Letter from the chancellOR
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise prides itself on an institutional culture that is student-centric and that facilitates meaningful interaction between students and faculty. This culture is the result of small class sizes and a relatively small campus; dedicated faculty and staff; and ambitious students. These factors come together to produce a first-class, high-impact educational experience. One sees the hallmarks of this educational experience in various manifestations: student advising and mentoring, international study, career placement and undergraduate research, among others. This commitment to the student experience led to the inaugural undergraduate research journal, Lux. This new journal contains the writings, musings and discoveries of our very own students. Their works demonstrate both independence and collaboration; initiative and guidance; and innovation and tradition. Lux celebrates not only the students’ exceptional contributions to this institution but also the college’s commitment to undergraduate scholarship. Research instills practices and values that last a lifetime such as curiosity, inquiry, discovery, tenacity and intellectual courage. I applaud the faculty and students who made this publication possible and all those who engage in the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Starting with this edition, Lux is, and will continue to be, a college treasure, one that illuminates the core values of the liberal arts. Donna Price Henry Chancellor i