Author: Sarah Foust

  • Breaking the Cycle

    Breaking the Cycle

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    When we think of the New Year, it often serves as a time for reflection and renewal—a moment to pause and consider the significance of new beginnings. It is common for people to hit a proverbial “reset button” and establish New Year’s resolutions that reflect the physical, emotional, mental, or social changes they wish to…

  • Not With a Cherry on Top!

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    Those cherries on top of Grandma’s holiday treat may have been poisoned. Yes, those syrupy, gooey bursts of flavor are, in fact, toxic. The culprit is… red food dye. On January 15, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement prohibiting the use of Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs.…

  • A Mostly Incorrect History of Biology and Medicine

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    Tribute to James Iry 1670: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek developed the first microscope. Microscopes would gain much popularity among academics, as they justified the statement: “This thing is so obvious, can’t you see?” 1859: After an expedition on the HMS Beagle, Charles Darwin proposed his evolutionary theory. Reviewers at the time were not pleased with the…

  • How to Make the Most of Spring Migration in New York City

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    If you asked anyone to name the first thing that came to mind when you said “New York City,” very rarely would you hear words like nature or birds. Contrary to popular assumptions, however, New York City serves a crucial role in the migration of birds during the spring and winter. Life is a Flyway…

  • The Quest to Un-Muddy the Waters of Scientific Publishing

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    In most academic environments, retractions are a taboo topic. They are only mentioned as break room gossip or in cautionary tales meant to scare early-career scientists away from research misconduct. Ivan Oransky is determined to change that.  Oransky is a professor of medical journalism at New York University and editor-in-chief of The Transmitter—the editorially independent…

  • Breaking News: Government Defunds Ducklings

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    Sparking controversy nationwide, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced this week on X that it will further restrict the terms of federal research funding, prohibiting the purchase of “mental wellness animals” using NIH and NSF funds. This announcement has been widely seen as a response from the Trump administration to a report written by…

  • Spring Blooms

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    Where to see early blooming plants in Central Park Dene Slope Location: East Side of Central Park between 65th & 67th St Some flowers that will be in bloom this spring are common yarrow and the black-eyed Susan. This meadow also has many native plants that bloom in fall for year-round variety. Pilgrim Hill Location:…

  • Meeting Our Mascot: An Afternoon with Archibald Feathersby

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    This spring, I had the pleasure of interviewing Rockefeller’s self-proclaimed mascot: Archibald Feathersby. Mr. Feathersby is an intelligent, refined, and charismatic mallard duck who has called the pond on Rockefeller’s campus his home for the last eight years. During that time, he discovered a passion for splashing in puddles in front of the Faculty Club,…

  • The Role of Pedagogy in STEM Education

    The Role of Pedagogy in STEM Education

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    Pedagogy, the science of teaching and learning, explores the principles, practices, and methods that shape how knowledge is transmitted and retained. Over time, pedagogy underwent a fundamental shift from a traditional, teacher-centered methodology based on rote memorization to a more collaborative, student-centered approach that encourages exploration and questions. The ongoing evolution of pedagogy continues to…

  • Hidden Gems: Exploring Six of NYC’s Most Unique Museums

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    New York City is an epicenter of art and culture, housing some of the most prestigious museums in the world. Institutions like the Met, MoMA, American Museum of Natural History, and Guggenheim are globally recognized icons that draw throngs of visitors, locals and tourists alike. However, their popularity often leads to overwhelming crowds and long…

  • A Lab’s Legacy: How Mentorship Shapes the Future of Science

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    Good mentorship is a cornerstone of good science. Though vital at all career stages, mentorship holds particular value for the most junior scientists, like research technicians, whose work is a vital yet overlooked part of research output. Without extensive formal classroom instruction on laboratory techniques and scientific thinking, younger students and technicians must rely on…

  • NIH Training Grant and Funding Updates: Implications for Tri-I Scientists

    NIH Training Grant and Funding Updates: Implications for Tri-I Scientists

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    Featured Image: The NIH’s drastic cuts to indirect research funding will strain the ability of the Tri-I to cover critical expenses like facilities, utilities, and financial administration. Overview of NIH funding changes In February 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a significant policy change, capping indirect cost reimbursements at 15% for all new…