Aadya Agarwal ‘29 Shares Her Journey from Lawrenceville to the MIT Media Lab

By Aadya Agarwal ‘29 

Rising Third Former and Leopold Scholar in Ecology and Ethics Aadya Agarwal ’29 transformed an environmental science research project at Lawrenceville into an award-winning AI-powered water quality system. After being named one of five national winners in the MIT Solve AI for a Better World Challenge, she presented her work at the MIT Media Lab. In this first-person reflection, Agarwal shares how the experience reshaped her understanding of innovation, social responsibility, and the real-world impact of artificial intelligence.  

As I waited backstage, the navy velvet curtains seemed taller, the lights brighter, and the sound of my heels sharper against the floor as my gaze drifted toward the audience seated in front of me. When the clock slipped from 11:59 a.m. to noon, I took a breath and began, “Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for being with us today.” I had rehearsed that line countless times and checked my watch in anticipation, yet presenting at the MIT Media Lab changed more than the backdrop, it reshaped my perspective on both my work and its impact.

What began as an idea in rough sketches and controlled experiments in Lawrenceville’s lab last year had evolved into something I was now sharing with experts focused on real-world impact and global feasibility.

This project began with identifying a pressing issue affecting both local communities in New Jersey and populations worldwide: water contamination. Under the mentorship of Stephen Laubach (director of sustainability and science teacher) and Brianna Thompson (science teacher) in The Lawrenceville School science lab, I set out to explore how contamination could be detected and, just as importantly, be addressed in a way that is effective and sustainable. They provided invaluable guidance on experimental design, data analysis, and scientific review, while Ted Ives (lab and science facility manager) provided laboratory space and materials essential to the work. Carrying out this research meant testing materials, evaluating methods, and investigating potential solutions, while continually revisiting hypotheses, refining approaches, and interpreting data until a clear direction began to emerge.

Ultimately, I developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered water quality node that uses machine learning and data analysis to not only detect and monitor contamination, but also trigger timely, actionable responses. This work gave me the opportunity to present at the “Day of AI” event hosted by MIT Solve and MIT RAISE, where my project was recognized as part of the AI for a Better World competition, a national initiative that encourages students to use AI to drive positive impact for people and the planet.

The most meaningful questions I received at the event were not about how the system worked, but about who it impacted, why it mattered, and what limitations still needed to be addressed. These conversations showed me the power of technology and innovation, and how they can, when harnessed responsibly, change people’s lives. They also pushed me to think about future challenges that could arise during deployment and how I could best incorporate that important feedback to strengthen the system over time.

Engaging with other student teams, MIT Media Lab researchers, and industry leaders across healthcare, environmental science, and education further expanded my perspective on how AI is applied in real-world contexts. I was particularly excited to meet Dr. Cynthia Breazeal, MIT professor and founder of the MIT RAISE initiative and Day of AI. She is a leading voice in AI literacy and human‑centered technology and is known for her pioneering work in social robotics and inclusive AI education.

One of the most important lessons I took away was that progress is driven by iteration and responsibility. Innovation does not come from getting everything right the first time, but from testing ideas, recognizing limitations, and improving with intention. I also came to understand that it is not enough for an AI system to perform well in a demonstration; it must be reliable, equitable, and thoughtfully designed for the communities it serves.

Lawrenceville played a central role in shaping this experience. Its emphasis on inquiry-based learning gave me the freedom to explore open-ended questions, while the Harkness method strengthened my ability to listen, engage with feedback, and communicate my ideas clearly. These skills were essential when presenting to an audience that challenged my thinking, and I am deeply grateful to my teachers, mentors, and classmates for their support throughout this journey.

Read more about Agarwal in The Lawrentian story, “A Clear Flow of Ideas.”

For more information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.