Chloe Dahleen

Mary Gates Research Scholar, Autumn 2022

Project Title: Grey Matters Journal Sustainability Plan

Project Description: Grey Matters Journal is the University of Washington’s undergraduate neuroscience journal, founded on the core belief that quality neuroscience education should be available to everyone, regardless of background. Grey Matters accomplishes this mission via educational events and the production of a quarterly neuroscience journal. To date, Grey Matters has published over 200 articles in 22 issues while working with over 1400 undergraduate students from UW, amassing over 250,000 website views from over 50 countries, and collecting over 2200 followers across various social media platforms. The journal also hosts UW’s second-largest annual scientific event and has now expanded to 7 other universities across the nation. However, despite this resounding success, Grey Matters does not have access to sustainable sources of funding due to its status as an RSO. For this project, as Editor-in-Chief for the journal, I will lead the effort to obtain 501(c)(3) status for Grey Matters and establish a sustainability plan for the years going forward. 

What have you learned throughout your research project?

Working with Grey Matters has been one of the largest contributing factors to my development as a leader over my time at the University of Washington. The Journal continually draws in some of UW’s best and brightest leaders, and working with our ever-growing community has been an incredible opportunity. Grey Matters taught me that leadership does not only look like being actively engaged in work, but also humility, constant communication, and trust of team members. I learned the importance of a team that is passionate about their cause and the power in a diverse and inclusive environment. This project specifically has helped me strengthen my organizational and strategic skills, pushing me to engage with the difficulties that come with building a nonprofit.

What piece of advice do you have for future applicants?

Pursue a project you’re passionate about and the rest will come easy! Also, the importance of a strong and passionate team cannot be understated.