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e-Research: A Journal of Undergraduate Work

Vol 1, No 2 (2010)

Introduction

The current issue of Chapman University's E-Research samples the breadth of research conducted by Schmid College of Science undergraduate majors and general education students. Student researchers studied the efficacy of the naturally occurring phytochemicals in pomegranate juice extract in promoting cell adhesion in pancreatic cancer cells. Others used satellite data to determine changes in ocean acidification by detecting fluctuations in oceanic chlorophyll content or computational techniques to track demographic trends. Finally, other student researchers applied mathematical analyses to problems posed by molecular genetics or to better understand the efficacy of combining psychopharmaceuticals and therapy to treat cocaine addiction.

These papers present the work of undergraduate, not graduate, students. Undergraduate research is a hallmark of a Chapman University science education. Such research, whether conducted by science majors or general education students, allows students to learn science by doing science. Doing science engages students in the quest for new knowledge and in the application of classroom learning to solving real world problems. Doing science also exposes students to working in teams whose members contribute different disciplinary expertise to answering scientific questions. We believe you will be astounded by the quality of these papers.

Janeen Hill, Guest Editor Professor of Biological Sciences and Senior Associate Dean, Schmid College of Science