Hartwick’s Dugan ’22 to Edit Undergraduate Research Journal

March 12, 2020

Cara Dugan ’22 has been accepted as an associate editor of the National Collegiate Honors Council’s (NCHC) Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA). Dugan is one of 29 new and returning editors nationwide who help produce the annual journal, which is published in November.

The Journal of UReCA ─ written for honors students, by honors students ─ “curates relevant, progressive and academic content that appeals to the undergraduate student.” It covers a variety of topics, from STEM and social science to fine art and creative writing.

Dugan will be working closely with the managing editor and production team to provide feedback that ensures articles are high quality and ready for publication.

She will also hold positions on committees that correlate with her areas of interest, including English literature, political science, and law.

“Cara arrived on Oyaron Hill ready to immerse herself in Hartwick College’s culture, and to make use of resources – her own and the campus community’s – so that she could emerge as her own best self,” said Professor of English Susan Navarette. “Cara is a polymath: a literary studies major of unparalleled analytical abilities; a political science major already poised, as a sophomore, to begin pre-law training; and a consultant in the College’s Writing Center.”

Founded in 1966, the mission of the NCHC is to “support and enhance the community of educational institutions, professionals, and students who participate in collegiate honors education around the world,” according to its website.

The professional association of undergraduate honors programs and colleges boasts more than 900 member organizations that serve 300,000 honors student by “developing, implementing, and expanding Honors education through curriculum development, program assessment, teaching innovation, national and international study opportunities, internships, service and leadership development, and mentored research,” it says.

In June, Dugan will attend a training session in Bryce Canyon, Utah, then formally begin her tenure as with editing assignments. Her responsibilities will also include attending the NCHC national conference in Dallas in November.

“I am so beyond thankful for Hartwick’s dedicated professors who have encouraged me and granted me the resources to pursue my interests, so I can secure opportunities such as this one,” Dugan said.

“Having this experience as an associate editor in such an eclectic and high-quality journal will certainly help me, as I hope to pursue a career either in academia or as a lawyer, where I will benefit greatly from being able to analyze and refine pieces of writing,” she added.

The Hartwick College English Department, Office of Academic Affairs, and Honors Program are sponsoring Dugan’s travel and training expenses.

For more information on the NCHC, visit its website.

More information on the UReCA can be found here.