Welcome

Abstract

Dear Reader, It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the inaugural issue of the Oregon Undergraduate Research Journal, the University of Oregon's student-run, open access, peerreviewed scholarly publication. The OUR Journal student editorial board has worked for months to produce this first issue and to create a platform for showcasing exceptional undergraduate research. In creating a publication that makes undergraduate research more accessible to students, my hope is that OUR Journal becomes a symbol for what is possible. The value of higher education lies in its ability to spark excitement and intellectual curiosity, and yet few students have the opportunity to explore those passions beyond the term-by-term grind of classes and grades. Students have the right to know that research is not just possible, but a powerful, formative part of the university experience. Beyond this, it is important to stress that research can be valuable to readers when it is published and shared. In this way, I believe OUR Journal will not only stand to honor achievement, but also to encourage it.