“My experience at NALMS was fantastic. The workshop and talks I attended were engaging, interesting and above all, useful to my growth as a student. Furthermore, the opportunity to meet like-minded researchers and professionals within my own field was invaluable. The NALMS student travel grant I received was instrumental in ensuring my attendance.”

“I am so thankful to have received the student travel grant in order to attend my first NALMS meeting! It was very rewarding to meet so many people doing fantastic work managing lakes. NALMS was a great example of science application at its best! I hope it was just the first of many NALMS conferences to come for me.“

“This was my second time attending a NALMS symposium. This year I participated in the resume review and presented a poster. Everyone at the meeting was very welcoming and provided me with great feedback on both my resume and research. I look forward to attending more NALMS symposiums in the future.“

“My name is Mohsen Tootoonchi, I am a PhD student at the University of Florida. I study the impact of saltwater intrusion and increased salinity on aquatic and wetland plants. In the past few years, I presented my work at different venues particularly in the southern parts of the United States to show how saltwater intrusion impacts vegetation and reduces ecosystem diversity. When I realized that in colder northern parts of the country, application of deicing salts has impacted aquatic ecosystems, I decided to extend my reach and try attending the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) to share my research. Luckily, I was able to apply and receive the NALMS travel award. Without the help of supporters and donations to the student travel fund, I would not have been able to attend the meeting. At the NALMS meeting, I met great researchers, talked with wonderful people and made great connections that undoubtedly will impact my career as a researcher. I would like to sincerely thank the committee and supporters of the NALMS travel award.“

“This was my first NALMS meeting, and it was incredibly rewarding to attend the conference as a PhD student. Hearing from researchers and managers working on the applied sciences was a great way to help me think critically about the relevance and direct implications of my work. Support from the student travel grants made this possible for me, and I look forward to attending future NALMS conferences!”

“This was my first time attending NALMS, and it was easily one of the best conference experiences that I have ever had. The student travel grant allowed me to travel all the way to Cincinnati, Ohio and stay at the conference hotel for three nights, which made the entire experience more convenient. This added convenience made it possible for me to participate in late-night networking events including the Halloween costume contest during the poster session. I also participated in the photo contest and a day-long technical session on the first day of the conference. And to top off the action-packed week of opportunities and experiences, I recently found out that my oral presentation received the first place prize. Needless to say, I am already looking forward to next year!”

“This NALMS symposium in Cincinnati was my first ever. Thus, before attending I was wary of the types of people I would be meeting, and I was very anxious to present my research as an undergrad. But upon arriving I was warmly welcomed and pleasantly surprised at how kind everyone was. With the support I received from the travel grant I learned more than I could have hoped and I made great connections with brilliant people. This experience allowed me to grow both as a student and as a scientist. I loved every minute and I cannot wait until next year. Thank you to those who made this possible for me.”

“I participated in the 38th International Symposium … which hosted different activities for students, including a new members’ reception … a student luncheon where I could meet and connect with other students and members … and a CV review in which students were assigned to a different academic or industrial scientist to review their CV. I was lucky to have my CV reviewed by a former NALMS president, who also gave me lots of good advice for my future journey in the academic world. Overall, my participation at NALMS 2018 was a success. I was able to meet lots of scientists, expand my network, learn more about limnology, and share my knowledge! I would like to acknowledge the NALMS Student Travel Grant program for giving me the opportunity to attend the event and learn more about NALMS.”

“I have been to many conferences, some for myself, several for my husband. I found the NALMS conference to be warm, inviting and very informative. A vast array of topics were offered and good discussions were had.  Attendees were from a variety of backgrounds that added to the information and data shared. The student scholarship allowed me to attend this conference. The venue was top notch and so was the hotel. As a student, this conference was beneficial for networking and expanding my knowledge of lake management concerns and challenges. I look forward to attending NALMS in the future.”