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The 2008 issue of the research journal Oshkosh Scholar highlights not only the creative and scholarly abilities of University of Wisconsin Oshkosh undergraduates, but also their communication and social skills.

“In producing Oshkosh Scholar, our student editors and authors learn the fine points of academic publication to complement the work they’ve done in completing the research project,” said Linda Freed, Office of Grants and Faculty Development director. “They learn that research is a social activity. Sharing results and the ideas those results generate is essential to the process.”

Tracy Rusch of Mayville and Jonathan “Leviathan” Whitfield of Neenah served as the student editors for the third volume of Oshkosh Scholar, which was published in April.

Editors, who are selected through a nomination and interview process, serve on the publication’s editorial board, along with a faculty adviser (currently Tracy Slagter, political science) and Susan Surendonk, grants and faculty development assistant director.

“I definitely learned how much work goes into a publication,” said Rusch, who graduated May 17, with a degree in journalism and a minor in Spanish.

From October to April, Rusch and Whitfield, a senior in secondary education, reviewed and edited manuscript submissions, corresponded with the student authors and their advisers and went through several rounds of proofing.

“Working on a big team project, we also realized the importance of deadlines,” Rusch said.

The experience has opened up new possibilities for Rusch, who plans to pursue a career as a magazine writer. She’s also considering applying for copyediting positions as well.

“I discovered I really liked editing, and I learned how to do a better job of editing my own work,” she said.

The follow articles appear in the journal:

  • “Does an Inverted Yield Curve Predict Recessions?” by Ryan DeRosier with faculty adviser Marianne Johnson;
  • “Gender and GDP Contributions: The Effects of Culture,” Elizabeth Graham with Marianne Johnson and M. Kevin McGee;
  • “A Contradictory Constitution: Forgotten Hypocrisies in the Blueprint of Democracy,” Joseph Knitt with Thomas Rowland;
  • “Failed Sisterhood: Expectations and Betrayal Between the Women of the Antebellum South,” Erica Filidio with Michelle Kuhl;
  • “Prolonging the War for a Permanent Peace: Wisconsin Soldiers and the 1864 Election,” Scott Karel with Thomas Rowland;
  • “Robert Venturi and His Contributions to Postmodern Architecture,” Douglas Kahl with Stephen Kercher;
  • “Use of Screen Real Estate on University Home Pages,” Alexander Zinoviev with Miles Maguire;
  • “Effects of Music and Choice Listening on Arousal Changes,” Katie Miller, Christina Brazeau, Melissa Fuiten and Jessica Woelfel with Tammy Kadah-Ammeter; and
  • “The Historical Jesus and the Slave of the Centurion: How the Themes of Slavery, Sexuality and Military Service Intersect in Matthew 8:5-13,” Eric Koepnick with Kathleen Corley.

For more information about Oshkosh Scholar, contact the Office of Grants and Faculty Development at www.uwosh.edu/grants.