Journal of Student Research 2019

Journal of Student Research

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Foreword

Every institution of higher learning, from the loftiest Ivy League school to a regional community college, is eager to establish itself with an identity. Efforts are made to develop a slogan, a mission statement, a visible symbol—anything, it is hoped, that will put that institution ‘on the map.’ UW-Stout has a history of establishing its own unique identity and focused mission, one that hasn’t really changed so much as it has grown and adapted; starting as the Stout Manual Training School, and continuing now as “Wisconsin’s Polytechnic,” our focus has always been the application of applied research and learning with the goal of preparing students to enter society and the workforce prepared to face the challenges of the day in changing times. In a way, this sense of identity is highlighted by the cover art on this volume of the Journal Student Research. We are quite literally ‘on the map,’ as shown by the vintage map of Dunn County. UW-Stout has been a part of this community for well over a century, and is deeply rooted in the ecological, business and social heritage of the region. Some of the student research featured in this edition reflects this regionalism, such as a business analysis of a group of local furniture stores; a stereotype-challenging ‘horror’ film plotted on location in Menomonie, and a critical examination of the influence of female STEM teachers, using Stout’s own faculty and students as a research sample. At the same time, every map is part of a larger atlas, and the cultural ground occupied by UW-Stout goes well beyond a myopic interest in this region and its interests; thanks to a large segment of international students, non-regional faculty and staff, Global Perspectives-qualified courses, and study abroad programs, there has never been a greater awareness of the university’s role on the larger world stage. This broader awareness is also represented by student research work in this issue touching on Japan (two articles!), West Africa, and Malawi. As always, I’d like to thank all those who have supported the JSR and helped bring it to fruition. In particular, thanks are due to Elizabeth Buchanan, Stephen Eibes and Ashley Ramaker, all from Office of Research and Sponsored Programs; Ted Bensen of Graphic Communications Management; Charles Lume of the School of Art and Design. Thanks to the advisors who mentored these student submissions through the process, and to the reviewers who helped in deepening the critical quality of the students’ work. Emily Wettergren provided the cover design (putting the map on us!); we encourage you to read her concept notes, on page 6. Maps are wonderful tools for showing where one is, how far one has come, and the possibilities of where one could go. My hope is that Volume XVIII of the Journal of Student Research will be a nice representation of all three.