Science & Tech – The Lilypad · DKU's Independent Student-led Publication

An Ancient Hero is Reflected in Kunshan’s Sponge City Project

Vianna Singh 2026-01-31 No Comments

By Vianna Singh and Jingyi Zhao Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wuhan_University_-_Water_Resources_Lab_-_Yu_the_Great_-_DSCF4287.JPG The story of Dayuzhishui (Dayu controlling water) tells the tale of a Chinese ancient hero, who used his wisdom to control massive floods and saved the Chinese nation from disaster. Although this story dates back several millennia, Dayu doesn’t disappear in China.

Plastic Waste: The Hidden Campus Issue

Chris Dong 2026-01-28 No Comments

By Chris Dong and Zhang Yu Photo: Indian Mountain School On a sunny afternoon, a group of students rushes out of the campus canteen. In their hands are plastic cups, bottled water, and takeout containers. Within minutes, most of that plastic will be tossed into a bin and will never

Buzzling Crisis: How Climate Change Is Silencing Bees

Enwei Fan 2026-01-21 No Comments

By Enwei Fan and Jiale Li Photo: Aunt Ping and bees, Enwei Fan Warming World, Fading Hives “Good afternoon, Johann!” greeted Aunt Ping—a local beekeeper who has tended bees for over thirty years. “Your pre-ordered beewax is all packed.” Handing it over, she smiled:“It makes candles that burn clean—no toxic

Stomach of Steel: Eating Invasives Eats Away at Climate Change

Caitlyn Schaffer 2026-01-16 No Comments

In Florida, iguanas are falling from the sky—and some chefs make them into tacos. When cold snaps hit, their cold-blooded bodies will freeze and send iguanas tumbling from trees onto sidewalks and cars. Most of the year, warmer winters allowed these invasive reptiles to thrive and gnaw through gardens, destabilize

From four to two wheels: New low-carbon solution for China’s streets

Zidi Gao 2026-01-14 No Comments

In Amsterdam, bicycles rule the roads; only 24% are cars. 30 years ago, China was also a kingdom of cycling. However, today, in Suzhou, every two people own a car on average. Citizens even prefer to call a taxi or Didi to the subway stations if they do not have

What is growing in the DKU garden?

Aris Rault 2026-01-11 No Comments

Photo: Saidkamolkhon Bakhodirov Located south of the Innovation Building and the WDR, the DKU Community Garden is a growing community project shaped by years of effort. The garden includes about 50 plots belonging to faculty and students. It serves as a place for nature-inspired expression and imagination. First established in

Philadelphia is Flooding in Rain… and Plastic?

Nicolas Long 2026-01-09 No Comments

It is no doubt that plastics have become a staple of our lives: grocery bags, bottles, and takeout boxes. In fact, over 400 million tons of plastics are produced worldwide annually, significantly larger than the weight of the total human population (Ritchie, Samborska, Roser 2023). However, strict bans and penalties

Plastic Waste: Shanghai’s Overlooked Climate Burden

Hassan Abdul Hadi 2025-11-23 No Comments

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/96434059@N00/398828246/ In Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2019, the government made headlines when it banned plastic bags across the city. Enforcement wasn’t just symbolic—hotels and businesses caught handing out plastic bags were slapped with heavy fines. The move sparked debate, but it also showed something crucial: decisive policy can force change

Why are DKU’s STEM classes so difficult?

Sara Kojic 2025-11-09 No Comments

Photo: Ann Tong Have you ever found yourself struggling while taking a DKU STEM course? Or invested the majority of your time studying for the class, doing the assignments and still felt worried that you will be met with disappointment or even fail the course despite your effort? No matter

Visiting Faculty Dr. Jennifer Turner Discusses Teaching Climate Storytelling

Mary Mulualem 2025-09-30 No Comments

Visiting faculty member Dr. Jennifer Turner sat down with the LilyPad to discuss her career and journey to teaching climate storytelling at DKU as an avenue for sustainability.

Category: Science & Tech