We are thrilled to share this inaugural issue of Mastery: The Student Research Journal. Starting an academic research journal has been both a challenging and rewarding endeavor. From curating submissions to refining research for publication, the process has required dedication, collaboration, and a deep commitment to elevating student voices in academic discourse. 

This first issue stands as a testament to the intellectual curiosity and hard work of our contributors, as well as the perseverance of those who helped bring this journal to life. This journal was founded on a premise similar to that of the Mastery School of Hawken: that students can achieve anything and should be given a venue by which to do so. At the Mastery School, students often engage with high-level content in a range of academic fields, and this issue of Mastery: The Student Research Journal aims to showcase the incredible work of our students. 

The articles in this issue highlight an important cross-section of high school student research. These scholars have conducted research on niche and broad topics alike, ranging from constitutional legal philosophy to center of mass analysis in biomedical engineering to printmaking in the 14th century. We hope you enjoy the range of articles in this issue. We look forward to showcasing the outstanding works of high school student researchers in our future issues and continuing to pioneer this important platform for student work.