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
Fairy Tales and the Narrative Self
Author: Krisha Sinha
Affiliation:
Abstract: “Once upon a time.” Four famous words that have begun the stories that have shaped generations of people’s values, beliefs and morals. Fairy tales are a special sort of story that have a long history of being used to teach children the ideals of society through overly simplified characters, words and symbols. Yet, this does not mean they are not complex. They are designed to teach children the difference between right and wrong, how to act in a desirable way and what they should value, all of which is in accordance with the society they live in.
Keywords:
From Dependency to Destiny: Crafting Europe’s Resilient and Green Rare Earth Revolution
Author: Aidan So
Affiliation:
Abstract: The European supply chain for Rare Earth Elements (REE) faces increasing vulnerability due to China's persistent dominance over global REE exports. Almost half (46%) of Europe’s REE are sourced from China, whose government seeks to transform this crucial raw material into a geopolitical weapon. This article contends that given the improbability of China loosening its export control, and the lack of viable substitutions, Europe must urgently develop a solution that prioritises resilience and sustainability.
Keywords: supply chain, rare earth elements, resilience, sustainability, Europe
From Drop-Shipped to the Divine: Devotional Kitsch, Gamer Saints, and Popular Catholic Iconography
Author: Sophia Day
Affiliation: Department of Art History, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
Abstract: Devotional objects for Catholic saints often conjure a specific visual language in the minds of believers, from small medallions depicting meditative portraits to softly glowing oil paintings adorning the fronts of prayer cards. Despite the Catholic Church’s prominent role in the Western art historical canon, for everyday Catholics, its visual legacy is as much the kitschy tropes of saint cards and candles - the objects of everyday devotion - as it is the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel.
Keywords: iconography, kitsch, Catholic art, visual culture, Carlo Acutis
Evaluating the Most Commercially Viable Energy Storage Technologies
Author: Aadi X. Mullan¹, Ermanno Miele²
Affiliation: ¹Horace Mann School, New York, New York, United States
²Cambridge University, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
Abstract: As the global energy sector shifts toward low-carbon systems, energy storage becomes essential for ensuring reliability, flexibility, and long-term sustainability. This study evaluates sixteen energy storage technologies, grouped into four categories: gravity-based, kinetic, electrochemical, and chemical.
Keywords: energy, storage, renewables, battery, sustainability
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.