Vol. 6 No. 1 (2016): The Best of The Owl

Dear Reader, 

With delight, we present to you the sixth annual edition of The Owl, the Florida State University undergraduate research journal. This issue, published in honor of our sixth anniversary as a publication on campus, showcases the diverse endeavors embarked on by our current and former undergraduate classes and is consequently themed, “The Best of The Owl.” 

From current explorations of genome engineering in biology and examinations of biological sex characteristics in anthropology to former research in fields such as communication disorders, the diversity amongst the works published exemplify the excellence of our undergraduates. We are immensely satisfied to continue publishing student ventures and promote interdisciplinary discussions on campus, both within and outside of the classroom. 

Florida State’s position as a top-tier research university extends to the undergraduate class and is embodied within the continued publication of this journal. With the support of the Student Council for Undergraduate Research and Creativity and our continued partnership with the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement, we aim to expand the range of opportunities for students to explore research throughout all stages of their undergraduate careers. It is our hope that the works presented within this publication will inspire you to explore your own intellectual and scholastic opportunities for engagement in all aspects of life.

In Vires, Artes, Mores, 

Alyssa Knisley
Editor in Chief