Student Pitch Competition

Student Pitches

The Office for URaCE and the UTC Graduate School will host the second annual student research pitch competitions on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 in the UTC University Center. The event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

WHERE: UTC University Center Auditorium

Important Dates

View 2025 Undergraduate Student Research Pitches

View 2025 Graduate Student Three Minute Thesis Pitches

Fall 2026 Student Research Pitch Competition Program

UTC University Center Auditorium

Meet Student Pitch Competition Emcee Emma Collins

Emma Collins is the co-founder and Education Director of Scenic City Shakespeare, Chattanooga’s free outdoor theater. Emma joined the Arts Based Collaborative at UTC as a UTC-Wolf Trap teaching artist in 2021. Her theater arts teaching practice is based in improvisation and creative storytelling, facilitating professional development residencies for teachers and learners pre-k to second grade and infants as young as six months with Baby ArtsPlay!

Emma’s love of theater arts was fostered at Girls Preparatory School and flourished with the Professional Actors Training Program at Chattanooga State. Emma trained in Bunraku style puppetry with Chattanooga’s Kids on the Block where she served as a puppeteer/educator. As an actor, favorite local roles include Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chattanooga State Repertory Theater), Rosalind in As You Like It (Scenic City Shakespeare), Erma in Anything Goes (Chattanooga Theatre Centre), and the title role in Violet (Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga).

As co-founder of Scenic City Shakespeare, Emma has directed Shakespeare in the Park productions of As You Like It, The Winter’s Tale, Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night, and served as dramaturg and producer for nine outdoor classics. As Education Director, she created a paid apprentice program for middle and high school students, and original programs including Billie the Bard’s Puppet Playhouse, Three Person Hamlet, and 10-minute selections from A Midsummer Night’s Dream for apprentice actors.

Emma is a native Chattanoogan and lives in Hixson with her husband and two elementary school aged daughters. 

"Watching my kids develop their own creativity from a young age inspires me to explore how my artistic strengths and interests - theatre, literature, puppetry - will build confidence in students and teachers that they’ll carry to every class."

Meet Speaker Jennifer L. Goodrich, Ph.D.

Dr. Jennifer Goodrich is a faculty member of the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science and retired as the President of Benchmark Leadership Training.

Jennifer Goodrich was the Vice President of Marketing & New Product Development for a national playset manufacturer. She previously worked for Moen Faucets, Avery-Dennison, and Newell-Rubbermaid. Jennifer served as the Corporate Strategist for Moen in their Mergers & Acquisitions group. She created a new company within Moen's portfolio of companies and initiated strategic alliances in Southern China, Central Mexico and Eastern Europe.

Jennifer previously served as a board member of Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Women Business Owners and Entrepreneur Organization. Jennifer also was the Division Officer for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

She holds a B.A. in Economics from Clark University, an M.B.A. from University of Southern California and a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

Undergraduate Student Research Pitch Competition

WHERE: UTC University Center

WHEN: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Competition runs from 12:25-2:15 pm, with competitor check-in starting at noon.

Pitch Competition Prizes

The Office for URaCE is grateful to interim VCR, Dr. Mina Sartipi, for funding the undergraduate competitor prizes. 

Prize winners must submit a project proposal (with budget details) to the Office for URaCE before funds are distributed. Students selected to participate will receive full details regarding how funds are distributed prior to the competition. 

First Place: $750.00

Second Place: $500.00

Third Place: $250.00

Purpose

Students who participate in the competition will "pitch" a new research/creative works idea OR get support for an ongoing research/creative project. The pitch competition provides a valuable opportunity to practice key communication skills and tell a compelling research story. In contrast to the traditional "elevator pitch," the "research pitch" focuses on the research project versus your personal story.

Pitch Details

• Student competitors will present a brief but compelling "story" of how a new or existing research/creative project has value and contributes to the knowledge base. The pitch must be accessible to a general audience (avoiding complex jargon), and focus on the aims of the research, projected outcomes, and contribution to the discipline. The pitch competition will be judged by a panel of UTC Faculty and other experts. Students preparing for graduate school and/or the workforce are strongly encouraged to participate! Space is limited, so submit your pitch registration early.
• The event is scheduled from 12:00-2:45 pm on October 21, 2026. Before you register to compete in this event, make certain that you are available to attend this event from 12:00-2:45 pm (this time range includes check-in, event times, competitor photos, and winner announcements).

Pitch Competition Eligibility

Competitors must...

• Be working under the supervision of a UTC faculty mentor/advisor.
• Be currently enrolled, degree-seeking UTC undergraduate students in good academic and judicial standing at the time the competition submission form is submitted and on competition day.
• Be enrolled in classes during the Fall 2026 semester.
• Have an active UTC email address and UTC student ID.
• Submit the pitch registration form by the submission deadline.
• Be selected to participate in the pitch competition. Selected participants will receive an official pitch competition confirmation e-mail and pitch presentation time from the event coordinators.

Pitch Details and Guidelines

Due to overwhelming demand, Undergraduate Student Research Pitches have been shortened to two minutes to accommodate all competitors in the schedule.

