Engineering graduate discovers novel skills as research journal editor
The University of Mississippi Undergraduate Research Journal was first published in 2015.
Written by UM undergraduates and edited by their peers, the journal provides access for students to experience the research process firsthand, from the development of an idea to publication. It also offers students a less-daunting path to their first academic publication.
But after the first two issues were published in 2015 and 2016, no third issue appeared.
In stepped Chad Gutierrez, a chemical engineering major from Gulfport who also is a Center for Manufacturing Excellence student.
“I first got involved with the journal when I was on the Associated Student Body as the director of academics,” Gutierrez said. “The founding editor-in-chief, Whitney Greer (a 2016 UM graduate), reached out to me because she noticed the third volume did not get published.
“After we met and she gave me a rundown of the journal, I decided to carry on the journal and assemble my editorial staff.”
When he became editor-in-chief, Gutierrez had no experience with research or the publication process. But the third volume of the double-blind, peer-reviewed journal, with six articles reflecting undergraduate research in social science, humanities, natural science and engineering, was published in the spring of 2019.
Research topics covered in the volume range from the physical, socioeconomic and political changes within Azraq, Jordan, linked to its decreasing water resources, to how crude oil spills are affected by moisture content levels and packing density of soil.
“It was tough to start the journal from scratch with a fresh editorial board, creating both a website and publishing a journal in four months on top of school, but the resounding support from the UM Libraries and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs helped make it all come together,” Gutierrez said.
A fourth volume is set for publication this summer.
Working on the journal has introduced Gutierrez to new ways of thinking and organizing while also giving him new skills.
“After being on the journal for two years, I can say that the knowledge and friendships I have gained truly made it worth it to step out of my comfort zone,” Gutierrez said. “Also, it showed me the importance of assembling a well-rounded team with many different perspectives.
“The experience I have gained is invaluable, no matter where life takes me.”
President of the Engineering Student Body, Gutierrez also recently received an Outstanding Senior Leadership Award from the School of Engineering.
Following graduation, Gutierrez plans to work in the petrochemical industry to get more hands-on experience with the material he’s learned. Down the road, he would like to go to law school to study patent law.
But even as he pursues his post-graduate life, the university will remain a part of his life.
“The overall sense of community at UM will be what I missed most,” Gutierrez said. “It is a place that always welcomes you with open arms and a place where you can really get to know those around you. I’m truly grateful to get to call Ole Miss home.”
By Shea Stewart/Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
