Letter From the Editors
This fall semester marks a new beginning for the Georgetown community and beyond. The ability of many 
student researchers to regain their footing in their research studies after returning to an in-person 
environment ��')(-.,�.�- the adaptability and passion for science of the Georgetown student body. Students 5
wrote literature reviews and analyzed data in their never-ending pursuit to answer noble questions in their5 
fields of interest. 5They 5were able to produce exceptional articles due to the amalgamation of the knowledge and5 
skills learned from this past year’s virtual environment and the return to an in-person education. Those5 
accomplishments are not only inspiring to the research community, but show the students’ passion to further5 
scientific research despite the various challenges they face. 5

In this issue, we are met with a diversity of research, tackling a variety of important topics ranging from gene 
editing technology to climate change. This publication presents many fascinating and thought-provoking 
studies: CRISPR and COVID-19, climate change and fungi in salt marshes, energy security in Poland, and the 
wellbeing of college students serving in a resident assistant role. 

We hope this issue will serve as a testament to the true commitment that will always find a way to move forward 
despite the pandemic that continues to challenge the safety of conducting traditional research. In fact, because of 
these challenges, students are using new ideas, topics, and methods to further the scientific field and the growth 
of our students and the scientific community here at Georgetown. As we transition to our third publication, we 
hope to continue contributing to the scientific student experience at Georgetown University. 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 publication and 
beyond.

Nesreen Shahrour
Editor-in-Chief

Layan Shahrour
Executive Editor

4

GSR Journal 
Georgetown Scientific Research Journal 


	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