The Journal of Undergraduate Materials Research (JUMR) is a student-run scientific journal dedicated to research performed by students in materials science and related fields. The primary goal of this journal is to provide a platform for undergraduate researchers to publish their work. The secondary goal of this journal is to provide opportunities for undergraduates to practice their communication skills and gain experience working with reviewed publications. The following is the Alfred Knobler Inaugural Issue of the Journal of Undergraduate Materials Research (JUMR). This issue, guided by the goals of Alfred Knobler, is the product of collaborative effort between the Virginia Tech Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Virginia Tech Department of English. This issue features a variety of articles and student research focusing on subjects in materials science and engineering.