The Emerging Investigators Stories series highlights how Emerging Investigators initiatives like JEI and eiRxiv have changed the lives of student authors, volunteers, staff, and beyond.

By: Arushi Neravetla

The Journey Begins

The Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) changed my life and catalyzed my research career – but my journey began before I had ever heard of JEI. I took my first scientific steps as a high school student with an assigned research project for my IB psychology class. I’ve always been drawn to the intricacies of science and was ecstatic to share my research. I wanted to take what started as a mere class assignment to the next level. I was only a high school student, though — so where could I turn? 

One day, my father texted me about JEI and how I could even publish my research as a high school student! As I explored JEI’s  website, I felt invited into their process that would guide my manuscript through every step of publication. Then and there, I realized and resolved: this journey with JEI was for me. JEI’s process seemed daunting and their directions were detailed and direct.  However, knowing they would review and provide feedback on every part of my paper – and that other students just like me had published with JEI –  gave me confidence to jump in. 

I created a timeline for myself to complete each portion of the manuscript, understanding the nuances that make a manuscript accessible and engaging to readers. When I needed support beyond JEI’s submission guidelines,  my father was by my side to recommend how I could improve my manuscript. While my teacher guided me through the experiment itself, the writing had my soul engraved on it. In the blink of an eye, 6 months had passed and I finally submitted my  manuscript to JEI, leaving it in the hands of their reviewers.  With a proud smile, my father laid a hand on my shoulder and reminded me that I had given it my all. The seasons changed and soon my nerves settled into the waiting phase, wondering whether my manuscript would be accepted.

Let the Editing Commence

I still recall my excitement the day I opened my email with JEI’s letter accepting my manuscript for review and editing.  My father shared my joy that my hard work would be  met with personalized feedback from JEI’s reviewers and editors.

The next 6 months were filled with  both rigorous edits and the anticipation that I would soon be able to share my research with the world.   Just like any manuscript, mine was not perfect. But with every edit and suggestion (over 50 of them for my manuscript!), I learned, researched, and grew. Even though the recommendations from JEI’s reviewers and editors sometimes felt overwhelming, I knew their constructive criticism meant they saw potential in me and my work, and that I just had to keep going.

After a full six months of review and editing, my paper - “The Study of Technology and the Use of Individual Cognitive Recall” - was finally published in JEI. I had achieved my dream to publish my first paper! But my journey didn’t stop there. 

One Research Paper Follows Another

Armed with everything I learned from JEI’s review process and full of excitement from my first publication, I was ready to leap into scientific writing and showcase my knowledge to the world. JEI’s collaboration and support boosted my morale and gave me the confidence I needed to navigate my undergraduate career in science and writing. Since then, I’ve published with Johns Hopkins Macksey Journal, receiving an honorary mention from the Director of Undergraduate Research about my work, “Unveiling the Neglected Legacy of Indian Medicine: Restoring Insights Through Ancient Texts”. This publication then opened doors to work with UCSF as an intern at the Sandler Neuroscience Center. But my journey is also far from over. JEI equipped me with the tools and skills I need to blaze a trail  leading the brightest minds, holding a pen sharp for another line to write. 

High School Students Unite–This is Our Time

I believe every student who wants to learn and share their work  with JEI can achieve their goals. Unlike many other organizations, JEI doesn’t just introduce or promote science communication. Instead, they mentor students to become the scientific writers who will lead the next generation. As a JEI author,  receiving feedback and pushing through the challenging revision process showcases your power and can be a turning point that ignites your research career. JEI is a friend who gives us choices to the vision we design, and encourages the curiosity blooming in our minds. And once our minds begin to expand, who can say where they’ll go or what we’ll achieve? 

If you’ve ever wondered, “Could I ever share my science with the world?” I and over a thousand other JEI student authors are examples that brought our dreams into reality. And we’re here to tell you that yes, you can too.