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Food Waste

Organic composting.

Eligibility

  • This challenge is only open to Junior Academy students from the USA and countries in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. Mentors can be from any country.
  • Maximum of six (6) students per team, plus one (1) mentor.

Overview

Nearly one third of all food worldwide goes to waste somewhere in the journey from farm to plate. The issue is not limited to wealthier countries, but causes of the waste vary by country and region, and the impact is not equitable. Preventing the billion metric tons of food wasted each year could reduce world hunger, minimize greenhouse gasses, and prevent habitat and biodiversity loss across the globe. In this challenge, you are asked to design innovative technological and social solutions that reduce food waste with an eye towards promoting sustainability, equity, and responsible consumption.

Challenge

Design an innovative, scalable solution that helps reduce food waste at the local level (household, local restaurants, retail) or at the regional level (agriculture), while promoting sustainability, equity, and responsible consumption.

Consider the following when designing your solution:

  • What type of food waste will your solution address?
    • Household waste? Restaurant or grocery waste?
    • Specific foods such as fresh vegetables? Meat? Dry goods?
    • Specific harvests or regions?
    • Something else?
  • How can your solution be available to and adopted by the entire community?
  • How will you approach the problem? Will you take a technology approach or a social approach?
  • How can your solution address equity issues in food availability?
    • How might you integrate community co-design into your solution?
    • How might your solution be scaled to impact other regions or other countries?
  • How can you keep the cost of your solution low enough to encourage implementation?
  • How sustainable is your solution? 
  • What region or community might your solution impact the most?
  • What public policy might be needed to support or implement your solution?

See the challenge course syllabus.

Success Evaluation Criteria

Solutions will be judged based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation and Design Thinking: Is the design and approach unique and/or innovative? Does the design show a high degree of originality and imagination?
  • Scientific Quality: Are the appropriate references and analytical methods used and are the insights derived correctly?
  • Presentation Quality: Is this concept concisely and clearly explained? Are the findings/recommendations communicated clearly and persuasively?
  • Commercial Viability/Potential: Does the solution have the potential to make a difference?
  • Sustainability: What is the social impact on local communities? How does the solution incorporate positive environmental or social objectives? Is the solution in line with a sustainable or justice focused future?
  • Teamwork and collaboration: Was the experience a collaborative endeavor? Was the knowledge gained from the experience reflected upon and tied back to a civic engagement mindset? (From Personal Reflections)

See the challenge rubric.

Sponsors

The Junior Academy is implemented by The New York Academy of Sciences and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.

Marine Biodiversity

An underwater shot.

Eligibility

  • This challenge is open to Junior Academy students who are residents of one of the 5 boroughs of New York City.
  • Maximum of six (6) students per team, plus one (1) mentor.

Overview

Offshore wind farms can offer a renewable energy source to meet the growing demand for energy of coastal communities and cities around the world, but there are also some environmental drawbacks. The construction and presence of wind turbines can disrupt marine life behavior, damage sensitive marine habitats, and reduce biodiversity in marine communities. This challenge asks you to design and plan offshore wind farms with the least negative impact on marine life that support and even increase biodiversity. How could you make offshore wind energy truly sustainable?

Challenge

Design an innovative solution that supports marine biodiversity by creating or improving marine habitats within or around offshore wind farms, while also minimizing disruption and damage to the ocean floor and water column during installation and operation.

Consider the following when designing your solution:

  • How could your solution also incorporate strategies for ongoing environmental monitoring and mitigation to ensure long-term ecosystem health?
  • What will motivate industry to implement your solution?
  • What policies might need to be implemented at the government level to fully realize your solution?
  • How will materials be sourced? Will there be a downstream environmental impact?
  • What will your solution cost? Will it be a practical choice?

See the challenge course syllabus.

Success Evaluation Criteria

Solutions will be judged based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation and Design Thinking: Is the design and approach unique and/or innovative? Does the design show a high degree of originality and imagination?
  • Scientific Quality: Are the appropriate references and analytical methods used and are the insights derived correctly?
  • Presentation Quality: Is this concept concisely and clearly explained? Are the findings/recommendations communicated clearly and persuasively?
  • Commercial Viability/Potential: Does the solution have the potential to make a difference?
  • Sustainability: What is the social impact on local communities? How does the solution incorporate positive environmental or social objectives? Is the solution in line with a sustainable or justice focused future?
  • Teamwork and collaboration: Was the experience a collaborative endeavor? Was the knowledge gained from the experience reflected upon and tied back to a civic engagement mindset? (From Personal Reflections)

See the challenge rubric.

