STUdents Earn National Recognition for Ocean Sustainability Innovation
By Bruno Diaz
What began as a classroom project at STU has earned two students national recognition for an innovative idea that could help protect the world’s oceans.
Gianna Galezo, a freshman majoring in Business Management, and Ryder Torres, a sophomore majoring in Marketing, were selected as one of just 10 collegiate finalists nationwide for the prestigious 2026 Ocean Exchange competition, held October 25-27 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Their project, Lumarinescent, proposes a sustainable alternative to disposable chemical glow sticks used by commercial fishing operations. The concept centers on developing refillable, reusable bioluminescent fishing lures using environmentally friendly materials, including shrimp-derived chitosan, with the goal of reducing marine waste.
The students competed alongside teams from major institutions, including Georgia Tech, the University of Florida, North Carolina State University, and the University of Vermont. They were also among only three Florida teams selected for the collegiate competition.
The journey began when Galezo developed the concept for an STU classroom project and earned second place in the University’s Social Entrepreneurship Competition. Although the judges recognized the potential of her idea, they encouraged her to improve its presentation and marketing.
That’s when Torres joined the project, bringing his marketing expertise to help refine its branding, visual presentation, and business strategy.
The collaboration helped propel the project onto the national stage, where Galezo presented their concept to an audience of industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and researchers competing for five $10,000 collegiate awards.
What made their participation particularly noteworthy was their relative inexperience. While many competing teams included advanced science students and entrepreneurs with established companies, Galezo and Torres were a freshman and sophomore representing STU’s business programs.
The experience also introduced the students to potential investors and industry professionals who expressed interest in the concept’s commercial applications. Beyond commercial fishing, the students are exploring recreational fishing, diving, and other consumer markets.
Although they did not receive one of the competition’s monetary awards, their participation led to an additional opportunity with the Marine Research Hub at a Fort Lauderdale boat show.
STU faculty members played an important role in their success. Dean Edwards, Professor Enghelberg, Dr. Plunkett, Dr. Darko, and Dr. Mathew, all acted as faculty mentors and helped the students refine their concept and explore its scientific and commercial feasibility.
The students now hope to develop a working prototype, collaborate with researchers, gather feedback from fishermen, and explore patent protection for their innovation.
For Torres, the experience reinforced the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
“Don’t be scared to just take chances,” Torres said. “Don’t be scared about being in a competitive environment because, at the same time, that’s where you grow.”
For Galezo and Torres, the greatest achievement was not a financial award, but the opportunity to transform a classroom idea into a promising business concept with potential environmental impact.
Their journey demonstrates how STU students, supported by engaged faculty and opportunities for experiential learning, can compete on a national stage while developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges.