The Exley contributors 2015

The spring 2015 issue of The Exley contains works from a variety of disciplines, including science and engineering, as well as social science, arts and technology, and performing arts.

Student-led research on cyberbullying, solar cells and electrical energy, and post-traumatic stress disorder, along with poetry and photographic essays, are all highlighted in the fourth edition of the research journal, The Exley.

The journal was launched in 2012 to showcase the quality of research activities and creative works submitted by UT Dallas undergraduate students.

Copies of the newest journal are now available. It was released to coincide with the University’s 2015 Exhibition of Excellence in Undergraduate Research event in April.

“Through The Exley, our undergraduate students have the opportunity to present their representative work in a public environment,” said Dr. Andrew Blanchard, who is dean of Undergraduate Education and holds the Mary McDermott Cook Distinguished Chair for Undergraduate Education and Research. “The works published in The Exley exemplify the best of what our students have to offer. Through the foresight of Mrs. Hodge, our undergraduates continually demonstrate their engagement in the research world and the creative process that defines the mission of The University of Texas at Dallas.”

Madeeha Mian discusses her photo essay

Madeeha Mian discusses her photo essay “Exploring the Other Side of Our Galaxy” with Elizabeth Exley Hodge at the annual luncheon to celebrate the latest issue of The Exley.

The Exley is named after UT Dallas supporter and former longtime staff member Elizabeth Exley Hodge. Hodge joined the administrative offices of the Southwest Center for Advanced Studies in 1967, which became UT Dallas in 1969. She retired in 1986 after nearly 20 years of service to the University.

Participating students turned in their submissions for the journal last fall. Faculty research mentors reviewed the proposals, which were solicited from students in all disciplines. A panel of experts from each discipline then reviewed each submission. The Exley Advisory Board voted on final entries.

This year, a Student Advisory Board also reviewed and voted on final entries. The board consists of undergraduates who have made significant contributions to undergraduate research in a variety of disciplines and demonstrate academic excellence.

Undergraduate Research Poster Contest

Read 'The Exley'

Read the fourth volume of the UT Dallas undergraduate research journal and previous volumes.

For the latest edition, Carrie Crossley, an arts and technology senior from Southlake, wrote about a research-based computer game she developed, called “Everyone Hates You,” to raise awareness and promote education on the dangers and consequences of cyberbullying.

The player takes on the role of a bystander and interacts with three main characters: a bully, a victim and a teacher. Throughout the game, the player must make a series of choices about how to respond to the cyberbullying. The actions they choose have consequences for everyone involved.

“Cyberbullying is an issue that needs more attention,” Crossley wrote about her project. “About 17 percent of high school students nationwide have seriously considered suicide, and those feelings have been strongly linked to bullying. If just one teen plays the game and realizes they have the ability to help someone, or that they’re not alone, we’ve made a huge difference.”

An untitled collection of photographs by Aditya Gudapati that convey the concept of time was also included in the 2015 edition. Gudapati, a biochemistry junior in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics from Plano, used a prolonged shutter speed during late-night walks across campus to allow the camera to take in light from its surroundings, including an office building and street lamps.  

“I learned that time can lend a different perspective on events you think might be constant or permanent,” Gudapati said. “The street lamps that shone every night seemed completely different when I looked at a picture taken with prolonged shutter speed. From there, the theme of time and the passage of time arose.”

The Office of Undergraduate Education manages the journal and publishes each issue in collaboration with the Office of Research and the Office of Communications.