Richard H. Elbright '81 won this year's Bowdoin Prize in Natural Sciences for an essay describing a process that could lead to the development of a safe pesticide.

Ebright will receive $1500, a sheepskin certificate and a Bowdoin bronze medal for his winning essay entitled. "An Endocrine Approach to Insect Control: Status and Outlook," Lucy White, spokesman for the University prize office, said yesterday.

Ebright, a Currier House resident concentrating in Biology, said yesterday the essay grew out of "seven years of research in which I have discovered a previously unknown insect growth factor." He added. "This could possibly be used to develop a method of pest control without the harmful effects of DDT."

Carroll M. Williams, Bussey Professor of Biology, said yesterday Ebright's research is "not only outstanding, but is also of great value to the field."

William Alfred, chairman of the prize committee and Kenan Professor of English, said yesterday Ebright's essay effectively combines original research with "a writing style that makes a scientific topic understandable to everyone."

The Bowdoin prizes were established in 1791 from the bequest of Gov. James Bowdoin, who graduated from the College in 1745. The natural sciences prize is open to both undergraduates and graduate students. A total of 13 essays were submitted to the prize committee.