M. Jarvin Emerson Student Paper Competition
The Mid-Continent Regional Science Association (MCRSA) invites submissions for the M. Jarvin Emerson Student Paper Competition. The competition is open to any student enrolled or recently graduated from an academic program (graduate or undergraduate). Student papers dealing with all aspects of regional development, including cultural, physical and economic processes, are welcome. Three finalists will be selected: the winner, the runner up, and the honorable mention. The winner of the Student Paper Competition will receive a $500 prize. The runner up and the honorable mention will each receive a $200 prize.
Submission of the paper requires the following:
- The student must currently be enrolled at an academic institution currently or have completed studies during the 2025-26 academic year.
- The author of the winning papers must present their research at MCRSA’s annual conference.
- Co-authorship between students is acceptable.
- Co-authorship between a student and faculty advisors is acceptable, but the student should take the leading role and make the substantive contribution.
- If a paper is co-authored with a faculty advisor, please provide a support letter from this faculty advisor.
- Papers must be submitted electronically through the conference abstract submission system. The student should also include an electronic copy of their student ID.
- The winner of the competition is encouraged to submit their paper to the Journal of Regional Analysis and Policy.
Students should submit the following materials by the March 31, 2026 deadline.
- An electronic copy of the paper;
- A copy of the student ID; and
- A faculty support letter, if the paper is co-authored with a faculty advisor.
Contact Dr. Kristen Blazek, MCRSA Vice President, at [email protected] with questions or other concerns.
Additional information about MCRSA and the annual conference can be found at: www.mcrsa.org