Honors College juniors Kistler Hunt and Elliot Sheehan have been selected and are now serving on the editorial team for the National Collegiate Honors Council’s (NCHC) Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA). Hunt is a public health major with double minors in medical humanities and nutrition and foods. Sheehan is a history, social studies education major with double minors in French and political science. Both have prior editorial experience. Hunt has served as the editor of the Honors Wednesday Memo since January of 2022. For the 2022-23 academic year, Sheehan served as assistant editor for History Matters, the undergraduate research journal sponsored by the Department of History.
Both Hunt and Sheehan are currently serving as associate editors for UReCA, reviewing student submissions to the journal. After reviewing the submissions, they score the articles, offer suggested edits for improving the work, and make recommendations as to whether the work is publishable or not. They both learned of the opportunity as Sheehan stated, “through the always informative Honors Wednesday Memo.” Sheehan further reflected that he submitted his application “almost right away and heard back two weeks later.” Hunt explained that, “I had always been interesting in doing research, but I always had questions about what happened when the research was finished. I knew this role would give me an interesting look into the publishing side, which was something I hadn’t heard much about before, so I decided to apply. The application process was quite simple and straightforward. Once the application opened in the spring, I wrote a short cover letter detailing my experience with research and how I believe that I am the best fit for the role, and submitted my resume along with it. After the deadline in late March/early April, I received my decision a couple of weeks later!”
The entire UReCA editorial team including: all associate editors, faculty from three different universities, managing editors, and the social media team, traveled to the University of Montana Western in Dillon, Montana, to meet, learn about their roles as editors and how the journal works, and become familiar with the rubrics for reviewing submission, and discuss marketing strategies. The team spent time editing sample papers collaboratively and began reviewing submissions for the current cycle, many of which Sheehan explained “were impressive and inspiring works.” He further described, “Our first full day, since the editorial team comes from all different universities across the country, we went out to the nearby mountain range to do a little hiking and exploring, which really helped us bond and get to know each other before getting into some more serious work.” Hunt reflected, “I couldn’t say enough good things about the trip! The scenery that constantly surrounded us every day, being around all of the other editors from nine other schools, the relationship-building—all of it! It was the perfect combination of work and play.” The NCHC funded the trip.
Photo above features the UReCA editorial team including Kistler Hunt (back row, second from right) and Elliot Sheehan (back row, middle) in Dillon, Montana. Photo submitted.
Sheehan shared that while at the University of Montana Western, “this small college seemingly in the middle-of-nowhere, we ran into App State geology students doing some fieldwork around the area. It was a reminder that there are so many valuable opportunities to be had at this University and through the Honors College—I even saw my roommate from last year.” The students they saw were seniors Luke Rose and Jeremy Heidenfelder, both are majoring in geology and minoring in biology. Rose is also a student in the Honors College.
Sheehan and Hunt are both in the early stages of developing their Honors theses, and both are intending to pursue departmental honors in their majors along with University Honors from the Honors College. For her thesis, Hunt plans to complete an occupational health and safety assessment. Sheehan explained that while he is not yet formally working on his thesis, he has been doing research on urban renewal and interstates in West Virginia’s urban and minority communities. He presented some of this research at the Southern Regional Honors Council (SRHC) annual meeting in March of 2023 in Charlotte. He is hoping to continue to develop that research into his honors thesis.
Sheehan reflected,
“In reading numerous papers for History Matters, I felt like my own writing and research skills significantly improved, which helped me with research I presented at SRHC. And furthermore, I gained a greater appreciation for undergraduate work, so it was a no-brainer wanting to get myself more involved in undergraduate scholarship and to do so with UReCA, the premier national interdisciplinary journal.”
Hunt shared that she been interested in research since she came to App State. She stated,
“I always had a niche for problem-solving and finding answers to things, but I never knew how to apply that passion growing up. One of my professors at App helped me discover that passion, and I’ve been engaged with research ever since. I was inspired to apply [to this editorial position with UReCA] because it would give me a unique insight into a different side of research that many don’t get to experience until they are well-established in their academic career. My hope with this role is that it allows me to not only better my own research, but gives me the opportunity to further other students’ academic careers by giving them the chance at being published, and allowing them to achieve that at an early stage. In terms of my Honors experience, it has given me even greater motivation to seek out and be more involved in research. Additionally, it has given me insight into how to better craft my own thesis, which I can hopefully publish someday. Finally, my time with UReCA has allowed me to look ahead and consider my own goals after I graduate. I was inspired to consider research-focused careers, whether that be in an academic setting or in industry, before UReCA, but this experience has further confirmed that interest.”
Hunt stated that “I highly encourage other Honors students to pursue this opportunity! The journal continues to grow and change with every passing year, so being on the forefront of that change is exciting. I also recommend students to consider getting involved in undergraduate research. If it weren’t for me asking my professor about research opportunities freshman year, I don’t think I ever would’ve considered applying for an editorial position like my role with UReCA. My participation in research has given me the confidence to explore other opportunities that involve other stages of research, rather than the actual researching itself. I will cherish and value this experience for a lifetime, and I truly believe that it will set me up for my future endeavors.”
In addition, Sheehan encourages all Honors students to submit your work to UReCA. He shared, “In my experience with academic editing, I've learned that there are so many bright and talented ideas at the undergraduate level. So you got an A on your paper... now what? Absolutely consider submitting your work to UReCA. We accept not only traditional research papers, but also creative works, and you can have the opportunity to be a published author and be able to market that as well as your research skills to future employers or schools. UReCA will put out a call for editor applicants in the spring, so also consider joining our bright and talented team.”
Top photos picture Kistler Hunt (left) and Elliot Sheehan (right). Photos submitted.
