LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
Dear readers,
We present to you the 2023 Northern Light Undergraduate Research Journal. This publication has been in the works for the past three years but was delayed due to the pandemic and a shortage of prospective editors. We would like to thank all the staff who have put in their time and effort during the last couple of years. This wouldn’t have been published today without their contributions. We also want to thank our authors for the hard work and patience they showed as well as the interesting topics brought to the table.
Please enjoy this publication and if you are interested or inspired by any of these research papers, consider submitting one of your own student essays for next year’s issue. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated in Spring 2024.
Thank you for reading,
The Northern Light Staff
Breed-Specific Legislation Should not Exist by Beth Romero
Breed-specific legislation restricts many potential renters and homeowners because their beloved pets happen to be "bully-breeds." Moreover, headlines continue to arise that label "Pit Bulls" as dangerous, when they used to be nicknamed "American Pets." As time has continued, the pit bull's reputation has fallen significantly, and breed-specific legislation has been on the books since as early as 1980. To read more, click here.
How Overuse of Social Media can Negatively Impact Adolescent Mental Health by Meghan Wolfe
Around the world, adolescents spend an inordinate amount of time on social media, some even admit to over 20 hours per week (O'Reily). Worldwide, about 83% of young adults have an average of seven social media accounts (Sasso, et al.), and a survey in 2018 said 95% of teens aged 13-17 had their own mobile device while over 70% checked social media several times per day, and more than half admitted that social media is a huge distraction ("Survey Finds 95%"). To read more, click here.
Assessing the Gender Diversity in Local Magic: The Gathering Environments: An Analysis of Historical Disparities and Opportunities for Advancement by Ryan Dirks
Magic: The Gathering has a reputation for the kind of player drawn to it. In this essay, the history of Magic: The Gathering, the play styles, and the Local Game Stores players congregate are examined to discern the reasons for and ways to decrease the perceived gender disparity within the game and community. To read more, click here.
The Future of Medicine Pertaining Organ Cloning by Alison V. Wayman
As cloning technologies improve, there are increasing ethical questions about its use in medicine. One possible application of cloning technology can pertain to organ cloning, which could prove to be an invaluable advancement, but at what cost? To read more, click here.