Vol. 7 No. 1 (2012)

Dear reader,

As McGill University continues to polish its reputation as a world-class research institution, the McGill Science Undergraduate Research Journal (MSURJ) strives to nurture the seeds of research excellence by promoting research at the undergraduate level. With the publication of our seventh volume, we continue the proud tradition of encouraging students to communicate their contributions to science.

Since our inception in 2006, we have endeavoured to fulfill our mandate not just with our core publication, but also with community outreach events that expose the wondrous world of scientific research to CEGEP students in the Montreal area. This year marked the launch of The Abstract, an accessible science blog highlighting research by McGill professors. It is our goal to further scientific literacy and interest by coupling cutting-edge research with clear, engaging writing.

In this issue, we present to you the extraordinary works of students at McGill University. The subjects cover the full spectrum of scientific investigation, from bioinformatics to atmospheric science. The authors are undergraduate students who’ve demonstrated their investigatory prowess through summer research projects, thesis projects, and research coursework.

ERIC ZHAO
Editor-in-Chief

On The Cover

Designed by Irene Xie

The front cover features a stylized cutout of the earth, spanning from the core below to the cosmos above. it is incredible to think that all of science as we know it lies between these borders of earth, sky, and stars, from the depth of the oceans to the darkness of deep space; to know that every cell ever studied only existed on one thin strip of green. From the troposphere to the final frontiers, this is our view of the known universe; and yet, there is always more to explore.