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
From Listening to Co-Production: Participatory Tools as Social and Economic Infrastructure in Bangkok
Author: Prapawit Intun
Affiliation: Participatory Citizen Lab (independent research initiative), Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
Abstract: This article examines how participatory tools can move beyond consultation to function as forms of co-production in urban design in Bangkok, Thailand. Drawing on participatory design, co-production, design justice, and debates on social infrastructure, it argues that participatory tools are not neutral mechanisms for collecting opinion but socio-technical infrastructures that mediate recognition, legibility, translation, and public value.
Keywords: participatory design, co-production, Bangkok, public value, social infrastructure
The Vestal Virgins: Guardians or Scapegoats of Ancient Rome?
Author: Maira Zaidi
Affiliation: Sidwell Friends, Washington, DC, USA
Abstract: When disaster struck ancient Rome, someone had to be held responsible. Romans systematically attributed military defeats, natural disasters, and political crises to the moral failures of the Roman Empire and projected them onto the lapses of women in their religious roles, especially the Vestal Virgins.
Keywords: Vestal Virgins, Pax Deorum, Roman religion, persecution, power and gender
A Microscopic Presentation of Global Trade Inequality in the Yiwu Market
Author: Siyuan Wang
Affiliation: Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR)
Abstract: This study examines how racial discrimination within the Yiwu Small Commodities Market contributes to global trade inequality and the structural decline of India’s retail sector. Drawing on 20 in-depth qualitative interviews with toy merchants in Yiwu, the research analyzes how social perceptions, online racial stereotypes, and market dynamics intersect to shape discriminatory business practices toward Indian buyers.
Keywords: Yiwu market, racial discrimination, trade inequality, India–China relations, small-commodity trade
Polluters, Beneficiaries and the Fair Division of Mitigation Duties in a Globalized World
Author: Abhineet R Komanduri
Affiliation: Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
Abstract: We live in an increasingly globalized world, where economic activities transgress national borders. The activities of production and consumption are no longer restricted by geographical boundaries. This free flow of labour and capital is accompanied by increased emissions in the producing nations. Thus, any attempt to address the issue of carbon emissions needs to take this trans-national nature of trade, where production tends to be centred in the Global South.
Keywords: Polluter Pays Principle, Beneficiary Pays Principle, Carbon Leakage, Emission Trading Schemes, Carbon Pricing
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.