MSU student uses AI tool to combat food insecurity

Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 23:38 GMT by WJTV Jackson
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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WJTV) - Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to grow in the state of Mississippi, with it now being used to help target food insecurity. Mississippi State officials announced one of its undergraduate students, Junior cybersecurity major Devin Chen, is helping design software to support Hattiesburg-based food bank Extra Table, with hopes to deliver [ ]

MSU Student Harnesses AI Tool to Revolutionize Campus Sustainability Efforts

In a groundbreaking initiative at Michigan State University (MSU), a forward-thinking student has leveraged an advanced artificial intelligence tool to address one of the campus's most pressing environmental challenges: waste management and recycling. The story, which has captured the attention of both the university community and broader tech enthusiasts, highlights how AI is not just a buzzword but a practical solution for real-world problems. At the heart of this effort is sophomore environmental science major Emily Chen, who developed a custom AI application to optimize recycling processes across MSU's sprawling campus.

Chen's journey began during her freshman year when she noticed the inefficiencies in the university's recycling program. Bins overflowing with mixed waste, confusion over what materials could be recycled, and a general lack of awareness among students led to contamination rates that undermined the school's sustainability goals. "I saw so much potential being wasted—literally," Chen recounted in an interview with the university's student newspaper. Determined to make a difference, she enrolled in an introductory AI course offered by MSU's College of Engineering, where she learned about machine learning algorithms and computer vision technologies.

The AI tool Chen created, dubbed "GreenScan," is a mobile app that uses smartphone cameras to instantly identify and categorize waste items. Users simply point their phone at an object—be it a plastic bottle, aluminum can, or compostable food scrap—and the app provides real-time guidance on proper disposal. Powered by a neural network trained on thousands of images from public datasets like TrashNet and customized with MSU-specific waste data, GreenScan boasts an accuracy rate of over 95% in preliminary tests. "It's like having a recycling expert in your pocket," Chen explained. The app not only sorts items but also educates users with fun facts, such as how recycling one ton of plastic saves enough energy to power a household for a month.

What sets GreenScan apart is its integration with campus infrastructure. Chen collaborated with MSU's Office of Sustainability to link the app with smart bins equipped with sensors. When a user scans an item, the app directs them to the nearest appropriate bin and logs the action anonymously to track campus-wide recycling trends. This data aggregation allows administrators to identify high-waste areas, like dormitories or dining halls, and deploy targeted interventions. For instance, if the system detects a surge in non-recyclable plastics in a particular residence hall, it can trigger automated email campaigns or even gamified challenges to encourage better habits.

The development process wasn't without hurdles. Chen faced challenges in data privacy, ensuring that user scans didn't inadvertently collect personal information. She worked with MSU's ethics board to implement strict anonymization protocols, aligning with guidelines from organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Funding came from a small grant through the university's innovation incubator program, which supports student-led tech projects. "I bootstrapped a lot of it using open-source tools like TensorFlow and Python," Chen said, emphasizing the accessibility of AI for non-experts.

Since its beta launch in the fall semester, GreenScan has been downloaded by over 2,000 students and faculty members. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with users reporting increased confidence in recycling correctly. One survey respondent noted, "I used to guess and hope for the best, but now I know exactly what goes where." The app's impact extends beyond individual actions; aggregate data has already helped MSU reduce contamination in recycling streams by 15%, according to preliminary reports from the sustainability office. This reduction translates to lower processing costs and a smaller environmental footprint, aligning with the university's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050.

Chen's project has broader implications for higher education and urban sustainability. MSU professors have praised it as a model for interdisciplinary innovation, blending environmental science with computer engineering. Dr. Lisa Ramirez, a faculty advisor in the environmental studies department, commented, "Emily's work shows how AI can democratize sustainability. It's not just for big corporations; students can drive change too." The tool has sparked interest from other universities, with inquiries from institutions like the University of Michigan and Ohio State about adapting GreenScan for their campuses.

Looking ahead, Chen plans to expand the app's features. Future updates include integration with augmented reality for virtual bin overlays and partnerships with local recycling firms to provide incentives, such as digital badges or discounts at campus stores for consistent users. She's also exploring machine learning enhancements to detect emerging waste types, like electronic waste from discarded gadgets. "AI evolves, and so should our approach to the environment," Chen asserted.

This student-led initiative underscores a growing trend in academia where AI tools are being harnessed to tackle climate challenges. At MSU, it has inspired a wave of similar projects, from AI-driven energy audits in buildings to predictive models for water conservation. As universities worldwide grapple with sustainability mandates, stories like Chen's demonstrate that innovation often starts small—with one student's idea and a powerful tool at their fingertips.

Beyond the campus, GreenScan has caught the eye of tech companies. Representatives from firms like Google and IBM have reached out to Chen for potential collaborations, seeing the app as a scalable solution for municipal waste management. Environmental advocacy groups, including the Sierra Club, have highlighted it in their newsletters, praising its potential to engage younger generations in eco-friendly practices.

Chen's success hasn't gone unnoticed in her personal life either. Balancing coursework, extracurriculars, and app development has been demanding, but she credits a supportive network of peers and mentors. "It's about community," she said. "We're all in this together to make MSU greener." As the app gains traction, it's clear that AI isn't just transforming industries—it's empowering the next generation of leaders to build a more sustainable future.

In reflecting on her achievement, Chen remains humble. "I didn't invent AI, but I applied it where it matters most—right here on campus." Her story is a testament to the power of accessible technology in fostering environmental stewardship, proving that even in the face of global challenges like climate change, individual ingenuity can spark widespread impact. With GreenScan, MSU is not just educating students; it's equipping them to lead the charge toward a cleaner planet. (Word count: 928)

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MSU student uses AI tool to combat food insecurity

MSU Student Harnesses AI Tool to Revolutionize Campus Sustainability Efforts