Sponsor

Energy Infrastructure: Solar Power

Solar panels.

Eligibility

  • This challenge is open to all Junior Academy students.
  • Maximum of six (6) students per team, plus one (1) mentor.

Overview

In an increasingly electrified world, shifting from fossil fuel dependence to renewable energy is necessary to sustainably meet the growing demand. Making this transition will require 2 areas of innovation:

  1. Retrofitting current infrastructure, building new solar-ready infrastructure, and/or replacing aging power grids originally built to rely on fossil fuels.
  2. Technology that allows for the efficient and reliable distribution of solar power from areas and times of high solar input to areas and times of high electricity demand.

What innovative solution could you design to make the shift from traditional energy sources to renewable solar energy a reality?

Challenge

Design an innovative and scalable solution to improve electrical infrastructure and/or energy storage technology in order to make solar energy use more reliable, efficient, and economical for meeting the energy demands of technology and society.

Consider the following when designing your solution:

  • What level will you focus your solution on? Individual households or buildings? City infrastructure? Regional power grids? Agriculture? Nomadic communities?
  • What geographical or governmental region will you focus your solution on? What are the most urgent energy challenges in this region? How can your solution be scaled to other regions?
  • What are the supply, demand, distribution needs, and storage capabilities of electricity for your specific territory or geographical location?
  • What might be the cost of your solution? Will it be affordable for your focus audience?
  • How might retrofitting be part of your solution?
  • How could Artificial Intelligence (AI) be incorporated into your solution? Identifying ideal locations for retrofitting existing infrastructure? Managing energy flow? Managing energy use and storage? Through machine learning? Diagnosing and/or responding to system or grid fluctuations? Something else?
  • How can you use available data and research to inform or test your solution?
  • How will you prototype your solution?
  • Could your solution be expanded to other renewable energy sources such as wind or geothermal?

See the challenge course syllabus.

Success Evaluation Criteria

Solutions will be judged based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation and Design Thinking: Is the design and approach unique and/or innovative? Does the design show a high degree of originality and imagination?
  • Scientific Quality: Are the appropriate references and analytical methods used and are the insights derived correctly?
  • Presentation Quality: Is this concept concisely and clearly explained? Are the findings/recommendations communicated clearly and persuasively?
  • Commercial Viability/Potential: Does the solution have the potential to make a difference?
  • Sustainability: What is the social impact on local communities? How does the solution incorporate positive environmental or social objectives? Is the solution in line with a sustainable or justice focused future?
  • Teamwork and collaboration: Was the experience a collaborative endeavor? Was the knowledge gained from the experience reflected upon and tied back to a civic engagement mindset? (From Personal Reflections)

See the challenge rubric.

Sponsor

Combating Extreme Heat Environments through Technology Architecture Infrastructure and Urbanization

Winner of the Junior Academy Challenge – Spring 2025
“Living in the Extremes”

Sponsored by The New York Academy of Sciences

Published August 5, 2025

By Nicole Pope

Team members: Katelyn G. (Team Lead) (California, United States), Rishab S. (India), Adham M. (Egypt), Youssef I. (Egypt), Shravika S. (Virginia, United States)
Mentor: Anavi Jain (Tennessee, United States)

As record-breaking temperatures due to the climate crisis become more common around the world, especially in vulnerable regions like the Middle East, South Asia, and the southwestern United States, more than 1.2 billion people are at risk of heat stress. Areas that were already hot — such as Death Valley in California — are now experiencing conditions that regularly exceed historical records, with temperatures soaring above 134°F (56.7°C). The five international members of the winning team set themselves a clear objective: finding an innovative approach to improve the housing and living environment for communities living in scorching heat.

To devise their creative project – a housing and living concept they called Technology Architecture Infrastructure Urbanization (TAIU) – the high-school students, from the United States, Egypt, and India, held multiple online discussions, exchanging ideas across borders and time zones. In the course of their research, they learned that modern infrastructure and architecture have not kept pace with climate change. In fact, urban settings often amplify the impact of high temperatures – with asphalt and buildings made of concrete, steel, and glass retaining heat rather than deflecting it.