• Pitches must be presented in person.
• Each competitor will have 2 minutes to pitch a new or ongoing project. Pitches will run no more than 2 minutes in duration and will be timed.
• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. Competitors will share their slide with event coordinators prior to the competition.
• Competitors must check in between 12:00-12:25 pm. Competitors arriving late will not be permitted to compete.
• The competition will be judged by a panel of UTC Faculty and other experts. The judging criteria and rubric will be shared with students prior to the competition.
• Pitch competition winners will be announced immediately following the competition.
• Pitches will be filmed and photographed. Competition video coverage will be shared on the UTC and Office for URaCE websites.
• Prize winners must submit a project proposal (with budget details) to the Office for URaCE before funds are distributed.

Competition Rules

Note: The information below is excerpted from the official 3M Thesis Competition website.

• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 2 minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps, or songs)
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations, or movement are permitted, and the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

At every level of the competition, competitors will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on the audience.

Comprehension and Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the research question being addressed and its significance?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?

Engagement and Communication

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation – was it clear, legible, and concise?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?

Register to Participate

Before you register to participate, you should thoroughly review the 3M Thesis Competition website for full competition details.

View 3M Thesis examples.

Registration for the Undergraduate Research Pitch Competition is now closed.

Undergraduate Student Research Pitch Competitors

Graduate Student Three Minute Thesis Pitch Competition

WHERE: UTC University Center

WHEN: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Competition runs from 10:15 am to 12:50 pm, with competitor check-in starting at 9:45 am.

Pitch Competition Prizes

The Office for URaCE is grateful to interim VCR, Dr. Mina Sartipi, for funding the undergraduate competitor prizes. 

Prize winners must submit a project proposal (with budget details) to the Office for URaCE before funds are distributed. Prize winners must submit a project proposal (with budget details) to the Office for URaCE before funds are distributed. Students selected to participate will receive full details regarding how funds are distributed prior to the competition. 

First Place: $750.00

Second Place: $500.00

Third Place: $250.00

Purpose

Students who participate in the competition will "pitch" a new research/creative works idea OR get support for an ongoing research/creative project. The pitch competition provides a valuable opportunity to practice key communication skills and tell a compelling research story. In contrast to the traditional "elevator pitch," the "research pitch" focuses on the research project versus your personal story.

Pitch Details

• Student competitors will present a brief but compelling "story" of how a new or existing research/creative project has value and contributes to the knowledge base. The pitch must be accessible to a general audience (avoiding complex jargon), and focus on the aims of the research, projected outcomes, and contribution to the discipline. The pitch competition will be judged by a panel of UTC Faculty and other experts. Students preparing for graduate school and/or the workforce are strongly encouraged to participate! Space is limited, so submit your pitch registration early.
• The Graduate Student 3M Thesis Pitch Competition is scheduled from 10:15 am-12:50 pm on October 21, 2026. Before you register to compete in this event, make certain that you are available to attend this event from 9:45 am-12:50 pm (this time range includes check-in and event times).

The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition will follow the official 3MT Guidelines. Presentations will be evaluated by a panel of UTC faculty judges and other experts.

From the 3M Thesis website: Developed by the University of Queensland, 3MT cultivates students' academic, presentation, and research communication skills. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

Pitch Competition Eligibility

Competitors must...

• Be working under the supervision of a UTC faculty mentor/advisor.
• Be currently enrolled, degree-seeking UTC graduate students in good academic and judicial standing at the time the competition submission form is submitted and on competition day.
• Be enrolled in classes during the Fall 2026 semester.
• Have an active UTC email address and UTC student ID.
• Submit the pitch registration form by the submission deadline.
• Be selected to participate in the pitch competition. Selected participants will receive an official pitch competition confirmation e-mail and pitch presentation time from the event coordinators.

Pitch Details and Guidelines

• Pitches must be presented in person.
• Each competitor will have 3 minutes to pitch a new or ongoing project. Pitches will run no more than 3 minutes in duration and will be timed.
• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. Competitors will share their slide with event coordinators prior to the competition.
• Competitors must check in between 9:45-10:15 am. Competitors arriving late will not be permitted to compete.
• The competition will be judged by a panel of UTC Faculty and other experts. The judging criteria and rubric will be shared with students prior to the competition.
• Pitch competition winners will be announced immediately following the competition.
• Pitches will be filmed and photographed. Competition video coverage will be shared on the UTC and Office for URaCE websites.
• Prize winners must submit a project proposal (with budget details) to the Office for URaCE before funds are distributed.

Competition Rules

Note: The information below is excerpted from the official 3M Thesis Competition website.

• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps, or songs)
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations, or movement are permitted, and the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

At every level of the competition, competitors will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on the audience.

Comprehension and Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the research question being addressed and its significance?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?

Engagement and Communication

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more? 
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation – was it clear, legible, and concise?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?

Register to Participate

Before you register to participate, you should thoroughly review the 3M Thesis Competition website for full competition details.

View 3M Thesis examples.

Registration for the Graduate Student Three Minute Thesis Pitch Competition is now closed.

Graduate Student Three Minute Thesis Competitors