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This spring semester marks an unprecedented year for the Georgetown community and beyond. The ability of many 
student researchers to adapt their research studies to a virtual environment, something previously unimaginable, is 
nothing short of a remarkable display of the resilience and adaptability of the Georgetown student body. Students 
turned to writing literature reviews and conducting data analyses to delve deeper into their research virtually. This 
pattern was reflected in the numerous literature reviews present in this issue as well as in Student Highlights 
throughout the school year. These unanticipated changes students made to the way they conduct research are 
inspiring to the research community as a whole and show their passion and desire to further scientific research 
despite the many new challenges we face.

In this issue, we are met with a diversity of research conducted by these committed students. They have tackled 
a variety of important topics ranging from gun violence to cancer models. This issue presents many fascinating 
and thought-provoking studies: a new, original program for decryption techniques on python, a review about 
the target receptor GPR40 for epilepsy treatment, original research regarding the psychological healing of Black 
women in the DC area following losing a child to gun violence, and a review of cancer models in pancreatic ductal 
adenocarcinoma therapy. We hope this issue will serve as a testament to true commitment that will always find a 
way to move forward despite a pandemic that challenged the safety of conducting research via traditional methods. 

As we transition into our second year as an organization, we hope to continue contributing to the scientific student 
experience at Georgetown University. To honor our dedication to the Georgetown research community, the Center 
for Student Engagement presented GSR Journal with the Outstanding Student Organization Award. Through 
resources on how to get involved in research and showcasing the work of our community members, we hope 
students will learn more about the myriad research opportunities at Georgetown. Please join us in commending 
the students who have advanced the ongoing research at Georgetown University both in this issue and beyond. 

Danya A. Adams 
Editor-in-Chief

Nesreen Shahrour
Executive Editor

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