Encourages Student Research Publication in Canyon Journal Through Youth Leadership Program
In the heart of the summer of 2023, the first issue of the Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research (CJUR) at Grand Canyon University (GCU) was published, marking a significant milestone for the institution. This academic journal offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to delve into academic research and share their innovative ideas with the world[1][3][5].
The CJUR is a testament to GCU's commitment to fostering scholarly communication among its students, providing them with hands-on experience in peer review, academic publishing, and cross-disciplinary dialogue[5]. The journal features a diverse range of topics, often reflecting an interdisciplinary approach, with recent issues showcasing research on complex social issues such as labor trafficking, employing economic, legal, and sociological perspectives to provide comprehensive insights[5].
One of the standout articles in the inaugural issue is Harmony Jenkins' manuscript, titled "Developing Community Leaders: A Reflection on the Motivating Factors Behind Prosocial and Altruistic Behavior in Adolescents." Inspired by her experiences at Juntos, a youth leadership program based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jenkins' work discusses the importance of developing leaders from within neighbourhoods like hers to make a change[4].
Junior Harmony Jenkins, a resident of Albuquerque's international district, which is the neighbourhood with the highest crime rates and poverty in the city, found a sense of purpose at Juntos. The summer camp offers interactive activities, fun games, workshops, and more, while also hosting Bible studies, mentoring, tutoring sessions, and summer Bible school for elementary and middle school students[6].
Jenkins' manuscript focuses on four key reasons behind young adults choosing to volunteer at Juntos: organizational stewardship, organizational leadership, prosocial personality, and religious moral foundation[2]. After the kids went home in the afternoon, volunteers held meetings to debrief their days, review what went well, and what could've been done better[7].
The writing course that led to Jenkins' manuscript is an academic journal writing class for students interested in composing manuscripts for the university's Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research. The course, offered by GCU's Honors College, was initiated with the aim of giving undergraduate students meaningful experience with academic publishing[8].
Katalina Inzunza Herrera, the Honors College Academic Program Manager, emphasized the importance of the journal, stating that it was started to provide undergraduate students with opportunities to engage with the research process, develop academic writing skills, and contribute to their fields by sharing findings that may inform both academic discourse and practical applications[8].
Other notable articles in the first issue of the CJUR include Benjamin Carter's "Deepfake Detection Via Facial Feature Extraction and Modeling," and KobeLage, Dillon McGuckin, Addie Gjelsten, Brianna VandeWeg, Cierra Baca, Natalie Logan, and Tatiana Calicich's "Job Stress and Career Performance." Allison Rogers, Elise Ahrens, Allyson Wagner, Lilly Revell, Sedina Hayes, Collin O'Reilly, Brynn E. Brunswig, Megan McConnell, Piper R. Necaise, and Mackenzie Purdy are among the student and alumni authors featured in the journal[1].
For media enquiries, GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasican can be reached at [email protected]. The CJUR aims to continue providing undergraduate students with mentorship in academic research and an opportunity to explore inventive and revolutionary ideas, shaping the next generation of scholars and leaders.
[1] Grand Canyon University. (2023). Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research. Retrieved from https://www.gcu.edu/canyon-journal-of-undergraduate-research.php [2] Jenkins, H. (2023). Developing Community Leaders: A Reflection on the Motivating Factors Behind Prosocial and Altruistic Behavior in Adolescents. Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research, 1(1), 1-15. [3] Grand Canyon University. (2023). Research. Retrieved from https://www.gcu.edu/academics/research.php [4] Jenkins, H. (2023, June 1). Personal interview. [5] Grand Canyon University. (2023). Honors College. Retrieved from https://www.gcu.edu/honors-college.php [6] Juntos. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://juntosnm.org/about-us/ [7] Jenkins, H. (2023). Personal interview. [8] Grand Canyon University. (2023). Honors College. Retrieved from https://www.gcu.edu/honors-college.php
- The Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research (CJUR) at Grand Canyon University (GCU) published its first issue in the summer of 2023, providing a unique platform for students to engage in academic research and peer review.
- The journal's first issue featured diverse topics, including Harmony Jenkins' manuscript, "Developing Community Leaders: A Reflection on the Motivating Factors Behind Prosocial and Altruistic Behavior in Adolescents."
- Inspired by her experiences at Juntos, a youth leadership program, Jenkins' work discusses the importance of developing leaders from within communities to foster social change.
- Juntos, based in Albuquerque's international district, offers interactive activities, Bible studies, mentoring, tutoring sessions, and summer Bible school for elementary and middle school students.
- The Honors College at GCU initiated an academic journal writing class to give undergraduate students opportunities for academic publishing and hands-on experience with research.
- The CJUR aims to continue providing undergraduate students with mentorship in research, fostering personal growth, encouraging leadership, and contributing to the field of education and self-development.
