Passion for Rhythmic Gymnastics Leads to $75K Innovator Award

May was a good month for Michelle Hua, age 16, of Troy. The Level 9 Oakland Rhythmics gymnast qualified for the national USA Championships and she also won the $75,000 George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award for a project based on her gymnastics workouts.

When Covid 19 cancelled in person training last year, Hua had to pivot. Her pivot became the basis for an award-winning research project.

“To stay active and help my online rhythmic gymnastics training, I aspired to create a novel artificial intelligence-based human action recognition algorithm,” said Hua. “It uses human silhouettes, extracted from the frames of a video, to recognize patterns and distinct features in actions.”

While developing the algorithm during the COVID lockdown, Hua was able to gain a first-hand understanding of the need for feedback to perfect her gymnastic skills without the benefit of in-person coaching. Her determination and commitment to her sport kept her focused and practicing, leading to her qualification for the USA National Championships which will be held in St. Louis, Missouri later this month.

Karyn Glover, Oakland Rhythmic Gymnastics Program Director, is extremely proud of her gymnast.

“I’ve watched Michelle’s hard work and dedication to the sport for many years,” said Glover. “It’s no surprise that she turned her passion into a science project that can benefit so many people.”

This summer, girls from K through 12th grade can experience Hua’s love for rhythmic gymnastics for themselves during Oakland Rhythmics Summer Camps, July 12-August 20. The camps will be held at East Hills Middle School Field House, 2800 Kensington, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304.

Each week will feature a different theme and students will learn dance combos, cool moves with rhythmic apparatus (ball, hoop, ribbon), gymnastics-style stretching, eye-hand coordination, and muscle-building exercises. The camp concludes with a performance for the parents.

For more information on the program and to register for a camp, visit www.oaklandrhythmics.com. Email Karyn Glover, ORG Program Director, at kjlglover@gmail.com to learn more.