Students’ Work Showcased in “Insights,” PVCC’s Annual Research Journal

Insights is a PVCC journal that annually celebrates students’ research with strong focus on humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. It was a privilege to sit with Dr. Todd Platts, editor in chief of the journal and professor of sociology to get the scoop on the nomination and publication process.

The latest volume of the journal is currently available for free online and at the writing center; it features the works of 13 students at the school. Aside from the 12 research papers, Insights volume III exhibits student Laura Carstensen’s artwork on the cover. The top three papers are selected for their excellency and are recognized as the first pieces to make their debut in the collection.

When I asked Platts about the behind the scenes, he said that he is grateful for faculty members who rise to the occasion in the recruitment, nomination, and materialization of the journal. This serves as a humbling affirmation of the uplifting community maintained at PVCC. He said that the recruitment stage is currently underway for the next volume, and he wants to encourage the involvement of other divisions (education, sciences, mathematics, business, nursing, etc.) as long as the research being considered has a strong emphasis on social sciences, humanities, or fine arts. He also mentioned that in addition to recruitment being available to online students, the journal also brings opportunities to students in local prisons enrolled in PVCC’s higher education programs.

The next volume of Insights will be available towards the end of Spring semester of 2023. Every volume covers pieces constructed over the academic year (Spring and Fall) and is then issued the following Spring as a culmination of the hardworking students and staff that make this journal possible. Copies will be distributed throughout the school and made obtainable online through PVCC’s website.