The team explored various building techniques and cooling methods. Historically, communities living in hot climates used passive designs, such as thick, breathable walls, shaded courtyards, and reflective surfaces to keep living spaces cool. “While my teammates leaned towards modern solutions, I advocated for a blend of traditional methods with contemporary technologies,” explains teammate Shravika S. Discussions were at times intense but always collegial while the students were developing their concept. They reached decisions democratically, under the supervision of the team’s mentor.

A Vision Emerges

From their brainstorming, a vision emerged: a sustainable project that creates a safer and more comfortable environment for people living in hot climates, without resorting to costly and energy-intensive technologies that put further strain on the planet. “By fusing ancient wisdom with future-ready innovation, TAIU offers not just shelter from the heat but a blueprint for thriving in it. With each structure we build, we’re not only cooling homes — we’re restoring hope, equity, and the possibility of a livable future for the world’s hottest regions,” the students explained in their presentation.

Inspired by Nubian architecture, their project rests on four pillars:

  • 1. Smart technology – an adaptive roof that tilts and rotates to optimize ventilation, glass that tints in response to sunlight, and phase change materials that regulate indoor temperature;
  • 2. Indoor design that blends Nubian pottery materials with passive cooling techniques to improve air flow and create breathable spaces;
  • 3. The TAIU App – a smart home system that controls the roof and provides real-time climate and energy updates; and
  • 4. Outdoor features, such as shaded areas, hydration stations, and solar-powered resilience centers that provide services and spaces where the community can gather.

“I gained valuable insight into the needs and challenges faced by the community we studied — Death Valley — where living in extreme heat demands both modern and traditional solutions,” explains teammate Adham M. “One of my biggest takeaways is realizing that blending smart technologies like smart windows and smart roofs with time-tested methods like clay construction can offer sustainable, effective ways to adapt to harsh environments.”

Conducting a Survey

To test their approach, the team consulted architects, engineers and environmental experts. A survey conducted among 248 people living in hot regions yielded useful suggestions that the team applied to finetune their design, such as expanding the use of clay insulation and rerouting cooling pipes within wall cavities. Early results from laboratory and field tests of traditional pottery composites confirmed that special clay blends can reduce indoor peak temperatures by up to 5oF.

While working on their project, the students gained new insights into the devastating effects of climate change. “I realized that air conditioning is affecting not only my life but also those who are yet to come,” says team member Rishab S. “I adopted several measures to reduce the use of air-conditioners. I started wearing lighter clothes, consuming drinks that cool down our bodies, and using windows for proper ventilation.”

Team member Youssef I. feels he has acquired new knowledge and skills, including a deeper understanding of modelling since he was responsible for producing the 3D housing model. But he also emphasizes many other benefits, such as communicating with people from different communities and cultural backgrounds and forming new friendships. For team leader Katelyn G., this Junior Academy Challenge was more than an academic experience. “It was a glimpse into the kind of changemaker I strive to become,” she explains. “From the very beginning, we weren’t just building a climate resilience solution; we were building trust across time zones, merging perspectives, and learning to lead with both head and heart.”

Learn more about the Junior Academy.

Eco-twisters

Winner of the Junior Academy Challenge – Spring 2025
“Air Quality & Health”

Sponsored by Stevens Initiative

Published August 5, 2025

By Nicole Pope

Team members: Kelsey M. (Team Lead) (California, United States), Hana H. (Egypt), Zoha H. (North Carolina, United States), Islam H. (Saudi Arabia), Sanaya M. (New Jersey, United States), Kavish S. (North Carolina, United States)
Mentor: Brisa Torres (Germany)

Indoor air pollution, caused largely by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide (CO2), presents major risks for human health. Globally 2.6 billion people are exposed to household air pollution, mostly from cooking with kerosene, solid fuels like wood, charcoal, coal or dung, and inefficient stoves. As a result, they face the risk of respiratory or heart diseases, cancer, and damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system.

When they joined the spring 2025 Air Quality and Health Junior Academy Challenge, this team of six high school students from the United States, Egypt and Saudi Arabia chose to address this often-neglected threat. “I learned so much about indoor air pollution and how it often gets overlooked, especially in communities that use kerosene or other fuel-based cooking methods,” says team member Islam H. “The more we researched, the more I realized how widespread this issue is, and how it’s especially harmful in areas with limited access to clean energy solutions.”

Before developing their winning Eco-Twister Air Filter device, the team members conducted research and brainstormed extensively online to define their approach and whether to prioritize cost, portability, or advanced technology. Their project draws on their varied skillsets and perspectives: one team member had experience in public health research, others excelled in experimental design or robotics, or brought an interest in coding or data analysis.

