Student creates AI-powered tool to help analyze classroom space usage

A recent Computing & Data Sciences graduate built an optimization system that assigns classes to rooms across the Charles River Campus by weighing enrollment, room capacity, and walking distance between buildings. Joey Russoniello (CDS'26) developed the tool with Lauren Wheelock through the CDS Clinics program, working with BU Information Services & Technology and support from the CDS Launchpad Fund. The tool reduced wasted seating by 92 percent and cut average walking distance from departments' home buildings by 67 percent.