The Botstiber Foundation contributed to the Delaware Valley Science Fairs, which this year awarded a $25,000 scholarship to:
Quinlan Miller, Ranney High School; Environmental Science category; Project title: Every Drop Counts – Using Moisture Sensing to Conserve Water. This project hypothesized implementing a neural network will enable a system to accurately determine when crops need watering, reducing water usage significantly. Mr. Miller coded and trained a neural network, which is a form of machine learning. As the neural network is able to use data and advise the user, making a decision, it is considered a form of artificial intelligence. The neural network will be used to take into account several variables, such as the water content of the soil, to tell the user whether or not to water the crops.
Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc. (DVSF) is a forum for middle and high school students to display scientific research and engineering projects that they have completed. The purpose of the Fairs is to connect these hard working and inventive young minds with professionals in their fields. During the fair the competitors will be interviewed and have their research evaluated. The primary goals are that the students will gain some insight into new directions for their research, learn new ways of thinking, and, in some cases, be connected with people who could help bring a potential product to market. All of this takes the form of a competition with winners receiving recognition, scholarships, and monetary prizes, as well as a chance to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
