Some 20 students were in the first graduating class to spend their final year at the UO's law program in Portland

This year the Dissertation Research Fellowships expanded 12 awards from just one, including new fellowship supported by a bequest from UO alumnus Eric Englund.

The optional program helps graduate students hone teaching skills and build a community of support workshops, teaching consultations, classroom observations and more.

With more than $5,000 in prize money on the table, graduate students had a chance to not only display their work but move it forward too.

More than $5,000 in prizes will be awarded through poster and panel presentations and, for the first time, five-minute 'blitz talk' competitions.