2025 Edition - The Gold Star Journal

Photograph of 2024-2025 GSJ Staff — Dr. Suzanne T. Mabrouk (Advisor), Quentin Walsh (Editor), John Cappello (Communications Editor), Noah Miller (Assistant Editor-in-Chief), Gage Timberlake (Editor-in-Chief), Kaitlyn Hatchew (Editor), Kanjanika Kincaid (Marketing Editor), Andrew Palmer (Outreach Editor).

*Class Ring on Civil War Rifled – Brass Cannon*, **Daniel Melnikov**

Editor – In – Chief

Gage Timberlake, 2025, Criminal Justice Major

Assistant Editor – in – Chief

Noah Miller, 2026, Political Science and English Double Major

The Editors

Kanjanika Kincaid, Marketing Editor, 2026, Marketing and Business Development Major.
John Cappello, Internal Communications Editor, 2025, Intelligence and Security Studies and Political Science Major.
Kaitlyn Hatchew, Editor, 2027, Physics Major.

Quentin Walsh, Editor, 2027, Physics and English Double Major.
Andrew Palmer, 2025, Political Science, German, and History Triple Major.

The twenty-ninth edition of The Gold Star Journal is proudly dedicated to Sergeant Major Andrew L. Yagle, United States Marine Corps (Retired). After 31 years of selfless service to his nation in the Marine Corps, Sergeant Major Yagle is an irreplaceable figure within the Commandant’s Department, having now served the South Carolina Corps of Cadets (S.C.C.C.) for 11 years and counting as the college’s Command Sergeant Major.

Sergeant Major Yagle credits his experience as a drill instructor while a young Marine to the longevity and success of his military career. He has carried this with him here at The Citadel. Sergeant Major preaches that “training another human being is one of the most important things you can ever do.” This spirit of mentorship has left an indelible impact on the lives and careers of thousands of Citadel cadets. A consummate professional and the model of ideal proficiency, Sergeant Major has shown the way for cadets to take pride in their work, remain true to themselves, and uphold a life of virtue by the way he lives. For these reasons, Sergeant Major has inspired many cadets in ways that are not easily forgotten.

Sergeant Major is ubiquitously respected and appreciated by the S.C.C.C., especially the editors of The Gold Star Journal. He is a great friend to us and has graciously supported our operations through the years by approving cadets to wear patches, ribbons, and pins that represent The Journal. The Corps of Cadets and The Gold Star Journal are eternally grateful to Sergeant Major Yagle for his value of high achievement and a job well done.

Sergeant Major’s message to “be true to yourself and demand of yourself always,” transcends the S.C.C.C. and the Marine Corps. This lesson will continue to lead cadets to greater heights. It is with our great respect and admiration that we, the editors of The Gold Star Journal, dedicate the twenty-ninth edition to Sergeant Major Andrew L. Yagle: the magnanimous man, the Marine, The Citadel legend.

To view the entire 2025 edition, click this link or the cover above.

“Thermal Management Systems in High – Speed Aircraft”, Kylie Coulston, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering Major.

Thermal management systems are crucial in regulating the temperature of critical components within aircraft. Elements such as solar radiation, electronics, and air friction negatively affect the plane’s performance by creating heat. As planes increase in speed and on-board electrical components, the heat load continues to increase making these current systems ineffective.

“Nanoparticles to the Rescue: Developments in Cancer Treatment”, Jessica Bailey, Class of 2026, Biochemistry Major.

Chemotherapy is a drug-dependent treatment used to stop the growth of cancer cells. However, chemotherapy cannot distinguish between healthy and cancerous cells. Nanotechnology is an increasingly popular delivery system used to help the drug target the unhealthy cancer cells while protecting healthy cells. Understanding the multifunctionality of nanoparticle treatment will result in a more individualized healthcare plan for those with cancer.

“Corporate Social Responsibility: Temu and the Global Economy”, Andrew Harrington, Class of 2025, Business Major.

Temu, a rapidly growing e-commerce platform under the company Pinduoduo, has a large role in the global economy. This analysis highlights concerns regarding Temu’s environmental sustainability claims , transparency issues, and logistical challenges. While Temu promotes itself as environmentally conscious, its lack of detailed data regarding its carbon footprint raises questions. For Temu to maintain credibility, it must update its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report with quantifiable data.

“Hidden Threats: The Effect of Zero – Days”, Sebastian Klincewicz, Class of 2025, Cyber Operations and Computer Science Double Major.

U.S. National Security increasingly relies on digital platforms, yet many systems remain vulnerable to unaddressed security flaws. Widely referred to as zero-day vulnerabilities, these security flaws are weaknesses in the source code of software or hardware products unknown to the vendor, allowing adversaries to exploit a system without detection. Ethical concerns regarding the stockpiling of zero-day vulnerabilities have become a pressing topic.

Tyler Jacobs, Class of 2026, Intelligence and Security Studies Major.

Light of Men

Anna Mart, Class of 2025, Counselor Education and Art Education Double Major.

No Fail Policy

Tyler Jacobs, Class of 2026, Intelligence and Security Studies Major.

Light of Men

Jasmine Franklin, Class of 2026, Chemistry and Spanish Double Major.

Potential

Featured Papers

“Cryptology in the Second World War”, Tyler Kelly, 2025, Mechanical Engineering Major.

During World War II, Cryptology was used by both the Allied and Axis powers in attempts to gain an advantage over their enemy. The impacts of these efforts greatly influenced the operational efficiency of whomever held the upper hand and played a key role in the Allies’ eventual victory.

“Social Well-Being and The Importance of a Third Place”, Robert Isaac Williams, 2026, Political Science and Intelligence Security Studies Double Major.

What makes us happy? The data is shockingly simple. “Third places,” or a place other than home or work, is vital not only to our social connectedness, but also our overall happiness. Come explore the facts and benefits of getting out of your house.

“Infrastructure Under Attack: Cyber Threats to Transportation”, Matthew Pinchbeck, 2026, Cyber Operations and Computer Science Double Major.

The U.S. transportation system plays a critical role in our nation’s infrastructure, and its supporting subsectors are under attack by cybercriminals. How can the U.S. defend against these threat actors? The answer may surprise you.

“Cyberattacks: Who is at Fault?”, Kirin Chaplin, 2025, Cyber Operations and Computer Science Double Major.

Cyberattacks are an increasing threat in today’s digital landscape to individuals, organizations, and governments. Should organizations or governments be held responsible for a cyberattack, or should the sole responsibility of a cyberattack be placed on whomever carried out the attack?

Featured Photographs and Artwork

“An Untamed Life: A Photo Story of Yellowstone National Park”, Chad Souders, 2025, Marketing Major.

In recent history, our society has become plagued with social media. We crave dopamine hits from strangers viewing our social media posts, only increasing our desire to remain online: addicted, tamed, soulless. I came to this sad realization in summer 2022, and proclaimed that I would live a life worth living, a life that was untamed. After meticulous planning, I found myself embarking on a journey to live in Yellowstone National Park to enjoy the most beautiful aspects of our everyday lives: the great outdoors.