GRAD-AID for Ag is a 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 plant science and AI. The program’s goal: develop a skilled, diverse workforce capable of solving societal grand challenges in global ag sustainability and food security. Students in fundamental and applied plant sciences will be equipped with the ability to integrate lab-derived multi-omics datasets with field data, leveraging the statistical analyses, machine learning (ML), artificial neural networks, and other artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies to accelerate translation of basic plant science research to the field.
Selected students will receive a $37,000 annual stipend to support their studies.
What motivates you to apply to the GRAD-AID for Ag program, and how do your interests and training align with the program’s interdisciplinary approach? (max. 200 words)
What do you hope to achieve through this program, and how will it help you reach your long-term career goals? (max. 200 words)
Multidisciplinary collaboration requires navigating differing methodologies, terminologies, and priorities. Describe a personal or academic experience where you worked in a team to solve a complex problem. In light of this experience, what specific skills do you hope to develop in the NSF NRT Ag-AI program to improve your teamwork in cross-disciplinary settings? (max 200 words)