Dylan’s AI Research Journey: From Passion Project to California Science and Engineering Fair
Exploring the Power of AI
OSCAR: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Classification and Risk: A Machine Learning Framework for Improving Sleep Apnea Severity Classification
When Dylan joined the Inspirit AI + X 1:1 Mentorship Program, he was eager to dive deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence and sleep apnea. After exploring several ideas with his mentor, he landed on a project titled OSCAR: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Classification and Risk: A Machine Learning Framework for Improving Sleep Apnea Severity Classification.
Dylan chose this topic because of his own personal connection to sleep apnea, and wanted to explore how AI could drive real-world impact in this field.
“I decided to have sleep apnea as my project topic due to the fact that it is an issue personal to me, my family and my friends. I have heard and experienced the arduous process of sleep apnea diagnosis and sleep tests, so my goal was to use machine learning as a reliable, cost-effective alternative that can provide more people with earlier diagnosis so that they can treat it faster.”
One-on-One Mentorship That Makes a Difference
For Dylan, the most valuable part of the 1:1 Mentorship Program was having live mentorship sessions to work on his research project.
Working closely with a mentor from Oxford, Dylan gained not only technical knowledge but also the confidence to ask bold questions, iterate on ideas, and learn from failures. The structured yet flexible nature of the program helped them go from concept to publication-ready research in just a few months.
“The 1 on 1 meetings where he gave me action items, feedback and explained to my concepts were definitely the most valuable part of the 1:1 mentorship program.”
From Research to Recognition: Dylan’s Awards and Achievements
His project has since earned Dylan recognition in several prestigious venues. His work was accepted into the California Science and Engineering Fair, showcasing his contribution to cutting-edge high school research.
Beyond the accolades, the experience gave Dylan a major confidence boost in his academic journey.
About the Inspirit AI 1:1 AI + X Mentorship Program
The Inspirit AI 1:1 AI + X Mentorship Program is a personalized research experience designed for ambitious high school students interested in exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and their unique areas of interest—ranging from medicine and neuroscience to climate science, economics, and beyond.
Students are paired with expert mentors from top institutions like Stanford, MIT, and Harvard, who guide them step-by-step through the process of designing, developing, and writing a publication-ready AI research project. The program equips students with both the technical skills and research mindset needed to produce original work, with the ultimate goal of submitting their projects to top high school journals, science fairs, and competitions.
The Value of Building an AI Research Project as a High Schooler
Publishing a research project as a high school student offers a powerful opportunity to stand out academically, demonstrate initiative, and showcase a deep commitment to learning beyond the classroom. It not only strengthens college applications by highlighting intellectual curiosity and advanced problem-solving skills, but also gives students experience with real-world scientific communication and academic rigor.
Whether submitted to a peer-reviewed journal or a high school research publication, having published work signals to universities and scholarship committees that a student is capable of producing meaningful, original contributions to their field of interest—something few high schoolers can claim.
Ready to turn your passion into a published AI research project? Apply to the Inspirit AI 1:1 AI + X Mentorship Program today and work one-on-one with expert mentors from top universities to bring your ideas to life. Spots are limited—take the first step toward making your mark in the world of AI research!
