Undergraduate Researcher Spotlight: Isaiah Wilson

When Isaiah Wilson first joined SMART FIRES as an undergraduate researcher, he was looking for opportunities to apply his growing skills in computer science and data analysis. What he found was a project that not only challenged him technically but also deepened his appreciation for Montana’s forests and the science behind wildfire management.

Isaiah is a dual major in Financial Engineering and Data Science at Flathead Valley Community College and plans to graduate in spring 2026. Working with faculty mentor Tim Price, he is helping investigate an unusual and innovative research question: can the way trees move in the wind reveal information about their species and moisture content?

Watching the Forest

Isaiah’s research focuses on identifying tree species based on how they vibrate and sway in the wind. By analyzing videos of trees and extracting information about their movement patterns, he hopes to determine whether different species exhibit distinct vibration frequencies.

“Different tree species appear to move differently in the wind,” Isaiah explained. “Our hypothesis is that those differences can be detected and classified using machine learning.”

The long-term goal is even more ambitious. Researchers hope that tree movement data could eventually be linked to vegetation moisture levels—a key factor in wildfire behavior. If successful, the approach could help prescribed fire practitioners and burn bosses better understand on-the-ground conditions and make more informed decisions.

The project aligns closely with SMART FIRES’ mission of developing new technologies and data-driven approaches to support wildfire management and community resilience.

Building AI Models to See What Humans Can’t

Much of Isaiah’s work involves turning raw videos into meaningful data.

The process begins with manually identifying tree species in videos. Those labeled datasets are then used to train artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) models to recognize patterns in tree movement. Isaiah spends his days refining Python code, testing new approaches, analyzing results, and working with fellow researchers to improve model performance.

“I spend a lot of time brainstorming with my cohort members and Tim, looking at results, and trying different ways to solve the problem,” he said.

Because the datasets can be computationally demanding, Isaiah also utilizes a computer lab to run models across multiple machines simultaneously. The team then evaluates the outputs, identifies areas for improvement, and iterates on the process.

What makes the project especially exciting is the possibility that AI can detect subtle patterns that humans would never notice on their own.

“The AI picks up on frequencies that we can’t detect,” Isaiah said.

Finding a Passion for Research—and Nature

Isaiah became involved with SMART FIRES while taking computer science courses and exploring undergraduate research opportunities. What began as a chance to apply technical skills soon became something more meaningful.

Through the project, he has developed a stronger connection to the natural world and gained a new appreciation for the complexity of forest ecosystems.

“I’ve grown my love for nature,” he said. “Now I’m much better at identifying different tree species.”

The interdisciplinary nature of SMART FIRES has also shown him how computing, environmental science, and wildfire research can intersect to address real-world challenges.

Learning to Work with AI

One of the most valuable lessons Isaiah has taken from the experience involves his evolving perspective on artificial intelligence.

Before joining the project, he was somewhat hesitant about using AI tools. Through his research, however, he discovered how AI can accelerate learning and problem solving when used thoughtfully.

Isaiah distinguishes between large language models (LLMs), such as conversational AI tools, and the machine learning algorithms he develops as part of his research. He found that using AI-generated code allowed him to rapidly test ideas and iterate on solutions while still learning the underlying concepts himself.

“At first I was reluctant to use AI technologies,” he said. “But by leaning into them and using them to generate code based on the parameters I provided, I could iterate much faster. It didn’t replace my learning—it amplified what I was able to do.”

That experience has helped him develop both technical programming skills and a deeper understanding of how artificial intelligence can be applied to scientific research.

Looking Ahead

After graduating from Flathead Valley Community College, Isaiah plans to continue his education in Montana State University’s Financial Engineering program while pursuing additional coursework in data science.

He also has an exciting opportunity on the horizon: a possible summer position with a robotics safety startup, where he could apply many of the analytical and technical skills he has developed through research.

Outside of academics, Isaiah enjoys living in northwest Montana and appreciates being surrounded by places like Glacier National Park, Whitefish, and the Flathead Valley.

Recently, he also had the opportunity to present his SMART FIRES research at the Western Regional Honors Conference through FVCC’s Honors Program—an experience that allowed him to share his work with students and faculty from across the region.

For Isaiah, undergraduate research has been more than a resume-building experience. It has provided a chance to explore new technologies, contribute to emerging wildfire science, and discover how data and artificial intelligence can help tackle complex environmental challenges.

“It’s been really cool to do valid research in a completely new area,” he said.