk about it a lot in terms of just trying to be resilient and respond to adversity,” McKeown said. “Lacrosse is a game of runs, so we knew at some point they were going to have some momentum and go on a run, and I guess unfortunately it was to start the game, so we were kind of playing from behind a little bit.” “I thought we battled the face-off,” McKeown said. “I think the stats maybe didn’t quite show. I mean, we won a few right back after they had won it. So I thought we really scrapped for some possessions there and that was a focus going in.” The third quarter opened with a nearly seven-and-a-half-minute scoring drought that junior midfielder Colin Delay ended when he found twine at 7:28. A retaliatory score from Bryant made it a 5-8 game, but Delay found twine once again. With 1:01 remaining in the third quarter, Ferris lit up the scoreboard as the Bearcats entered the final period of play down by one. “I thought the defense played well,” McKeown said. “To hold a team like that to nine in four quarters, 10 with overtime. They’re a good offense.” “So I was proud of the way our defense played, them combined with [senior goalie Connor Winters],” he continued. Bryant opened the fourth quarter with six consecutive shots, but was unable to find a score. After three unsuccessful shot attempts, Delay found twine, securing a hat-trick and notching the score at 8-8. Soon after, a Bulldogs score was overturned and senior attack Gage Adams found net to give the Bearcats their first lead of the day. Bryant finally got one past Winters at the 4:14 mark and both squads were held scoreless through the rest of play, forcing a golden-goal overtime period. After winning the opening face-off, Bryant found twine, as BU fell 10-9. “I thought our seniors did a great job leading this team all year,” McKeown said. “I told the guys that after the game, I thought they really believed and they were really building over their four years here.” The loss brings Binghamton’s 2025 campaign to an end, as they fell short of qualifying for the AE Finals. However, several Bearcats found success this year. Delay and Sharkey were named to the AE All-Tournament Team for their performances in the semifinal matchup. Ferris, sophomore attack Andrew Girolamo and senior defender Lorenzo Ramos all earned first team All-Conference honors. Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInANNAPOLIS, MD (WBNG) -- Bearcats get nine hits to Navy’s five but still lose by one run as the Midshipmen get the weekend sweep over Binghamton. Freddy Forgione with a homerun in each matchup against Navy. In game two, Forgione put Binghamton on the board first with a two-run homerun in the top of the fourth inning to jump out to a, 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the fifth inning, with one out and a runner on third, Iva Aguirre would ground out to second but still brought in a run to make it a, 2-1 game. In the bottom of the sixth inning, with runners on first and third, Ty DePerno grounded to right field to bring in a run. Zach Rogacki’s throw from right field to third base was off target as it got passed Devan Bade to bring in the winning run for the Midshipmen. Navy gets the two-game sweep over the Bearcats with the, 3-2 win. Binghamton heads back home to host Marist on Tuesday, May 6 at 6p.m. © 2025 BVM Sports. Best Version Media, LLC. Navy will face rival Army in a best-of-3 series for the Patriot League semifinals starting Saturday at 1:05 p.m. with both teams looking to build on their respective momentum heading into postseason play Navy's resolve in overcoming deficits showcases their competitive spirit as they prepare for a crucial postseason matchup with Army emphasizing the importance of strong bullpen performances and defensive consistency for success in the playoffs The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it OK Privacy policy Thanks for visiting ! The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Key performances from Andrew Manning and Owen Peterson fueled the win in their penultimate regular-season game The Mids fell behind early but managed to tie the game in the sixth and complete the comeback in the eighth Navy will aim to finish the regular season strong as they host Binghamton in a decisive matchup on Sunday at 1 p.m The Navy baseball team showcased its determination and ability to rally reinforcing their competitive spirit as they head into the final regular-season game against Binghamton Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInCHENANGO CO. Binghamton Fire Department and Chenango Ambulance responded to a crash on May 3 Binghamton Fire Department said the driver was pinned between the door and the center console the Chenango Fire Department partially removed the car’s roof Binghamton firefighters used cutters to roll the rest of the roof back before using spreaders to create space between the driver and the center console Crews used a sawzall to cut and remove the entire center console before removing her from the car and putting her into an ambulance Officials said the driver was injured on her left leg and arm I still can’t believe the semester is almost over — we’re officially in the final stretch here’s a list of my personal favorite study spots on campus Let’s see if you notice a common theme among them My go-to study spot is the Innovation Lab because of its perfect central location My favorite part about this spot is the natural lighting — thanks to the large windows it’s so much easier to stay focused while studying with plenty of them hanging from the ceiling and lining the walls Even though I’ve never had a class in Science 2 I sometimes teach ballroom classes there in the evenings I love staying to study or do homework at the tables near the windows you’ll get an amazing view of Binghamton in the late afternoon or evening — you can also catch the sunset and see the campus lights as the night comes It’s a great spot if you really want to focus I love this spot because it lets me work on both my personal laptop and a desktop computer with a large screen I usually come here when I’m working on something that requires having lots of tabs open so I can easily print them out and review them on paper It’s also conveniently close to vending machines and the Hinman Dining Hall — perfect for taking a quick snack break when I need it This is one of the newest study spaces on campus, and I love it! Every time I go, I try to find a new spot to sit. There are so many different chairs, tables and couches with fun shapes and colors that make studying feel a little less boring. When I study there, I always try to grab a seat near the corners — those spots have the best windows and natural light! Check it out in the TikTok we made about this place I’m still a fan of the fourth and now it’s a little less busy making it even better This is a great spot if you’re looking to study with friends The library’s fourth floor has several group study rooms you can reserve in advance — perfect for collaborative studying or working on group projects My favorite rooms are the ones in the corners because they have big windows and plenty of space to spread out and get comfortable when you’re in a big study group We all know that if you manage to get one of these booths, you’ve basically won the lottery for the day! Their availability is limited for a reason — they’re super comfy, each seat has its own outlet underneath, and there’s a big window next to every booth to help keep you awake and focused. One of my favorite things about this spot is how close it is to the Library Tower Café