MCRP student Geoff Ostrove is recipient of the 2013-14 University of Oregon Public Impact Graduate Fellowship from the UO Graduate School. The fellowship is given for student work that has achieved excellence and addresses critical issues facing society. The Graduate School deans' selection committee indicated the research has the "potential to make a significant impact on society."

Ostrove will receive a stipend of $6,000 for the 2013-14 academic year and the opportunity to participate in research advocacy opportunities.

The award is for Ostrove’s terminal project, "Polyrational Communication: The Process Of Engaging With The Community While Drafting A Riparian Ordinance.” To date he has presented the project at two conferences: the International Association on Planning, Law, and Property Rights conference in Portland; and the National Planning Association's annual convention in Chicago.

This purpose of the Public Impact Graduate Fellowship is to recognize and support the work of up to two doctoral students and one master’s student whose research has the potential to have a significant impact on society. Examples of relevant research include that which makes a contribution to improving economic opportunity and well-being, social justice, political participation, cultural engagement, and scientific and technical solutions to pressing social issues.