Ben actively engaged with me regarding an article we read exploring how wolves were gradually domesticated into modern dogs. We reviewed his answers to comprehension questions, on which he answered all the questions correctly. Our subsequent discussion covered the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms behind domestication, including how humans and early wolf populations may have developed a mutually beneficial relationship over thousands of years. A highlight of the session was Ben's strong critical thinking skills around selective breeding. His contributions and higher-order thinking showed solid application of core STEM concepts including natural vs. artificial selection, genomic variation, and heritability. Ben demonstrated highly effective comprehension of how genomic data can be used to reconstruct evolutionary history, and he made several meaningful connections between genetics and real-world biology throughout our exchange. Ben was amenable to a follow-up last article to review in tomorrow's (last) in-person session together.

Ben read an article entitled, "From Wolf to Best Friend: The Genomics of Dog Domestication," which discussed genetic divergence and ongoing evolution. The article was selected due to its appropriatness for STEM students; the story of dog domestication is an excellent lens through which students can examine evolutionary biology. Ben was interested in the article and subsequently answered 7 multiple choice questions - with 100% accuracy.

I had suggested an assignment which had tasked Ben with creating an interpretive argument through visual art rather than a traditional essay; however, Ben was resistant to the options given so I changed course. First, we looked up Danielewski's image and other novels he's written. We then researched his other works to compare them to "House of Leaves." We agreed that Danielewski's novels, "House of Leaves," and apparently two other novels he has written, showcase his unique style characterized by multimodal writing and intricate typographical variations. "House of Leaves" is known for its complex narrative structure, layering, strange typography and multi-layered narrative. We were in total agreement that we never experienced any book as unusual from cover to cover as this one.

This afternoon Ben was given the science tech article on graphic design to read and discuss. It referenced how AI won't replace designers but will act as la "powerful partner. When asked if he agreed or disagreed, and that audiences today are more drawn to designs that feel handmade and imperfect, Ben noted that AI makes him depressed but agreed that imperfection can be more emotionally powerful than perfection in art and design as it exposes the imperfection of humans. He noted that we are now seeing designers deliberately making work feel less "computer-perfect" and more real - which explained the phrase "imperfect by design" - nicely tying both science tech articles together seamlessly.

Ben reviewed one of two science tech articles which I hoped would connect directly to his interests. The first of the two articles was an NVIDIA article which tied computers, graphics, and science innovation together, and a designs trends article which I believe will speak to his interest in graphic art and logo design. As we discussed the first article, Ben added that the science tech company, NVIDIA makes up about 12% of every stock in the world" Ben has a wealth of knowledge across different disciplines and often contributes to discussions in meaningful and relevant ways. He went on to explain the reasons he does not like AI, using video clips and describing the nuances one should look for to distinguish between the two. I praised Ben's expertly delivered explanation and use of understandable/relatable vocabulary and suggested he consider delivering it to an audience - perhaps to his peers. Ben is giving due consideration to allow me to me make an audio tape of his explanation and critique of AI. This is a huge win, as he tends to shy away from public demonstrations and praise. Of late, Ben has been more open and agreeable to options, and I have been encouraging these considerations. We will review the other article in tomorrow's class. I chose the two articles to review as both are very current (2026) and written at an accessible but intellectually challenging level for a college-bound Stem student. Ben is tasked with responding to comprehension and critical thinking queries after reviewing the tests to asses his understanding and synthesis of the material.

