MR. ANDREW MEDINA-MARINO is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the molecular neuroscience program at the California Institute of Technology. He will be completing his Ph.D. degree in the 2008 calendar year. After receiving his degree, Andrew plans to switch from conducting lab-based research to investigating the role of infectious diseases, environmental degradation, and human security as they pertain to national and global security issues. Andrew is a Big Brother in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization and is an active participant in numerous programs that promote the expansion of educational opportunities for youth of color. It was Andrew who first conceived of the idea of JYI, and he is one of the five founders of the organization. Andrew served in various roles on the Executive Management, including as Editor-in-Chief, from 1997-1999.