“We all had different ways we wanted to make the air filter at first: some suggesting we use high technology and equipment, others saying we should stick with everyday home materials,” explains teammate Zoha H. “Later on, we debated on how to redesign our filter and decided to cater towards low-income communities more and made it smaller as well as cheaper.”

Reducing VOCs and CO2

To reduce the levels of harmful indoor gases like VOCs and CO2 that stem mostly from cooking emissions, the winning team opted to design an affordable, do-it-yourself (DIY) air filter. Commercially available filters, costing between $200-$400, are out of reach for families with limited income. “Equity and inclusivity were central to our project,” says team leader Kelsey M. “We designed the filter to be affordable, our second prototype cost about $41.10, and DIY, targeting low-income communities disproportionately affected by air pollution.”

The Eco-Twister combines the capabilities of a MERV 13 filter to capture dust, pollen and tiny particles, and activated charcoal to absorb VOCs and CO2 and reduce both odors and harmful gases. They added sphagnum moss as a third, natural, component to boost the effectiveness of their innovative filter. Moss traps larger particles, heavy metals, and enhances sustainability by metabolizing VOCs. 

After producing an initial prototype, the team went on to improve their design, making a second version of the device 95% smaller as well as lighter and cheaper. “We realized what would be the most achievable and which items would be easiest to source, as our project is affordable and easy for anyone to make by themselves,” says team member Sanaya M. “When redesigning our solution, we prioritized accessibility and eco-friendliness and ended up reducing the size.”

Greater Portability and Promising Findings

This meant using one filter instead of four, which resulted in much greater portability. The team conducted tests to measure the reduction in harmful emissions their revised Eco-Twister Air Filter achieved. They were delighted when results showed that the Eco-Twister reduced peak VOC concentration by 40.8% and also accelerated VOC removal and air recovery, competing favorably with more expensive devices.

The team also conducted a survey in their communities, which revealed that 95% of the 40 respondents would be interested in using the 14-inch x 16-inch x 2-inch Eco-Twister device, which weighs 5.5lbs. Over three quarters of those surveyed found the team’s ingenious air filter affordable and more than 80% stated they would use it daily.

For the participating students, the project has been a valuable learning experience. Discussions within the group exposed them to different points of view and taught them to reach an optimal outcome by weighing multiple requirements. “My teammates who pushed for portability for low-income families got me thinking about who’d actually use it,” explains teammate Kavish S. “Also, the eco-friendly folks opened my eyes to using sustainable stuff like moss, which I hadn’t thought about before.”

The team has plans for future iterations of the Eco-Twister filter, which would use bamboo-based charcoal and biodegradable materials for enhanced sustainability. “I used to figure that air pollution was someone else’s issue, but seeing that 100% of our survey folks thought our filter could help, opened my eyes,” reflects team member Hana H. “People in poorer areas are getting sick from bad air with no good options.”

Learn more about the Junior Academy.

The Last Strand

Public artwork to bring attention to waste management.

Winner of the Junior Academy Challenge – Fall 2024 “Upcycling & Waste Management”

Published May 16, 2025

By Nicole Pope

Sponsored by Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA)

Team members: Vedeesh B. (Team Lead) (India), Livia G. (Sweden), Muhammad Q. (New Jersey, United States), Syed R. (Florida, United States)

Mentor: Christine Yu (Hong Kong)

Our world’s growing waste problem is largely driven by the production and disposal of short-lived products, creating a “use-and-dispose” culture. The mass manufacturing of new products consumes significant resources such as raw materials, water, and energy while generating greenhouse gasses, chemical emissions, and other pollutants. Even when products are recycled, the costs remain high due to the energy and processes needed for collection, sorting, and recycling. As a Fall 2024 Innovation Challenge, students were tasked with designing a solution to reduce waste generation by encouraging long-term product use and taking into account product design, business model, and societal behaviors.

Two Overlooked Sources of Pollution

This international team of high-school students collaborated online to address two sources of waste and pollution that are often overlooked: human hair and chicken feathers. Through their research, the Junior Academy challenge participants discovered that every year, hair salons and barbershops worldwide discard 300,000 tons of human hair while the poultry industry generates four billion kilograms of feathers. When discarded in landfills, hair releases methane, a gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide, while incineration of these waste products directly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and increases CO2 levels. Yet both these materials are rich in keratin and offer largely untapped resources.

