What's Happening?
Brett Storoe, a Naperville native and alum of Neuqua Valley High School, is leveraging artificial intelligence to address water scarcity in Chile by developing artificial glaciers known as ice stupas.
Storoe, a college junior at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, has been working on an algorithm to determine optimal locations for these ice stupas, which are man-made glaciers that store water during winter and release it in summer. This initiative is part of a collaboration with the Chilean startup Nilus, aiming to use AI to restore ice glaciers. Storoe's involvement began through an AI club at his university, where he initially worked on projects predicting food price spikes in developing countries. His current focus is on growth analysis and volume tracking of the ice stupas, enhancing the efficiency of their development.
Why It's Important?
This project highlights the innovative use of AI in environmental engineering, addressing critical issues like water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. By creating artificial glaciers, Storoe and his team are providing a sustainable solution to water shortages in regions dependent on glacial meltwater. This initiative not only demonstrates the potential of AI in environmental conservation but also sets a precedent for future engineering students to engage in impactful projects. The success of such projects could inspire similar efforts globally, potentially transforming how communities manage natural resources and adapt to environmental challenges.
What's Next?
Storoe plans to continue his work with Nilus as part of his senior capstone project, aiming to predict the volume of ice stupas at scale. This involves advancing from 2D image analysis to understanding the 3D volume of these structures. The ongoing collaboration between the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Nilus may lead to further innovations in AI applications for environmental sustainability. As the project progresses, it could attract more attention from academic and environmental organizations, potentially leading to expanded research and implementation in other regions facing similar water scarcity issues.
