Academics

Dear Readers,

On behalf of the Eukaryon editorial board, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for your continuous support as we publish our 18th year. The majority of the articles published in this edition were written during the peak of the pandemic when students and faculty spent the better half of the academic year learning remotely from all over the globe. Despite the difficulties we have endured these past few years and continue to endure, Eukaryon is prouder than ever to celebrate the academic achievements of the student body of Lake Forest College. The editorial board, which consists entirely of new members, has also demonstrated an admirable amount of dedication in order to make this publication possible. This year’s theme, “Evolution”, was inspired by our editorial board and their unwavering effort to see through Eukaryon’s revival following the tumultuous challenges brought forth by the pandemic. 

Evolution is a process of gradual change that occurs within several generations. This simple yet monumental biological concept is the basis of all life on Earth. We see it throughout our history and how it has given shape to our society. From single-celled organisms to the first multicellular animals, from the adaptation of fins into limbs, evolution is apparent in every aspect of all living things. Similar to the generational change of physiology within a species, Eukaryon has gone through its own evolution. For the past eighteen years, Eukaryon has constantly been improving itself by building upon the successes of previous editorial boards. The success of this journal lies entirely within the collective work of individual members. This year, the editorial board truly excelled in this aspect, and I will be forever thankful for each and every one of them.

This year, we are honored to listen to Dr. Becky Delventhal, a recent addition to the college’s Biology Department. Dr. Delventhal received her undergraduate degree at Macalester College, another small liberal arts college, where she majored in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Psychology. She went on to complete her PhD at Yale University, before becoming a postdoctoral research scientist at Columbia University. At Lake Forest College, Dr. Delvental teaches Molecules, Genes, and Cells, Developmental Biology, and Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Disease. Her presentation for the 18th inauguration is entitled: “What Flies Can Teach Us About Human Biology and the World Around Us.” Despite her short time here, Dr. Delventhal has already proven herself to be a valued member of both the Science and Lake Forest College community and we are excited to have her celebrate this next milestone with us.

This publication would not be possible without the support of many individuals. First, I would like to thank Dr. Flavia Barbosa, who has graciously become the journal’s new advisor this year and has done a phenomenal job guiding us throughout the entire process. Her invaluable insight, encouragement, and genuine care about this journal inspired us to overcome any challenges and helped pave our way towards success. I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Shubhik DebBurman for his continued support and advocacy for Eukaryon. I would also like to thank my fellow Eukaryon members, all of whom are new to their positions and have demonstrated a remarkable effort in ensuring the successful revival of this journal. Lastly, thank you to all the faculty and students that submitted to Eukaryon. Your outstanding submissions are the core of this journal and we thank you for granting us the opportunity to publish your exceptional work. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition.

Sincerely,

Katrina Topacio

Editor-in-Chief, Eukaryon, 2021-2022

About the Editor

Katrina Topacio ’22 is from Grayslake, Illinois. She is double majoring in Biology and Neuroscience. She is a member of the Nu Rho Psi National Neuroscience Honor Society, the Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society, and a member of the Neuroscience Student Advisory Academic Committee 2021-22. She is also the current Editor-in-Chief for Eukaryon. She loved being a part of the Science community at LFC and enjoyed being a peer teacher and mentor for several introductory biology courses. She also enjoyed conducting research in Dr. Kim’s lab at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Her plans after graduation include taking a gap year before attending medical school.