2024 Edition - The Gold Star Journal

The 2024 Gold Star Journal

John Cappello (Internal Communications), Andrew Palmer (Assistant Editor-in-Chief), David Ropp (Treasurer), Kanjanika Kincaid (Marketing), Gage Timberlake (Editor-in-Chief), Noah Miller (External Communications), Lucy McArthur (Editor), Dr. Sally Selden (Provost), Megan Garvin (Graduate Assistant), Dr. Suzanne T. Mabrouk (Advisor), Victoria Snook (Operations), Doreen Ontiveros (Photographer), Olivia Liquori (Scribe).

2024 inside cover showing hand drawn images of second battalion and the original Citadel building.

The Gold Star Journal

Editor-in-Chief

Gage Timberlake, 2025, Criminal Justice Major.

Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Andrew Palmer, 2025, Political Science, German, and History Triple Major.

The Editors

Noah Miller, External Communications Editor, 2026, Political Science and English Double Major.
Kanjanika Kincaid, Marketing Editor, 2026, Marketing and Business Development Major.
John Cappello, Internal Communications Editor, 2025, Intelligence and Security Studies and Political Science Major.
David Ropp, Treasurer Editor, 2026, Exercise Science Major.

Victoria Snook, Operations Editor, 2025, Mechanical Engineering Major.
Olivia Liquori, Scribe Editor, 2026, Criminal Justice and Psychology Double Major.
Doreen Ontiveros, Photographer Editor, 2026, Criminal Justice and Psychology Double Major.
Lucy McArthur, Editor, 2026, Intelligence and Security Studies and English Double Major.

“This Journal is dedicated to Mrs. Susan Redmond, otherwise known as “The Angel of The Corps.” Her honorary service to countless generations of cadets began in 1985 when she started working as a data processing specialist in Bond Hall.

Mrs. Redmond’s values have carried through the years, and her devotion and kindness to the cadets of The Citadel has left a long-lasting mark on grandfathers, fathers, and now the sons and daughters who find themselves at the desk of her office. “Not too many people can say that they enjoy their job, but I can gladly say that I do. Every single day I come to work; I look forward to it.” The legacy that Mrs. Redmond continues to selflessly leave to cadets at The Citadel is exactly what makes our great school so extraordinary: “Sometimes I’ll have grads from the 80’s show up and ask if I am still around. I tell them ‘Yeah, I’m still working dummy.’”

It is thanks to people like Mrs. Redmond, who has fostered and helped develop the creativity of thousands of cadets, that we are able to produce The Gold Star Journal. Although this bastion of the Corps both embodies and inspires the core values of honor, duty, and respect in all cadets, Mrs. Redmond has spent the greater part of her life living and thus inspiring cadets with her greatest piece of advice: “Always treat others with kindness.”

To view the entire 2024 edition, click t his link or the cover above.

The Boyd Family Distinction Award

and

The People’s Choice Award

“Psilocybin and PTSD”, Catherine Rodriguez, Class of 2024, Business Administration Major.

This research paper explores the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy as an alternative treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in veterans. It examines the therapeutic benefits, dosages, and ethical considerations surrounding microdosing psilocybin. It also underscores its promising efficacy in symptom improvement and emphasizes the need for further research. By addressing treatment limitations through insights from studies, clinical trials, and historical use, this paper showcases microdosing psilocybin as a transformative therapy for veterans with PTSD amidst an urgent mental health crisis.

Best Undergraduate Paper Award

“A Statistical Analysis of Terrorism”, William Allen, Class of 2024, Political Science, Intelligence and Security Studies Major.

Since the 9/11 attacks, definitions and causes of terrorism have become a center of debate. The advent of the Global War on Terror prompted many nations to examine what they could do to prevent terrorist cells from rising in their country and political scientists worked to identify trends. This study takes a statistical approach to many of the key factors identified and analyses the significance these factors have on the impact of terrorism within a state.

The Citadel Legacy Award

“Tomorrow’s War”, Jackson Turner, 2024, Cyber Operations Major.

Since 1980, quantum computing has been a highly debated topic. Focusing on the nexus between quantum computing and cryptography, the existential threats posed by quantum computers are brought to light. Acknowledging the need for advanced post-quantum cryptography, multiple potential solutions such as lattice, code, and hash-based cryptography are explored. Though the potential for advancements is unimaginable, so are the potential ramifications. The world is at stake, and research to fortify cybersecurity is necessary for the survival of our modern lifestyles.

Best Photography Award

Anthony Harper, Class of 2024, Accounting Major.

Charleston Strong

The GSJ Distinction in Photography Award

Alaska

Sarah Norton, Class of 2024, Physics Major.

Fine Arts Photography Award

Daniel Drohan, 2025, Intelligence and Security Studies Major.

Clear Up Left

Most Creative Artwork Award

Osbourne Owens, Class of 2026, History, Biology, and Political Science Triple Major.

Pro Patria

Fine Arts Illustration Award

Catherine Rodriguez, Veteran Day Student, 2024, Business Major

Cycles of Change

Featured Papers

“The USS Scorpion”, Max Bailey, 2025, Electrical Engineering Major.

This document details the disappearance of the United States submarine USS Scorpion and the many theories that have arisen from her loss. With no eyewitnesses and a nearly 54-year gap in time finding facts and evidence will be hard to find. I hope to express my beliefs through this paper and detail to you why my theory is the closest to fact.

“Intervertebral Disk Degeneration”, Frederick Vogel, 2025, Electrical Engineering Major.

Recent studies surrounding Intervertebral Disc Degeneration (IDD) have shown to be a major pathological element of lower-back pain [1]. With Lower-back pain being the root of many different social, psychological, and economic burdens, many treatments have been designed to alleviate pain from this ailment This paper highlights key factors of Intervertebral Discs (IVD) for the individual treatments to be compared. These evaluated treatments deal with Tissue Engineering Strategies that work to slow the advance of IVD degeneration.

“A Losing Game”, Aaron Candreva, 2027, Supply Chain Management Major

The risk of developing gambling addictions have grown substantially through the increase of accessibility. Gambling is introduced to many at a young age. Once addiction sets in, casinos capitalize off addicts, exploiting them for profit. Through the use of various techniques, casinos have a way to slowly siphon players’ livelihoods.

“Synthetic Aperture Radar”, Hunter Hayes, 2026, Mechanical Engineering Major

The applications of synthetic aperture radar technology are vast and can provide insight into particular problems that would require on-the-ground tests or unnecessary manpower. This technology was developed primarily by the United States military for use in aerial and spatial reconnaissance. It has since been adapted for use in numerous civilian applications.