So if you ever need a coffee or a croissant to recharge during your study session especially when I need a change of scenery One of my favorite spots is the chairs close to the corner windows or the individual study rooms It is a great place to focus because it is quiet and the printers are right there if you want to print your study notes My favorite thing about this place is the whiteboards I love using them when I have to do math problems or mental maps to study This is one of my favorite spots for doing light work If you enter C4 and head to the floor above the dining hall you’ll find a large area filled with couches and big windows I love grabbing a couch that faces the window so I can get some work done while enjoying the view outside and sometimes students play it — so I end up with live piano music as my background making it super easy to grab a snack or meal Another great study spot — similar to C4 — is in Mountainview since it has the best ice cream and great late-night food tables and big windows that offer an amazing view of campus which is super convenient for getting extra help or resources to study As a coffee fan, I couldn’t leave out a good coffee spot to study or get work done. My favorite place downtown is Strange Brew, mainly because their coffee and cozy aesthetic are amazing. We even made a video about it for National Coffee Day and spend some time off campus soaking in the vibe of downtown Binghamton two things I always look for in a good study spot are nearby food options and big windows — and all of these places have that in common I hope you enjoyed checking out my favorite spots and feel free to let me know if there are any others that Binghamton students should check out too She majors in business administration with concentrations in marketing and business analytics she hopes to pursue a marketing career in the nonprofit sector Have questions, comments or concerns about the blog? Email us at social@binghamton.edu There's always something new and interesting going on at Binghamton University and this blog is our way of sharing in that excitement with you and join us as we celebrate this energetic and outstanding community By Daniel CurrenPublished: May 2025 at 3:12 PM EDT|Updated: 18 hours agoEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInBINGHAMTON (WBNG) -- Law enforcement members across Binghamton came together Monday morning to honor those who gave their everything while serving their communities The city held a memorial flag-raising to open Police Week Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said Police Week is a time to recognize the challenges that police officers face and the high-risk circumstances they enter every day to protect others “ A moment to recognize the immense responsibility we place on the shoulders of our law enforcement officers,” said Mayor Kraham “They don’t ask for special treatment; they ask for support and the space to do their jobs with dignity and professionalism.” Mayor Kraham added that officers are forces for good in a chaotic world The city is holding more police week events in the coming days Aspiring educators must understand their purpose before stepping into the classroom alumnus Michael Piccirillo told students at Binghamton University on April 15 Speaking in person as part of a Harpur Edge alumni event Piccirillo drew from decades of experience as a teacher superintendent and now a college professor to share his journey in education and urge students to reflect on their “why.” “There is the beauty of interacting with kids There is the hope that you can instill [in them] There is the lasting impact you can have,” he said “But it is not perfect … and you need to have a secure understanding of what your purpose is to get through those challenging moments.” who graduated from Binghamton in 1984 with a degree in sociology described his unconventional path to education what is now the College of Community and Public Affairs reached out to him about the Master of Arts in Teaching program a year after he graduated with his bachelor’s His student teaching experience at Binghamton High School cemented his passion for education Piccirillo later served as superintendent of schools in Saratoga Springs where he focused on building equity in education and instilling hope in students Piccirillo opened with a discussion about systemic issues in education equity gaps and the lack of authentic student representation in decision-making processes It is an issue of equity,” Piccirillo said “And you have to constantly adapt policy to the needs of our students and the needs of our communities.” He also emphasized that being an educator is about building relationships with students Reflecting on his struggles as a disengaged student Piccirillo recalled how a single teacher’s encouragement changed his mindset you are wasting your potential,’” he explained “Something clicked in my head and I was like ‘I think I am better than I have been showing.’” Piccirillo showed an image of a squiggly line reminding the audience that life rarely follows a straight path and that real growth often comes from unexpected turns and setbacks He explained that this depiction mirrors both personal and professional journeys and he found that success often comes from navigating challenges rather than avoiding them “The reality is that everything you do is more like this squiggly line,” he said Education is an important part of adapting to what life throws at you.” a senior psychology major and education minor from Troy “I really liked the discussion about the pathways,” she said “I think that meme-style photo is something that can catch college students’ eyes The details he included were very meaningful.” Personal loss also shaped his educational perspective his brother gave a speech called “Hope Means People,” which Piccirillo later shared with his staff as superintendent His purpose became his commitment to offering hope and support to his students “If you think that you are going to go into education and be a content expert and that kids are going to love you and fawn over you for all your knowledge “They love you for who you are and how you connect with them and then they will be open to your content.” His doctoral research explored how childhood experiences shape leadership styles in education revealing that while all 14 superintendents he interviewed were impacted by their upbringing Piccirillo urged aspiring teachers to consider this concept in themselves “Understand where you really came from,” he said and what you are going to leave as your legacy going forward.” Piccirillo encouraged future educators to step outside their comfort zones prompting them to embrace the growth that comes with risk and uncertainty in this field “Do not inhibit yourself because you are afraid.” "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" has praised a number of Minor League Baseball teams for their creativity in a recent broadcast, including the Binghamton Rumble Ponies In the final segment of the May 4 show aired on HBO Oliver pointed to the many ways teams "go out of their way to try and grab peoples' attention" and makes ends meet temporary rebrands and permanent name changes Oliver mentioned teams like the Hub City Spartanburgers out of South Carolina the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp out of Florida the Modesto Nuts out of California and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies "Rumble Ponies sounds less like the name of a baseball team and more like Australian slang for a bike." The former Binghamton Mets' name