The seventh volume of Oshkosh Scholar has been released, and showcases the work of eleven University of Wisconsin Oshkosh students whose research essays were published in the edition.
Oshkosh Scholar is an annual publication that began in 2006. For the 2012 edition, students submitted 34 essays for consideration before the selection committee narrowed down the number to eleven for print publication.
“These numbers mark this year with the highest submission sample and the lowest acceptance rate,” history professor and Oshkosh Scholar faculty adviser, Michelle Kuhl wrote in the publication’s preface. “We are extremely proud of this volume and hope you will agree that it showcases the best of undergraduate research and writing.”
Assistant Director of the Office of Grants and Faculty Development Susan Surendonk, who serves as the managing editor for the Oshkosh Scholar editorial board, said that submissions must have original research, citations and some reference to secondary literature. Any submission that meets these criteria undergoes a process of faculty review and fine-tuning to complete a final draft. She said that submissions for the print edition are chosen based on the criteria of strong argument, appealing to a broad readership, solid evidence and beautiful writing.
A large team was responsible for the publication of the 2012 Oshkosh Scholar, including 48 faculty reviewers. The cover was created by design student Kathryn Werner. The logo was created by design student Kari Ley.
The publication was paid for by UW Oshkosh undergraduate students through the Differential Tuition Program, created by the Oshkosh Student Association.
This year’s Oshkosh Scholar was divided into three topics—Art and the Imagination, Struggles for Justice in Wisconsin, and Intercultural Bridges and Boundaries.
Student Jackie Morrow’s research essay titled, Without the Fairy Godmother, fit into the Art and the Imagination category. Her research took a look at gender roles portrayed in the children’s stories Cinderella and Raisel’s Riddle, which she described as a story similar to Cinderella that takes place in a Jewish community.
Morrow said her research is significant because it examines how stereotypical gender roles are reinforced through children’s stories.
“Cinderella is a hard working character but it doesn’t amount to anything worthwhile in her life until she is beautiful in front of Prince Charming,” she said. “The work her character does, however, contradicts common ideas of femininity.”
Morrow thanked her faculty adviser, professor Jodi Eichler-Levine, and said having her work in print is a beneficial opportunity.
“It means a lot to me to be published in the Oshkosh Scholar,” she said. “It took a lot of hard work to research and write this paper, but all of the hard work paid off.”
Extra copies of Oshkosh Scholar will soon be available for general distribution in the Polk Library entryway.
Congratulations to those whose student research was accepted for volume seven of the Oshkosh Scholar: Jackie Morrow, Jordan King, Lance Spaude, Kyle Moerchen, Matt Boese, Sarah J. Scott, Sara O’Connell, Gregory L. Schultz, Tracy Wilichowski, Peter Truell, Branden Boegh, Andre Luna, Larissa Tranquilli and Kevin Buskager.
Students interested in submitting their research essays for the next volume of Oshkosh Scholar can do so until May 31. Visit the Oshkosh Scholar website for more information on submission guidelines and requirements.
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