Voices of JYI

On Intersectionality in Healthcare

On Intersectionality in Healthcare

Intersectionality, a term coined by Dr. Kimberelé Crenshaw, refers to the idea that systems of oppression are inherently bound together, and thus create singular social experiences for people who bear the force of multiple systems. In her TED Talk on the urgency of intersectionality, Crenshaw explains that being both a person of color and a woman is strikingly different than being either a woman or a person of color.

Premed Burnout and Medical Education

Premed Burnout and Medical Education

The Spring of 2020 has been anything but ideal for the world as a whole. The COVID-19 outbreak has quickly become a massive safety issue and its effects are leaking into many of the very sectors that are fundamental to the wellbeing of our globalized society. These include the economy, higher education and critical supply chains. However, a small silver lining that many have already noticed is the widespread appreciation and recognition healthcare workers are receiving for their dedication and help.

To Break Out From Your Own Shell: My Journey in Japan

To Break Out From Your Own Shell: My Journey in Japan

Apart from Sushi, Tokyo and Mt. Fuji; my understanding of Japan was absolutely nothing. Back in India, we do not really grow up reading Japanese manga (comics). The only Japanese word I knew was ‘Sayonara’ (Goodbye) and that too because of the popular 1966 Bollywood film ‘Love in Tokyo’. The TV cartoons however, are still immensely popular.

Surviving and thriving off a four-hour commute

Surviving and thriving off a four-hour commute

When people ask me what part of Queen’s University’s student district I live in, a lot of people are shocked to hear that I commute from Toronto’s Union Station for biweekly classes; nearly two and a half hours away by train one-way. The priceless facial expressions in response to my answer are consistent; a look of confusion, mixed with some surprise,followed by a healthy dose of skepticism.

Using CRISPR in my kitchen

Using CRISPR in my kitchen

Clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats- or the far catchier CRISPR for short is often described as ‘precise molecular scissors’. Parts of the system were first noted over 30 years ago but only recently has it been put together as an interesting example of bacteria protecting themselves against viruses. Having genetically modified bacteria before, I was curious to try the new technology myself so I ordered the basic CRISPR kit sold by The Odin and tried it out in my kitchen!

Making the Most of Your Summer Research

Making the Most of Your Summer Research

Every year, thousands of undergraduates undertake summer research. Pursuing research during summer vacation allows students to experience full time research, get more work done on their projects, gain experience in new types of research, and make new friends.  It can be hectic, but these summers make for an amazing time. As the school year comes to an end and undergraduates start their summer positions, I wanted to share some of my experiences and advice on how to make the most of your time this summer.

From Copy Editor to Editor-in-Chief: My Four-Year Journey at JYI

From Copy Editor to Editor-in-Chief: My Four-Year Journey at JYI

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly four years since I first stumbled across the website for the Journal of Young Investigators. I had just started my freshman year of college and was looking for interesting organizations to get involved with. JYI caught my eye because it was an international nonprofit, allowing me to connect with other young researchers all over the globe and gain exposure to a wide variety of research topics. I decided to apply to be a Copy Editor, since this position would allow me to read papers both within and outside my own discipline and improve my skills in academic editing. At the time I had no idea that JYI would grow to become a huge part of my undergraduate career.