LETTERS FROM Dear Reader: Welcome to the first ever special edition dedicated to COVID-19. This issue is the product of months of dedicated research, analyses, and fact-finding. The Columbia Science Review Editorial staff investigated several interesting aspects of the coronavirus pandemic. Through it all, we remained determined not to only engage the reader, but to also dispel misinformation in these unprecedented times. There has been no better example of the dangers of misinformation than what we have witnessed during this public health crisis. While scientists have raced to develop viable vaccines and identify new ways of effectively dealing with this pandemic, many in politics have attempted to discredit physicians and scientists who are committed to public safety. At the Columbia Science Review, we believe in making scientific information and facts readily available to our readers. We have done our best to cover a broad range of topics and to bring you what we hope to be informative articles on COVID-19. At this time, it is not only critical to stay safe by adhering to public health measures like mask-wearing and social distancing, but also to stay informed. Due to the evolving nature of science, articles have been dated to indicate that only the information available at the time was utilized. I’m proud of the hard work and commitment demonstrated by our staff, and to have worked alongside passionate young scientists and future changemakers. Finally, I am pleased to hand off the position of Editor-in-Chief to Sarah Ho who has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this publication. I’m certain that the Columbia Science Review will continue to grow and excel under her leadership. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share our work with you. Stay safe and stay strong! Sincerely,
Alice Sardarian Editor-in-Chief
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