Author Ben Mudrak, PhD

Dr. Mudrak graduated from Duke University with a PhD in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and performed over eight years of research on pathogenic bacteria at Duke and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For several years, Dr. Mudrak led webinars and workshops on academic writing and publishing as part of AJE's Author Education program.

Ben Mudrak, PhD Global Communications Manager, AJE

Ben Mudrak, PhD

AJE Author

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two researchers writing a cover letter for journal submissions
  • Guide
  • Writing
  • Research Process
  • +3

Writing a Cover Letter for Journal Submission [Free Template]

Journal cover letters are your chance to lobby on behalf of your manuscript. This AJE Journal Cover Letter Guide offers some useful tips for getting them right. It also includes a free journal cover letter template.

by Ben Mudrak, PhD

3 min

A scientist looking through a microscope
  • Article
  • Writing
  • Peer Review
  • +1

Materials and Methods: 7 Writing Tips

Here are some tips for writing a good Materials and Methods section, which can lead to reproducibility of your results and credibility in the eyes of reviewers and readers.

by Ben Mudrak, PhD

4 min

a researcher wondering why he got desk rejected
  • Article
  • Peer Review
  • Research Process
  • +1

Your Paper Was Rejected after Review - What Next?

Every researcher experiences rejection from journals at some point. A few options after desk rejection include appealing the decision, resubmitting, or finding a new journal. Research data is valuable and should be published somewhere.

by Ben Mudrak, PhD

4 min

Copy logo, cut and paste
  • Article

Self-Plagiarism: How to Define It and Why You Should Avoid It

What is self-plagiarism, and why is self-plagiarism wrong? Understand the ethical (and practical) reasons to avoid this behavior in your research writing.

by Ben Mudrak, PhD

3 min

a clinical studies researcher typing at their computer with coffee at the table hoping for publishing success
  • Guide
  • Writing
  • Publishing
  • +1

AJE Tips for Publication Success

This 11-page handout includes tips for writing different sections of a manuscripts and navigating the publishing process.

by Ben Mudrak, PhD

1 min

interconnected people illustrating the open sharing of Creative Commons licenses
  • Article
  • Visibility
  • Research Process
  • +3

Creative Commons Licenses: an Introduction for Researchers

Open publishing means more gray areas with usage and licensing. This article explains the various Creative Commons Licenses on a high level.

by Ben Mudrak, PhD

4 min

Researchers connected by a web to incidate developing an online presence
  • Article
  • Visibility
  • Research Process
  • +3

5 Methods to Develop Your Online Presence (for Researchers)

Make use of online sites and networks like LinkedIn and ResearchGate to improve your online visibility and highlight the information about your research that you want others to see.

by Ben Mudrak, PhD

6 min

a graph listing the bengits of preprints
  • Article
  • Peer Review
  • Visibility
  • +2

What are Preprints, and How Do They Benefit Authors?

Preprints are research papers shared before peer review. Here we discuss the benefits to authors including rapid credit, visibility & feedback.

by Ben Mudrak, PhD

4 min

two notebooks to decide which to choose from early in the research process
  • Guide
  • Visibility
  • Research Process
  • +2

Why Choosing a Journal Early in the Research Process Is Important

Choose a journal for your research early with these tips, and keep track of your options with our free downloadable template.

by Ben Mudrak, PhD

4 min