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
Modulating Reactive Astrocytes after Spinal Cord Injury using Emerging Gene Therapy with Transcription Factors
Author: Pehel Anand
Affiliation: Cambridge Centre for International Research, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
Abstract: Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to severe and often permanent loss of motor and sensory function due to primary tissue damage followed by secondary processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. A major barrier to repair is the glial scar, where reactive astrocytes and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) restrict axon regrowth.
Keywords: spinal cord injury, reactive astrocytes, Glial scar, transcription factors, neural regeneration
Insights into the Role of the Canonical Wnt Pathway in Embryonic Development
Author: Brandon A. Wang
Affiliation: Sunny Hills High School, California
Abstract: Wnts are a family of proteins that control gene expression and cell differentiation, particularly in embryos. They serve a variety of roles in cell and tissue development, directing the creation and proliferation of embryonic cells and tissue layers, specifying the ectomesoderm and being instrumental in determining muscle cells. Wnt performs these functions through canonical and non-canonical pathways.
Keywords: canonical Wnt pathway, embryonic development, beta-catenin signaling, cell differentiation, gene regulation
How do Urban Areas Affect Carbon Emissions
Author: Enoch Kong
Affiliation: Miramonte High School, Orinda, California, United States of America
Abstract: This study examines how the urban areas populations and transportations affect carbon emissions leading to climate change. As carbon emissions and the dangers of climate change increase, there is also an increasing need to address these problems in the world.
Keywords: climate change, carbon dioxide, green Earth
Integrating the Impacts of Ovarian Hormones on Brain and Behavior: Implications for Women’s Wellbeing
Author: Kexin Xu
Affiliation: Nanjing Foreign Language School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Abstract: Hormones exert significant control over brain functions. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle are one of the most systematic and recurring changes experienced by half of human populations. However, findings on the impacts of these hormones are disconnected and often contradictory. This may be due to differences in methodologies, the opposite pattern of fluctuations in these hormones, their widespread neuronal effects, and brain homeostatic mechanisms.
Keywords: ovarian hormones, menstrual cycle neuroscience, brain homeostasis, hormonal contraceptives
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.