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Browse project ideas by Polygence mentors
Policy impact study
If you are interested in how a piece of legislation plays out in the real world, I could help you explore it.
Social Science
Automating Homework and Exam Grading with Large Language Models (LLMs)
This project aims to develop a system that utilizes Large Language Models (LLMs) to automatically grade students' homework and exams. The system will process both structured (e.g., multiple choice, true/false) and unstructured (e.g., essays, short answers) student responses, offering immediate and consistent feedback. For unstructured responses, the LLM will assess factors such as relevance, completeness, and clarity of answers, comparing them to predefined rubrics or model solutions. The system can also offer suggestions for improvement, helping students learn more effectively. Additionally, the project will explore bias reduction, explainability, and the ability to handle diverse subject areas, from math and science to language arts. Students working on this project will gain experience with natural language processing, model fine-tuning, and evaluation metrics, while addressing an impactful real-world need: reducing the grading workload for teachers and providing faster, personalized feedback for students.
Computer Science, AI/ML
Building a Social Network for Environmental Action and Sustainable Living
This project focuses on creating a social network application that empowers users to take collective action on pressing environmental issues and promotes sustainable living. The platform will allow individuals and communities to share ideas, resources, and real-world solutions to reduce their carbon footprint, conserve energy, and promote eco-friendly practices. The application will include features such as: Eco-Challenges: Users can participate in or create challenges (e.g., reducing plastic usage, planting trees) and track their impact over time. Collaborative Solutions: A space for users to discuss and implement projects like community cleanups, local sustainability initiatives, and recycling programs. Environmental Impact Tracking: The app will include a feature that allows users to log their daily sustainable actions (e.g., biking to work, reducing water use) and see their collective impact with others on the network. Students will explore the technical aspects of social media applications, such as user authentication, data sharing, and recommendation algorithms, while also learning about sustainability challenges. The project combines social networking technology with a mission to address real-world environmental problems, motivating users to engage in meaningful, positive change.
Computer Science, AI/ML
Modeling Training Performance and Latency in Real-Time Anomaly Detection Using Queueing Theory
This project aims to develop a mathematical model to study the training performance and inference latency of machine learning systems in real-time anomaly detection applications. The focus is on optimizing the efficiency of the machine learning pipeline by modeling the system's performance characteristics using queueing theory. By integrating queueing models, the project will simulate the system's behavior under different conditions, such as varying data arrival rates, model training times, and inference speeds. The model will assess how these factors impact overall system latency and performance, helping to identify bottlenecks and optimize resource allocation. Students will explore how queueing theory principles can be applied to machine learning, especially in time-critical anomaly detection tasks (e.g., cybersecurity or equipment monitoring). The project will provide insights into improving response times and ensuring efficient real-time inference while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Computer Science, AI/ML
Optimizing NFT Transactions with an Offchain Component for Decentralized Blockchain Applications
This project aims to develop a hybrid onchain-offchain system to optimize the efficiency of NFT (Non-Fungible Token) transactions. While blockchain provides transparency and security, it can suffer from high transaction fees and slow processing times, especially during network congestion. By incorporating an offchain component, this system will offload certain computational tasks and data storage outside the blockchain, reducing onchain interaction and transaction costs. The offchain component will handle tasks such as metadata storage, batch transaction processing, and user authentication. Only critical, final state updates and ownership transfers will be recorded on the blockchain, ensuring both security and efficiency. This architecture will not only decrease gas fees but also improve transaction speeds, making NFT trading more scalable and accessible. Students working on this project will explore blockchain fundamentals, smart contracts, and offchain technologies such as layer 2 solutions or rollups, gaining hands-on experience in decentralized applications.
Computer Science, AI/ML
Enhancing Neural Network Performance for Traffic Video Detection Using a Multi-Model Pipeline Approach
This project aims to improve the performance of neural networks for real-time traffic video detection by using a multi-model pipeline approach. The pipeline will break the task into stages, including frame selection, object detection, object tracking, and traffic analysis. By combining specialized models at each stage, such as CNNs for vehicle detection and RNNs for object tracking, the system will reduce computational load, minimize latency, and improve accuracy. Students will experiment with neural architectures and optimize performance for real-world traffic video datasets.
Computer Science, AI/ML
Sustainability Consulting for a Local School
Help a company or your school adopt more sustainable practices. Research sustainability frameworks specifically designed for schools (e.g., Green Schools programs, LEED certification for schools). Identify best practices in areas such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, transportation, and sustainable learning environments. Audit the schools current sustainability practices. Provide recommendations for improving sustainability. (This could be done for a school but also local businesses such as restaurants and cafes). Potential student outcomes include: Sustainability research and knowledge, market research and data analysis, problem-solving and creativity, project management skills
Organizational Leadership
Scientists are Wrong?? - 'Product' based on Literature and Media Review/Research
Scientists are facing a high degree of public mistrust. Everything from climate change and fossil fuels to species habitat preservation are consistently challenged. This would be a product (paper, video, article, podcast mini-series etc.) discussing any or all of the following components: history of science (w/ relation to public opinion/government), current conflicts (and how/where they began), systems of current conflict (things like large companies lobbying ($$$) for fewer governmental restrictions), potential solutions, projections (if things do/don't change). Another fun facet of this could be how science is manipulated in media - "this could be a contributing factor for cancer cell development, but there are other mechanisms likely at play" doesn't sell nearly as well as, "new target for cancer drugs discovered."
Ethics
Financial Modeling and Valuation of a Startup in the Tech Industry
In this project, students will explore the process of financial modeling and valuation for a hypothetical or real startup in the tech industry. The student will build a financial model that includes key components like revenue projections, expense estimates, capital structure, and cash flow analysis. The goal is to understand how financial models are used to assess a company's potential growth and profitability. Using their financial model, the student will then perform a valuation of the startup using methods like discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis and comparable company analysis. The project can culminate in a detailed report or presentation that outlines the startup’s financial outlook and valuation, highlighting the assumptions and insights gained from the modeling process. This project gives students practical experience in financial analysis and modeling, essential skills in investment banking, venture capital, or corporate finance. It also helps develop critical thinking and quantitative reasoning, while providing a hands-on understanding of how financial professionals evaluate businesses.
Economics, Business, Finance
Creating a Venture Capital Pitch Deck for a Student's Business Idea
In this project, students will develop a professional pitch deck for a hypothetical or real business idea, with the goal of attracting venture capital (VC) investment. The project will guide the student through the process of refining their idea into a clear, compelling narrative that covers key elements such as the problem they are solving, the target market, competitive landscape, business model, financial projections, and the team behind the idea. Students will learn how to structure a pitch deck, emphasizing the aspects that investors care about most: market opportunity, scalability, competitive advantage, and financial return potential. They will also work on designing a visually engaging and concise presentation that communicates their idea effectively in a VC meeting setting. This project provides students with hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, strategic thinking, and the art of pitching to investors. By the end of the project, they will have a polished pitch deck and a deeper understanding of what it takes to secure funding for a startup.
Economics, Business, Finance