Data-Driven: Applying AI to Sustainable Systems Science

Friday, March 17  | 10:15 a.m

Plant Sciences Building  |  Seminar Rooms A&B

Denis S. Willett

Dr. Willett joined NCICS in 2021 as a Research Scholar, Software Engineer contributing to the NOAA Open Data Dissemination Program. His work focuses on leveraging cloud technologies for the development of data processing and machine learning pipelines. Prior to NCICS, he developed analytics and machine learning pipelines for agriculture as faculty at Cornell AgriTech and as a data scientist across roles in industry, academia, and the federal government. Denis did his Ph.D. in Entomology and Nematology at University of Florida and his undergraduate and masters work in Earth Systems at Stanford University.

Research Seminar:

Artificial Intelligence holds tremendous potential for engendering step changes in our ability to manage agricultural and natural systems. Realizing this potential is challenging due to the interdisciplinary nature of the core ingredients necessary to support production AI applications at scale. Here, we will dive into applied AI in the context of data-driven science. First we will discuss the key ingredients necessary to support production AI while using case studies to highlight successful implementation of AI solutions when these ingredients are present. Next, we will discuss what the future holds with a focus on untapped potential for AI applications in agricultural and managed natural systems. A key theme emphasized throughout the presentation will be the interdisciplinary nature of systems science for sustainable agriculture.