Michigan State University students Megan Fritz and Tom Isaacson were each awarded a special prize for their excellent international research projects at the universitys inaugural Graduate Academic Conference (GAC) on March 20.

Fritz, a graduate student in entomology, won for her work that was entered into the Natural Sciences category. Her project was titled Ivermectin-Treated Cattle Reduce Survivorship of the Afro-Tropical Malaria Vector Anopheles gambiae s.l. Isaacson, a graduate student in advertising, public relations and retailing won for a Social Sciences project titled Teaching International Public Relations through Study Abroad Programs: What is the Value for Future PR Practitioners?

The GAC was a forum for MSU graduate and professional students to exhibit their research to the broader MSU community and increase their own presentation and communication skills. The GAC allowed graduate and professional students to share their work in two different settings. The presentations were judged and monetary prizes totaling $2300 were awarded to the best entries in each presentation room.

In the Showcase Room graduate students presented their research orally and in poster format, attempting to convert technical research into an accessible format for the public. An Ongoing Research Room was also available at the event to highlight research that is not currently complete, but is still of a high standard.

The GAC was sponsored by several offices including the Office of Outreach and Engagement, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, Office of the Provost, the Graduate School, International Studies and Programs and various other colleges across the university.

The Council of Graduate Students is an authorized student government representing graduate and professional students at various levels across Michigan State University. COGS mission is to improve and advance graduate education in order to ensure the vitality of intellectual discovery.

For information on all winners and awards at GAC visit www.msugac.com