North Dakota Teen Turns Science Fair Idea Into AI Startup Aiming to Detect Malaria and Save Lives

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A high‑school student from Dickinson, North Dakota, is gaining national attention after transforming a simple science‑fair idea into a patent‑pending artificial‑intelligence program capable of identifying blood‑borne diseases—including malaria—with striking precision.

Ava Hauck, a junior at Dickinson High School, has spent years competing in science fairs, but her latest project has grown far beyond the classroom.

A Student Scientist With a Global Mission

During a demonstration, Hauck pointed to a microscopic image on her screen.

“This is an image of what malaria looks like within a blood smear,”
she explained, highlighting the ring‑shaped parasites that signal infection.

Her program, which she coded herself, uses AI to analyze blood‑smear images and detect diseases such as malaria, leukemia, and sepsis. The technology is now in the patent process, and Hauck introduces herself not just as a student—but as the founder of a startup.

“I am the founder and CEO of Clinivue, LLC,” she said. “Clinivue is a project I started as a science‑fair project last year.”

Designed for Countries With Limited Medical Resources

Hauck says her goal is to help doctors diagnose diseases faster, especially in regions where trained laboratory personnel and diagnostic tools are scarce.

“We have a prototype that’s made specifically to help people in other countries where they don’t have as much access to trained personnel or resources,”
she explained.

Her work aligns with global health concerns: according to the World Health Organization, malaria caused more than 600,000 deaths in 2022, with the majority occurring in low‑resource regions. Early detection is critical to survival.

A Personal Story Behind the Innovation

The inspiration for Clinivue came from a painful family experience. Hauck’s aunt was diagnosed late with leukemia—an outcome Ava believes could have been prevented with earlier detection.

“I wanted to do a project that would help my aunt… it was misdiagnosed,”
she said.

That loss motivated her to create a tool that could prevent similar tragedies.

From School Project to Real‑World Technology

Hauck is now collaborating with laboratories at the University of North Dakota, where researchers are helping her refine and test the prototype. She also receives business mentorship to prepare Clinivue for future clinical trials and potential commercialization.

Her next steps include:

• Expanding the AI training dataset

• Conducting controlled lab testing

• Preparing the device for regulatory review

• Building partnerships with global health organizations

The long‑term goal is clear: a portable, affordable diagnostic tool that can save lives worldwide.

As Hauck continues developing Clinivue, she represents a growing wave of young innovators using AI to tackle global health challenges.