N.C. A&T Teams Place in Top Three at Inaugural American Chemistry Society Pitch Competition

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 5, 2025) – Two teams representing North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University won second and third place at the American Chemistry Society’s (ACS) inaugural ChemBiz pitch competition during its national conference in San Diego. Competitors were asked to conceptualize a viable eczema treatment and develop a business strategy that could bring it to market. 

N.C. A&T was the only historically Black university represented at the competition. The second-place winners, Nathaniel Yeboah, Ebony Corbitt and Omolola Balogun, hailed from the Department of Chemistry. Kayla Morgan, Dominique Davis and Evan McDowell placed third and represented the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering.

Corbitt and Morgan have eczema. According to the National Eczema Association, 36 million people in the United States have eczema, a group of inflammatory conditions resulting in dry, itchy skin including rashes and patches. 

“We wanted to come up with a solution that used all-natural ingredients,” said Yeboah, team leader with a background in material science engineering. “Our product, NESODERM, would be a 3-in-1 approach with a cleanser, exfoliant and moisturizer that is tinted as well so people that have any scarring will have a cream that matches every shade of skin color. That is what is unique about NESODERM, because there are already creams on the market.”

The NESODERM team wanted their product to lock in moisture and prevent dryness and itchiness. Additionally, the product would be UV and water resistant. For example, incorporation of ferulic acid– one of a plant’s powerful antioxidants– will reduce inflammation, which is a major issue in eczema flare-ups while also providing UV absorbing properties. The presence of the compound theobromine stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which helps with skin texture and firmness. Carnauba wax– another plant-derived ingredient– because of its hydrophobic nature and high melting point, will form a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and contributes to sun protection.

“I’ve had eczema since I was 2 or 3 on and off, but when I got to college, the products I used for hair styling, and even the gloves I use in the lab now, would cause breakouts on my hands,” said Corbitt. “I have discoloration and scars from eczema, so if NESODERM was on the market I would buy it right now.”

Corbitt has used topical steroids, which can contribute to thinning skin. People also can build up resistance to after consistent use. She has also used injectables, which are expensive, require ongoing use and can cause liver damage. 

The team also incorporated building a website to interact with those interested in the product. 

"I am absolutely ecstatic about Nathaniel, Ebony, and Omolola’s accomplishments,” said Zeihun Assefa, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry. “The three competing scientists are strong researchers specializing in organic synthesis, and their innovative ideas for conceptualizing a viable eczema treatment exemplify their outstanding training in cutting-edge research. I am proud of the students and appreciate their research advisors for training them to be able to represent the College of Science and Technology at the national stage."  

“Our goal with NanoGlo was to combine the current treatments that are out there and minimize those side effects — so either you use a topical cream to get the moisture or use the steroid cream to stop the itching,” said Morgan, JSNN team leader who has interest in cosmetic chemistry. “Our solution is a hydrogel with hydrocortisone nanoparticles embedded into it. The hydrogel is for the moisture and retaining water to mimic the skin barrier and the hydrocortisone is usually used to stop the inflammation.”

The NanoGlo patch would be a pH-sensitive mechanism because the inflammation causes the pH of the skin to be higher, which is helpful because it would trigger the hydrogel to release the hydrocortisone to a targeted area.

The NanoGlo team interviewed a local dermatologist to get their expert opinion about eczema treatments.

Members from both teams contributed insights from their various scientific backgrounds. Some had past experience with pitching, while this was the first opportunity for others. 

“This was my first time both attending a large conference and pitching — and this is coming from someone who was a painfully shy child who used to be terrified just to order Starbucks,” said Morgan. “Some of family got to see our team pitch. It was a lot of fun doing something new with my friends, and the other teams’ approaches were all so different.”

JSNN professor Michael Curry, Ph.D., is the inaugural faculty fellow for A&T’s Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEE&I), a recipient of  the ACS Stanley C. Israel Regional Award and has successfully led a spinoff company. He attended the ACS conference and praised the A&T teams’ innovative solutions. 

“ACS has over 150,000 members who attend these national conferences,” said Curry. “To accomplish these wins on a national stage and thinking of science from a business perspective to provide a solution to a health challenge locally or globally is critical to the training of next generation scientists.”

"I am proud of our nanoengineering student team who showcased their scientific innovation and entrepreneurial vision at the ACS ChemBiz competition, and deeply appreciate Dr. Michael Curry's outstanding leadership that continues to create valuable opportunities for our students to shine on the national stage," said Emanuel Waddell, Ph.D., JSNN nanoengineering department chair.

“The outstanding performance of our teams at the inaugural ACS ChemBiz pitch competition is a testament to the ingenuity, determination, and collaborative spirit that define North Carolina A&T’s approach to entrepreneurship and innovation," said Sean Johnson, CEE&I director. "Competing on a national stage against top institutions, our students not only showcased their scientific expertise but also demonstrated a keen understanding of how to translate research into real-world solutions for pressing health challenges. Their success highlights the importance of empowering diverse voices in STEM and affirms our commitment to developing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.”