Dear Reader,
Over the course of history, our perception of protection and security has evolved greatly. Beyond the simple evasion of physical injury, the concept of “safety” has adapted to a technologically-driven world. In the age of biomedicine and computers, we seek protection against pathogens and online identity theft – concerns far removed from those of our ancestors. Even the very protection against injury itself has expanded in the wake of increasingly destructive weapons technology. In light of this evolution, there is no doubt that science and technology intertwine intimately with protection and security, influencing what we wish to protect and to protect against.
In this issue of the DUJS, our articles explore “Protection and Security” in a variety of settings. Olivia Dahl reviews the intersection of neuroscience with criminology. Kristen Flint describes the various mechanisms by which contraceptives prevent pregnancy. Stephanie Alden discusses the advances in vaccination research. Annie (Yi) Sun details the technology that farmers employ to prevent citrus greening. John Steward addresses the issue of human enhancements, offering a unique interpretation of the issue’s theme. Jessica Barfield highlights new brain-computer interface technologies that can rescue patients from locked-in syndrome. Julia Isaacson elucidates the protective properties of shear thickening fluid, and Shinri Kamei elaborates on the advances in anti-missile systems.
This issue’s faculty interview features Charles Palmer, Ph.D., an Adjunct Professor of Computer Science at Dartmouth College and the Chief Technology Officer for Security and Privacy for IBM Research. Here, Dr. Palmer recounts his incredible career in cybersecurity, presenting an inside-story behind the development of ethical hacking. In addition to our faculty interview, DUJS is also proud to feature an interview with Alan Alda, the acclaimed actor, writer, and science advocate, who discusses his experience in promoting science communications through his institute, the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University.
Finally, we are pleased to announce the winners of our second annual International Science Essay Competition. We received over 260 submissions from 20 countries and would like to congratulate all of the participants for their excellent work. Our first place winner, Tony Pan, from Lynbrook High School in San Jose, CA, wrote a winning entry on nuclear security. Our second place winner, Navya Dasari, from BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, AZ, wrote an essay on mood disorders. The two runner ups were Sara Camilli from Biotechnology High School in Freehold, NJ, and Rachel Stanziola from MMI Preparatory School in Freeland, PA.
We would like to thank the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Dean Maria Laskaris for once again bringing the DUJS and ISEC to high schools around the world; Jane Quigley, Head Librarian of the Kresge Physical Sciences Library, for her continued assistance in expanding our distribution; and Dr. Christiane Wolforth, the director of the Montgomery Fellows Program at Dartmouth, for arranging the interview with DUJS and Mr. Alda.
Thank you for reading the DUJS, and we hope you enjoy this issue.
Sincerely,
The DUJS Editorial Board