As we approach the end of winter term, some of you might be experiencing the familiar feeling of being tired, spent, or unmotivated. Don’t despair! Burnout isn’t a personal failing; it’s a physiological state. Chronic stress can elevate cortisol, disrupt sleep cycles, dampen dopamine pathways, and erode the cognitive flexibility that creativity depends on. Sometimes that manifests as “brain fog,” irritability, or anxiety.

Christina Maslach, social psychologist and professor emerita of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, helped define burnout as a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced sense of accomplishment.

But here’s the hopeful part: the same rigor we apply to experiments can be applied to rest. Recovery is biological, too. Sleep restores neural pathways. Connection regulates stress hormones. Curiosity rekindles dopamine. If this week feels heavy, consider it data—not defeat. Listen to your mind and body and take time for rest, restoration, and time with friends. Honor the data, adjust the variables, and give yourself the same care you’d give any system you hope will thrive.

-The WISP Team

Calling all chemistry majors, prospective chemistry majors, and anyone who just enjoys chemistry!

The department is pleased to host a dinner and social mixer on Wednesday, March 4. Please RSVP soon so they can order food accordingly.

Are you a CS student who has taken at least two courses in the department? Are you interested in getting paid while gaining a deeper understanding of course content?

CS is looking for section leaders for the spring term. Please visit this page to learn more about this paid opportunity. The deadline for applying is March 20 — but don’t wait too long to sign up!

MAD is a video competition that gives Dartmouth undergraduates the chance to share their research with a broad audience. The contest is a collaboration between SURFD and the Dartmouth Libraries’ Jones Media Center (JMC).

This is a unique opportunity to present your work in an accessible, creative format, and develop valuable communication and media skills. The Jones Media Center offers free resources to support video creation.

The competition is open to Dartmouth undergraduates conducting research outside the classroom with a faculty mentor. Videos (up to three minutes) must be submitted by Wednesday, April 15.

Cash prizes are awarded! Judges will select a grand prize winner, who will receive $1,000. An on-campus screening will take place Friday, April 24, where attendees can vote for the People’s Choice award. The People’s Choice winner will receive $250.

For more information, visit the SURFD website.

Are you interested in conducting research during the spring term? The deadline for submitting applications is fast approaching for two of SURFD’s research programs:

Leave yourself plenty of time to prepare these materials and please make sure you review all of the guidelines for submission, including those for faculty recommendations/endorsements. No late applications will be accepted.

Got an opportunity or event you’d like to share with the WISP community? Email us at [email protected] with your request.