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?Journal to feature undergrads’ researc

David McKinney/University Relations

Jonathan Nguyen, Wichita senior, and Undergraduate Research Award winner, left, and Erik Lavington, Emporia senior, work in a lab in this file photo. A new journal started at KU will publish research of undergraduate students from across the country.

Journal to feature undergrads' research

KU is preparing to launch the Journal of Undergraduate Research, a biennial, peer-reviewed publication designed to showcase undergraduate research in a range of academic disciplines. The first issue is planned for this spring, and an editorial board and student review board are being organized now, said Chris Haufler, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, who is serving as faculty adviser.

The journal will be published both online and in printed form, Haufler said. Primary authorship for submissions will be restricted to undergraduate students at KU.

"A large amount of research at KU is done at the undergraduate level," he said, "but it is often difficult for undergraduates to receive adequate public distribution and recognition. The journal is envisioned as a vehicle for displaying the significant and often high-powered research accomplished by undergraduates, many of whom would not otherwise have a publishing outlet for their work."

The two boards will feature a mix of faculty and students, both undergraduate and graduate. The intent is to foster relationships that contribute to the positive atmosphere for research at KU, Haufler said.

"There are obvious benefits to having such a publication for undergraduates," he added, "especially for those who contemplate a career that involves any type of research. The journal will provide experience in submitting material, having it evaluated critically and seeing it in print. This will be particularly valuable for students thinking about graduate study."

Faculty interested in serving on the editorial board are encouraged to contact Haufler at 864-3255 or vulgare@ku.edu. More information about the journal and the boards and an application form for students to use, is available at web.ku.edu/~kujur.

RESEARCH MATTERS

Research at KU is helping ensure the safety of bridges and extending their life spans. Stanley Rolfe, the Albert P. Learned Distinguished Professor of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, heads a team whose studies are dedicated to bridge safety. "What we do is try to blend our research and our teaching to understand the behavior of steel bridges so we can help the profession implement better design rules and better control so we do not have fractures or fatigue failures in our bridge structures," Rolfe said. For more, or to listen to the original broadcast, visit www.researchmatters.ku.edu.