Two high school students collaborated with Stony Brook University researchers to work on the Shinnecock reservation's energy needs. The students, Nathan Qiu from Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego, and Vinav Shah from The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, partnered with a research team from Stony Brook University over the summer.
The project involved custom algorithms to optimize energy storage and usage within the Shinnecock Nation on eastern Long Island. The community sought a clean energy source in the form of green hydrogen. "This project bridges research and real-world impact," explained Qiu. "It directly benefits real world communities by giving the Shinnecock Indian Nation a scalable, AI-driven tool for efficient energy management."
The university setting was highlighted as a positive arena for research by Shah. "Stony Brook genuinely cares about community well-being and making sure that communities on Long Island are doing well," he noted.
The team included Peng Zhang, professor of Electrical Engineering and SUNY Empire Innovation professor; Eliana Matsil, a Masters student in chemical engineering; and Miriam Rafailovich, a distinguished professor of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering. "By demonstrating the feasibility of decentralized, resilient, and culturally aligned energy solutions," Matsil stated, "this work can serve as a blueprint for other Indigenous nations, remote communities, and developing regions."
Qiu and Shah presented their work at the Materials Research Society Conference, earning them the Best Youth Speaker Award. Qiu remarked on the surprise and honor of receiving the award. The project has influenced Shah's academic focus, as he plans to combine energy systems with computer science, emphasizing renewable energy and AI applications. "I think now after doing this project, I’ve seen how energy is really important in people’s lives and can impact people," Shah stated.
Both students expressed gratitude to the Garcia Summer Research Program for the opportunity to join the team.