The Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) recently held their 73rd annual meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana. Illinois State University was well represented at the meeting in multiple ways.

image of George Van Den Driessche

George Van Den Driessche

George Van Den Driessche received the MAGS Master’s Thesis Award for the work he completed on his thesis Computational Investigations of Oxygen-Containing Donor-Acceptor Complexes Involving Sulfur Dioxide and Sulfur Trioxide. George is the first Redbird to receive this award. For more information read Rachel Hatch’s article Alumnus wins Midwest thesis award. After graduating with his master’s degree in Chemistry, George moved to North Carolina State University to pursue his Ph.D.

Emilio Lobato, College of Arts and Sciences (Psychology)—“Examining Different Reasons Why People Accept or Reject Scientific Claims”

Participant Emilio Lobato, College of Arts and Sciences (Psychology)—“Examining Different Reasons Why People Accept or Reject Scientific Claims”

Emilio Lobato competed with 32 other participants in the MAGS Three Minute Thesis (3 MT) competition. Lobato was one of the six competitors who advanced to the finals round. Emilio competed with students from schools such as Loyola, Notre Dame, Indiana University, and the University of Iowa. He earned the right to compete by winning the Illinois State University’s 3 MT competition in March. For more information read Kevin Bersett’s article Scholars compete, share research at 3 Minute Thesis event. Emilio will graduate from ISU in May with a master’s degree in Cognitive & Behavior Psychology and will then start his Ph.D. at the University of South Florida in August.

Dr. Amy Hurd

Professor Amy Hurd

Professor Amy Hurd was elected as President of the Illinois Association of Graduate Schools. Hurd, a professor in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation, has served as the Director of Graduate Studies since December 2013.