Every day, University of Delaware students push forward solutions to some of our planet’s toughest challenges through their research, and organizations far and wide are taking notice. Policymakers look to their findings to help guide environmental decisions, while businesses use their insights to strengthen sustainable practices. 

With demand for innovative solutions rising, emerging environmental researchers must be able to clearly communicate why their work matters — a skill that can both amplify their impact and unlock transformative career opportunities.

This skill was of utmost importance to Josh LeMonte, a faculty member in Brigham Young University’s Department of Geological Sciences. During his time as a UD graduate student, LeMonte worked with a group of his peers to develop Pitch:90, a research pitch competition for Delaware students conducting environmentally beneficial projects. Eleven years later, the UD alumnus continues to return to emcee the event, which is organized by the Delaware Environmental Institute and held every two years. The eighth Pitch:90 took place on Nov. 4.

“This event is really fun, and also really essential,” LeMonte said in his opening remarks. “Effective science communication is really important for those in industry … Whether it’s working with stakeholders or policymakers, you need to be able to distill your message beyond those who know your jargon — not only so they can understand it, but so you can compel someone with that new knowledge you’re helping them gain.”

Pitch:90 highlights the many forms of environmental research underway at UD. This year’s competition brought together 23 contestants representing 15 departments, ranging from art history to engineering. Leading up to the big night, students honed their science communication skills by preparing an elevator pitch for an audience of environmentally concerned professionals for a chance at cash prizes. The catch? Once they take the stage, they only have 90 seconds to discuss their work.

Sitting front and center in the audience were the judges, including local decision-makers such as Delaware State Sen. Stephanie Hansen, chair of the Environment and Energy Committee, and Nikko Brady, Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer’s chief of staff. Experts in chemical engineering, environmental consulting, hydrology and policy also judged, as did several UD faculty and post-graduate researchers, including Austin Morgan, a microbiology Ph.D. candidate who won the prior Pitch:90 competition in 2023.

“Young researchers need opportunities to practice conveying the importance of their work to more general audiences,” said Morgan, who is part of DENIN’s most recent cohort of Environmental Fellows and led several workshops to help this year’s contestants maximize their pitches’ impact. “When we are done with our training programs and transition into our careers, we need to be able to convince a myriad of potential stakeholders — such as funding agencies, bosses, politicians, investors and the public — that our work is critical in order to be given the resources and time necessary to accomplish the work.”

The judges scored contestants based on clarity, delivery and originality. Event intermissions provided time for students and guests to connect and network.

This year’s Pitch:90 was co-sponsored by the Ratcliffe Eco-Entrepreneurs Fellowship (REEF), which included a cash prize for the REEF Fan Favorite award, voted on by the audience. The award went to Thabu Mugala, an entomology Ph.D. candidate who is researching how introducing slug-eating nematodes to corn and soybean farms may offer an environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides.

Three students with especially compelling pitches earned spots on the podium. Taking third was Sampanna Mhatre, a Ph.D. candidate in materials science and engineering who is creating safer methods for deconstructing and recycling discarded mattresses, which otherwise pose fire hazards, release toxins and take centuries to decompose. 

Second place went to Evan Borodin, an undergraduate double-majoring in marine sciences and biology who researches how single-celled marine organisms serve as markers of ocean change.

The $500 grand prize went to Casey Tyler, a Ph.D. candidate in fashion and apparel studies who spoke eloquently about their research in sustainable garment assembly and design to reduce microfiber pollution. 

“Staying calm is key,” Tyler said. “As much as you practice, if you get caught up in the moment, you'll get thrown off course and lose your rhythm. This means you need to learn to breathe and have the confidence that you will say your piece in time. I didn't look at the clock once.”

For 11 years, Pitch:90 has demonstrated the breadth of ways Blue Hens are saving the planet. The competition has helped hundreds of students prepare for impactful discussions they’ll soon encounter in the workforce — part of the Delaware Environmental Institute’s efforts to shape the next generation of environmental leaders.

“Students can be geniuses, but their research will have a better chance of making a difference in the world when their communication skills are clear and concise,” said Helen Fey Fischel, DENIN’s External Advisory Board president. “While cash prizes were awarded during the event, the real-life prizes will be awarded to these students when their practice earns them jobs, grants and promotions.”

The full recording of Pitch:90 is available on YouTube. Visit denin.udel.edu to learn more about the Delaware Environmental Institute and its interdisciplinary environmental initiatives.