RTK Environmental Announces Winner of 2023 Scholarship, Park Slope Native Jude Tait 

Congratulations to Vincent Jude Tait of Park Slope, Brooklyn, who is the recipient of the RTK Scholars Award for 2023. Tait was selected from an impressive pool of applicants with outstanding accomplishments in environmental studies. He will receive $1,500, which will be applied to his studies at Pomona College in California. There, he will be pursuing a degree in Public Policy Analysis with a concentration in Environmental Studies.   

Tait states, “I’m particularly interested in mycorrhizal fungi, specifically within environmentally sustainable bio fertilizer, and its ability to remove harmful toxins like lead from the soil. In the future, I’d like to translate my background in sustainable agriculture to public policy. This way, I believe I can make a positive impact.”  

“Jude’s drive and passion for environmental change make RTK incredibly proud to entrust the future to individuals like him.” said Robert Weitz, Principal and Founder of RTK, a leading environmental testing company that serves the New-York tri-state area, which initiated the RTK Scholars Program in 2015. “At RTK, our commitment lies in advancing students’ scientific education forward. Through our scholarship program, we hope to contribute to their journey of success.”  

“This is a great honor to receive from RTK, who does great work through their commitment to education.” said Tait. “I’m so thankful for their contribution to my education, and their commitment and support in helping students pursue their passions in the environmental field.” 

The RTK Scholars Program has granted more than $15,000 in scholarships in recent years. Previous recipients include Aditi Madhusudan from Alpharetta, Georgia; Joseph Vecchio from Keyport, New Jersey; Katie Galletta from Goffstown, New Hampshire; Hannah Shields from Lacrosse, WI, Renwick Wilson from Greenwich, Connecticut; Kolby Galloway from Easley, South Carolina; Elliott Davis from North Potomac, Maryland; Nicholas Bulthuis from Chicago, Illinois; Dylan McCloskey from Liberty, Missouri; and Tyler Pilch from New Milford, Connecticut.  

The RTK Scholars Program will be accepting applications for the 2024 award beginning September 1. If you would like more information or to apply, please visit RTK Environmental Science Scholarship Program.  

RTK Environmental Announces Winner of 2022 Scholarship, Connecticut Native Tyler Pilch

Congratulations to Tyler Pilch of New Milford, Connecticut, who is the recipient of the RTK Scholars Award for 2022. Pilch was selected from an impressive pool of applicants with outstanding accomplishments in various science-related fields. He will receive $1,500, which will be applied to his studies at Northeastern University, where he will be pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering.

His passion is focused on fighting the global impact of climate change and pollution. Pilch states, “I am eager to help develop technologies that will help limit the pollution that we put into water and find innovative and alternative ways to deal with pollution that already exists.”

“I hope to go into a practice of improving the environmental effectiveness of desalination plants, so that they can continue to get clean water to those who don’t have readily available access as we do here in the United States,” says Pilch. “Finding alternative uses or disposal techniques for the brine waste will help to ensure a more sustainable planet,” he continues. “I am also interested in helping develop technologies or processes that will help create buildings that are both environmentally responsible and resource efficient.”

“You don’t often see a student like Tyler with such a deep understanding of both current and future environmental issues,” said Robert Weitz, Principal and Founder of RTK, a leading environmental testing company based in Stamford, CT, which initiated the RTK Scholars Program in 2015. “He can see where the future is headed and is proactively looking for solutions to growing environmental concerns,” he adds. “RTK is committed to supporting and furthering students’ scientific education, and our scholarship program helps them succeed.”

“I am extremely grateful to have been selected as the 2022 RTK Scholars Award recipient,” says Pilch. “This scholarship will contribute directly to my pursuit of an Environmental Engineering degree. Thank you to the RTK Environmental Group for their commitment and support in helping students achieve their educational dreams.”

The RTK Scholars Program has awarded over $15,000 in recent years. Past winners include Hannah Shields of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin; Aditi Madhusudan of Alpharetta, Georgia, Joseph Vecchio of Keyport, New Jersey; Katie Galletta of Goffstown, New Hampshire; Renwick Wilson of Greenwich, Connecticut; Kolby Galloway of Easley, South Carolina; Elliott Davis of North Potomac, Maryland; Nicholas Bulthuis of Chicago, Illinois; and Dylan McCloskey of Liberty, Missouri.

The RTK Scholars Program is now accepting applications for the 2023 award. The application opens September 1, 2022 and the deadline is May 31, 2023. If you would like more information or to apply, please visit RTK Environmental Science Scholarship Program.