Vol. 1 No. 1 (2006)

Welcome to the first issue of the McGill Science Undergraduate Research Journal. McGill is world renowned for its high academic achievement as well as its great emphasis on research. Our university attracts the brightest and best fromaround the world to study at the undergraduate level each year. During this time, many of these students participate insome type of research. Whether it be as part of an honours thesis or during the summer at a laboratory, the growth of the research community at McGill and subsequently around the world is partly due to the great achievements of ouryoung undergraduate researchers. Countless students, both current and alumni have been or are involved with groundbreaking research throughout their undergraduate educational career. Whether this research is published in a peer-reviewed academic journal or not, undergraduate research experiences must have a medium in the University community where they may be celebrated and shared.

Our goal is to promote and exhibit the world class research that comes out of the Undergraduate population to inspire others. We hope our journal will entice research interests in all facets of science. Whether you are a long time researcher or a wide-eyed freshman, we believe that the MSURJ will substantially add to the Research missions of McGill as well as impacting University life at McGill.

The MSURJ editorial board consists of 12 very intelligent hard working undergraduates who have slaved tirelessly to produce this exciting and amazing first issue of MSURJ. Together we hope you gain insight and inspiration into the fascinating undergraduate research here at McGill.

We hope you enjoy our first ever issue and look forward to publishing future installments.

Marta Filipski & Jesse Pasternak

On the Cover

Nobel Laureate Leon M. Lederman reviews student posters at the annual Undergraduate Research Conference in Redpath Hall