draws its origin from something much closer to home Here's why the Double-A Mets affiliate is named the Rumble Ponies Where did the name Binghamton Rumble Ponies come from?The Binghamton baseball team was named the Rumble Ponies in 2016 following a community contest the team's former owner John Hughes had identified six finalists: The Rumble Ponies, unveiled as the team's official name in November 2016, was submitted by Binghamton resident Nicole Schneider and pays tribute to Binghamton as the Carousel Capital of the World Schneider told the Press & Sun-Bulletin in 2016 the idea came to her after reading "Carousel," a children's book written by Binghamton University professor Liz Rosenberger The name honors the carousels and the strength of the team implying the Binghamton Rumble Ponies are a herd of fierce horses that no carousel center pole can contain More: Rumble Ponies 2025 season: Key dates, concession changes and the Bathtub Donkeys Oliver further praised the various promotions Minor League Baseball teams offer fans throughout the season to get them in the seats including the New Hampshire Fisher Cats' brief name change to the New Hampshire Space Potatoes — the Fisher Cats are the Toronto Blue Jays' Double-A affiliate On June 28 and June 30, the Rumble Ponies will be playing as the Binghamton Bathtub Donkeys The name celebrates a law put into effect in the 1800s that forbids donkeys from sleeping in bathtubs The team will also play as the Southern Tier Italian Spicy Meatballs on Aug 14-16 to honor the Binghamton area's Italian heritage and throw back to the Binghamton Mets on Thursdays Binghamton's Mirabito Stadium will invite pets to the park on July 9 Tyler's Amazing Balancing Act on May 22.Grace Good: The Girl on Fire on May 23.Mutts Gone Nuts Frisbee Dog Group on July 29.Bluey on Aug 31.What did John Oliver offer Minor League Baseball teams?For those teams who have not made a bold name change Oliver said his show would give one team a complete rebrand The terms include giving the show full reign over the name choice "The way the world is right now," Oliver said landing an on-campus job isn’t just about earning a paycheck — it’s a way to build skills gain experience and prepare for the future For many of the 4,000-plus students employed by Binghamton University during the 2024-25 academic year these professional development goals were top of mind for their supervisors thanks to the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development’s Student Employment initiative The Fleishman Career Center’s goal for the initiative is two-fold: create more jobs for students and design those jobs as high-impact learning experiences providing support for supervisors and students to help them get the most out of the experience Tejera’s experience as an assistant in the MakerLab on the newly renovated third floor of the Bartle Library has provided him with technical skills in additive manufacturing as well as soft skills in customer service “Student employment is a great introductory point to get into the workforce and learn more technical skills so you’ll have a competitive edge in the workforce.” Mavila meets with students in various stages of career exploration helping them with determining what type of career they’d like to pursue writing effective résumés and cover letters She attributes her experience with her own success in finding an internship which led to a job offer as a human capital management analyst at Goldman Sachs “Working at Fleishman Career Center has made me better at articulating myself to a broader audience and being able to tailor your speech is something that’s really important and transferable to many different workplaces It has also made me a lot more comfortable with reaching out to people and knowing how to navigate various networking situations.” Graduate student in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) and Social Work Fleishman Career Center and Residential Life Griffin works to engage students in career preparedness early in their student experience meeting them where they live in the residence halls and I learned to appreciate and understand the value of career development learning about college-student development theory and how the college mind works I see the importance in my position more than ever.” Braunshweiger handles walk-in traffic at the Fleishman Career Center making appointments or referrals to the appropriate staff and resources She is also in training to be a peer consultant “This is such a safe way to gain experience If you’re lucky enough to work on campus with people that you really love it is such a wonderful support system to create It’s not easy to balance school and work all the time 1,800 students attended the On-Campus Employment Fair and Boice quickly realized that student demand and employment opportunities did not match up with only 11 offices or departments taking part in the fair “It was very clear that there are a lot of students who are looking for these positions and we just don’t have them available,” Boice said “So we’re working toward trying to find ways to create more positions when we can.” One technique was to provide a Student Employment Grant that offices on campus could apply for to fund new student employment opportunities almost $75,000 in grants have been awarded through this fund The Binghamton University Office of Media and Public Relations has successfully applied for Student Employment Grants to fund new positions in social media content creation “Content creation is a powerful marketing tool for the University and a unique learning opportunity for our students,” said Ryan Yarosh senior director of media and public relations “As new platforms arise to promote Binghamton it’s imperative to create new positions to stay competitive and bring in qualified students who can represent the brand These new positions and funding provided by the Fleishman Career Center have proven vital in executing new strategies while also giving students a hands-on marketing experience they can use later when building their résumés and references.” Boice acquired funding through the University’s Road Map strategic plan to create the Introductory Practice Grant (IPG) which functions in the same way but requires that students hired with that money have not had a previous on-campus employment opportunity This is in support of the University’s goal of 100% of graduating students having participated in at least one high-impact practice by 2026 Eighteen IPGs totaling nearly $50,000 have been awarded in the past two years Boice is also trying to improve students’ access to job opportunities in the local community including select local employers in the annual student employment fair maintaining a list of local employers who often hire students and supporting students in their job search with resources that can help Students can meet with Fleishman Career Center staff to talk through the process and get tips on optimizing their application materials Boice shares evaluation software that supervisors can use with their student employees as well It is centered on eight career readiness competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): career and self-development “Our hope is to be able to help them identify where they stand in developing those skills and ways to further develop them,” Boice said “We’re investing in student employment with the goal of turning out a more confident future workforce that’s ready to lead The final goal of the initiative is to celebrate and recognize successful student employees