By Kendra Pintor
Sarah Marzen, associate professor of physics at Scripps College, is part of a multidisciplinary research team that has been awarded a highly competitive federal research grant to advance a new approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI). The project prioritizes energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and ethical design.
Based at the University of Maryland, the collaborative team is bringing together experts in physics, biophysics, chemistry, neuroscience, and engineering to develop Hybrid Adaptive Networks—a computing system that will integrate living and artificial neural networks. By drawing on biological models of learning and prediction, the project aims to create an AI system that is more adaptive, context-aware, and—most importantly—uses significantly less energy than current technologies.
Marzen has contributed expertise in how patterns of connectivity give rise to specific functions in neural systems—an essential step in designing AI that can learn efficiently without the massive computational demands of today’s data-center-driven models.
“Conversations around AI often focus on both its promise and its risks, and I take those concerns seriously,” says Marzen. “As researchers, we have a responsibility to think carefully about what we are building, to put guardrails in place, and to design technologies that are limited, transparent, and aligned with societal good.”
She added that the project’s emphasis on energy-efficient, task-specific systems reflects a commitment to sustainability and responsible innovation.
“If we can reduce the environmental footprint of AI while being intentional about its capabilities, that’s a meaningful step forward—for both science and society,” she says.
As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent, Scripps College alums, faculty, and students grapple with what that means for the future. To learn more, check out the latest issue of Scripps Magazine!