Discover the first issue of Rice Remedy, a student-run journal highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of health sciences at Rice University. Explore topics such as LGBTQ+ healthcare and the history of cancer, and learn how art is used to convey scientific concepts. Gain insights into the impact of the petrochemical industry on health in Harris County and proposed solutions. Join the conversation on health sciences and broaden your understanding of this diverse field.
Exploring the Interdisciplinary Nature of Health Sciences at Rice University
( Credit to: Ricethresher )
Rice University has recently released the first issue of the Rice Remedy journal, a student-run publication focused on health sciences. The goal of the journal is to highlight the interdisciplinary nature of health sciences at Rice and to provide a platform for students to explore their interests in the field.
The editor-in-chief of Rice Remedy, Anuska Santra, explained that the journal was founded to address the lack of understanding of health sciences among the larger student body. Santra, a junior studying health sciences and neuroscience, wanted to showcase the breadth of the field and its connections to various disciplines.
Santra emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of health sciences, stating that almost anything she learns can be tied back to people's health. This realization sparked her interest in creating a journal that would explore the broader aspects of health sciences beyond neuroscience. Additionally, Santra and her fellow student, Bryant Polanco, wanted to incorporate art into the journal, as they both have a passion for it.
The faculty advisor for HEALAR, Cassandra Diep, highlighted the importance of the health sciences major in preparing students for careers in health policy. The major introduces students to public health, health promotion, behavioral sciences, epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, and other disciplines within the field.
Topics Covered in the Rice Remedy Journal
The Rice Remedy journal covers a wide range of topics within the field of health sciences. Some of the topics explored in the first issue include LGBTQ+ healthcare and the history of cancer. The journal aims to provide a platform for students to delve into these subjects and showcase the interdisciplinary nature of health sciences.
The Role of Art in Conveying Scientific Concepts
One unique aspect of the Rice Remedy journal is the incorporation of art. Anuska Santra and Bryant Polanco, the founders of the journal, believe that art can be a powerful tool to convey scientific concepts and make them more visually appealing. They wanted to make health sciences more accessible to a wider audience, and art is a medium that can bridge the gap between science and the general public.
The inclusion of art in the journal adds a creative and engaging element to the articles. It allows readers to visualize complex ideas and concepts in a more relatable way. By combining scientific information with artistic representations, the Rice Remedy journal aims to make health sciences more approachable and captivating.
Exploring the Impact of the Petrochemical Industry on Health in Harris County
Akshay Sethi, a junior studying biosciences and political science, contributed an article to the inaugural issue of Rice Remedy. His article focuses on the geographic determinants of health in Harris County, specifically examining the impact of the petrochemical industry.
Sethi delves into the history and planning of Houston and explores how certain communities have been disproportionately affected by the petrochemical industry. He proposes the implementation of new zoning laws and greater regulations on the industry to address these disparities.
In the future, Sethi plans to publish a photojournalism article in Rice Remedy, documenting the communities most affected by the petrochemical industry. Through photography, he aims to shed light on the lives of these communities and the historical factors that have shaped their geography.
Conclusion
The Rice Remedy journal provides a valuable platform for students to explore and discuss various topics within the field of health sciences. Through interdisciplinary approaches and the integration of art, the journal aims to make health sciences more accessible and engaging for both students and the wider community.