Journal of Student Research 2014

Foreward Welcome to the 2014 Journal of Student Research . This volume features a variety of articles which share leading-edge, faculty-reviewed research projects conducted by students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Emerging research, where meaningful research is incorporated into the curriculum, is a highly valued experience for our students. With articles focusing on subjects ranging from the economic impact of “reshoring” to an analysis of the effectiveness of an education video game; from the practical problem of joining metals to ceramics in high-stress applications to the relationship of marital satisfaction and sleep patterns, the careful and imaginative work represented here shows our university’s high regard for practical applications to everyday problems that our graduates will face in society and industry. It has become evident that another value is represented in these pages: a recognition that research and dissemination is a collaborative enterprise. It goes without saying that the JSR and the work it presents richly benefits from faculty mentors and reviewers, as well as student support from contributions as well as by design, layout, and production of the print and online editions. We are deeply grateful for the work of all those who have been involved. But there is another aspect of support and collaboration that should be noted. Many of the projects represented in these articles are the material fruition of programs sponsored by UW-Stout or by outside programs available to our students. Three projects received funding through UW-Stout’s Research Services, while eight others were produced by students in the university’s challenging and support-oriented Honors College. Eight students represented here are McNair Scholars, a Department of Education program that cultivates underrepresented students for eventual post-graduate degrees. One project was undertaken by a UW-Stout student while summering at the University of Minnesota in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program (Sponsored by the National Science Foundation). With all this significant support from within the UW-Stout community as well as from other sources, it should be no surprise that we have enjoyed a record number of submissions this year; all in all, such ample support bodes well for the JSR, for UW-Stout, and most importantly, for the future leaders, scholars, and problem-solvers that we will soon present to the world.

Peter Reim Editor-in-Chief

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