Dear Readers,

Though the “C” in SciTECH stands for “culture”, I like to think that it really stands for “context” – and not just the context of the particular scientific, technological, or mathematical field in which a discovery was made, but the context of the whole world, which consists of more than just STEM-oriented fields.

This section aims to explore ways in which STEM influences – and is influenced by – history, religion, ethics, philosophy – the list saunters on. Come by to ponder the interactions of subjects that are so intricately related together, as if facets of the same dice. Come by to read about how science and religion have danced around each other on the issue of abortion. Come by to encounter the idiosyncratic, the zany, the connections that come to us while absentmindedly walking on the pathways during passing period, the articles postulating the relationship between drugs and cookies, or maybe ones about sharks and marine conservation. Come by to gape at the sudden power humans have to edit genomes, gloved hand tangled in a fine cotton-candy mesh of sticky ethical questions. And then leave to look at a bright green yoga ball and wonder at triangles that can add up to more than 180 degrees, at the mathematical and scientific concepts recently created by bright minds trying to impose some semblance of order and logic on the chaotic world. The articles in this “sneak peek” issue represent my hope to explore with you the influence our environment has in informing the reactions we have toward science, technology, engineering, math; the issues we think are the most important to first address; and the ways we express our opinions on these subjects. Cheers!

Sincerely,

Truelian Lee ’17

Culture Section Editor