Inquiry was created to support the broader academic mission of UNH as a research and public service university. The journal has three goals: (1) to share the research conducted by UNH undergraduates with the university community and beyond; (2) to provide students the opportunity of preparing their research for publication; and (3) to offer the opportunity for students to participate in the editing and producing of such a journal. Inquiry was made possible by a generous endowment from Dana Hamel.
In the fall of 2003, Donna Brown, Director of Undergraduate Research, consulted with editors of several similar journals, who willingly shared their experience and advice. An online journal, cheaper and more flexible than print, seemed the best way of reaching a wide audience. By spring, 2004, guidelines and procedures had been written and a Web site constructed. Undergraduate researchers were solicited to write articles and a student editorial board assembled. In the fall of that year, an Editorial Consultant, Jennifer Lee, was hired. A designer and editor from the office of Editorial and Creative Services joined the effort, and, with technical support from Web Solutions, the job of putting together the first issue began.
Spring of 2005 saw the inaugural issue of Inquiry go online. That fall Brigid Carroll, a UNH graduate and editor, joined the staff; and she and Jennifer became senior editors. Inquiry quickly attracted the attention and participation of students and faculty mentors. Beginning with the 2007 issue, two graduate students in English were hired as assistant editors. In 2007 Inquiry was invited by EBSCO to be part of the databases they index.
Responses to articles in Inquiry come from readers across the United States and around the world. The journal continues to evolve in its content, format, and mission. We hope it will always be an exciting work-in-progress.
Inquiry is published online annually in April. Articles remain up for the year, while responses from readers and announcements of related events are posted throughout the year. Previous issues will remain available under Past Issues.
Inquiry is supported through the generosity of the Hamel Endowment, established to make a significant contribution to the undergraduate experience and to support outstanding students engaged in undergraduate research.
