University of Virginia

They say it's about “values.” That's a very easy way of skirting the question.

We canvassed the world of the social and behavioral sciences, looking for rising stars whose careers promise to make a lasting mark. We'll be profiling the top 30 throughout the month of April.

For the month of April we're profiling the individuals who made our inaugural list of the 30 top thinkers under 30, the young men and women we predict will have a serious impact on the social, political, and economic issues we cover every day here at Pacific Standard.

Scientists are working to study the make-up and effects of bath salts, while ER doctors are struggling to treat its victims.