Cord Carter

Carter’s innovative teaching idea, “Toxic or Not? Predict with Data,” will give students at Young Men’s Leadership Academy at Philis Wheatley the opportunity to become real-world scientists by combining chemistry, data science and 3D modeling to predict drug-induced liver injury. Using a dataset of 1,200+ real medications, students will explore how molecular structure affects toxicity and use both AI models and 3D-QSAR tools to design safer drug candidates. Students will then analyze steric and electrostatic fields, apply machine learning techniques, and compare model performance. Each student will complete a mini-research project and present findings through science fairs, publications or digital showcases. This innovative project blends hands-on chemistry, artificial intelligence and science communication, in the hopes of preparing middle schoolers for future STEM careers. The Voya grant will help Carter purchase curriculum and enrichment materials, software and hands-on learning kits.