Letter from the Chancellor

WORDS from the EDITORS

Welcome to the Broad Street Scientific, NCSSM’s journal of student research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In this ninth edition of the Broad Street Scientific, we aim to showcase the breadth and depth of research conducted by our students and encourage readers to be scientifically literate individuals. In rapidly changing times, it is important to keep up with new advancements so that we can hold informed perspectives and make informed decisions as a society. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition!

This year’s theme is the composition of the human body: a visual dive into the components that connect each of us as one species. Human anatomy and physiology is the subject of research for many scientific disciplines, ranging from biology and chemistry to physics and engineering. A deep understanding of human anatomy is key to promoting health and wellness in our society, and the years of research that have gone into studying the human body have produced significant improvements in healthcare and the quality of life. We chose the composition of the human body as this year’s theme not just because of its importance to research, but also because of the incredible scientific images produced during the research process. Technology has enabled us to acquire high resolution images of many biological components, from tissues and individual cells down to proteins and nucleic acids. The anatomical images used in this year’s issue display the many levels of biological organization. The biological levels of organization order the different complexities of life from simplest to most complex. In living organisms, these levels are: atoms, molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms. The importance of every working component cannot be understated; all individual parts of a system must function properly to produce a working whole. This aspect of anatomy and physiology reminds us that we are all part of something bigger, just as how every bit of research done, even by high schoolers, contributes to a greater society of scientific thinkers.

We would like to thank the faculty, staff, and administration of NCSSM for continuing to support and build the scientific community that NCSSM represents. Now in its 40th year, NCSSM continues to nurture a stimulating academic environment that encourages motivated students to apply their interests towards solving real-world problems. To many, NCSSM serves as a symbol of passion and determination in the next generation of young people that will no doubt change the world. We would like to give special thanks to Dr. Jonathan Bennett for his invaluable support and guidance throughout the publication process. We would also like to thank Chancellor Dr. Todd Roberts, Dean of Science Dr. Amy Sheck, and Director of Mentorship and Research Dr. Sarah Shoemaker. Lastly, the Broad Street Scientific would like to acknowledge Mr. Erik Troan, Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Pendo, for speaking with us about his unique career path and perspectives on STEM and entrepreneurship, and for imparting important advice to young scientists and entrepreneurs so that they, too, may tread fearlessly and find their own path forward.

Olivia Fugikawa, Jason Li, and Eleanor Xiao Editors-in-Chief