To recognize undergraduate accomplishments in research, innovation and creativity, Villanova University presented its first Undergraduate Research Exposition from April 21–25. The week’s activities were hosted by the four undergraduate colleges, as well as Falvey Memorial Library, the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, the Office of Research and Graduate Programs, and Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. The Expo’s University-wide programs included the Falvey Scholars Presentations and Awards, Sigma Xi Research Poster Symposium, and Pitch Day.
Pitch Day
Presented by the Center for Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE Center), Pitch Day is the largest of the Expo’s weeklong events. Students from across the University are given the opportunity to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, while gaining real-world experience in building an idea from the ground up. The program featured presentations from Villanova students participating in the fifth-annual Villanova Student Entrepreneurship Competition (VSEC), as well as the University’s Mobile Applications Course and Entrepreneurship Minor programs.
The College of Engineering is typically well-represented in Pitch Day activities, and this year was no exception. Engineering students were members of five of the eight VSEC finalist teams, including team Sound Surround, which placed third overall. Sound Surround members William Kapcio COE ’14, Kyle Hartner COE ’14 and John Hannah VSB ’14 presented an Android application that synchronizes multiple mobile devices’ audio output via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct for the purpose of amplifying volume.