Nicholas Gauthier’s innovative archaeology project has received crucial support through the 2024 Research Opportunity Seed Fund from UF Research in partnership with Strategic Research Development. His project aims to revolutionize the analysis of petrographic thin sections by integrating Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) and artificial intelligence (AI), automating what is traditionally a manual and labor-intensive process.
By digitizing specimens and creating an AI-driven analysis pipeline, Gauthier’s research will enable the detection of intricate patterns and produce high-resolution imagery, benefitting multiple fields, including geology, biology, and archaeology. The initiative also focuses on developing a comprehensive digital archive and advanced tools for research, paving the way for the establishment of a petrographic microscopy core facility at the University of Florida.
This project represents a significant advancement in petrographic research, offering enhanced efficiency and precision in specimen analysis that will support a wide range of scientific studies.