Dear Readers,
I proudly present to you the tenth annual edition of the Columbia Junior Science Journal (CJSJ)—one of three journals encompassed by our open-access organization. Driven by boundless curiosity, rigorous methodology, and a genuine desire to improve society through scientific and technological innovation—this edition not only meets but rather exceeds CUSJ’s high standards of excellence. I commend our authors for their dedicated pursuit of truth in the form of scientific research. Our selected works reflect a diverse range of disciplines and voices that are indicative of the future of science and technology. The future is only as promising as the scientists that will comprise it. I am confident that our talented authors will continue to shape the ever-evolving body of knowledge that scientific research, at its core, hopes to expand upon for the benefit of humankind.
Moreover, I write to you in a period of uncertainty for all academic disciplines. As the project of the University and higher education is under attack—we remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and upholding the sanctity and integrity of scientific research. Our work does not exist in a vacuum—instead, it exists in the context of what we hope to achieve from our research as scientists. Ultimately, we hope to impact humankind. We strive to understand so that we may apply our knowledge for the benefit of humanity. Our vision for science and academia, as a whole, remains undeterred and principled.
By choosing to publish and showcase authors in the earliest stages of their careers, we hope to not only provide you, the reader, with a comprehensive review of novel scientific discoveries driven by young scientists but also to reaffirm the importance of investing in the future and value of science by working with our young authors.
As we celebrate the release of the tenth edition of CJSJ—we also begin our transition to the next executive board of CUSJ. As the torch and mission of CUSJ are endowed upon our next leaders, we gather over the tradition of entrusting responsibility with the utmost faith to the next generation—a sentiment that rings true in our work at CJSJ. We cannot wait to see what our authors achieve next.
With gratitude,
Kayla Pham
President, Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal