Catalysts of Change
Ideas Shaping Tomorrow
Volume 2, Issue 1 — July 2026
Published July 2026
ISSN: 3069-8200
The Princeton Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (PJIR) proudly presents its third issue, Catalyst of Change, continuing the journal's commitment to showcasing exceptional interdisciplinary scholarship from undergraduate and early-career researchers around the world.
This issue reflects the transformative power of research to challenge assumptions, advance understanding, and inspire meaningful change across disciplines. Catalyst of Change brings together an exceptional collection of papers spanning fields including artificial intelligence, molecular biology, psychology, environmental science, public policy, law, economics, history, philosophy, literature, art history, biomedical engineering, cybersecurity, aerospace engineering, and global development. Together, these contributions demonstrate how today's most pressing questions are increasingly addressed through interdisciplinary perspectives and innovative approaches.
This issue also highlights the truly global nature of student research. The published papers represent student researchers from institutions around the world, including Phillips Academy, Northeastern University, Dartmouth College, Pennsylvania State University, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and many other leading secondary schools and universities across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
In recognition of outstanding scholarly contributions, Catalyst of Change presents two Best Paper Awards. The first Best Paper Award is presented to "The Relationship Between Adolescents' Likelihood to Judge, Assist, and Punish Under Omission Neglect" by Seojin E. Ban of Phillips Academy, with Dr. Alireza Soltani of Dartmouth College, for its thoughtful experimental investigation into adolescent decision-making and cognitive bias. The second Best Paper Award is presented to "Nascent vs. Steady-State Sequencing Reveals Extensive but Unstable Antisense Transcription in Yeast" by Nishant Chaparala for its rigorous biological research and original contribution to understanding gene transcription dynamics. These papers exemplify the intellectual curiosity, methodological rigor, and interdisciplinary excellence that define the mission of the Princeton Journal of Interdisciplinary Research.
All accepted articles are published online under ISSN 3069-8200.
Editor’s Note
The beginning of a new volume offers an opportunity to present new scholarship and reflect on the purpose of research. As the Princeton Journal of Interdisciplinary Research enters its second year, we are reminded that knowledge advances through curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to question established ideas.
Today’s most pressing challenges—from technological change and public health to climate resilience and global inequality—rarely belong to a single discipline. Addressing them requires researchers who can connect diverse perspectives, methods, and fields of study.
The articles in this issue reflect that interdisciplinary spirit. Each examines a distinct question, yet together they demonstrate how rigorous scholarship can deepen our understanding of complex problems.
As PJIR continues to grow, we remain committed to supporting undergraduate and early-career researchers whose work challenges assumptions and contributes to meaningful academic dialog. We thank our authors, reviewers, and readers for making this publication possible.
We hope this issue inspires curiosity, encourages new conversations, and highlights the power of building connections across disciplines.
PJIR Editorial Team
Articles in This Issue
International Brick Wall: Encompasses the United Nations Architecture Throughout War Fares: A Perspective
Author: Sabrina Z. Cui
Affiliation: CCIR: Cambridge Centre of International Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Abstract: The international frameworks and academic studies alongside theories relating to the United Nations—from now on will be referred back to the acronym “UN” throughout this paper—architecture during warfare, both in terms of physical architecture and organizational structure, such as the UN’s ‘Peace Building’.
Keywords: architecture, international-law, civil-crisis
Myelin Damage and Its Role in Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Author: Duru Develioglu
Affiliation: Cambridge Centre for International Research
Abstract: Recent research increasingly recognizes demyelination as a major contributor to the cognitive decline and neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Myelin, a sheath that insulates axons and enables rapid signal conduction, is essential for neuronal communication. The degeneration of myelin, which slows neuronal signaling, results in poor learning, impaired memory, and reduced decision-making capacity. Despite the many detrimental effects of demyelination, the specific mechanisms responsible for myelin damage remain unclear.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s Disease, Myelin, Demyelination, Neural Tissue Engineering, Hydrogel Scaffolds
Can a Person Mourn the Loss of Their Own Self?
Authors: Beril Uygun (author)¹, Dr. Esther Rosario (Mentor)², Hector Omar Ruiz Rivera (Mentor)³
Affiliations: ¹Cambridge Center for International Research
²Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
³University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
Abstract: Drawing upon thinkers such as Oscar Wilde, Albert Camus, John Locke, Nietzsche, and Plato, in this research paper, the research question “Can a person mourn the loss of their own self?” will be answered from philosophical, psychological, and neuroscientific perspectives. This article will link this question to the self, losing the self, grieving, depression, suicide, and self-worth. In this paper, the self will be defined.
Keywords: the self, losing the self, grieving, depression, suicide
The Salience of Analyzing and Collecting Undergraduate Civic Attitudes in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Natasha Kokkodil (author)¹, Jackson Logue (author)², Zara Jamshed (author)³, Mihir Virani (author)⁴
Affiliation: The University of Texas at Dallas
Abstract: College campuses have a considerable impact on shaping their student voters and the civic fabric of their community. As youth voter turnout becomes increasingly uncertain and lower than among other demographics, institutions may need to consider using data collection methods to better align with the civic needs of their students (Herre, 2024). This study analyzes how universities can effectively identify and address unknown civic engagement gaps unique to their campuses that contribute to low youth voter turnout.
Keywords: college civic engagement, voter behavior assessment, student civic research, youth voter dialogue, the University of Texas at Dallas.
Citation for This Issue
Princeton Journal of Interdisciplinary Research. (2026). Volume 2, Issue 1 — Catalysts of Change. PJIR.
https://www.princeton-press.com/pjir/issues/vol-2-issue-1
Open Access Statement
This journal is fully open access. All articles are freely available to read, download, and share without subscription or access barriers. We encourage scholars to cite and engage with the research published here, as such scholarly exchange plays an important role in supporting emerging and early-career researchers and advancing ongoing academic conversations.