Heather Bergan and Chad Walock, doctoral students in the cellular and molecular biology program, were co-recipients of the Best Poster Award at the 10th International Congress on the Biology of Fish held in Madison, Wis., July 15-19.

Their joint paper, titled “Nutritional state modulates growth hormone-stimulated insulin-like growth factor and hormone sensitive lipase mRNA expression,” was selected for the novelty and significance of the work as well as for its layout and presentation.

“This award recognizes both Heather and Chad’s accomplishments and potential, and enhances the stature of NDSU in the scientific community,” said Mark Sheridan, director of the cellular and molecular biology program. 

The International Congress on the Biology of Fish brings together researchers from around the world to discuss physiological processes, tools and techniques aimed at understanding how fish function, how to manage and protect aquatic resources and how to improve the production of fish for food. Some topic discussions this year included fish migration physiology and behavior; food intake and utilization in fish; how environmental contaminants affect fish; tropical environments and climate changes affecting fish; and stress in fish relating to genes and behavior. 

NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.