Student Trains AI to Clean Georgia Waterways with Vision

Hunter Quarles spent hours labeling over 1,000 images of bottles, cans, and debris floating in local waterways, teaching a computer to see what most people overlook. The Kennesaw State University mechatronics engineering graduate built an AI-powered trash detection system that identifies waste in real time, paving the way for automated cleanup technology.

"My role was teaching the system how to see," Quarles said. "I trained it to recognize trash in a creek and distinguish between different objects."

Using computer vision and infrared imaging, Quarles tested his system in a local creek during both day and night. The technology can identify pollution patterns and support cleanup efforts, with potential to reduce contamination and improve water quality for communities and wildlife.

The Lawrenceville native developed his engineering curiosity early, recreating aircraft designs with LEGO bricks while his father worked at Lockheed Martin for two decades. That childhood fascination evolved into serious research at Kennesaw State's Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

His path hit major roadblocks when a serious leg injury required surgery and months of recovery. Around the same time, a burst pipe flooded his family's home, forcing them into a motel for nearly two months.

Quarles continued attending classes and contributing to projects during recovery. He credits his faith, family, fiancée, and professors for keeping him focused when life felt overwhelming.

Why This Inspires

Quarles didn't stop at waterway cleanup. His team won first place at the Spring 2026 Senior Capstone Design Expo for an autonomous underwater vehicle that monitors coral reef bleaching. He contributed to biomedical exoskeleton research, OwlSat satellite projects, and carbon capture studies at Georgia Tech.

"Hunter represents the kind of student we strive to develop, someone who applies technical knowledge to real-world challenges while demonstrating resilience and initiative," said SPCEET Dean Lawrence Whitman.

This fall, Quarles begins his Master of Science in Intelligent Robotic Systems at Kennesaw State, with plans to pursue a Ph.D. His work spans robotics, sustainability, and biomedical engineering, all focused on one goal: building technology that improves lives.

He also shared his engineering journey through the Robotics and Automation Club and IEEE Honor Society, speaking at the Georgia Association of Water Professionals conference about developing perspective-taking skills in engineering students.

"I want to use what I learn to help people," Quarles said. "It's about building something that can make life better for others."