Vol. 3 No. 1 (2013)

In native Seminole culture, an owl can sometimes be a terrible omen. More often, however, it foreshadowed a need to prepare for coming obstacles. Our university, as a public institution dealing with its own share of obstacles amid the less-than- ideal national economic climate, has thrived scholastically. Both the recognition of and diversity among undergraduate researchers at the Florida State University have grown, despite the often stifling eco-political conditions. This academic victory is clearly demonstrated with the sustained success of this entirely student-run publication, made possible only by the unwavering support and encouragement of our university’s administration, staff, faculty, and student body.

Named after the original seal employed from 1851 to 1901 by West Florida Seminary, this journal has highlighted the continually astounding work of Florida State University’s emerging undergraduate scholars. The goal and mission of The OWL and the entire Student Council for Undergraduate Research and Creativity has, in keeping with native Seminole mythology, been to showcase the transcendence of these obstacles and communicate the necessity of continued academic vigilance.

Therefore, as yet another monument to this unabashedly UNCONQUERED top- tier institution, to its campus unmatched in facilities and scholastic resources, to the dedicated and hard-working administrators and staff, to the selfless faculty and advisors, to the generous and enthusiastic alumni and parents, and, most notably, to the dynamic scholastic resilience of our undergraduate students, it is with great honor and humility that we present to you the third volume of The Owl, The Florida State University Undergraduate Research Journal.

In Vires, Artes, Mores,

Katie Rybakova
Brian Denny
Co-Editors-in-Chief