Scientia, Volume 5 (2014)

From the Editors We are pleased to present the fifth volume of *Scientia*, the undergraduate journal of scientific research. This year’s edition carries on our proud tradition of presenting top research produced by undergraduates, written by undergraduates, and reviewed by our undergraduate peers. The very name of this journal, *Scientia*, is derived from the work of Sir Francis Bacon, who claims 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 to make a difference, and to share their knowledge and discoveries in ways that encourage collaboration, advance learning, and contribute to the common good. In the pages of this journal, you will discover articles on topics ranging from the application of nanotechnology in human health to the use of mass spectroscopy in identifying the binding sites of specific proteins. Even so, these articles only touch on the vast variety of research done by undergraduates across campus. One of the goals of *Scientia* is to drive undergraduate participation in the publication and peer review process, but more broadly to foster scientific communication across disciplines and among students and faculty. Beyond the publication of this print journal, we also celebrate the success of our monthly “Talk Science” seminars. Now in its fourth year, “Talk Science” serves as an opportunity for undergraduates and faculty to give talks on their research in a fun and informal setting. We thank all of our student and faculty presenters this year, who are listed on the final page of the journal. As we prepare to graduate from Notre Dame, we look back on our involvement with *Scientia* with great fondness. Though we must say goodbye, we are so thrilled to announce Orrin Belden and Katrina Magno as *Scientia*’s next editors-in-chief. Orrin and Katrina both joined *Scientia* as freshmen, and have since contributed articles to the journal, and have been involved in the peer review, layout, and publication process. This year, as managing editors, they have done phenomenal work coordinating many aspects of *Scientia*, including not only the journal itself, but also our “Talk Science” seminars. We are confident that they will do a superb 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 gratefully acknowledge 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 layout team and our section editors for all of their fantastic work throughout the year. Without them *Scientia* would not be possible. In Notre Dame, Rachel Cotton *Scientia* Co-Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Marton *Scientia* Co-Editor-in-Chief