Earth and Planetary Sciences Ph.D. student wins first place at National Elevator Pitch competition
October 11, 2023 - Dani Rae Wascher
Olumide Adedeji, a Ph.D candidate in the Earth and Plantary Science Department at the University of New Mexico (UNM), achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the first-place prize at the National Elevator Pitch Competition, organized by the Houston Geological Society (HGS). The annual event, in collaboration with prominent energy companies, is a pivotal platform for the intersection of industry and academia.
HGS, a central hub for geoscience aficionados in Houston, champions education, specialized committees, and affiliations with renowned organizations such as the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Geophysical Society of Houston, and Society for Independent Professional Explorationists. The event showcased over 100 students, who were tasked with creating a compelling 2-minute video encapsulating their research, accomplishments, and graduate journey.
Chevron, a leading player in the energy industry, sponsored this year's competition, further elevating the prestige of the event. The challenge was to craft an elevator pitch, encapsulating one's research journey and accomplishments. Creativity and personal anecdotes played crucial roles in this high-stakes competition.
Adedeji, driven by the desire to answer the classic interview question "Tell me about yourself", artfully weaved his extensive three-year research journey at UNM into a captivating narrative. He showcased his instrumental work during a 40-day marine expedition off Vancouver and southeastern Alaska's coast, detailing the rigorous process of gathering pioneering marine reflection seismic data and subsequent meticulous data processing and interpretation.
Read more in the UNM Newsroom
