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Lucas's passion project mentorship

Lucas's passion project mentorship

Science, Engineering & Technology

Machine Learning / AI

Start Date

May 2025

End Date

Ongoing

Sessions Completed

11 sessions

Assets

<div class="assets-links"><a class="assets-link" href="https://ucarecdn.com/c5bd4274-31a4-4c42-bb4f-603b4b915908/"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Technical Design Document</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://ucarecdn.com/91b77b91-6f4e-42a5-adab-34a705241d0f/"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Project Scope Document</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vj0rgsIlKw"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Demo Video</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://tinyurl.com/4v85srws"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">One Pager</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://ucarecdn.com/cae525cd-539e-48a4-8e53-8591d7f2c658/"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">1-Page Summary</div></a><a class="assets-link" href="https://youtu.be/0Vj0rgsIlKw?si=UdL93VhZhhF4iFkw"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">CogniPlay - App Demo (Phase 1)</div></a></div>

Gallery

Student & Mentor

Student

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-top-info"><div class="inter-700 _20">Lucas</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">Sophomore</div></div>

Personality
Interests
Mentor

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-top-info"><div class="inter-700 _20">Anirudh Natarajan</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">Columbia University</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">Biomedical Engineering</div></div>

Personality

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-tags-wrapp"><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Patient</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Supportive</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Empathetic</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Creative</p></div></div>

Interests

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-tags-wrapp"><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Biomedical Engineering</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Machine Learning</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Neuroscience</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">App Development</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Research Methodologies</p></div></div>

What They Set Out To Do

Lucas was an ambitious sophomore with a solid foundation in programming and a deep interest in the intersection of AI and biology. He sought a mentor to help guide him in developing an early screening tool for Alzheimer's detection. His challenges included navigating complex technical concepts and refining how he communicated his ideas to different audiences. Lucas's goal was to build a working prototype that could serve as a meaningful real-world resource.

The Perfect Match

<div class="case-study-match-wrapper"><div class="match-item"><div class="apercu-mono-pro-700 _20">Shared Passion for Biomedical AI</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align text-black-80">Lucas and Anirudh's shared interest in AI and biomedical applications created a collaborative environment that drove Lucas's project forward, blending technical innovation with a clear focus on real-world healthcare impact.</div></div><div class="match-item"><div class="apercu-mono-pro-700 _20">Empathetic Guidance</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align text-black-80">Anirudh's supportive and patient mentorship helped Lucas navigate complex challenges in his project, enhancing his confidence and skills.</div></div><div class="match-item"><div class="apercu-mono-pro-700 _20">Creative Problem Solving</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align text-black-80">Anirudh's innovative approach inspired Lucas to think outside the box, leading to unique solutions in his AI tool development and iOS app development.</div></div></div>

Project Milestones

Project Scope Definition
June 2025
Established the comprehensive scope for the Alzheimer's detection app, defining three key data sources: speech analysis, cognitive games, and digital wearable signals for early disease detection on iOS platforms.
Technical Architecture Design
June 2025
Created a comprehensive system diagram for the Cogniplay app that integrates speech analysis using data2vec embeddings, cognitive games, and word recall tests to generate a three-tier classification system for Alzheimer's indicators.
Stage 1 Complete
July 2025
Complete the first working version of the application. Get ready for outreach to organizations and research labs.

Skills Developed

  • iOS App Development
  • Deep Learning
  • Technical Writing Skills
  • User Interface Design
  • Project Management Techniques
  • Effective Communication

Challenged Overcomed

  • Navigating complex AI concepts
  • Building a user-friendly prototype
  • Integrating machine learning pipelines
  • Conducting effective user outreach
  • Managing project timelines

What’s Next

Having built a solid prototype and gathered valuable user feedback Lucas is now refining his AI tool and preparing for targeted outreach. His next steps include conducting a pilot study to validate the tool and generate insights for future enhancements such as integrating with wearable devices like the Apple Watch. With Anirudh's guidance Lucas is eager to explore broader applications of his work and continue expanding his expertise in AI and biomedical innovation.

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