The students’ solution, The Last Strand, focuses on the considerable potential for upcycling hair and feathers by turning the rich biological elements they contain into high-quality, bio-derived amino acids supplements. “With our mentor Christine’s help, I developed better research techniques and uncovered valuable studies, allowing me to contribute more effectively to the project,” says team lead Vedeesh, who says he also honed his leadership skills in the course of this challenge.“ This process also deepened my understanding of genetic modification and the structure of human hair, concepts that were entirely new to me before this experience.”

The Growing Demand for Dietary Supplements

The team initiative responds to the growing demand for dietary supplements, particularly Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCCAs), which are beneficial not only for athletes but also people who suffer from a decreased immune system, digestive problems, and various other health issues. In addition, it supports a circular economy that simultaneously reduces waste and turns discarded materials into a valuable resource.​ “At the core of this whole project lies the extraction of keratinases from hair, which combines, in beautiful ways, the precision of science with the principles of sustainability, and weaves together a powerful story of innovation and resourcefulness,” says team member Muhammad. “Hair is not a life byproduct, but a strong and intricate structure fully packed with keratin, one of those proteins which have great industrial and biological applications.”

The students outlined a process that first involves the collection of protein-rich hair and feathers from hair salons and poultry farms, and cleaning them to remove oils, dirt, and other contaminants. The next steps entail the use of sodium sulfide and enzymatic hydrolysis to break down the keratin and convert it into amino acids. Advanced filtration techniques are then employed to purify and separate essential amino acids like leucine, isoleucine, and valine before drying them. The method identified by the students proved cost-effective, potentially reducing the production cost of amino acid supplements by 50% and setup costs by up to 90% compared to existing systems, while the resulting products could be sold between $25 and $75 per kilogram, therefore offering a competitive alternative to current production systems. In addition, the team members also found that their process generates valuable byproducts, such as lipids, which could also be sold to industries like soap manufacturing. This could further offset costs and enhance the project’s sustainability. 

A Transformative Approach to a Global Waste Problem

“During this challenge and through our research I didn’t only learn about the technicalities of turning discarded hair into supplements, I also learned a lot about production costs, formulating a budget, and more,” says Livia. “I was also positively surprised by the receptiveness of the stakeholders in Florida. My fantastic teammate, Syed, was able to reach out to almost 15 hair salons in his local Florida and their impact was incredibly valuable to our project.” In addition, Syed reached out to 15 poultry farms in his state, who responded positively to the students’ project and declared their willingness to contribute to such an effort. Through these stakeholders, the project could collect approximately 30 tons of keratin waste monthly from local areas.

“From the initial brainstorming sessions to collaborating with teammates and our mentor, every step was a unique learning experience. I contributed by leveraging my background in (gene technology) CRISPR and gene editing to understand and refine the chemical and enzymatic processes for amino acid extraction,” says teammate Syed. “Engaging with stakeholders in Florida gave me a deeper appreciation for how science can drive real-world change. Most importantly, I’m proud of how we came together as a team to create something impactful, combining our strengths to address a critical global issue.”

The team members believe their solution could be fully implemented within five years. They are proud to have developed a project that promotes scientific innovation and sustainability. Their solution offers a transformative approach to a global waste problem that also contributes to human health and economic resilience.

Learn more about the Junior Academy.

Upgrading the Hydraulic System

Offshore wind turbines.

Winner of the Junior Academy Challenge – Fall 2024 “Remediation in South Brooklyn”

Published May 16, 2025

By Nicole Pope

Sponsored by The New York Academy of Sciences and Empire Wind 1

Team members: Cameron A. (Team Lead) (New York, United States), Ohee S. (New York, United States), Cindy W. (New York, United States), Ankea C. (New York, United States), Ayten A. (New York, United States), Annika C. (New York, United States)

Mentor: Xiwei Huang (New York, United States)

As part of its climate strategy to reach a fully renewable electricity grid by 2040, New York City is turning to offshore wind energy. However, the development of offshore wind structures present environmental and community challenges, including construction noise, air pollution, and marine disruption. As a Fall 2024 Innovation Challenge, the Junior Academy offered its New York City based students the opportunity to tackle these problems by designing solutions to remediate the impacts of offshore wind development, focusing on land and water preparation.

This team, composed of six high school students from New York, won the Junior Academy challenge on Remediation in South Brooklyn with a project to upgrade the hydraulic systems in the South Brooklyn port area. The students considered that, as the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal undergoes reconstruction, effective stormwater management will be crucial to manage stormwater and prevent flooding, block debris and pollutants from reaching the water, and protect the surrounding environment.

