







































Letter From the Editor-in-Chief Emerita
The Ice Age, Stone Age, and Bronze Age all engender defining periods in history, each described by an 
overarching narrative. Most recently, we have found5ourselves in ."�5Information Age, characterized by rapidly 
developing technologies such as the internet, giving us access to information 5within the matter of seconds. At the 
beginning of 2020, however, we stumbled upon a pandemic that left people around 5the world baffled. We watched 
in 5admiration as scientists collaborated, innovating ways to understand and tackle the novel coronavirus. 
This turning point marks the beginning of the 5Biological Age.

The rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccines using mRNA technology demonstrates the contributions 
biology has made for everyone around the globe. These recent biological discoveries and technological innovations 
including vaccine technology, gene therapy, 3D brain mapping, and stem cell technology have been spearheaded 
by scientists across the world. Research has already started to test gene therapy to treat different cancers and sickle 
cell anemia, brain mapping is being used as a tool to understand Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia, and stem 
cell technology is being adapted to generate organoids and perhaps replacement organs. In the future, mRNA 
vaccine technology might be used to treat other diseases such as diabetes. With rapid innovation, research and 
medicine has the continued potential to ameliorate the lives of a myriad of people. 

Student scientists are the next generation of researchers ushering in .he Biological Age. Throughout 
the pandemic, first, virtually and, more recently, in person, students at Georgetown University 5 have 
continued 5 to rise to the challenge to conduct research safely, demonstrating resilience and determination. 
Our issue is joined by articles ranging from direct impacts to students in the 5 Georgetown University 
community–understanding mental health afflicting Resident Assistants–to impacts 5 on a global scale–
understanding CRISPR’s applications in defense against pathogens. 5 These articles are a testament to the 
extensive research conducted by students within the Georgetown University community. 5 Join me in 
commending Georgetown University student researchers for driving discoveries in the research field 5 as we 
enter this 5new biological age.

Danya A. Adams 
Editor-in-Chief Emerita

5

GSR Journal 
Georgetown Scientific Research Journal 

1)~ a.~ 


	Table of Contents
	Letter From the Editors
	Letter From the Editor-in-Chief Emerita
	Energy Security in Poland: Where the Energy Sector Falls Short and Where It Can Go
	Impacts of Climate Change on Mycorrhizal Fungi in Salt Marsh Habitats
	CRISPR and COVID-19: Lessons Learned to Prepare for the Next Pathogen
	The Impacts on Well-being of Undergraduate College Students Serving in a Resident Assistant Role
	About the Authors
	Acknowledgements

