UW-River Falls student Blair Wermuth was recognized for excellence in research communication during the WiSys Quick Pitch on April 7.

The student “pitch” competition inspires UW System students to consider the impact of their research and effectively communicate it to the public via three-minute presentations.

Wermuth, an animal science student, took first place and $300 prize for the presentation “An Animal Welfare-Focused Exploration of the Philadelphia Cream Cheese Dairy Supply Chain.”

“Our regional schools do an excellent job of engaging undergraduate students in research in what is known as a ‘high impact practice.’ This competition allows them to benefit from the research activity in a different way as they learn to communicate their research to non-scientists," said WiSys President Arjun Sanga. "Congratulations to Blair and the other students presenters.”

Wermuth is now eligible to advance to the virtual WiSys Quick Pitch State Final on May 26 to compete against student researchers from across the UW System.

This year’s campus-level WiSys Quick Pitches are taking place virtually due to continued concerns about the pandemic. The UW-River Falls competitors presented during the same showcase as students at three other UW System schools—UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay and UW-Parkside. Winners were selected from each campus.

For more information about the WiSys Quick Pitch Program or to watch the student presentations, visit wisys.org/quickpitch.

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.