Current Issues that Impact South Brooklyn’s Water Systems

Team members had lengthy discussions while selecting the problem they wanted to tackle and developing their solution. “Respect and inclusivity were a big part of our success. We found that discussing our differences and voting on decisions helped keep things fair and balanced,” explains Ayten, one of the team members. “This project also changed the way I approach challenges. It taught me to think like an engineer focusing on finding solutions instead of getting discouraged by obstacles.” The team explored the hypothesis that integrating a scaled-up version of advanced filtration technologies into the existing sewer infrastructure would significantly enhance the hydraulic system’s effectiveness.

“Through my research I have learned more about hydraulic systems and the current issues that impact South Brooklyn’s water systems. Hydraulic separators are a type of stormwater management system used to ensure fresh water enters bodies of water without pollutants, similar to the function of water filters,” explains teammate Cindy. “Brooklyn’s hydraulic systems are in need of an upgrade to ensure that the port can have a fully functional vessel transportation system. For this the waters must be clear of debris.”

Designing a Filtration System

Their project focused on designing a filtration system prototype on CAD Fusion 360 (Computer-Aided Design) and then using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to test the prototype. “This project has strengthened my belief in teamwork and the importance of improving New York City’s old infrastructure,” explains team member Ankea. “One of my favorite aspects of this project was the opportunity to improve my CAD skills. I already had basic knowledge of CAD software like Onshape and Fusion but this project allowed me to learn more about CAD, especially computational fluid dynamics, from my peers and I was able to apply these new skills to my personal projects.”

The students developed a dual hydraulic separator system, consisting of two connected units, to address the specific filtration challenges posed by the unpredictable weather conditions typical of New York City. The primary separator operates under normal conditions and provides basic filtration, while the secondary separator is larger and designed to handle heavy runoff water during storm events. A sensor-controlled gate between the two detects water flow and automatically opens when high pressure is detected. In emergencies, the gate can also be operated manually.

The team equipped the two separators with advanced filtration systems to remove sediments, oil, debris and other pollutants before they enter the water. When they tested their solution, the team discovered that a filtration system with multiple small holes was more efficient than one with a single large hole. Not only was it able to filter out more debris but it also allowed for a faster flow of water, which is crucial during extreme weather events. Their aim was also to improve efficiency and reduce the need for frequent system maintenance, therefore optimizing performance while also cutting costs.

Breaking Down Complex Problems

“One significant takeaway from this experience is that solving complicated problems requires dissecting them into more manageable, connected tasks,” explains Bronx-resident Ohee. “Even though we focused on hydraulic system optimization, our work was part of a larger plan to restore the port as a hub for trade and transit. A solution that strikes a balance between environmental and human interests was shaped in large part by important variables including marine habitats, the demands of the local people, and the system’s sustainability.”

During the intense period they spent working together, the team members acquired new skills and a better understanding of teamwork. They also developed a new perspective on urban challenges. Among the major insights team member Annika gained through this challenge was “the broader implications of water treatment systems like hydraulic separators. These technologies extend beyond simply cleaning water—they prevent chemical runoff, safeguard marine ecosystems, and contribute to sustainable urban development,” she said. “Addressing New York City’s history of environmental challenges with innovative solutions is vital for both the city’s residents and its ecological future.”

Team lead Cameron felt that collaborating with the other participants on this challenge would help him in the future. “Working with my team over the last few months has allowed me to look at things from a new, more creative angle,” he said. “Being able to work on this project has been such a unique experience. I feel better prepared for when I start doing real research.”

Learn more about the Junior Academy.

fAIrify – Reducing BIAS in AI Models

Winner of the Junior Academy Challenge – Fall 2024 “Ethical AI”

Published May 16, 2025

By Nicole Pope

Sponsored by The New York Academy of Sciences

Team members: Emma L. (Team Lead) (New Jersey, United States), Shubh J. (California, United States), Darren C. (New York, United States), Aradhana S. (Pennsylvania, United States), Shreshtha B. (Kuwait), Jemali D. (New York, United States)

Mentor: Abdul Rauf (Pakistan)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evermore present in our lives and affects decision-making in government agencies, corporations, and small businesses. While the technology brings numerous opportunities to enhance productivity and pushes the boundaries of research, predictive AI models have been trained on data sets that contain historical data. As a result, they risk perpetuating and amplifying bias, putting groups who have traditionally been marginalized and underrepresented at a disadvantage.

