Sophomores Sophie Zeng and Grace Yao of The Bishop’s School in La Jolla have emerged as winners of the school’s Social Innovation Challenge with their groundbreaking project, Project ARISE. The project involves an artificial intelligence algorithm and app designed to assist citizen scientists in identifying invasive plants for removal.
The duo initially set out to address the issue of wildfires in California but soon discovered the significant role invasive plants play in exacerbating the problem. Through interviews with experts in the field, they learned that invasive plants often act as fuel for wildfires due to their ability to dry out quickly, posing a serious threat to the environment.
With the aim of increasing awareness and mobilizing volunteers to combat this issue, Sophie and Grace developed the ARISE app, which utilizes AI technology to accurately classify invasive plants. The app allows users to scan their surroundings and identify which plants should be removed, ultimately aiding in the restoration of the ecosystem.
Despite facing challenges in achieving a high accuracy rate for their algorithm, the determined students persevered and successfully integrated it into the app. Their efforts paid off as they were awarded $2,500 for their innovative solution to the problem of invasive plants.
Looking ahead, Sophie and Grace plan to expand the app’s capabilities to recognize a wider range of plant species and forge partnerships to further the reach of their project. With their passion for environmental conservation and dedication to making a positive impact, these young innovators are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.