Letter from the Editors
“One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.”
The Society of Physics Students, supported by the American Institute of Physics (AIP), proudly produces the Journal of Undergraduate Research in Physics and Astronomy (JURPA) to celebrate the successes of undergraduate research and discovery.
Even as we consider the many unknowns in our field, it’s important to pause and acknowledge the hard work and effort of the many people who have brought us here—to see the grit it takes to discover. The motto of Sigma Pi Sigma, the physics and astronomy honor society, translates to Investigation, the forerunner of knowledge. JURPA aims to honor investigations undertaken by undergraduates in physics and astronomy.
JURPA was previously titled JURP—there was no A on the end. This name change reflects the dedication of SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma to supporting all physics and astronomy students and departments. That has always been the case, but the societies are working to make astronomy’s inclusion explicit.
JURP launched in 1981 out of Guildford College as a publication dedicated to sharing the research pursuits of undergraduates in physics, astronomy, and related fields. JURP’s founder, Dr. Rexford Adelberger, described his motivation in Volume 10:
The research projects that most undergraduate students can complete during their brief stay at college seldom met the rigorous requirements of [professional journals]. This does not mean that the work lacked new physics and clever insights, it was just not of the scope expected of people whose profession is to do research in physics. Yet, we were convinced that the learning and rewards that come from writing up the research in a professional manner and learning to communicate using the professional media had a definite place in the undergraduate program of study in physics.
Undergraduate research and scholarship are the bedrock of physics and astronomy education and indispensable tools for learning. As Curie alluded, physics is not about reaching a definite solution or a final value but the process of exploration. Sharing the results of that exploration is an essential part of being a scientist. We must learn from each other to advance. JURPA provides an outlet for undergraduates to participate in this vital process.
There is no cost to publish in JURPA beyond an SPS membership. All papers are peer reviewed by experts, and published papers are given a DOI by AIP Publishing. Print copies of JURPA are sent to all SPS members each summer, and the articles are also published and archived online. As you reflect on your summer research experience or begin a new project in the coming year, keep JURPA in mind. We would love to share your work in the 2024 issue. You can learn more about the JURPA submission process at spsnational.org/jurpa.
Communicating research is an integral component of scientific inquiry and a linchpin of the discipline. We invite you to enjoy this issue, learn from your colleagues, and be inspired to contribute to future issues. There is so much fun to be had!
