Annual Meeting
Date: Feb 26-28, 2024
2024 MNAFS Abstract Book
2024 Annual Meeting Program
Location: Cragun’s Resort, Brainerd MN
PLENARY
Theme: Resilience & Lessons Learned
Plenary descriptions:
Denise Stromme, recently retired educator from University of Minnesota Extension – Interactive session on how to bring our best selves to any situation, even when times are tough.
Dr. Matt Davis from St. Cloud State University – Specializes in evolution of deep sea fishes. Presentation title: The evolution of fishes that light up the oceans.
AGENDA
Fish ID workshop, fish illustration workshop, ice fishing social activity, resume & cover letter workshop, networking opportunities, oral and poster presentations, business meeting, and more!
For additional information please contact Jessie Koehle (jkoehle.mnafs@gmail.com).
FISH ID WORKSHOP
On the first day of the meeting we will be holding a Fish ID workshop led by Amanda Craft, Lucas Borgstrom, Andrew Hafs, Jay Hatch, and Andrew Frank. The workshop will provide hands on experience with a collection containing over 130 of the ~160 species found in MN. The first portion of the class will focus on learning the key characteristics of commonly encountered stream and lake fish and the class will conclude with an identification exam. Substantial fish identification reference materials will be provided upon registration. Class is limited to the first 40 people that sign up. For questions or to request financial assistance contact Amanda Craft (amanda@nfcrow.org). Registration cost: Agency Funded – $150, Student/Self Sponsored – $50.
FISH ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP
Join us for a 2 hour workshop on the process of scientific illustration taught by artist Hannah Anema.
Workshop objectives include learning why is science illustration important; seeing examples of art from well known scientific illustrators & creators; and learn new ways to study the world around you which helps present information to others. You will produce illustration(s) that are yours to keep. All class supplies will be provided by the instructor to use during the workshop. Class may be limited to the first 40 people that sign up. For questions or to request financial assistance, contact Jessie Koehle (jkoehle.mnafs@gmail.com). Registration cost – $40.
RESUME & COVER LETTER WORKSHOP
Intended for anyone seeking advice on a resume and/or cover letter, this free 1-hour event is intended to further our members’ professional development. Anyone signing up to receive advice MUST email their current resume/example cover letter by February 12, 2024 to Ryan Carrow (Ryan.Carrow@state.mn.us) in order to participate. Anyone willing to serve as a resume/cover letter advisor for this activity should check the box in the volunteer section during meeting registration. See agenda link above for time and location of this event. Thank you!
ICE FISHING SOCIAL ACTIVITY
Hey, we’ll be on an awesome lakeshore in February, might as well enjoy it! Meet up for a couple hours’ ice fishing out in front of Cragun’s resort lodge on the first afternoon of the conference; see agenda for suggested time. Let us know if you’ll have your own equipment or if you’re coming with nothing but want to learn. Checking the box to indicate your interest means you’ll be included on a group email before the event, it doesn’t formally commit you to anything. Hope to see you there!
REGISTRATION FEES
$325 Professional three day
$175 Professional Tuesday (meals and social)
$105 Professional Tuesday (lunch only)
$235 Student three day
$120 Student Tuesday (meals and social)
$55 Student Tuesday (lunch only)
Individual workshops registration are described above.
Booking link for Cragun’s under MNAFS:
Cragun’s Phone Number: 218-825-2700
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
REGISTER HERE (Now Closed)
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
For questions and options about submitting an abstract, please contact Katie at katherine.bruesewitz@state.mn.us.
Limit to 250 words or less
Submit by January 19, 2024
SUBMIT ABSTRACTS HERE (now closed)
Notification of accepted abstracts and program time slots will be sent by January 26, 2024.
POSTERS
Posters should be 36 tall by 44 wide. Lots of pictures, try to minimize the amount of words. We should be able to see the major finding within 30 seconds and from 10 feet away. Best student poster will win $250.