CDU Students Present Innovative Solutions to Health Disparities at Annual Pitch Fest

Students holding large check
Students holding large check

The Biomedical Sciences Enrichment Program (BSEP) hosted its third annual BSEP Pitch Fest Competition, where 13 program fellows presented bold, research-driven proposals aimed to address pressing health disparities in underserved communities.

“The BSEP Pitch Fest Competition is about celebrating risk-takers, problem-solvers, and future founders,” said Dr. Monica Ferrini, Dean of CDU’s College of Science and Health. “It’s about hearing ideas that challenge the norm, ideas that are bold, disruptive, and different.”

Four groups of students from the Biomedical Science and Urban Health program delivered their pitches to a panel of judges that included research leaders and professionals in the biomedical field, each offering a creative and community-centered solution to real-world challenges affecting underresourced communities.

Sky Clayton, Michaela Johnson, Natalia Alba kicked off the presentations with “Infrasonic Triage,” a proposal focused on advancing early detection of changes in vital signs that could improve patient outcomes in communities with limited access to diagnostic tools and a high burden of hemodynamic conditions like hypertension and heart failure.

Jessica Matul Escalante, Isaac Samy, and Mahsun Mirmohammadsadeghi introduced “AtmosGuard” an affordable, power-less air filter designed to protect communities impacted by toxic pollutants, such as Service Planning Area (SPA) 6, where CDU is located.

Students presenting

Noting that CDU’s neighboring community of Wilmington is home to five major oil refineries, student Isaac Samy explained “We want residents of SPA 6 and underserved communities to have access to filtered air. Air shouldn’t be dependent on income, location, or access to electricity. It’s a vital need for everyone.”

Another group composed of Haley Huntington, Danielle Clayborn, Ariana Zuniga, and Cheyenne Boone unveiled “EVE,” a portable testing device that analyzes breath, saliva, and blood to detect early signs of endometriosis before symptoms escalate. 

“As an all-female group, we wanted to address an issue that matters to us, especially since people in our group and people that we know are affected by endometriosis,” said Huntington. “We hope EVE helps bridge the diagnostic gap and gives women more confidence in early detection and proactive care.”

The final presentation came from Mwinso Denkabe, Talia Lucky, and Leighton William, who proposed “Panoptes,” a flexible bioelectromagnetic patch designed to detect early tissue failure.

While all teams demonstrated strong creativity and promise, only two received top honors. “EVE” earned first place and a $10,000 grant, while “AtmosGuard” took second place with a $3,000 grant. The funding will support the students as they turn their pitches into reality, advancing their commitment to communities often overlooked in health innovation. The event’s sponsors and partners include NASA Technology Transfer University and Biohub.