Exploring the Advantages of Academic Conversations
In the article "Why You Should Join a Research Journal: An Interview with PURJ Co-Editor-in-Chief Jasper Lee '21", published in "Presenting and Publishing", Kavirath Jain, Engineering Correspondent, interviews Jasper Lee about his experiences as a co-editor-in-chief of the PURJ (Penn Undergraduate Research Journal).
The article delves into the publishing process for academic journals, focusing on the student-run research journal, the Broad Street Scientific, which was in its 3rd year when Jain became the chief editor during his school years at St. Xavier's High School.
Jasper Lee shares his insights on the benefits of joining a research journal. One key advantage is the opportunity to engage in discussions about research, which can lead to the discovery of new research questions that haven't yet been answered. This process, in turn, can improve communication skills in both writing and speaking.
However, it's important to note that the article does not discuss the discovery of new research questions or the improvement of general knowledge level regarding research topics. Similarly, while the new system implemented by Jain, where editors would have face-to-face meetings with authors to discuss their research papers, helped editors gain a better understanding of the authors' work and authors understand which parts of their research were confusing, the article does not mention any specific improvements in the quality of papers or benefits to authors' communication skills.
Despite these omissions, the experience improved the editorial staff's general knowledge level regarding the research topics covered in the journal. Moreover, several authors mentioned that the editing process prepared them well for symposiums and poster sessions where they were presenting.
The journal showcased innovative and insightful research projects conducted by students across various disciplines. The quality of papers in the journal improved immediately, pleasing the faculty advisers. This improvement was likely due to the new system implemented by Jain, which fostered a collaborative and educational environment for both editors and authors.
In conclusion, joining a research journal like the PURJ offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in the publishing process, improve their communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of various research fields.
