Termly Summary (September - December 2024)
Posted by Philip Mong'are Achoki on 2025-01-06
Over the past term, from September to December 2024, the Essex Student Journal continued to provide a dynamic platform for showcasing high-quality student scholarship and creativity. We are proud to have published diverse work across multiple disciplines, ranging from philosophy and political science to marine biology, linguistics, and creative writing. Each publication reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering academic dialogue and excellence within our student community. Moreover, our commitment to providing a rigorous yet supportive platform for students also led to the creation of new editorial initiatives and the successful hosting of events that strengthened our academic community. Below is a highlight of our achievements over the past term.
Within our research output, we published several noteworthy articles that demonstrate both the depth of analysis and the breadth of interests our contributors bring to the Journal. One article, “Is the Experience Machine Fatal to a Utilitarian Conception of Justice?”, closely examines Robert Nozick’s famous thought experiment to question whether utilitarian principles can withstand the challenge posed by simulated realities. In a similarly philosophical vein, “Experiments in Equations and Other Angles: An Anthology” delves into the interplay between mathematics, literary expression, and cultural contexts, thus highlighting the interdisciplinary potential of numerical reasoning. Meanwhile, “How Political Institutional Arrangements Shape Public Policy” offers a comparative perspective on the significant role institutions play in shaping social outcomes and underscores how structural differences can lead to varying policy impacts. Turning to mental health and well-being, “Feline Ownership and Well-Being During COVID-19 Mandated Lockdowns” explores how cat ownership can alleviate the stresses of social isolation, providing insight into how companion animals support individuals during unprecedented times. From a marine biology perspective, “Analysis of the Social Structure of Stenella coeruleoalba in the Eastern Aegean Sea” presents an empirical study of striped dolphins’ social patterns, shedding light on conservation needs and enhancing our understanding of these marine mammals’ behaviours.
Our collection of research articles also includes sensitive explorations of social and linguistic phenomena. In “What is the Narrative of the Suicide Bereaved,” the author uses personal testimonies and qualitative research to investigate how individuals bereaved by suicide process their grief and find solidarity within shared narratives. “Is Early Middle English a Koiné Language?” bridges historical linguistics and regional history to consider whether Early Middle English served as a commonly understood dialect across different medieval English-speaking communities. Addressing environmental and industrial sustainability, “The Green Industrial Revolution and the Future of Steel Production: Using the Innovative ‘Sheffield Cell’” assesses a cutting-edge approach to steelmaking with the potential to reshape the industry’s ecological footprint. Another article at the intersection of neuroscience and psychology, “The Intention Underneath: Can the Motor System Ascribe Intentions?”, examines how our motor systems might interpret and predict the actions of others, thus contributing to ongoing discussions about the neural underpinnings of social interaction. Lastly, “What is in a Label? Exploring How Labelling Shapes Refugees’ Experiences” investigates the power of language and categorization, illustrating how the terms we use can significantly influence public perception, policy-making, and the lived realities of people seeking refuge.
In addition to these research-focused publications, we were delighted to feature creative writing, exemplified by the dual narrative “The Infinities / Which Way to Paradise.” This imaginative and introspective piece carries readers along two intertwined storylines that reflect on existential dilemmas, personal identity, and the universal search for belonging. Its inclusion in the Journal underscores our belief that creative expression stands alongside empirical and theoretical scholarship as an essential facet of the academic discourse.
The authors shared positive feedback regarding their experience with writing for the journal. For instance, Maja Futrell-Frühling wrote, “It was a wonderful experience working with the Essex Student Journal. Everyone involved, was helpful, kind, and respectful. I felt that I was with a team of people who truly wanted my work to be shared, and were dedicated to the integrity of the work, and my voice within it. I am grateful to have had such a wonderful introduction to the world of publication with them.” Similarly, Teresa Oyimowo Inalegwu, a creative writer, wrote, “Writing for the journal has been an incredibly rewarding experience, offering me the opportunity to immerse myself in a realm of profound intellectual and creative exploration.” Their testimonials reflect the commitment and spirit of the Journal: academic empowerment by (a) showcasing student research and creativity across a variety of disciplines, while maintaining integrity and rigor and (b) giving opportunity to Postgraduate Research students to develop and hone their peer-review skills.
Besides our publications, we hosted two events designed to enhance both the skills and the collaborative spirit within our community. First, our Peer Reviewers Training workshop introduced participants to the fundamentals of evaluating academic work, including effective feedback methods, ethical considerations, and constructive ways to support authors. It offered a valuable opportunity for reviewers—both new and returning—to engage with colleagues, share insights, and refine their editorial approaches. Second, our Advisory Board Meeting brought together the journal management team, the journal editor, academic staff volunteers, and previous Student Journal Editors to assess the Journal’s progress, identify future directions, and discuss strategies for broadening our reach while maintaining our rigorous standards.
Additionally, two key developments during this period demonstrate our determination to uphold integrity, inclusivity, and transparency. First, recognizing the collaborative nature of modern research, we formulated detailed guidelines to clarify the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of all contributors in co-authored papers. The guidelines emphasize transparency, accountability, and fairness, ensuring that each contributor’s work is acknowledged appropriately and consistently. Second, in response to the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in writing and research, we are developing an AI policy that sets forth ethical standards for using AI for authors, peer reviewers, editors, and readers. Our aim is to foster integrity and trust in scholarly work, recognizing the benefits of new technologies while safeguarding academic rigor.
Looking ahead, the achievements of the past term form a strong foundation for continued growth and exploration in the months to come, even as we look forward to receiving new submissions as from March 2025. We remain committed to elevating emerging voices, promoting scholarly dialogue, and making space for creative expression. Our publications, events, and new initiatives all reflect the collaborative energies of our student community, as well as our shared goal of contributing meaningfully to the academic landscape. Through sustained dedication to integrity, creativity, and inclusivity, the Essex Student Journal will continue to thrive as a beacon of student-led inquiry and intellectual curiosity.