Stacey Sparks of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is one of nine student researchers from across the UW System who will compete in the WiSys Quick Pitch State Final.

The competition, being held virtually this year because of the coronavirus crisis, takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 17. A link to the livestream will be available to watch on WiSys’ website at wisys.org/quickpitch.

The research-focused, elevator-style pitch competition focuses on the importance of communicating research to the public. Students, who were successful in campus-level events, will have three minutes to present their research to a panel of judges.

“In light of all of the disruptions UW students have experienced this year, we are fortunate that these budding researchers have found the time to participate in this important showcase of their work,” said WiSys President Arjun Sanga. “Their pitches highlight the excellence at our Regional UW campuses.”

This year’s competitors:

• Karly Anderson (UW-River Falls) presenting Relationship of Captive Bolt Stunning Location with Basic Tissue Measurements and Exposed Cross-Sectional Brain Area in Cadaver Heads from Market Pigs.
• Hunter Frey (UW-Stevens Point) presenting Borb’s Big Adventure!
• Ariana Hernandez (UW-Parkside) presenting Advocating for Affordable Insulin.
• Nathaniel Hoffman (UW-La Crosse) presenting Inhibition of the Epstein-Barr Lytic Cycle by Atypical Antipsychotics.
• Dana Mueller (UW-Platteville) presenting The Relationship Between Dopamine and Utilitarian Moral Judgment.
• Purcell Pearson (UW-Whitewater) presenting Racial Bias in News Media and its Effects on Black Males Self-Image.
• Katelyn Reckin (UW-Eau Claire) presenting Characterizing the Allocation, Issuance and Usage of Benefits Offered Through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Senior Assistance Farmers Market Fruit and Vegetable Programs in Wisconsin.
• Stacey Sparks (UW Oshkosh) presenting Community Socioeconomic Indicators and Intra Head Start Student Performance.
• Rachael Tuve (UW-Superior) presenting The Relationship Between Well-Being and Financial Stress in College Students.

The top presenter will win a $700 prize.

Each year, through the WiSys Quick Pitch program, WiSys trains and educates more than 100 students at UW System schools on intellectual property protection and effective communication.

WiSys is a nonprofit organization that works with faculty, staff, students and alumni of the UW System to facilitate cutting-edge research programs, develop and commercialize discoveries, and foster a spirit of innovative and entrepreneurial thinking across the state.

Learn more:

wysy.org/quickpitch