Boice facilitates campus-wide Student Employee of the Year awards for undergraduate and graduate students and the winners are then submitted for national awards given through the National Student Employment Association The Fleishman Career Center also hosted an annual Student Employee Appreciation event on April 18 This year’s event was a carnival-themed celebration featuring food Expanding student employment opportunities A protest is planned in Binghamton May 1 as a coalition of organizations around the country participate in a "National Day of Action." The protest, 50501 Binghamton event organizers said in an email statement is being held "to oppose and bring awareness to anti-democratic actions by the Trump Administration." Across the U.S., thousands of people are expected to participate in protests against the Trump administration its policies and the billionaires supporting them in what organizers are calling "a war on working people." Over 1,000 demonstrations and rallies are scheduled in every state and abroad, with most being held Thursday, May 1 – historically known as May Day or International Workers' Day. The volunteer-led 50501 movement, which spurred other nationwide protests this year is helping organize the demonstrations along with labor unions student groups and other grassroots organizations In early April, demonstrators took to the streets in cities large and small across all 50 states to rally against Trump and his sweeping actions. There were more than 1,000 "Hands Off" protests and organizers estimated more than half a million people showed up to the rallies More: NY calls for ideas to expand cellular service. Where in Broome is coverage low? Beginning at 92 Court St., protestors will then walk to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Promenade on Wall Street, where a rally for workers' rights is planned for 5 p.m., organized by Indivisible Binghamton Broome County Democrats and Citizen Action What are the May Day 2025 rallies?The events dubbed May Day 2025 and May Day Strong are using the hashtag #MayDayStrong and are considered a "National Day of Action" that is backed by a coalition of over 250 local organizations protesting on the local level at congressional offices hanging banners and staging walk-ins in front of schools The May 1 demonstrations will also stretch beyond the U.S as organizers say they have planned rallies in Florence Italy; Paris; and in cities across the United Kingdom Children who grow up in disadvantaged neighborhoods – areas with higher levels of crime and deprivation and lower access to community resources – are at risk of developing depression and new research led by faculty at Binghamton University may help to explain why Psychologists at Binghamton found that the brains of children from areas containing higher levels of deprivation show less response to reward and loss, but only if they were already at risk for depression based on a family history of the disorder. The team included Binghamton University Professor of Psychology Brandon Gibb graduate student Elana Israel and former graduate students Cope Feurer and Aliona Tsypes “One of my interests is how neural reward processing relates to risk for depression One thing that we know that impacts that is exposure to stress,” said Israel “Prior research has looked at stress at the individual level – people reporting on traumas they’ve experienced or interpersonal stress – but less research has looked at community-level stressors.” the team conducted a study of over 200 children ages 7-11 The researchers conducted interviews to determine if their parent had a history of major depressive disorder which provided information about their neighborhood such as risk of crime The researchers then measured the brain activity of each child via electroencephalogram (EEG) while they completed a simple guessing task where they won or lost money the researchers found that children from more disadvantaged areas showed a blunted response to both reward and loss especially children of parents with a history of depression “When something good or bad happens to you your brain responds and we can measure that brain activity,” said Gibb “And how you tend to respond to something good happening or something bad happening can increase your risk for things like depression What this shows is that it’s not just something happening to you personally but it’s the context you live in—the levels of stress around you whether or not it’s directly happening to you.” Gibb said that growing up in a chronically stressful environment children may learn not to get too excited when good things happen and not to get too down when bad things happen especially if they are already at risk because of a family history of depression “We want kids to be reactive when good things are happening That’s what gives you the motivation to engage and do things the researchers have started a new study that will let them look at what happens to children’s neural responses The team also wants to expand this work to teenagers and see if similar types of effects are seen for social rather than just monetary outcomes Neighborhood stress may impact kids’ brains—and increase depression risk Binghamton University Research Days is an annual week-long series of events showcasing research across the University faculty and students from Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences participated in the celebration the college hosted extra programs that week to highlight the accomplishments of its researchers Decker College’s Research Week events kicked off April 29 in Room 102 of the Health Sciences Building with a keynote presentation by Vipul Lugade associate professor of physical therapy and director of the Motion Analysis Research Laboratory (MARL) who presented “Community Engaged Research with Older Adults and Athletes.” Poster presentations and research discussions were held from noon to 2 p.m. in Room 102 of the Health Sciences Building Decker faculty and students involved in these projects are listed below (collaborators outside the University aren’t listed): Decker faculty researchers were highlighted April 29–May 2 in the atrium of the Health Sciences Building through a visual display Faculty members selected three research streams or projects reflecting their passions and interests That work was highlighted on slides mounted on easels Faculty participating in the visual display and the division and/or office they represent were: Research projects resulting from strong partnerships between faculty students and the community were highlighted during the Community Engaged Learning and Research Showcase hosted by Binghamton University’s Center for Civic Engagement April 29 in Old Union Hall on the University’s Vestal campus staff and students participating in this event are listed below with their division or office Decker College highlghts faculty and student research How does an English major become the founding president of a healthcare nonprofit the answer wasn’t a set path — but a series of unexpected turns Gelburd shared how her journey from journalism to law to healthcare leadership proved one key lesson: every experience connects even when the dots aren’t quite lined up yet Gelburd was the founding president of FAIR Health a nonprofit healthcare data organization where she worked for 15 years before retiring in December 2024 she shared her career path journey and shared tips for success in the professional world During her time as a Binghamton University undergraduate Gelburd majored in English and served as the managing