This is a $500 award supported by an alumna of our department, Susan Merritt, and awarded to the graduating student with the best applied thesis project, part of the required thesis portfolio in which the student proposes how their research might exist in the world beyond the written MA thesis (e.g. a conference, a book, an exhibition). Susan’s hope is that this funding will help the student move forward with producing his or her applied thesis, which is usually at concept/proposal stage upon graduation. The award is decided by the chair and faculty thesis advisor.