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ARTICLES
Applying to competitive undergraduate research programs doesn't mean you need a flawless, stress-inducing resume. In Standing out without Stressing Out!, Brina Patel shares practical advice and CNS student perspectives on navigating science internships, setting clear goals, and showing genuine curiosity over trying to look perfect on paper.
When study sessions move to coffee shops in search of focus, the intentions are high and the outcomes are often hilarious and not as productive as we thought it to be. In Locked Out: A Comic, Sravya Gullapalli captures the universal student struggle of chasing academic motivation into the wild, only to run headfirst into laughter and conversation.
Stepping into a university research lab for the first time can feel daunting, but programs like the Freshman Research Initiative change the narrative. In Hands-On Science: Experiences in UT FRI's DIY Diagnostics Stream, Haset Mekuria explores what it’s really like to dive into undergraduate research, highlighting how peer mentorship, collaborative workflows, and hands-on project development turn early scientific nerves into lasting confidence.
As distance and time soften the edges of memory, certain traditions remain to bridge the gap. In Blood Fruit, Melody Dehghan explores the quiet weight of inheritance through the seasonal ritual of peeling pomegranates—reflecting on displacement, family, and how the things we carry keep us rooted.
Every Tuesday on San Antonio Street, a long line of students gathers not for an event, but for a beloved West Campus tradition: free, freshly grilled burgers. In Churger Tuesday: Food Distribution at LuMin Austin, Khanh Hoang and Brina Patel explore how LuMin's weekly feeding ministry has evolved into a vital community hub addressing student food insecurity and fostering connection across campus.
As artificial intelligence reshapes lecture halls and assignments, the line between helpful support and cognitive shortcut is blurring. In Chalkboards to Chatbots, Khanh Hoang explores how College of Natural Sciences professors and students are navigating the rise of AI, examining the tension between instant answers and the vital, productive struggle of true learning.
With the heavy demands of college and pre-health pressures, finding support can often feel intimidating or unclear. In CARE Counselors Care, Khanh and Kayla Hoang sit down with UT Austin campus counselors to break down mental health myths, explore accessible drop-in spaces, and remind students that taking care of well-being is just as essential as hitting the books.
Between problem sets and pre-health pressure, it’s easy to forget the city beyond campus. In Deep in the Heart of Texas, Sidnee Bell designs the perfect balanced day—pairing focused studying with a thoughtful exploration of Austin’s cultural core. From quiet café hours to wandering the halls of the Texas Capitol, this guide is a reminder that fulfillment in college often comes from moderation, curiosity, and making time to explore the place we call home.
Balancing elite athletics with demanding academics is no small feat—but for CNS student-athletes, it’s a life driven by intention and passion. In The Pursuit of Passions, Prisha Desai profiles track and field athletes Sophia Kowalski and Ki Rendon, whose stories reveal how discipline, support systems, and genuine curiosity make it possible to thrive in both arenas. This piece redefines rigor not as sacrifice for convenience, but as a meaningful commitment to what truly matters.
When winter sets in, feeling low is often brushed off as “just the winter blues”—but for many students, it’s something more. In ’Tis the Season to Be Not So Jolly, Maya Murali breaks down the science behind seasonal affective disorder, why college students are especially vulnerable, and how to recognize when a bad mood turns into something deeper. Blending accessible science with practical coping strategies and campus resources, this piece offers reassurance, clarity, and a reminder that support is always within reach.