Sebastian Velastegui is a 12th grader whose journey with AI4OPT began when he was accepted into our new high school internship program. This internship allowed Velastegui to explore how artificial intelligence could be used to solve real-world problems.

Building AI for Georgia Tech

As a high school intern, I developed significant components of a large language model (LLM) for Georgia Tech’s website. The tool was intended help prospective or current students, parents, and alumni with any navigation and queries. This involved developing constraints and methods for dealing with the LLM, scraping GT website data to facilitate prompting by the model, and using this data to better structure the output.

Project Completion and Self-Fulfillment

One of the highlights of my internship was the final presentation with Michael Butros and Kevin Dalmeijer. It felt great to share my work, it was insightful to hear feedback, and what further steps might be needed to fully integrate the LLM.

Engineering Future

I hope become a mechanical engineer with a minor in machine learning and AI. At my high school, I am a part of a diploma program which focuses my curriculum on STEM classes and has workshops in different STEM areas, such as circuit board design and using CNC machines. I also spend time 3D modeling trinkets, then printing them. My goal is to learn more on how to augment the creation and design of my projects with AI tools and programs, so I can work more efficiently

Early STEM Inspiration

My middle school workshop class was important for shaping my STEM journey. I had a teacher who provided projects with 3D printers and LEGO Mindstorms. This was uncommon for a middle school to have, so I received an early experience with CAD and robotics. I remember the LEGO battlebots tournament he held, it was awesome designing them and having them battle.

Learning Through Leadership

Outside of STEM, coaching my ultimate frisbee team and volunteering as a peer tutor at my high school have really shaped my understanding people and how to improve as a leader. These activities taught me how to better explain concepts which I take for granted, and how to lead both by example and instruction.

Using AI for Good

I would like to solve the healthy food deserts in the world by locating areas where these options are unavailable and finding the optimal placements for affordable healthy restaurants and convenience stores. This will allow people to receive the best quality food to live a healthier and longer life.

Inspired by Family

I am inspired by my brother. I want to make a path for him to follow, but then make a left, then a right, and end up wherever he desires.

Advice for Fellow Students

My advice to other students interested in AI is to pursue the field, while making sure to have a firm grasp on the less computational or basic aspects, such as good coding practices, data management and AI ethics.

Life Beyond Academics

Outside the classroom, I love to play Ultimate Frisbee, chess, and board games; ride my bike and run; read, watch anime and build with LEGO bricks. I have been to 16 US states, and 12 different countries, and I can spell the names and capitals of all of them from memory.