Taking up the challenge of making AI more ethical and preventing the technology from harming vulnerable and underrepresented groups, this winning United States and Kuwait based team sought ways to identify and correct the inherent bias contained in large language models (LLM). “[The Ethical AI Innovation Challenge] helped me realize the true impact of bias in our society today, especially as predictive AI devices continue to expand their usage and importance,” acknowledged team lead Emma, from New Jersey. “As we transition into a future of increased AI utilization, it becomes all the more important that the AI being used is ethical and doesn’t place anyone at an unjustified disadvantage.”

The team conducted a thorough literature review and interviewed AI experts before devising their solution. In the course of their research, they came across real-life examples of the adverse effects of AI bias, such as an AI healthcare tool that recommended further treatment for white patients, but not for patients of color with the same ailments; a hiring model that contained gender bias, limiting opportunities for women; and a tool used to predict recidivism that incorrectly classified Black defendants as “high-risk” at nearly twice the rate it did for white defendants.

AI Bias

Team member Shreshthafrom Kuwait said she was aware of AI bias but “through each article I read, each interview I conducted, and each conversation I had with my teammates, my eyes opened to the topic further. This made me even keener on trying to find a solution to the issue.” She added that as the only team member who was based outside of the USA, “I ended up learning a lot from my teammates and their style of approaching a problem. We all may have had the same endpoint but we all had different routes in achieving our goal.”

The students came together regularly across time zones for intense working sessions to come up with a workable solution, with support from their mentor. “While working on this, I learned that my team shared one quality in common – that we are all committed to making a change,” explained teammate Shubh. “We had all unique skills, be it management, coding, design, etc., but we collaborated to form a sustainable solution that can be used by all.” In the end, the team decided to develop a customizable add-on tool that can be embedded in Google Sheets, a commonly used spreadsheet application.

The students wanted their tool, developed with Python programming, to provide cutting-edge bias detection while also being user friendly. “A key takeaway for me was realizing that addressing AI bias requires a balanced approach that combines technical fixes with ethical considerations—augmenting datasets while engaging directly with underrepresented groups,” stated New York-based teammate Darren, who initially researched and produced a survey while his teammates worked on an algorithm that could identify potential bias within a dataset.

More Ethical AI

The resulting add-on, which can be modified to fit any set of training data, utilizes complex statistical analysis to detect if AI training data is likely to be biased. The challenge participants also paired the add-on with an iOS app they created in UI/UX language and Swift, which gives users suggestions on how to customize the add-on for their specific data sets. The students were able to test their tool on a job applicant dataset provided by a company that chose to remain anonymous.

“By using an actual dataset from a company and analyzing it through our add-on, I was shocked to see that there could be gender bias if an AI model were trained on that dataset,” said team member Aradhana. “This experience highlighted how AI can continue societal discrimination against women.” The enterprising team members were able to refine and improve their solution further after conducting a survey and receiving feedback from 85 individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

Members of the winning team believe addressing AI bias is critical to mitigate the risk of adverse impacts and build trust in the technology. They hope their solution will spearhead efforts to address bias on a larger scale and promote future, more ethical AI. Summing up, team member Jemali explained that the project “significantly deepened my insights into the implications of AI bias and the pivotal role that we, as innovators, play in ensuring technology benefits all individuals.”

Learn more about the Junior Academy.

Living in the Extremes

Overview

Our world is constantly changing; with the rise of severe natural disasters mainly due to climate change and our growing world population, we must explore ways to live in more extreme environments. What are these extremes and how can humans live there? How might we face the challenges of excessive heat, rising sea levels, or increased erosion due to torrential rain? What will it take to explore new avenues of living in space, living on different celestial bodies aside from our home planet, living in the deep sea, or in the middle of a desert? In this challenge, you will focus on one “extreme environment” and propose a comprehensive solution to sustain life there. Your team will be asked to consider how to reduce the effects of the “extreme environment” and must also consider society, ethics, and further impacts from your solution on earth.

Challenge

Design a comprehensive solution for living and thriving in a specific extreme environment.

Consider the following when designing your solution:

  • What could be considered an extreme environment?
    • What are the causes of these extreme environments?
  • What are the environmental challenges and risks of the extreme environment you have chosen?
  • How would your shelter, home, living environment address the issues that the extreme environment poses?
    • Would your solution help address issues related to climate change? World population growth? Food deserts? Etc.
  • How can you integrate Community Co-Design into your solution?