editor of Pipe Dream She also worked with a producer from WSKG radio and later studied abroad in London These extracurriculars helped shape her career path — a journey that was anything but linear Gelburd explained to students that after completing her bachelor’s degree she was drawn to journalism due to her experiences at Pipe Dream and WSKG “There were so many issues that were important to me at the time and I realized I would much prefer to be an advocate She went on to work in the Fourth Circuit in the Federal Court of Appeals in Baltimore then later a commercial litigation firm in New York Gelburd realized that her passions were not quite aligning with commercial litigation; after all What could get her there and how could she figure out what exactly that would be A former litigation colleague of hers moved to a health law firm and asked if she’d like to join them — a simple yet life-changing interaction that continued the progression of her career Networking isn’t easy to do alone; that’s why Harpur Edge has platforms like Connection Builder and Mentor Match to provide undergraduate students with opportunities to connect with Binghamton alumni and professionals in various fields But do a little homework about it before you do,” Gelburd said Networking also led her to her role at FAIR Health where she helped guide the company’s hiring process Hiring managers appreciate an applicant’s genuine interest and knowledge of the company she told students and advised them to research a company and people in it thoroughly before a job interview Gelburd also shared her thoughts on how students can use their skills from undergraduate majors in unexpected ways The communication skills she gained as an English major were invaluable to careers that weren’t necessarily related to literature “I think English majors usually have above-average communication skills “I cannot tell you how important those skills are in any field.” Megan Ward is a marketing intern for Harpur Edge it’s how we adapt and overcome adversity that shapes our lives and who we are For Ashanté Concepcion ’25, the prospect of earning a PharmD degree from Binghamton University’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SOPPS) would’ve seemed impossible just a few years ago “I was working in a pharmacy as an intern when I suddenly passed out from a terrible headache,” Concepcion recalled “I was rushed to the ER and diagnosed with a massive brain bleed that required emergency surgery or do anything — but I refused to believe that was the end for me.” Concepcion first got into pharmacy because someone believed in her Working in a pharmacy right out of high school the pharmacist there took her under her wing: “She told me I had a knack for it and that I should apply to pharmacy school — and so I did.” just as her mentor believed she could become a pharmacist Concepcion needed to believe in herself to overcome this massive new obstacle standing in the way of her dream just to get back to a place where I could function again.” which helped me reconnect with my goals,” she said “When I finally got into pharmacy school at Binghamton I still had deficits — I’m paralyzed on my right side Going back to the pharmacy helped rebuild her confidence Even just getting in felt like a huge victory “There were so many moments during school where I doubted myself It was hard — I questioned everything,” she said my classmates — they all encouraged me and believed in me even when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself That kind of environment made all the difference There are many paths a pharmacist can choose to follow when it comes to their career being a “people person” that means continuing her career in retail pharmacy “I’ve always known I was a ’retail girly’ at heart,” she explained the trust you build with patients who come in regularly It’s not just about filling prescriptions — it’s about knowing people I didn’t apply for residency because I know retail is where I’m meant to be right now Concepcion knows it will also bring new challenges On top of preparing to become a pharmacist and jump-start her career she is also navigating a new role: motherhood But the support I got was amazing — from the faculty They helped me figure out how to make it work and I even got to do one of my rotations from home And now I get to graduate with my baby girl cheering me on.” she has learned to grow from it and stay positive “People ask how I manage everything — school being a new mom — and it’s because I’m just not willing to give up and now it’s taking me into this next chapter.” If there’s one thing Concepcion would tell future students or anyone who may be going through a tough time “Whether it’s a life-changing health issue or someone telling you you’re not good enough don’t let that be the end of your story,” she said You’ll surprise yourself with what you can accomplish when you fight for what you believe in You’re here for a reason — don’t forget that!” Binghamton student went from death’s door to successful pharmacy graduate Commencement is the event of the year at Binghamton where we honor and celebrate our hardworking graduates It’s a busy few days with a lot of moving parts and we want to make sure your experience is as streamlined and smooth as possible here’s a deep dive into everything that you and your guests need to know to be prepared for Commencement 2025 Commencement 2025 will take place May 15-17. For a more detailed schedule, check out the schedule of events Throughout the nine ceremonies that will be held during Commencement weekend, over 4,700 students will participate, with each graduate crossing the stage. Ceremonies are expected to last between 1.5 and 2 hours. For a breakdown of each ceremony, click here There are going to be some amazing students speaking at each ceremony Graduates should arrive one hour before their ceremony to check in. For those attending Events Center ceremonies, you will enter on the east side at floor level. A map can be found here Anderson Center ceremonies will go through the main entrance and follow signs to the Chamber Hall to check in Guests should plan to arrive one hour before each ceremony (no earlier) Doors will open 45 minutes prior to ceremony start time Student Drop-Off for Events Center ceremonies will be in Lot G Student Drop-Off for Anderson Center ceremonies will be in front of the Anderson Center To ensure a positive and safe experience for all guests and participants the following items are strictly prohibited in the Events Center: Bags Leave all personal belongings at home - there is a zero bag policy for all guests and students at the Commencement ceremonies (Harpur grads only— all others will receive a name card when they check in.) Make sure your guests have their tickets before you head off to the student check-in area Make sure your guests have their tickets before you go to the Student Check-in area check in at the tables to receive your name card (if you didn’t already pick it up) go directly to the line-up area behind the flag/sign of the major/department you will be walking with There will be volunteers to help you line up behind the correct group that person must stand either ahead of you or behind you in the same line as the two lines split during the processional putting you in the queue for your name and major(s) to appear onscreen hand your name card to the name reader located at the podium on your right you will stop momentarily for a group picture with President Stenger and the dean from your school down the stairs and then proceed to a final picture