events

At DENIN, we host events designed to support effective communication of science and promote science and environmental literacy.

Events below are sponsored by a variety of departments and units around campus.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

Our annual research symposium for students conducting environmental research at the University of Delaware includes both oral presentations and a poster session with a reception.
The goal of the symposium is to showcase the work of graduate and undergraduate students carrying out environmentally-related research. The event provides an opportunity to network with peers and mentors, as well as learn about other environmental research taking place throughout the University of Delaware. Guests are welcome to attend — the event is open to the public.
Our 10th annual Symposium was held on April 25, 2025. Congratulations to the following students for earning the highest marks from the judges:

First Place Graduate – Erinn Bell

Second Place Graduate – Phil O’Dell
Third Place Graduate – Muhammad Taky Tahmid

First Place Undergraduate – Michael Earley

Second Place Undergraduate – Maya Feinstein
Third Place Undergraduate – Kayla Price
Applications for the next Symposium will open in the 2026 Spring Semester.
A walkway with posters and student researchers

PITCH:90

Austin Morgan received first place at the 2023 Pitch:90 event, hosted by the Delaware Environmental Institute’s DENIN Fellows. Pitch:90 is a fast-paced elevator pitch contest held at the University of Delaware in which undergraduate and graduate student contestants showcase their environmental research in 90 seconds or less to a panel of judges and an enthusiastic audience. Students from all disciplines and regional institutions are invited to participate for cash prizes.

Quick! The elevator doors close and you have 90 seconds to tell the person standing next to you about your research. What do you say? Why does your research matter?

While few “elevator pitches” actually take place in elevators, being able to explain your research clearly, concisely, and engagingly is important.
That’s what DENIN’s Pitch:90 competition is all about. It’s a fast-paced speaking competition in which student researchers describe their work in 90 seconds or less to a panel of judges and an enthusiastic audience.
It’s designed to be an entertaining, rewarding way to give science and engineering students a chance to develop their communication and presentation skills while showcasing their research.
A panel of judges assembled from UD and local businesses, nonprofits, schools, and government agencies rate each contestant’s 90-second pitch. At the end of the night, cash prizes are awarded to the top three contestants, including the grand prize of $500. All contestants receive a Pitch:90 t-shirt and everyone gets to attend a fun social event with food and beverages provided!
Pitch:90 2023 was held November 14, 2023, and the next Pitch:90 will be held in the 2025 Fall Semester!
Check out our 2023 pitches on YouTube!
Pitch:90 YouTube Videos

Contact Us

If you have an idea for an interdisciplinary environmental research project, please fill out the form below so we can learn more about how we can support you.