Research

The Kindness and Smile Zone team’s research article, “Beyond the Skin: The Psychological Impact of Dermatological Conditions on Adolescents and the Potential of Creative and Kindness-Based Interventions,” explores how visible skin conditions can affect teens’ mental health, confidence, and social experiences.

Written by Farheen Amir, Payton Ford, and Ayona Jaswal, the paper highlights how conditions like acne and eczema can lead to anxiety, stigma, and lower self-esteem. It also examines how creative expression and kindness-based programs can help adolescents build resilience, feel supported, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Read the full article here.

Our founder, Ayona Jaswal’s research, "Casgevy: A Turning Point in Genetic Medicine," explores how CRISPR gene therapy is revolutionizing treatment for Sickle Cell Disease. By analyzing the "molecular switch" that restores healthy blood flow, the paper highlights how this one-time fix can end a lifetime of painful crises.

While marking this scientific milestone, the research advocates for ethical responsibility and equitable access. Ayona addresses the $2.2 million cost barrier, challenging the medical community to ensure that genomic breakthroughs reach those who need them most as a right, not a privilege.

Read the full article here.

At The Kindness and Smile Zone, we believe that true support for children starts with a deep understanding of the mind. Our founder, Ayona Jaswal,  is dedicated to educating the community on the vital intersection of mental and physical health.

Ayona’s research article, "Breaking the Silence - Mental Health and the Socio-Ethical Pursuit of Progress from the Victorian Asylum to the Frontiers of Neurobiology," explores the journey from the restrictive Victorian asylums of the 1800s to the cutting-edge frontiers of modern neurobiology. This research highlights how chronic stress and isolation create a "biological survival mode" in the brain, and why mental health must be treated as a collective ethical responsibility rather than an individual struggle. 

Ayona placed in the top 3.5% of research articles in the Horizon Academic Essay Contest with 1,656 submissions from 88 different countries. She won a $1,935 scholarship to continue her STEM research.

Read the full article here.

Our founder, Ayona Jaswal's research, "Closing the Gap - Making AI Education Accessible for Chronically Ill Students in Canada," explores how Artificial Intelligence can act as a lifeline for students who can't attend class in person. By using the story of "Maya," a chronically ill student, the paper highlights how AI-driven tutors and adaptive tools can keep kids connected to their studies while advocating for new Canadian policies that protect student privacy and prevent bias.

Read the full article here.