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Data-Driven Plant Sciences 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.

The mission is based on these three areas:

Sensor Development & Automated Data Acquisition

Support Data Management & Computing

Training, Education & Outreach in Ag Data Sciences

Hand holding quarter-sized sensor near corn plants

Sensor Development
and Automated Data Acquisition

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.

Woman working with a 3D printer.
Monteza uses 3D printers with advanced capabilities.

Support Data Management and Computing

N.C. Ag Analytics Platform

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.
Graduation cap

Training, Education and Outreach in Data Sciences

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.

2023 PSI Hackathon
2023 N.C. PSI Hackathon

N.C. PSI Hackathon

With the goal to solve agtech challenges, our annual Hackathon has multiple tracks and is inclusive to students and postdocs with various levels of experience. This 3-day competition allows participants to showcase their skills for prizes.

Cooper howling wolf sculpture near greenery and benches

Leadership and Related Platforms

Cranos Williams

Data-Driven Plant Sciences 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.

Headshot of Cranos WIlliams
Cranos Williams, Data-Driven Plant Science Platform Director, shares his vision for N.C. PSI.