See the challenge course syllabus.

Success Evaluation Criteria

Solutions will be judged based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation and Design Thinking: Is the design and approach unique and/or innovative? Does the design show a high degree of originality and imagination?
  • Scientific Quality: Are the appropriate references and analytical methods used and are the insights derived correctly?
  • Presentation Quality: Is this concept concisely and clearly explained? Are the findings/recommendations communicated clearly and persuasively?
  • Commercial Viability/Potential: Does the solution have the potential to make a difference?
  • Sustainability: What is the social impact on local communities? How does the solution incorporate positive environmental or social objectives? Is the solution in line with a sustainable or justice focused future?
  • Teamwork and collaboration: Was the experience a collaborative endeavor? Was the knowledge gained from the experience reflected upon and tied back to a civic engagement mindset? (From Personal Reflections)

See the challenge rubric.

Winners

The winning team, Living in Extreme Heat (TAIU), had an innovative approach in designing a shelter or living system for living and thriving in a specific extreme environment. 

Team members: 

  • Katelyn G. (Team Lead) (California, United States)
  • Rishab S. (India)
  • Adham M. (Egypt)
  • Youssef I. (Egypt)
  • Shravika S. (Virginia, United States)
  • Mentor: Anavi Jain (Tennessee, United States)
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Sponsor

Air Quality & Health

Overview

Air quality has been a known health issue to people and cultures around the world for hundreds of years. Around 400 BC Hippocrates made the connection between disease and “miasma” (bad air). In 1952, the “Great Smog of London” reached peak pollution levels and precipitated the deaths of between 10,000 and 12,000 people as well as negative health outcomes for an estimated 100,000 people. Today air pollution is believed to account for 7 million deaths annually, most of which are the result of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. In this challenge you will design a technical solution to address a key source of pollution in order to make a positive impact on NCDs. How could you take a scientific and design thinking approach to contribute to a sustainable and equitable shift in this ongoing environmental and health challenge? 

Challenge

Identify or target a specific source of pollution and design a technical solution that would reduce or eliminate air pollutants while also reducing the impacts of one or more non-communicable diseases.

Consider the following when designing your solution:

  • What pollution source will you address?
    • Fossil fuel combustion? Which fossil fuel? 
    • Wildfires? 
    • Industry (Food, Agriculture, Fashion? 
    • Something else?
  • What air pollutants will your solution minimize? Smog? Ozone? Carbon dioxide? Soot? Ammonia? Something else? 
  • How will you approach the problem? Will you take a community approach or an industry approach? What industry or industries will you tackle?  
  • How can your solution address equity issues in air quality and/or public health?
    • How might you integrate community co-design into your solution?
    • How might your solution be scaled to impact other regions or other countries? 
  • How can you keep the cost of your solution low enough to encourage implementation?
  • How sustainable is your solution? 
  • What region or community might your solution impact the most?
  • What public policy might be needed to support or implement your solution?

See the challenge course syllabus.

Success Evaluation Criteria

Solutions will be judged based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation and Design Thinking: Is the design and approach unique and/or innovative? Does the design show a high degree of originality and imagination?
  • Scientific Quality: Are the appropriate references and analytical methods used and are the insights derived correctly?
  • Presentation Quality: Is this concept concisely and clearly explained? Are the findings/recommendations communicated clearly and persuasively?
  • Commercial Viability/Potential: Does the solution have the potential to make a difference?
  • Sustainability: What is the social impact on local communities? How does the solution incorporate positive environmental or social objectives? Is the solution in line with a sustainable or justice focused future?
  • Teamwork and collaboration: Was the experience a collaborative endeavor? Was the knowledge gained from the experience reflected upon and tied back to a civic engagement mindset? (From Personal Reflections)

See the challenge rubric.

Winners

The winning team, Eco-twisters, had an innovative approach in creating a sustainable, eco-friendly air filter that is both cheap and effective.

Team members: 

  • Kelsey M. (Team Lead) (California, United States) 
  • Hana H. (Egypt) 
  • Zoha H. (North Carolina, United States) 
  • Islam H. (Saudi Arabia) 
  • Sanaya M. (New Jersey, United States) 
  • Kavish S. (North Carolina, United States)
  • Mentor: Brisa Torres (Germany)
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Sponsors

The Junior Academy is implemented by The New York Academy of Sciences and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.

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