About the Journal

Focus and Scope

Instars is an annual journal focused on publishing the research of students of any age, degree, or program. Submissions are peer reviewed and edited by entomologists, forensic scientists, and students familiar with the subject. The journal gives students a place to publish their work and provides thoughtful feedback about both subject matter and writing style. 

Peer Review Process

All manuscript submissions are evaluated by at least two reviewers familar with the subject area, and two reviewers adept at scientific writing. Submissions may be reviewed more than the minimum number of times. Reviewers are selected by the editors. The editors may request additional reviews of the manuscript as needed. Acceptance or rejection of a manuscript is the responbility of the editors. 

Editors may withdraw a manuscript if there is a major flaw with the data, or large portions of the manuscript need to be edited before publication. Withdrawn manuscripts may be resubmitted for later publication, provided authors take into account editor and revewer comments. Resubmitted manuscripts will be subject to the entire peer review process again. 

Publication Frequency

Journal will be published on a yearly basis, with each new issue going live in May.

Open Access Policy

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.

Sponsors

This journal is generously sponsered by the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University, the Texas A&M University Center for Teaching Excellence, and the Texas A&M University Libary.

Sources of Support

IJSE would like to thank the TAMU Center for Teaching Excellence for its generous support in the funding and formation of this journal, and the Texas Digital Library for providing the infrastructure, training, and design for this project.

Journal History

This journal is product of the efforts of upper division undergraduate students in the TAMU Department of Entomology and the Forensic Investigative Sciences Program. Students are supervised by Dr. Adrienne Brundage, and act as managers, editors, peer reviewers, and authors at various stages during the publication process. The journal attempts to showcase the work of outstanding undergraduate students while training the next generation of editors and authors. Content of this journal includes any research by students, especially in the fields of entomology or forensic science. The journal accepts research that has few replications, negative results, or substantial problems with experimental design, since the primary goal is to showcase work and teach students about the publication process. Please consider submitting whatever work you have accomplished. We are looking forward to reading your work!

 

Editor-In-Chief: Dr. Adrienne Brundage

TAMU Department of Entomology, Entomology Seminar, ENTO 481