Explorations: The UC Davis undergraduate research journal
Celebrating original undergraduate research across disciplines
Explorations is UC Davis’ undergraduate research journal. Established in 1998, the journal features original research from across the disciplines, including the natural and physical sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities. It offers a platform for students to share their work and engage in interdisciplinary academic dialogue.
Now available: The 2024–25 issue
We’re proud to present the latest issue of Explorations, highlighting the exceptional research of UC Davis undergraduates.
Published authors
Ashley Aparicio · Benicio De Palm · Henry Wang · Maykal Tsonov · Peter Reifenstein · Ryann Su · Saanvi Jain · Sam Shen · Sarah Grimes · Wen Min · Amaya Hamilton · Ayaka Sonehara
Faculty and graduate mentors
Ana Maria Sandoval Castellanos · Andrew P. Yonelinas · Christine M. Toedebusch · Jackson Gross · James E. Housefield · Josephine T. Andrews · Mark C. Jerng · Payam Vahmani · Richard W. Michelmore · Ryan Snodgrass · Satoshi Namekawa · Thomas P. Coombs-Hahn
We thank the many departments, programs and funding sources that helped support student participation and faculty mentorship for this issue.
Submit to the 2025–26 issue: Submission portal now open!
We invite UC Davis undergraduates from all majors to submit original research for consideration in the 2025–26 volume. Submissions should reflect rigorous research methods, creative inquiry and strong faculty support.
Key dates for 2025–26
- Cover art submissions due: Saturday, Jan 31, 11:59 pm, 2026 -- submit here!
- Article submissions due: Saturday, Feb 28, 11:59 pm, 2026 -- submit here!
- Faculty mentor approval due (articles only): Saturday, Mar 7, 11:59 pm, 2026
- Final decisions sent: March 2026
- Digital launch: April 2026
All article submissions must be formally approved by a faculty mentor or advisor. Visit our submission guidelines for full details on formatting, eligibility and review.
Cover Art Contest Info:
We are seeking a front cover image to grace the next issue of Explorations: The UC Davis Undergraduate Research Journal. We are looking for talented students to submit an original art image that answers the question, “What does ‘exploration’ mean to you?” For some students, it means to discover new things, while others define it as gaining exposure to what life offers.
The goal of the front cover contest is to:
• Promote student creative thought and expression
• Select an image that speaks to “exploration” or “discovery” or “creativity”
• Provide a UC Davis undergraduate the opportunity to be published on the front cover
of a scholarly research journal
The image may incorporate original works of art, photography and/or graphic design. The size of the journal cover is 8.5" x 11"..
FORMAT: The file should be in JPEG or PNG format, at least 300 dpi. No text or logos should be included. The file name should not contain anything other than letters and numbers. Art must be original and not previously published.
Workshops and support
Workshops and info sessions will be offered throughout the year to support student researchers. Visit our Events page for dates and registration details.
Considering other publishing opportunities?
Students interested in writing-intensive research may also consider submitting to Prized Writing, UC Davis’ annual collection of outstanding student essays. The publication highlights exemplary writing across disciplines and showcases a range of research-based and analytical work.
Check our "Get Published" page for other UC Davis opportunities to publish.
Contact
Questions? Email us at [email protected].