16-Year-Old Works to Improve Spinal Surgery Using ML and Computer Vision

Krithik Ramesh, 16, of Greenwood Village, Colorado, was awarded first place for developing a machine learning technology for orthopedic surgeons at this year’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The competition featured over 1,800 young scientists selected from 423 affiliate fairs in more than 80 countries, regions and territories.

Using machine learning and computer vision, the project helps orthopedic surgeons achieve greater accuracy for screw placement during spinal surgery. Based on Ramesh’s tests, this method has the potential to decrease operating time by at least 30 minutes, reduce physical therapy recovery time by four weeks and diminish the negative side effects associated with traditional medical imaging. Ramesh received the $75,000 Gordon E. Moore Award, named in honor of the Intel co-founder and fellow scientist.

Allison Jia, 17, of San Jose, California, received one of two Intel Foundation Young Scientist Awards of $50,000 for her investigation into toxic tau protein aggregates, which spread in neurons in the human brain and are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Rachel Seevers, 17, of Lexington, Kentucky, received the other Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award of $50,000 for designing, building and testing a rigid, energy-efficient prototype of an underwater propulsion device that mimics the way jellyfish move through the water.

“Intel is proud to honor Krithik Ramesh, Rachel Seevers, Allison Jia, Shriya Reddy and all of the ISEF finalists on their innovative work, which is helping to advance key research areas and provide solutions to global challenges that are critical today. The work they are doing has the potential to make a better tomorrow for all of us,“ said Pia Wilson-Body, president of the Intel Foundation.

In addition to the top winners, approximately 600 finalists received awards and prizes for their innovative research, including 22 “Best of Category“ winners, who each received a $5,000 prize in addition to their $3,000 first-place award. The Intel Foundation also awarded a $1,000 grant to each winner’s school and to the affiliated fair they represent.

“The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is the world’s most powerful STEM talent pipeline and I am inspired by all of the ingenuity on display this week,“ said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science & the Public and publisher of Science News. “Congratulations to our winners and all our finalists who are demonstrating that world-changing ideas can come from anywhere in the world.“