Data-Driven Plant Science Platform

Vision

To serve as the data acquisition, data management, and data analytics catalyst for discovery, innovation, and translation in plant science research.

Mission

Develop the IT, laboratory infrastructure, and secure computing environments needed to acquire, process, and interpret agricultural data and facilitate innovation across the agricultural value chain, from basic research and breeding strategies to crop production and decision support systems for stakeholders

N.C. PSI Makerspace

The N.C. PSI Makerspace is a lab and service center for rapid prototyping of low-cost custom hardware and software solutions for monitoring plant and crop systems across agricultural scales. It is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, tools and equipment to enable collaborations among N.C. PSI researchers from different disciplines.

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Ag Analytics Framework

We are leading the development of new solutions and integrating existing solutions for storing, analyzing and maintaining large-scale datasets and data repositories.

With legislative funds provided to NC State, in partnership with NC A&T State University and SAS, Inc., we are developing a platform to use data collection, management, and analytics that will improve agricultural systems and agricultural profitability for NC stakeholders.

This project will impact:

• The sustainability and profitability of agricultural systems in the state, including any improved efficiencies. 
• Research grants secured by each constituent institution. 
• Student and faculty recruitment and retention. 
• Engagement and collaboration with private farmers in the state. 
• Faculty research on agriculture. 
• Collaboration between NC State and NC A&T.

translational data analytics projects

Sweet-APPS

An integrated data analytics and decision support platform to optimize sweetpotato management strategies.

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BeanPACK

An NC State decision support web tool that delivers precise soybean planting recommendations for growers.

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Improving the Speed of Peanut Grading at Peanut Buying Stations

Led by Mike Kudenov, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

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Multi-Scale Sensing For Tomato Disease Phenotyping Under Field Conditions

Led by Lirong Xiang, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering

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Predictive Spectroscopy for Improved Apple Crop and Post-harvest Storage

Led by Tom Kon, Department of Horticultural Science

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Ag Data Science Certificate

Professionals in industry, agribusiness, government and academia need advanced training on how to properly collect, manage and analyze the data to help inform decisions and improve outcomes.
The graduate certificate in Agriculture Data Science is an interdisciplinary graduate certificate program that applies the power of data science to issues and opportunities in agriculture, food and the life sciences. This certificate program brings together faculty and coursework across 15 departments across four colleges.

Expand Your Skills

GRAD-AID for Ag

Graduate Training in Translational Convergent Research – Harnessing AI and Data Science for Sustainable Agriculture

A new National Science Foundation (NSF) and NC State funded graduate training program that will recruit and train two cohorts of highly motivated doctoral students at the intersection of basic and applied plant science. The program’s goal: develop a skilled, diverse workforce capable of solving societal grand challenges in global ag sustainability and food security.

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SAPLINGS

System Approach to Promote Learning and Innovation for the Next Generations

This five-year, $18.1 million USDA-funded partnership les by NC A&T is designed to grow the number of underrepresented students studying food, agricultural, natural resources and human sciences. NC State’s portion offers selected students the chance to learn about AI and data science and apply that knowledge for precision agriculture.

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Cranos Williams

Data-Driven Plant Science Platform Director

Williams is well-known for his interdisciplinary research leveraging big data and machine learning to solve biological challenges. As Platform Director, he helps steer the infrastructure needed for plant science data collection and analysis while spearheading data science training opportunities for plant scientists.

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