GRADUATE STUDIES IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR AGRICULTURE
Background
The goal of this doctoral training program is to train and matriculate doctoral fellows with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning applied to solve agricultural challenges at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The selected fellows will receive three-year fellowships including tuition waivers and stipend. The fellows will receive training in AI, agricultural and biological technologies, and soft skills through coursework and research, as well as experiential learning opportunities such as teaching, internships, or extension. The AI in Ag fellows will be co-mentored by faculty members with multidisciplinary and complementary expertise. The program is looking for individuals motivated to advance the application of informatics technologies to agriculturally pertinent challenges, particularly those from traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities in the field of agricultural informatics.
Fellowship application Information
Eligibility considerations follow the sponsors guidelines, including fellowship recipients must be:
- Be U.S. citizens or nationals, and
- New applicants to the Ph.D. degree in Animal Sciences program at the University of Illinois. Admission and degree requirements are listed in: http://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/aces/animal-sciences-phd/#degreerequirementstext
Preferred qualifications:
- Master’s degree in agricultural or biological sciences informed in informatics, or
- Master’s degree in information, statistics, or computer sciences, informed in biology.
Applicants from groups underrepresented in AI and agriculture or biological sciences are encouraged to apply
Scholars: Individuals that are not U.S. citizens or national or are pursing doctoral studies and are interested in becoming an AI in Ag scholar are encouraged to contact the program director to explore opportunities.
Application Steps and Deadlines
- Confirm your fellowship eligibility by sending an email to the program director, Sandra Rodriguez Zas (rodrgzzs@illinois.edu) indicating your interest becoming an AI for Ag fellow
- Apply to the Ph.D. program in Animal Sciences https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply
Required application materials include the applicant’s 1) undergraduate and if applicable master’s academic transcripts (unofficial documents are accepted), 2) resume, 3) personal statement describing the career goals related to AI for Ag, and 4) name and email of at least 2 references.
Doctoral studies must start on August 2023. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Fellow’s Selection Process
Top applicants will be interviewed via video conferencing. During this interview, the admission committee will describe the program, answer questions and learn about the applicant’s preparation and career goals. Fellowship assignments will be communicated within one month of the interview, and the fellows will be expected to begin the doctoral program the following Fall semester (or Spring semester in particular cases).
Questions about the program or application process can be directed via email to the program director, Sandra Rodriguez Zas (rodrgzzs@illinois.edu)
Funding
This training program is supported by the US Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture National Needs Fellowship Program, the University of Illinois Graduate College, the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, and the Department of Animal Sciences.
