A new undergraduate research journal called “Ramifications” is making its official launch this semester for students to showcase their research and creative media. Spearheaded by Dr. David Bolton and Dr. Megan Corbin at West Chester University, the editing team consisting of five students is seeking submissions by Oct. 31 as the journal prepares for its first issue. Moving forward, the goal for the magazine is to be fully run and managed by students as more researchers and artists continue to submit their pieces.
Corbin is an assistant professor of languages, and the assistant chairperson of the languages and cultures department on campus. Her research focuses in Contemporary Latin American Literature and Culture, Southern Cone Narrative and Cultural Production, Trauma Theory and more. She is the recipient of several awards, including the 2017 Research and Creative Activities (RACA) Grant and the 2016 Honors College Outstanding Faculty at West Chester University. Bolton teaches Undergraduate Assessment and Graduate Research Methods on campus, and is the co-founder of the West Chester Statistics Institute. His research focuses on approaches to education technology, namely mobile technologies and the attitudes surrounding them.
The magazine will showcase undergraduate research projects that have been approved by professors in the area of their research. Graduate students may also publish their research, given that it was conducted while they were still an undergraduate. The magazine will also showcase creative writing, which can include non-fiction, poetry, short stories or flash fiction. Students must submit their work with a reflection and written detail on the creative processes of their work to be considered for publication. “Ramifications” also accepts visual media such as filmed dance performances, music performances or visual artwork that will also require a reflection upon the creative process of the work.
All work will need to adhere to the “Ramifications” submission guidelines, which can be found on their website. It will be carefully reviewed by the editor-in-chief for adherence to the guidelines. All research will then be sent to participating faculty to be peer-reviewed before being editing by the associate editors. The editor-in-chief will then approve the work before it can go on to be published.
Corbin offered her thoughts on the goals and mission for “Ramifications” as it prepares for its launch this semester.
“Our goal for ‘Ramifications’ is to create a platform that will showcase the research and creative activities that WCU students are already doing, and provide them with an opportunity to experience the world of academic publishing early in their careers. For our team of student editors, we hope to give them an insider’s view of the process of producing a peer-reviewed academic journal, a valuable opportunity that can help prepare them for their careers after WCU. We ultimately hope the creation of this journal will encourage more involvement with undergraduate research and creative activities campus-wide.”
“Ramifications” is also seeking anyone with an interest or experience in digital art to design the cover of the journal as well as any additional art pieces needed for the website or journal itself.
“Ramifications” needs student involvement for a successful launch of its first issue. To submit research or creative work, visit https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/ramifications/ and review the submission guidelines prior to sending in work by Oct. 31. For any additional questions, including interest in joining the team as a digital artist, students are encouraged to email me at SW850037@wcupa.edu.
Sam Walsh is a third-year student majoring in special education and English with a minor in Autism studies. SW850037@wcupa.edu