By Peyton Clark ’24, Texas A&M University Office of Undergraduate Studies 

As one of the largest research universities in the United States, Texas A&M University enhances student education by offering a variety of research opportunities and experiences. Explorations, the university’s official undergraduate research journal that showcases research in an accessible format, is one of these opportunities. 

“Explorations is a platform that engages the public in research conducted by undergraduates at Texas A&M University,” said Annabelle Aymond, interim associate director of LAUNCH: Undergraduate Research (UGR). “Through Explorations, students hone their communication and writing skills by challenging themselves to make complex topics accessible and interesting to a broad set of readers.” 

Explorations has been published annually since its founding in 2009. This semester marked the 15th anniversary and volume of the journal, which was released on Friday, Nov. 17. 

The undergraduate research journal is overseen by the Explorations student board — a learning community of leaders that work year-round to ensure the journal’s annual publication — as well as LAUNCH: UGR staff and faculty reviewers who volunteer their expertise.  

Submissions, which are due in early spring, are open to undergraduate students from all disciplines who have conducted research or creative scholarship under faculty mentorship at Texas A&M. After receiving submissions, the Explorations student board and faculty reviewers consider scholarship using a double-blind referee process. Only about 15-20% of the submissions are accepted each publication cycle.

Professors who advise the Explorations student board empower students to make the final decisions on what submissions move forward to the publication process. Charles Conrad, Ph.D., has served as a faculty reviewer for Explorations since 2015.

“It’s a unique opportunity for undergraduates to present their ideas and art to a more diverse, wider audience,” said Conrad. “As important, the editorial process requires authors to focus on readers who have interests and expertise outside of their own while making sure that their work also fulfills the standards of their disciplines.”

Student-Led Scholarship

Biomedical sciences major Shivam Pancholy ’24 is the editor-in-chief of Explorations. He first got involved with the journal as a sophomore when he was accepted to the student board.

“Explorations represents my growth as a student and individual,” said Pancholy. “As editor-in-chief, I want to improve myself professionally, be able to connect with new authors and board members as a leader and find new ways to change.”

Public health major Eshan Manchanda ‘26 is one of the student authors Pancholy works alongside.

Manchanda is a member of a three-man team whose research in Explorations explores how mechanical exoskeletons could be utilized to prevent workplace injuries with EMS professionals. Since getting involved with Explorations, Manchanda has gained a new perspective on what academic and career paths he wants to take.

“I am now considering taking a research track in medicine,” said Manchanda. “I believe research can help someone make an even bigger impact on their field than I thought was possible with just clinical experience.”

Senior urban planning major and student veteran Tyler Eutsler ’23 is another student author reaping the benefits of being involved in undergraduate research and the Explorations publication process. He conducted research in the Netherlands, where he examined the effects of housing policies on vulnerable populations and their risk of being impacted by flooding. 

Eutsler found the Explorations research experience to be engaging and said it helped him to improve his writing and editing skills. He is confident this process has helped prepare him for graduate school, where he plans to continue his research.

Copies of Explorations: Volume 15 are available to the public and can be found at Henderson Hall. For more information on how to get involved in Explorations as a student or as a faculty member, visit the Explorations webpage or contact ugr@tamu.edu. 

LAUNCH: UGR would like to extend its gratitude to Mr. Ralph Cox and Mrs. Barbara Cox for their continued support of the Explorations journal and its mission.