stop before returning to the seating area Be sure to get your graduation photos after your ceremony. Visit www.GradImages.com to view and purchase custom photo products like prints, plaques, specialty gifts and more. If have any questions or concerns regarding your photos, call 800-261-2576, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net If you can’t make a Commencement ceremony in person, no worries! All of the ceremonies will be livestreamed (and available to watch later) on the University’s YouTube channel. Six to eight weeks after the end of your final semester you will receive your diploma in the mail at the address Binghamton University has on file Although all the preparation may seem daunting The staff that help corral students have been doing this for many years and will help direct you in case any issue arises check off anything remaining on your Binghamton bucket list and don’t forget about any final exams or assignments For more information on Commencement, visit https://www.binghamton.edu/commencement/ Julian Marshall has experienced a side to campus that often escapes notice: the unseen threads of fungi lacing through the soil the industry of ants in redistributing the seeds of native wildflowers The Nature Preserve lies at the hub of so much of his Binghamton University experience starting with his initial visit during the height of the coronavirus pandemic After having his first-ever COVID test in Lot ZZ he and his parents took a stroll through the Nature Preserve amid the green summer trees and wetland paths Along with his acceptance letter came an invitation to join the First-year Research Immersion (FRI) program The New York City native joined the biogeochemistry stream with Research Associate Professor Jonathan Schmitkons “I thought it was really cool that there would be such a direct pathway into research and that really attracted me,” he said “It gave me a lot of good experience working with teams and motivated me to join other labs.” Marshall originally intended to major in chemistry but found himself interested in research connected with the environment and chose biology during his sophomore year His winding forest path also took him to Associate Professor Kirsten Prior’s lab examining the role that ants in the Nature Preserve play in the germination and fitness of understory forest plants “Ants and plants in all eastern North American deciduous forests are part of a mutualism called ‘myrmecochory,’” Marshall explained bring the seeds back to the nest and chew off an appendage of the seed that the plant makes specifically for the ant they either leave the seed in the nest or take it outside into a refuse pile.” About 30 to 40 percent of forest understory plants are myrmecochores Both plants and insects benefit from the arrangement: the ants receive a food source while the plants have their seeds dispersed more widely through the forest was curious whether this mutualism also benefited seed germination and plant biomass He began a project at the end of his sophomore year involving wild ginger plants The plants do seem to have a higher germination rate after being handled by ants he said; he’s extracting DNA from soils in the Nature Preserve to study the fungal and bacterial life for more insights as to why Marshall received both a Summer Scholars Fellowship and an undergraduate research award for this research He also won an external fellowship from the Mycological Society of America Marshall pursued research with lecturer Christopher Smyth who was analyzing how fungal communities associated with saltmarsh cordgrass might change over a salinity gradient in Virginia’s Chincoteague Bay Marshall is working to sequence more than 200 fungal isolates and has received grant funding from Harpur Edge to support that work Both Smyth and Prior have proven to be influential mentors helping the future biologist figure out his research and career possibilities The fact that Marshall is working on a research project in mycology at the same time as his honors thesis is impressive “Just one of these projects is an immense undertaking for an undergraduate student and he is successfully juggling both along with other “Julian’s passion and abilities to document biodiversity and to perform research to understand the intricate and complex interactions in nature are exceptional,” Prior said “Julian is a talented biologist and ecologist with a bright future in applying his knowledge and skills to advance understanding of natural systems and in public engagement to teach others about the importance of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.” The Nature Preserve isn’t just a source of research data for Marshall As president of Binghamton’s chapter of the Audubon Society and a co-organizer of EcoBlitz he also found a web of social connections threaded through the natural world Marshall didn’t have much of a social life and spent the last two years of high school doing distance learning his mom advised him to branch out by joining clubs since he was already familiar with the organization “This club has been a core part of my college existence,” said Marshall who has headed the group for the past two years and I’m just so happy to be sharing this passion that I found through the club I’m really looking forward to watching the club grow after I graduate.” which Marshall finds both educational and relaxing In addition to learning a lot about our feathered friends helped the Nature Preserve manage invasive species participated in cleanup days through the Broome County Parks Department and planted trees A better environment is also better for birds he plans to take a break from academia and land a seasonal job His plan is inspired by author Edward Abbey and a trip he made to the southwest some years back he’ll present his honors thesis work at the Mycological Society of America’s conference in Madison “My big hope is that I can work on biological soil crust systems diverse mutualisms of soil microbes,” he explained “They’re a keystone part of desert ecology.” he finds that it bends toward the trees he knows so well After working at an Illinois arboretum over the summer he’ll never forget the feeling he had when he returned to campus — and It’s a familiar place that I know better than most places I’ve been,” he reflected “It just kind of felt like I was hugged by the woods.” Biology major’s Binghamton experience roots in the natural world After earning her first master’s degree in fine arts is now a community health nurse practitioner and will be the graduate speaker at this year’s Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences Commencement Manning lost her job as a professional stage manager and teacher in the Finger Lakes region Her thoughts for a new career path turned to nursing “The director of the department where I worked was an emergency room physician He told me he thought I’d be a great nurse Everything kind of stemmed from there,” she said Manning became a registered nurse (RN) in 2012 and worked for 10 years although she wanted to become a nurse practitioner she spent her time in emergency medicine and critical care Does working in emergency medicine and critical care sound stressful so it’s a great opportunity for me to also have outreach and direct connection with our community,” she said When deciding to return to school for a master’s degree Binghamton University was Manning’s top choice “I had already done the RN to bachelor of science (BS) program at Binghamton I understood the department and felt like it was a good place to be challenged and