OSU launches undergraduate research journal, student submissions invited

Friday, October 22, 2010

Oklahoma State University will highlight students’ undergraduate research in the first volume of the OSU Journal of Undergraduate Research, which is expected to be released sometime next year.

The Office of Scholar Development and Recognition and the Office of the Vice President of Research and Technology Transfer are working together to collect primary research conducted by undergraduate students under the direction of an OSU faculty member.

The idea was sparked by Director of the Freshman Research Scholars Program, Tim O’Neil, and Director of Scholar Development Dr. Bob Graalman who saw undergraduate journals from other universities and decided OSU students deserved a similar venue.

“There are many things happening at OSU right now that are promoting a higher level of undergraduate experience, and I think that this is one of those ventures that will really pay off for our students,” said Graalman.

The journal will show prospective high school students the many research opportunities OSU offers, as well as prepare OSU students for graduate school and future careers.

A call for papers was issued a few weeks ago for students to submit their work. Papers from all academic disciplines are accepted, and students don’t have to be a part of an OSU research program or The Honors College to be considered.

“If (a student) wrote a particularly good term paper for class, it’s fair game. We want to take a more inclusive approach than many other universities. If you are doing research at OSU, we want to see it,” said O’Neil.

The final selection of papers will be published in print and online using the digital collections system at the OSU library.

The VPR office and the Office of Scholar Development will share the cost of printing and the scholarships awarded to selected students.

The scholarship amount is undetermined until the number of papers is chosen.

O’Neil said the journal will likely publish 10 papers the first year, but he won’t know the final number until the review process is complete.

“We’re just going to have to feel our way through this process. We have a lot of really good people working on it,” said O’Neil.

Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer Dr. Stephen McKeever has been a key adviser throughout the development of the journal.

With McKeever’s assistance, O’Neil has chosen 10 faculty members to serve on the journal’s editorial review board. Faculty interested in serving on the board should contact O’Neil for more information.

The faculty, along with the two offices, are working together to showcase the pioneering innovations of OSU’s creative students.

“OSU is a research university, which means that we can offer an extra dimension to the educational experience for students that is just not available at all universities. It is an extra richness that is available here,” said McKeever.

Students can pick up a submission packet in the Office of Scholar Development and Recognition in 260 Student Union or online at http://scholardevelopment.okstate.edu/. Submissions are due March 25.