ISSUE 4

EDITOR’S NOTE
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Scientists aim to improve the world through their discoveries, but a scientific discovery is only as good as its communication. Without the ability to communicate the nuances, complexities, and importance of discoveries to a wide range of audiences, the potential of scientific work to benefit society is diminished. At Grey Matters, we recognize that the scientific journal article — despite being the currency of communication across scientific fields — may be anathema to participation and engagement from a lay audience. But science is incremental and in constant flux, and efforts to improve science communication must be, too.

As I step down from my role and Grey Matters Journal continues to move forward, a brief reflection on these past few years seems appropriate. 

After my first year of college, I sat down for an interview and was asked to describe my neuroscience research to a panel of individuals with limited to no experience studying the sciences. I bombed it. Describing the role of astrocytes in cognition was challenging, but doable. But I had no clue how to describe the process of glutamate recycling (and how it relates to cognition) to a non-science audience. Scientists do need jargon — after all, jargon homogenizes concepts, allowing people around the world to transmit and communicate in intelligible ways and via a universal language. But I was mortified by my inability to navigate and triage that conversation, and so I got to work. I crafted analogies in which I compared the very esteemed neuron to Beyoncé, and the under-appreciated and misunderstood astrocyte to Beyoncé’s very important backup dancers. I still use these analogies today when discussing my lab work to anyone who will listen. Perhaps this is intimate and telescopic, but it’s certainly more fun and colloquial than using strictly science lingo. The cognitive dissonance I experienced a year later when I was introduced to the scientific paper was astounding. I loved all things brain, but the scientific paper was boring and complex. It didn’t take long to discover that many of my peers were also grappling with this dichotomy, and it was this collective frustration with the inaccessibility of science dialogue that galvanized Vassar’s chapter of Grey Matters Journal. Over the past few years, the list of successes, as well as stressors and challenges, is far too long to enumerate. Importantly, we were buoyed by our passion for the work.

In a lot of ways, our success as a journal is indebted to a collective drive to present science in an alternate way. But, at the most basic level, I really do believe that the impetus for change is merely the collective frustration and bravery — and to some, foolishness — to challenge the conventional. At Grey Matters, we recognize that to be lulled into the complacency of expertise means to impede learning, and worse, to distance ourselves from others. So instead of highlighting endless editorial responsibilities during publication cycles, my memory primarily nourishes recollections of our “off seasons.” Summer breaks, winter breaks. Anytime outside of the publication cycle, where we get the opportunity to converse, reflect, and ask ourselves: what is it that we can be doing better? How can we better engage in conversation with each other?

Though Grey Matters hasn’t been the whole of my college experience, it has certainly been the best and brightest part. It has been a privilege to lead such an impassioned group of peers, and I have a number of people to thank. 

My job would have been impossible without our team, whose tremendous enthusiasm for innovative and unconventional publication ideas was most helpful. Thank you for making me a better human, communicator, and leader. Thank you for being a team I could count on, and a team I have thoroughly enjoyed working with. You all have my utmost respect and gratitude. I owe a special thanks to my friend and Senior Managing Editor, Clem, who often entered my room while I was working on the Journal to see if I was still alive. And to my Senior Managing Editor, Lucas— who was the first person I called up in June of 2020 to share my desire to start the Journal — I can’t thank you enough for believing in me and joining me on this journey. Thank you to the Neuroscience and Behavior program, President Bradley, and to you, our readers, for your continued support. 

My term will end shortly after I graduate on May 22, and I am excited to announce that Grey Matters Journal at Vassar College will be in excellent hands. Lucas Angles will be stepping into the role of Editor-in-Chief, and I am as impressed by the dedication and care he is already bringing to this upcoming position as I have been by his talented leadership as Senior Managing Editor. We are so very fortunate to have him at the helm, welcoming another year of brilliant contributors, thoughtful editors, and inspiring artists. 

As I say farewell to the journal, I also welcome a new team. A team that — as we all made sure — is just as frustrated and courageous and foolish as we were when we began this line of work. Stay curious, and be well. 

Cheers,