West Virginia University’s Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences is preparing for its annual Graduate Student Research Conference Thursday, April 8, from 8:40 a.m.4 p.m. in the Towers Blue and Gold rooms of the Evansdale Residential Complex.

The Davis College Graduate Student Research Conference is a unique opportunity to recognize the many research accomplishments of our talented graduate students and to enhance their professional development,said Alan Sexstone, a professor of environmental microbiology in the Davis College and one of the event’s organizers.

Graduate students in the Davis College will have the opportunity to present research conducted as part of a theses or dissertation, or representing their efforts on projects conducted in collaboration with faculty members.

This is an excellent opportunity to enhance the professional development of graduate students by exposing them to a conference-like setting,Sexstone added. The event helps students hone their presentation skills and enhances their ability to communicate findings.

Papers will be presented throughout the day with a break for lunch. Posters will be displayed for the duration of the day, and authors of posters will be on hand from 10 a.m.noon to answer questions from attendees. The event is free and open to the public.

For a schedule of presentations, list of posters and project abstracts, visithttp://www.cafcs.wvu.edu/wvafes/graduate2004.htm