Scientia, Volume 6 (2015)

From the Editors To our readers, We are pleased to present the sixth volume of *Scientia*, Notre Dame’s Undergraduate Journal of Scientific Research. This year’s edition carries on our proud tradition of highlighting the vibrant research undertaken by undergraduates, written by undergraduates, and reviewed by undergraduate peers. The very name of this journal, *Scientia*, is derived from the ideas of Sir Francis Bacon, who expressed that *scientia*, knowledge of the natural world, is itself the proper partner of *potentia*, or power. *Scientia* embodies the mission of the College of Science to prepare tomorrow’s scientific leaders to think big while also inspiring them advance learning and contribute to the common good. In the pages of this journal, you will discover papers on topics ranging from the prediction of online advertisement demand to the elucidation of the effects of plasma irradiation on healthy cells. These articles are only small glimpses into the variety of research done by undergraduates across the college. By driving undergraduate participation in the publication and peer review process, *Scientia* aims to foster scientific discussion across disciplines, students, and faculty. Beyond the publication of this print journal, we also celebrate the fifth successful year of our monthly Talk Science seminars. By providing a forum for undergraduates and faculty members to present their research in a relaxed and informal setting, the seminars encourage dynamic and interdisciplinary discussion. This year, we introduced the first Talk Science: Innovation Series, which aimed at educating students on the importance of innovative thinking between seemingly disparate topics. We thank our student and faculty presenters this year, who are listed on the final page of the journal. We are also proud to have a launched a new article submission system and a revamped *Scientia* website—both of which will continue to further *Scientia*’s mission. As we prepare to graduate from Notre Dame, we look back on our involvement in *Scientia* with great fondness and pride. Though we must part ways, we have made every effort to ensure *Scientia*’s continued success and growth for years to come. We are excited to announce Kaitlin Jacobson and Michael Dinh as *Scientia*’s next editors-in-chief. Kaitlin and Michael both joined *Scientia* as freshmen, during which time they took on tasks that vary from coordinating the layout of the journal to writing and selecting the news articles. This year as managing editors they have done phenomenal work organizing many aspects of *Scientia*. We are confident they will do an excellent job as editors-in-chief. In closing, we thank all of the people whose support has contributed to the continued success of *Scientia*. In particular, we would like to recognize Greg Crawford, dean of the College of Science, the staff of the dean’s office, and Prof. Dom Chaloner, our faculty advisor. We greatly appreciate all of the students who submitted their papers for review, as well as their faculty mentors. Finally, we thank all of our staff members, particularly our section editors, for all of their hard work and ideas throughout the year. Without them, *Scientia* would not be possible nor would it continue to evolve. In Notre Dame, Orrin Belden *Scientia* Co-Editor-in-Chief Katrina Magno *Scientia* Co-Editor-in-Chief