During spring recess, seniors Sean Hyde and Joshua Suber competed against the best and brightest from area schools in the 14th Annual Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Challenge Competition hosted by the Griffiss Institute. Mr. Darrah also participated as an advisor.
Each year, a new challenge problem is created by engineers, mathematicians, data specialists and computer scientists from the AFRL and Griffiss Institute located at the Griffiss Technology Park in Rome. The challenge problem offers participating students an opportunity to investigate and work on a sample of the real-world problems the employees of AFRL encounter each day. Teams of two students from area schools are given one week to research the challenge problem and learn the skills necessary to formulate a solution. At the end of the week, the students present their findings to a panel of judges. Grand prizes are awarded to the top three teams.
This year’s challenge problem asked students to research convolutional neural networks and machine learning. Over the course of the week, Sean and Joshua worked on modifying code to develop a functioning convolutional neural network to train a computer program to classify images. The Westmoreland seniors garnered high praise for their hard work, organization and professionalism, and placed third in the competition. For finishing third, each was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
“Sean and Josh have been two of the most dedicated students I have brought to the challenge competition,” Mr. Darrah said. “They truly amazed me with what they were able to achieve. They have made the entire Westmoreland school community proud. I cannot wait to see what they will accomplish next!”
This year marks the fourteenth AFRL Challenge Competition and seventh time the team from Westmoreland has placed in the top three. Mr. Darrah, Sean and Joshua would like to thank all those who organized the event. Students interested in participating in next year’s challenge competition should contact Mr. Darrah. Students must be at least 16 years old to participate.
Congratulations, Sean and Joshua!