Vol. 1 No. 4 (2026): University of Waterloo Journal of Undergraduate Health Research (JUHR)

Dear Reader,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the fourth issue of the University of Waterloo Journal of
Undergraduate Health Research (JUHR).

This issue represents not only the continued growth of JUHR, but also the dedication of a team that has remained deeply committed to the journal throughout its development. Over the past year, we were fortunate to maintain a strong sense of continuity across our team, with many members returning to contribute their experience, ideas, and leadership. At the same time, a significant portion of our team approached the final stages of their undergraduate degrees. Balancing academic responsibilities, graduation preparations, employment, and other commitments made this publication cycle particularly demanding. Despite having much on their plates, our members continued to show up for one another and remained committed to bringing this issue to completion. Their perseverance reflects the collaborative spirit upon which JUHR continues to grow.

The articles featured in this issue demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of health research across
biological, social, cultural, and ethical perspectives. Khushleen Bawa explores how language barriers
affect healthcare access for South Asian immigrant families and proposes a culturally responsive digital
resource to improve communication. Fatima Zizi Fahlefi examines the growing use of preventative Botox
among youth and raises questions about safety, autonomy, regulation, and the medicalization of aging.
Sejal Bhagat discusses how epigenetic processes connect environmental influences with the development
of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Maya Morton Ninomiya examines knowledge-mobilization
initiatives related to food sovereignty and climate-change research in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region,
emphasizing the importance of community-engaged and accessible knowledge sharing.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to every member of JUHR’s Editorial, Creative,
Administrative, and Executive Teams. The publication of this issue would not have been possible without
the time, care, and dedication contributed at every stage of the process. From reviewing and refining
manuscripts to coordinating operations, communicating with authors, and transforming each submission
into a cohesive and visually engaging publication, every team played an essential role in bringing this
issue to life.

It has been a privilege to work alongside a group who remained committed to the journal and to one
another, even during an especially busy and transitional period. I am incredibly proud of what we have
accomplished together and grateful for the lasting contributions each member has made to JUHR.
I hope that this issue encourages you to engage with health research from new perspectives and serves as a reminder of the meaningful contributions undergraduate students can make to research, scholarship, and their communities.

Warm regards and happy reading,
Rajnandini Ganguli
Editor-in-Chief
University of Waterloo Journal of Undergraduate Health Research