Meet Max Lizee: The Young Innovator Transforming Water Safety with Machine Learning

In the tranquil setting of Indian Springs School, nestled in Alabama, a remarkable senior is making waves—not just in the school’s serene lake but in the field of environmental science. Max Lizee, an avid fisherman and talented saxophonist, is channeling his passion for the outdoors into groundbreaking research aimed at improving drinking water safety. His journey has taken him all the way to the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles, and it’s a story worth telling.

A Glimpse into Max's World

Max has called Indian Springs his home since the eighth grade. His love for nature sparked a deep-seated interest in environmental issues, leading him to explore these topics more rigorously during his high school years. With the guidance of dedicated faculty and access to exceptional resources, Max embarked on a journey that combined machine learning with critical environmental research.

From Idea to Innovation

In his junior year, Max initiated an independent study focused on stormwater management and sanitary sewer overflows. Under the mentorship of experienced faculty, he developed a machine learning algorithm capable of predicting sewer overflows based on precipitation data. He aptly titled his project: “Developing a Sanitary Sewer Overflow Prediction Model in Alabama using Predictive Maintenance Machine Learning.”

Max shared his motivations: “I was researching it just so I could be more knowledgeable about it. I learned how significant an issue this is, especially in many low-income or minority communities that have historically been underfunded and underrepresented.”

Breaking New Ground: Advanced Research in His Senior Year

In his final year, Max seized an opportunity to elevate his research through the school’s capstone project, akin to a Ph.D. endeavor for high schoolers. This project required students to conduct original research, present their findings, and defend their work before a panel of faculty experts.

With support from his computer science teacher and data scientists from Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Max embarked on a two-part capstone project:

1. He created a basic model to predict sewer overflows for the entire county of Tuscaloosa.
2. He advanced his research by incorporating GIS mapping technology, allowing him to make more precise predictions at the census block level, considering socio-economic and cultural factors.

Max’s ultimate goal? To enhance public access to information about clean and affordable drinking water and raise awareness about water contamination. He likened his vision to the accessibility of air quality data on mobile apps—aiming for similar transparency regarding water safety.

Acknowledging Excellence: Max's Achievements

Max's dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. His project has garnered significant accolades, including:

• Central Alabama Regional Science + Engineering Fair: Third place, Environmental + Earth Science Division
• Alabama Science + Engineering Fair: First place, Environmental Science Division + Future Scientist or Mathematician award
• Intel International Science + Engineering Fair: Finalist

Why Indian Springs Matters

Indian Springs School isn’t just a place of learning; it’s a nurturing environment conducive to academic and personal growth. Spanning 350 acres, the campus offers over 130 classes, unique electives, and access to more than 50 student-run clubs, fostering a community where students can pursue their passions.

Max reflects on his experience: “Indian Springs encourages you to pursue your passions independently, while also providing easy access to supportive teachers.” This partnership between students and faculty creates an atmosphere ripe for innovation and achievement.

To experience the vibrant community at Indian Springs, mark your calendars for upcoming events:

• Open House on Sunday, December 8
• Virtual Meet-The-Faculty on Wednesday, November 6

Ready to explore how Indian Springs can help students like Max thrive? Schedule a tour today!

What do you think?

• Do you believe that young students can truly make a significant impact on environmental issues?
• Should schools prioritize environmental education in their curricula?
• How do you feel about the role of technology in solving real-world problems like water contamination?
• Is it fair to hold students responsible for addressing systemic issues in underfunded communities?
• Could machine learning be the future of environmental science, or is it just a fad?