​​​​​Frank L. Haynes Graduate Student Research Award Competition (FLHGSRAC)​

The purpose of the research award competition is to promote graduate student participation in PAA through presentation of research papers at the annual meeting. Participants are also encouraged to submit manuscripts for publication in the American Journal of Potato Research.

Submissions to the competition are now closed.

Submission Deadline: April 23, 2026, 11:59 PM EDT

General Information

  • Students are required to submit an abstract for oral or poster presentation as the presenting author for papers they wish to enter in the competition.
  • Symposium presentations are not eligible for the research award.
  • Research reported must have been completed while a graduate student.
  • The presenting author must be a PAA graduate student member at the time of submission. For more information on membership, click here.
  • First place winners from previous PAA meetings are not eligible to participate.

To be considered for the competition, indicate your interest when you submit your abstract.

Evaluation Criteria

For the FLHGSRAC Committee to evaluate each presentation, these criteria will be used by all judges to allow for a fair and uniform evaluation of all submissions. Any differences in evaluation for poster and oral presentations are noted.

Presentation Criteria

Abstract (20 points)

  • Research Description: Does the abstract provide a concise description of the rationale, objectives, methods, results and significance of the research? (10 points)
  • Writing Style and Organization: Is the abstract well organized and written in an appropriate style with good grammar and spelling? (10 points)

Impact of Research (20 points)

  • Depth of Research: Was a relevant research problem identified? Was appropriate methodology used (i.e., the methods generated relevant data, data analysis was appropriate and conducted correctly to address the hypothesis/problem)? Do the research findings and conclusions address the problem? (10 points)
  • Relevance: How applicable is the research to industry? Has the data been interpreted in such a way that the audience could appreciate the potential impact of the research? (10 points)

Organization (20 points)

  • Clarity: (oral presentations only): Is the talk well-structured with balanced allocation of time for each section of the presentation? (10 points)
  • Readability: (poster presentations only) Is there a balanced allocation of space among sections of the poster? Can it be read from at least 4 feet away? Is the title interesting and intriguing to compel audiences’ attention? (10 points)
  • Completeness: Has the presenter provided a rationale for the research, indicated specific objectives, adequately described materials and methods, presented the results and summarized the main findings? (10 points)

Use of Visuals (Graphs, images, bullet points, etc.) (20 points)

  • Are slides and/or other visual aids clear, concise, and easy to read?
  • Are visuals described carefully and completely?
  • If a pointer was used, has it been used effectively?

Presentation Style & Delivery (20 points)

  • Delivery: (oral presentations only) Did the speaker talk loudly enough to be heard and clearly enough to be understood without rushing to finish in the time allotted? (5 points)
  • Delivery: (poster presentations only) Was the presenter available by their poster at the designated time? How effectively did they communicate?) (5 Points)
  • Interaction: How effectively did the presenter use eye contact and gestures? (5 Points)
  • Engagement: Did the presenter effectively answer audience questions? (10 points)

Awards

The results will be tallied and awardees announced at the Award Ceremony & Luncheon.

Up to five oral presentation awards may be made at the discretion of the committee in the amounts:

  • 1st place - $1,200
  • 2nd place - $900
  • 3rd place - $700
  • 4th place - $600
  • 5th place - $500

One best poster award will be in the amount of $500.