well taken care of at the same time,” she said Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Nursing Programs Nicole Rouhana influenced Manning’s decision: “I spoke with Dr Rouhana for quite some time when I was looking at the program She was incredibly approachable and informative.” Rouhana helped Manning in her initial decision-making and throughout her time at Binghamton “She always helped me find ways to achieve higher push myself further and find out what it was that I wanted to do,” she said Johnston’s epidemiology class was challenging and eye-opening It took statistics and public health and merged them together especially as an emerging community health provider,” Manning said Glodstein’s seminar course collaborated with the opioid disorder clinic in Ithaca and allowed me to get certified prescribing suboxone Glodstein said Manning was a standout student: “She asked a ton of questions to guest lecturers and took the material seriously I am so happy to have had the opportunity to see her grow and am excited to see the lives she touches in her future practice as a community nursing NP.” student and theatre director — how does Manning do it all She attributes her success to the amazing family members who have supported her every step of the way we wouldn’t be able to do all the wonderful things that my family gets to do — including me going to school We operate under a sort of organized chaos,” she said Manning will work as a nurse practitioner in the emergency department at Guthrie Corning Hospital and Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital As a speaker for the 2025 Decker Commencement Manning hopes to impress upon her colleagues that although there is uncertainty and confusion making connections with others is more important than ever nurses can be the difference in someone’s day From theatre to nursing: Grad forges new path The Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SOPPS) has become a home for several new faculty members over the last year With these new faces walking the halls and in the labs conducting research many are taking time to share their work and why they chose Binghamton as their new home Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Jared Bagley uses his training in behavioral neuroscience/pharmacology and genomics to research the genetics and neurobiology of substance use disorders In recognition of the fact that risk for substance use disorders is substantially influenced by genetics genetic and genomic levels of analyses to uncover these regulatory mechanisms and their impact on the brain Bagley received training in genetics and neuroscience in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California where he pursued addiction genetics research and obtained a doctorate He continued to pursue addiction neurogenetics research as a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Psychology at Binghamton and cultivated numerous techniques to make progress in the field I originally planned to be a lawyer and was getting a BA in English at UC Davis I was just sitting in my backyard and my cat was going nuts and I started thinking about animal behavior That got me really interested in psychology So I switched majors and knew I wanted to do research I set my sights on becoming a professor doing scientific research That decision sort of snowballed into everything I’m doing now My work focuses on addiction neurogenetics— understanding the genetic components that make someone more or less likely to develop a substance use disorder We know that substances like alcohol or cocaine affect everyone but we still don’t know enough about which specific genes are involved or how they function in the brain I’m trying to fill in those gaps by identifying candidate genes and then figuring out how they influence brain function It’s kind of a blend of neuroscience and genomics and I think that intersection is where real breakthroughs can happen What surprised me was how little we still understand about what actually puts someone at risk for addiction We know a ton about how drugs like cocaine affect the brain — how they spike dopamine — but that doesn’t tell us why some people spiral into addiction and others don’t Animal studies can show us how drugs work in the brain but they often don’t explain the difference between a recreational user and someone who develops a disorder That’s why I’m so interested in the genetics side It could help us finally pinpoint what makes someone vulnerable The end goal is not just to understand drug effects I see myself as a bridge between two worlds: neuroscience and genomics Geneticists can identify potential addiction-related genes but they often lack the tools to understand what those genes are doing in the brain neuroscientists can analyze brain activity but don’t always know which genes to look at so I can chase those leads from gene identification all the way to brain function That dual focus is what I hope becomes my niche in this field and there are a lot of top-tier scientists I actually moved here for a postdoc in psychology before joining the pharmacy school What stood out most was how motivated and capable the undergraduates were We have so many students wanting to volunteer in the lab that we can only accept a small fraction And the ones we do bring on are doing real I never assumed I’d land a professorship here and you usually apply to dozens across the country An opening came up just as I was finishing my postdoc the great students and the supportive environment One of the hidden strengths of this school is that several of the faculty have real industry experience but most graduate students I’ve met are more interested in industry than becoming professors Having mentors who understand that world — how hiring works what the expectations are — can really shape a student’s career path It’s the kind of practical guidance that gives our students an edge when they leave here Pharmacy professor researching how genetics play a role in addiction the positions that might pop into your mind could include Michael Scott from The Office there’s a side to the field that many don’t consider that side — which he calls “The interesting part of Human Resources” — has always appealed “In the senior year of my bachelor’s degree I knew I wanted to do some sort of corporate work,” said Quiles the coordinator for diversity education at Binghamton University and it was exactly what I wanted to do — I just didn’t know there was a name for it.” Quiles works to foster inclusive environments and drive initiatives that empower marginalized communities He has a passion for understanding societal structures and advocating for equity in both institutional and community settings That explains why he was a good fit for both the full-time role and his path as a student: He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociocultural anthropology from Binghamton University and will receive his master’s degree in human rights this spring He says the connections between his degrees and his new position are clear the longer he serves in the role “Everything I studied for the past four years plays into this position I knew I would be working with people from different cultures and backgrounds and making the campus more equitable for everybody,” Quiles says how much hands-on groundwork it would require to being that step between the administration and the students Transitioning from student to full-time staff as part of UDiversity team he has been able to participate in Binghamton’s first National Day of Racial Healing lead