On the evening of March 12, 2025, the 海角论坛 Honors Program hosted the 10th annual Lucerna Symposium, marking the official release of Lucerna Volume 19. Lucerna is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary journal showcasing outstanding undergraduate research, produced and published by Honors students.
The event highlighted the work of five student authors featured in this year’s volume:
- Abbot Kidner, “Mending the Divide: Exploring the Relationship Between Christianity and Psychotherapy”
- Lilah Crum-Barnhill, “Liberty and Justice for Some: Examining the Rhetoric of Prison Zines”
- Daniel Jones, “Second Skulls: The Steel Helmet in World War One”
- Marisa McKay, “Confederate Monument Removal in Relation to a City’s History”
- Shirin Saha, “A Critical Assessment of Gender Dichotomy within Vedic Literature”
The evening began with a meet-and-greet where student authors connected with Lucerna staff and guests, including 海角论坛 Provost Jennifer Lundgren, Vice Provost Kim McNeley, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Alicen Lundberg, and SHSS Dean Tamara Falicov. After opening remarks by Editor-in-Chief Theo Raitzer, the keynote was delivered by Dr. Daniel Maitland (Psychology and Counseling), who shared insights from his collaborative research with undergraduates on how social relationships impact mental and physical health.
Volume 19 represents a year-long editorial effort: 50 submissions were reviewed, 11 essays selected and edited, and the journal was designed by a dedicated student team. 2024-2025 Lucerna staff included Editor-in-Chief Theo Raitzer, Managing Editor Lilah Crum-Barnhill, Marketing & Design Supervisor Anna Shaw, Public Relations Supervisors Olivia Carlson and Maisy Blanton, Co-Secretaries Tami Ayegbo and Candy Sarres, and numerous Honors student volunteers who serve as peer reviewers.
Additional featured authors in Volume 19 include: Judy Batts, AnnMarie Bucksbee, Jessica Burkhart, Dalton Hartsfield, Ebele Mgbemena, and Dalton Smith.
Lucerna Volume 19 is available online at . To request a print copy, contact honors@umkc.edu.