ARESTY RUTGERS UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH JOURNAL, VOLUME I, ISSUE VI 
 

 

FOREWORD TO VOLUME I, ISSUE VI 

ARESTY RUTGERS UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH 

JOURNAL 
✵ 

 

It is with great pride that we present the sixth edition of the Rutgers Undergraduate Research Journal. Our 

team deeply appreciates you taking the time to read this publication and explore the incredible work our 

authors have produced. True to our mission, this issue features a wide range of multidisciplinary topics, 

from food-related social media content to behavioral interventions for emotion recognition deficits. 

 

As a journal still in its early years, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continual growth and 

improvement. This year, our efforts were centered on expanding the scope of disciplines represented, 

promoting inclusivity in our editorial and review processes, and ensuring that the diverse voices of our 

undergraduate researchers are heard. Looking ahead, we aim to further strengthen our infrastructure, 

enhance our outreach through the institution, and build a more robust platform to celebrate the 

incredible research work conducted amongst our undergraduates. This publication is a testament to the 

incredible work being carried out by undergraduate students across Rutgers. The breadth and depth of 

research showcased in this volume reflect the success of our students. In particular, we take pride in 

highlighting contributions from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. 

 

This journal would not be possible without the unwavering support of the Aresty Research Center and 

Rutgers University Libraries. Their mentorship and guidance have been instrumental in our continued 

success. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to our editorial leadership: Adrian Jackson, 

Reviewer Program Director; Isha Patel, Chief Copy Editor; and Shine Wang, Managing 

Director. Additionally, thank you to all of our reviewers and copy editors, whose time, insight, and care 

have been instrumental in maintaining the integrity and quality of this publication. 

 

We hope you’ll continue to follow our journal’s journey as we strive to spotlight the innovation, curiosity, 

and dedication that define undergraduate research at Rutgers. Thank you again for reading and 

supporting this platform for emerging scholars. 

 

ARESTY RURJ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, 

 

SUNG JAE LEE