Team: Elena Hsieh (English, Conservation & Resource Studies), Erin Wong (English, Middle Eastern Studies), Hanyang Zheng (Society & Environment)
Industry Partner(s): Whalefall

We’re collaborating with Whalefall to make coral reef education more accessible and engaging for high school and college students through citizen science. Our project centers around a centralized website hub that hosts a dynamic ArcGIS StoryMap exploring coral reef ecosystems. To assess the educational impact, we are incorporating a Google survey to measure knowledge before and after engaging with the StoryMap. In addition, we are developing a syllabus that brings this content into a classroom setting through discussion and hands-on learning. Together, these tools aim to empower students with the knowledge and motivation to protect coral reef biodiversity.

Team: Leah Fong (Sustainable Environmental Design and Conservation and Resource Studies), Faye Liu (Chemistry), Shawntaya Jeanes (Political Science)
Industry Partner(s): PMDP Hawaii – Derek LeVault

Our project focuses on developing a buoy crushing prototype(s) in order create more efficient travel trips for the PMDP Hawaii Nonprofit team as they collect and transport coastal debris pollution. Since the buoys that PMDP collect take up lots of volume and are ergonomically difficult to carry, we decided to tackle this issue by designing innovative solutions to buoy crushing and compaction. Through the process of prototyping, our team channels human centered design into effective recommendations for PMDP Hawaii.

Team: Pinmada Makornwattana (Molecular & Cell Biology), Audrey Chan  (Molecular & Cell Biology + Economics), Aljawharah Alrasheed (Cognitive Science), Dylan Ferrer (Business)
Industry Partner(s): UCSF – Melanie Molina

The UCSF Bridge Clinic cares for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) by providing low-barrier, patient-centered care after ED visits. Many patients do not follow up after their visit at the ED, and our goal is to enhance the follow-up process. We are developing a multi-pronged approach that includes distributing harm reduction items focused on physical, mental, and sexual health, offering financial incentives, providing easy-to-understand information cards about services, and ensuring access to fentanyl test strips and naloxone to address substance use and its consequences. These efforts aim to lower barriers to care, meet patients where they are, and ultimately improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Team: Harleen Dhillon (Economics), Maryum Syed (Bioengineering, Data Science), Katherine Velasquez (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Industry Partner(s): Safe and Sound

Through a partnership with Safe & Sound, this project establishes an automated messaging system to ensure timely and reliable communication with service users about program access and scheduling. The system is designed to increase engagement, reduce missed services, and improve overall client experience. In addition, the project supports internal coordination across departments, streamlining resource sharing and enhancing organizational efficiency. By bridging communication gaps, the initiative aims to create a more responsive and connected support system for families and individuals.

Team: Malaika Nazir (Data Science/Cognitive Science), Sean Lu (Haas), Stella Kaval (Computer Science)
Industry Partner(s): Empower Sleep

We are creating an engaging survey assessment form for identifying and directing potential patients to the Empower Sleep team. This form utilizes statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms to provide the best route of treatment to potential patients. We also have an innovative and purposeful consumer engagement strategy to be easily accessible and digestible.

Team: Dimple Garuadapuri (EECS & BioE), Tiffany Hoang (DS & Public Health), Adithya Ayanam (IEOR), Rachel Skwersky
Industry Partner(s): Elder Care Alliance – Adriene Iverson

In partnership with the Elder Care Alliance, our team developed an evidence-based educational wellbeing survey for Transforming Age service users to identify potential barriers to positive wellbeing. By educating older adults on the importance of various wellbeing dimensions—including physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial aspects—we aimed to challenge stigmas around aging. Our approach empowers older adults with personalized recommendations and greater autonomy to enhance their quality of life through a wellbeing score and personalized resources to drive action and self-reflection in various aspects of their daily lives.

Team: Irene Song (Bioengineering), Michelle Li (Molecular and Cell Biology & Economics), Megan Hu (Data Science & Political Economy)
Industry Partner(s): SummerAIze – Nikolai Lokteff

PearlPod by SummerAIze is a wearable device designed to record and summarize medical conversations for seniors and caregivers. With a one-button interface and voice activation (“Hey SummerAIze, start recording”), it’s easy to use—even for those with limited mobility or tech experience. PearlPod features on-device storage with auto-sync to the cloud, LED and haptic feedback, and an emergency button with fall detection. Our lightweight, ocean-inspired design can be worn as a lanyard, bracelet, or simply be carried around for everyday comfort!