After reviewing and completing chapter XXI in 'House of Leaves,' we read Chapters XXII which concludes with Karen finding and rescuing her husband, Navidson, after entering the maze herself- which changes the reader's understanding that he had died in the house. Navidson survives the house by burning his only remaining light. The couple ends up marrying but the entire experience with the house leaves Navidson forever changed and scarred. Ben identified and compared the symbols and motifs in the novel and how they represented in the text. We identified the following symbols: the house, labyrinths and hallways, mirrors. and darkness and void. Motifs included the footnotes and Danielewski's use of multi-layered texts, echoes, and typographic play, all of which intertwined to explore grief and reality. Ben effectively connected the recurring ideas to the themes, characters, and events described in the novel. This led to the conclusion that the main themes were fear, obsession, the unknown, and the questioning of reality. As Ben leafed through the final pages of the book, which showed various illustrations depicting the house, he creatively summed it up as " A book of leaves within The Book of Leaves" - a most fitting conclusion to our exploration of this challenging novel.

This afternoon, Ben and I worked in person and continued reading Chapter XXI, finishing all but 7 pages. We read about a main character's spiral downward. and we finished all but 7 pages. We noted that the whole chapter was written by Johnny and that it is the first time we see him as an author of the Navidson Record rather than a commentator. We additionally noted that his ramblings are no longer in the footnotes and that it appears he is at the peak of his insanity as he recalls his first childhood trauma involving his mother, invoking graphic images of being burned by scalding hot oil from an accidental spill from a frying pan. Ben and I agreed that Danielewski uses metaphors expertly in a way that makes the reader viscerally feel the trauma, and we noted that this is an overlapping theme in the book. Ben wondered how the book will end but we seem to feel it is coming full circle mirroring the character's personalities with the incongruent and malevolent dimensions and characteristics of the house.

We read chapters 20 and 21, noting the variations in typography and the various ways Danielewski creates a sense of dread and alienation as one of its main characters, Navidson, explores the house alone in Exploration #5. Navidson enters the house alone and experiences a complete breakdown of reality in the labyrinth. Ben noted parallels in Navidson's psychological state to the void and weird manifestations experienced in the house. We discussed Navidson's sensory deprivation and his physical decline as all of the electronic equipment, flashlights, and flares he prepared fail, leaving him in total darkness. Ben found it interesting when, in pitch black, Navidson finds he is carrying a copy of the book House of Leaves. We ended our session discussing the void when, after burning the last page of the book, he describes a sensation of floating or falling in a void where direction becomes irrelevant. I pointed out the asymmetrical typography which mirrored this feeling of disorientation. At the end of the chapter, we both noted that The Navidson Record ends with a tiny "fleck of blue light" in the darkness, which we think might be the flashlight of his wife, Karen Green We'll see if our suspicions are correct when we continue reading tomorrow.

Ben and I discussed how Danielewski deploys an extraordinary range of techniques to generate unease. We discussed the most notable ones: narrative layering - noting that the novel operates on three levels simultaneously, creating instability and distortion which mirrors the the experience of the house itself. The typography he uses creates chaos and disorientation; the text spirals and rotates, which renders its readers confused and anxious. Further, his use of footnotes makes the reader physically uncomfortable and interrupts the flow of reading. Many footnotes reference academic sources that do not exist (we've checked several), and some footnotes contradict the main text. In addition, the house's interior continues to be referred to as geometrically impossible and its layout described as constantly changing produces anxiety and makes the reader(s) question reality. These are very effective and rather unconventional literary technique, especially when used together. Ben asked to leave the session after an hour to join in friends online and was allowed to do so.

Ben read a science tech article about space exploration - NASA'S Artemis mission. He was offered two different copies from which to choose to read with different type/font color, and he quickly selected the one he felt most comfortable reading due to the color contrast. Ben read the article and answered questions - offered in different formats - i.e.., short answer/True False/ Multiple choice. He explained his answers to the three critical thinking questions with clarity, detail and facts to substantiate his answers. The discussion evolved into one of sound frequencies and unusual occurrences - and Ben shared a video clip about the interplay of sound pressure and infrasound to conclude today's session. It should be noted here that he explained the video clearly and intelligently prior to us viewing it. Ben continues to independently explore articles of interest on his own and remains an active and interested learner. This curiosity will serve him well in his future academic pursuits and endeavors.