Dear Readers, We are living through an incredibly fraught time in science and the country. During the creation of this issue, we’ve seen the revocation of grants, the firing of thousands of federal scientists from multiple agencies, and the detainment of international scientists and students for saying and publishing things the current administration does not agree with. At the same time, we’ve seen the scientific community band together in demonstrations here on campus and across the globe, standing up for critical, lifesaving research. These may be dark, stressful times for scientists, as many of our futures are now uncertain. However, seeing the scientific community come together and reading about the undying passion for the crucial research scientists are doing shared across the pages of this magazine, I have no doubt we will persevere.

In line with crucial research for the greater good, “Environmental justice is rooted in science” by Sam Oaks-Leaf discusses how modeling can improve the lives of people from underserved communities and the importance of fighting for your research in the policy sphere, while “Cultivating science in the community” by Ashley Eng shows the positive impact that urban green spaces have on the community and environment. In “Scientists at Berkeley build a new Bay Bridge”, Evan DeTurk introduces the cutting-edge research that will eventually improve countless lives and the collaborations that make these discoveries possible. Vienna Thomas shows us how advancements in science are revealing more of the past in “History on a different wavelength.” We’re introduced to the new methods scientists are using to improve the clean energy space in “Getting elemental with semiconductors” by Noelle Davis and “Leading the charge to better batteries” by Sydney Hemenway. Finally, in “Expanding the mind, expanding the field,” Madison Browne takes us on a journey through psychedelics research and how ‘opening the mind’ can guide individuals to a happier life.

These articles would not be presented so beautifully here without the hard work of our editing and design teams. Our editing team has collaborated with the authors for the past few months to polish these fascinating stories into the articles you’re reading today. Our Art Director Eleanor Wang and the design team continue to turn every page of the magazine into artwork. Our Managing Editor Héctor L. Torres Vera has worked tirelessly to ensure the BSR can be brought to the Berkeley community for many years to come. Sam Oaks-Leaf, our Web Director, has continues to improve our website to make the BSR more accessible, and our Blog Editor in Chief Jeremy Marcus is leading the revival of the blog to expand the range of topics we cover. Last, but certainly not least, we’d like to thank our donors for your support, especially the Karmon family for their long-lasting generosity. The Berkeley Science Review would not be the magazine it is without you.

Without further ado, we hope you enjoy Issue 48 of the Berkeley Science Review!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Lineberry

Editor in Chief