Students were the center of attention Wednesday as they gave presentations for the Political Science Research Conference.

At the session, “Political Science Internships and Simulations,” a panel of five students discussed their experience in political science research.

Included on the panel were Christy Thomason, Torrey Chambliss, Joe Crocker, Natasha Jackson and Sarah Prescott, all political science majors.

Government simulations, congressional black caucus foundations, public defenders, Eastern’s mock trials, state department staff assistants and Model United Nations were some of the topics included in the discussions.

Following the presentation, an awards and recognition reception was held in the 1895 Room of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

To begin the reception, political science professor Yung Ping Chen spoke about the National Political Science Honor Society after it was announced that he would be retiring after this semester.

Lillian Barria, a political science professor, recognized the Political Science Association administration and had current president Emma Quinn, a political science major, talk about some of the activities the PSA participated in. She then announced next year’s administration.

Two graduate students, Chambliss and Jeff Aranowski, were awarded by political science professors Andrew McNitt and Richard Wandling for graduate studies and student research, respectively.

Thomason was recognized for her exceptional work with Model Illinois Government. She then awarded four others for their participation.

Ryan Hendrickson, a political science professor, recognized Rashida Basir, a political science major, Jeremy Pelzer, a sophomore social science major, and Prescott for their involvement with Model United Nations.

Lacey Buidosik, a senior history major, was the representative for mock trial and recognized the members who went to regional competition as well as the members of mock trial. Buidosik also won the C.A. Hollister Scholarship. Katie Cox was the winner of the Undergraduate Research Grant.