Stem II is a class taught by Dr. Crowthers at Mass Academy. In C and D term, students are asked to prepare an group research projects on a topic of their choosing. Throughout this project, students create technical documentation including a PDR and CDR. In addition to this, they keep track of their progress through project notes and a logbook.
Our project utilizes spectroscopy, the study of the absorption and radiation of light, to diagnose malaria. With our prototype, users can shine an LED light on the surface of their fingertip and use a mobile app to convert the readings to a light spectra graph. Afterwards, the user can input the produced graph into our machine learning algorithm that has analyzed previous light spectra for malaria positive and malaria negative patients. After the inputted light spectra is analyzed, a diagnosis will be outputted.
Real-time malaria detection is not easily accessible to those in rural areas efficiently and cost-effectively. This results in physical and mental strain on those needing access to diagnosis.
The goal is to design a portable near-infrared spectroscopy device to accurately detect malaria infection through the skin.