High-quality research by University of Suffolk students is being showcased in a new journal volume to give promising students their first experience of academic publishing and the peer review process.
The Journal of Suffolk Student Research launched last year, with Volume Two published this month.
Eight research papers have been collated in the second volume, published online as an open-access journal, meaning it is publicly accessible and can be read by a non-specialist readership.
This year’s collection features a broad range of studies, including research exploring the long-term impact of childhood adversity on the development of depression and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), the impact of disordered sleeping and the quality of sleep on everyday memory problems, and the experience of Suffolk school children of aerial warfare and evacuation during the Second World War.
The submissions undergo rigorous peer review, meaning their work has been reviewed by academics to ensure its originality, quality and accuracy.
The journal gives both undergraduate and taught postgraduate students at Suffolk an early opportunity to gain experience of having work published and peer-reviewed, particularly for those interested in pursuing further careers in academia or research.
Cindy Cassidy is among those to contribute to the second volume. Her study explored the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapy approaches for those in the early stages of Huntingdon’s Disease, and she has already gone on to further research around psychological resilience.
Cindy said: “This has been a deeply personal topic so it has been a great privilege to have my dissertation published in the journal. Having a journal of student research is a fantastic opportunity for students to share their work in a formal way.”
Dr Jen Coe, co-Executive Editor of the Journal of Suffolk Student Research, said: “We are proud to present this second volume of the Journal of Suffolk Student Research, which reflects a continued enthusiasm across the University to showcase student research and provide a meaningful opportunity for our learners to experience academic publishing for the first time.
“The research demonstrates the exceptional skills the students have utilised in developing their work from idea to published article, including critical thinking, structuring an argument, academic writing, and proofing and revisions.”
Dr Rachel Grenfell-Essam, co-Executive Editor of the Journal of Suffolk Student Research, added: “The eight outstanding examples published in Volume Two speak to the University’s values around social justice, inclusivity and community engagement, while also showcasing the broad range of disciplines the University’s growing research culture operates within.
“We hope current and future students will be inspired to pursue their own work for submission to future volumes.”
The first and second volumes can be read online by heading to the website here: Journal Volumes – Journal of Suffolk Student Research – Learning and Teaching at University of Suffolk.