presentations across campus and tap into his creative side by managing the UDiversity social media accounts (@udiversitybing) student organizations and external stakeholders to advance the university’s commitment to diversity all while supporting systemic change and innovation how these topics apply practically to their lives and work That’s one big aspect of it — people might not know what these ideas are and so don’t know how to implement them or how to take them out into the world But if they take one little thing away with them I hope that it’s to continually be learning.” a town just over two hours from Binghamton University It was there that he began to consider a future career in DEI he’s had numerous experiences that have led him to seeing the world through other people’s eyes; He became an Eagle Scout in 2021 interned at the Binghamton University Art Museum as a preparator and served as the Windham Hall president He is also interested in holistic well-being working for both Binghamton’s Health and Wellness program and Guthrie as an experienced fitness instructor we were all very like-minded people,” Quiles says “Working in the gym and the Art Museum opened me up to people who I would have never met if I didn’t do those programs There are people at Binghamton from all over the state But Quiles didn’t always know for sure that Binghamton would be his future school but realized that Binghamton drew his interest as a more energetic campus that was less focused on commuting “I’ve witnessed firsthand how just top of the line Binghamton is,” he added “Looking back on it has made my decision to come here so much more concrete I’m happy to be able to say I went to Binghamton.” He cites the professional staff and faculty — in every department and program he’s been a part of — as a particular highlight he says that many of the professors helped him tailor the program to his needs he’s been surprised by just how much work and activism a movement takes process of asking questions and continuing to build up despite setbacks was a major learning curve that he takes into his future “I know there’s a lot of pushbacks — yet our overall goal stays the same,” Quiles says “We will be here every day doing the work that needs to be done It’s important to be understanding of different backgrounds and cultures and how to have tough conversations with people about our differences he plans to utilize the Space Available program to apply for a doctorate or an MBA program he hopes to move to a larger city like New York City or California he continues to study the showmanship of corporate DEI as he completes his degree Quiles is happy to move into the professional world officially though he says he’ll miss the freedom of being a student He’s thankful for the time he’s spent exploring his passions and making connections and he urges the next generation — who he sees in his office everyday — to do the same and I’m finally able to continue doing this work and moving up I’m so lucky to still be a student and have a full-time position,” he says doing DEI in a bigger city to expand my horizons will be amazing But I’m happy living in the community I grew up in Binghamton's 15th annual Bridge Run is May 4 The event The starting line for the half marathon is on Henry Street and the course ends on Fayette Street giving runners scenic views of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers CEO of the Leadership Alliance Stacey Duncan said over 1,200 runners from across the U.S and several different countries will be participating in the event this year Race director Jim Reyen echoed the fact that the event continues to bring people together year after year and further expressed the benefits it brings to the community We want the community to be more vibrant and we want to support our multiple charity partners as well," Reyen said This year, the Greater Binghamton Bridge Run is partnering with the Broome County Urban League a nonprofit organization that helps minorities and economically disadvantaged people within the county Reyen said part of proceeds of the event will be going toward BCUL More: After Vestal TGI Fridays' abrupt closure in 2024, the building has sat vacant. What's next Game Recap: Baseball | 5/4/2025 6:54:00 PM Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here Thanks for visiting (WBNG) -- The Binghamton Police Department responded to a two-motorcycle accident on the evening of April 29 The accident occurred on Chenango Street in downtown Binghamton The crash closed the street from Family Dollar Tree to the intersection of Chenango and Allen Street Officials said both motorcyclists were transported to a local hospital and are in stable condition Thanks for visiting Thanks for visiting Thanks for visiting Game Recap: Softball | 5/2/2025 9:11:00 PM Thanks for visiting The new Watson Graduate Research Outcomes Workshop Series (Watson GROWS) held its first event on Tuesday — a poster/demo competition where 45 entries showcased graduate students’ spirit of innovation and discovery The GROWS initiative — sponsored by the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science dean’s office — aims to better highlight graduate research in all disciplines “I’m especially proud of the way our students presented not just rigorous research but ideas that have the potential to transform industries and communities,” said Watson College Dean Atul Kelkar “Events like these remind us that research isn’t confined to labs — it’s a bridge to real-world solutions and a spark for interdisciplinary connection.” Assistant Professor Monika Roznere — a first-year faculty member from the School of Computing — served as the main organizer and program chair for the event “It is my first time being part of a graduate research exhibition where all engineers and computer scientists come together to share their recent achievements or current pursuits — and I hope I keep seeing initiatives like this in the future,” Roznere said “It was a wonderful opportunity to bring the Watson community together who is Watson’s executive assistant dean for graduate studies was initially concerned about grouping together all the different disciplines ranging from computer science to biomedical engineering “It turned out to be a very nice interdisciplinary compendium of Watson students’ research activities,” Sayama said “By going through a wide variety of topics at a single venue I was able to see overlaps and commonalities of research topics and methodologies I hope the students also had a chance to review other students’ posters and learn from each other’s work.” Giving the keynote speech was Guru Madhavan Augustine Senior Scholar and senior director of programs at the National Academy of Engineering He discussed his time at Watson as well as how Binghamton aviation innovator Ed Link and his flight trainers helped to inspire his book Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World (released in 2024) Professor Kartik Gopalan — Watson’s interim associate dean for research corporate engagement and entrepreneurship — called the competition a big success “We are incredibly proud of all our talented graduate student researchers and their faculty mentors who participated,” Gopalan said “Their creativity and brilliance on display were truly inspiring and underscores the groundbreaking research happening within Watson College We look forward to making it an annual celebration of their ingenuity.” These graduate students received awards at the Watson GROWS poster/demo competition Watson GROWS puts spotlight on graduate student research