{"id":23645,"date":"2025-04-24T12:43:45","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T16:43:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/?p=23645"},"modified":"2025-05-02T19:08:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T23:08:29","slug":"center-faculty-fellows-navigate-ai-at-the-2025-university-research-symposium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/news\/2025\/04\/24\/center-faculty-fellows-navigate-ai-at-the-2025-university-research-symposium\/","title":{"rendered":"Center Faculty Fellows Navigate AI at the 2025 University Research Symposium"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

The Artificial Intelligence revolution is upon us \u2014 or so many agreed at the 2025 University Research Symposium: Research With AI: Navigating A New Age<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Held at the innovative Hunt Library, the event drew a record number of attendees in the history of the research symposiums. Over 200 faculty attendees filled the seats to learn about how their fellow researchers are currently using AI \u2014 and explore its evolving potential and applications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe purpose of this forum is to foster connections among researchers and scholars,\u201d said Sofia Col\u00f3n of the Office of Research and Innovation<\/a> and lead organizer of the event. \u201cThe goal is to have attendees forge new partnerships and help shape the future of research at our university.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/a>
Faculty researchers across disciplines filled the seats at the Hunt Library for the 2025 Research Symposium.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Below is a summary of some of the faculty research presented during the symposium, highlighting different ways AI is being used across disciplines at NC State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Full slide decks and more info are available on the 2025 University Research Symposium website<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

AI for Predictive Modeling<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The keynote speaker, Terri A. Long, opened the symposium by demonstrating how AI is transforming research in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Long, a professor in the Department of Plant and Microbiology<\/a>, discussed how CALS researchers are using dynamic modeling to understand how RNA molecules in plant roots respond to iron deficiency. Analyzing data on decay rates through AI predictive modeling, researchers are exploring gene expression patterns and how to engineer plants to better adapt to low-iron conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jorge Piedrahita of the College of Veterinary Medicine<\/a> also illustrated how AI algorithmic modeling can be used to identify key proteins for restoring animal gut function. Kevin Flores, in the Department of Mathematics and director of the Biomathematics Graduate Program<\/a>, demonstrated how medical data can be integrated to create mathematical models and enhance understanding of biological processes, such as cell motility and tumor growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AI as a Skilled Pair of Eyes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Daniela Jones, Center for Geospatial Analytics faculty fellow an assistant professor in the\u00a0Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a>, presented the use of AI with image sensors to improve how to measure harvest yields of sweetpotatoes. North Carolina leads in sweetpotato production, a crop that generated $324 million in 2019. One challenge growers face is that sweetpotatoes grow underground, making it difficult to create yield maps to aid in making profit projections. When AI scanners are positioned over conveyor belts or bins placed on harvesting trucks, they can accurately count harvest yields, helping growers plan storage and fulfill orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An assistant professor in the\u00a0Department of Textile and Apparel Technology and Management<\/a>, Zahra Saki, described using AI spectroscopy and thermal measurements to identify and classify textile waste to help make recycling processes more efficient. Raju Vatsavai, a professor in the\u00a0Department of Computer Science<\/a>\u00a0and the Geospatial Analytics cluster<\/a>, explained how drones can collect data for real-time AI analytics to monitor and assess crop yields, aiding in resource management and agricultural planning. Paul Fyfe, an associate professor in the\u00a0Department of English<\/a>, showed how AI can be used to create a searchable, visual archive of 19th-century newspaper illustrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Collaborative Tool for Faculty and Students<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the \u201cCollaboration and Ethics in AI\u201d panel, Darby Orcutt, director of interdisciplinary partnerships at NC State University Libraries<\/a>, suggested thinking of AI as a collaborator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, Kristi Cole from the English Department<\/a> emphasized the concept of treating AI as a partner in student assignments. In the face of widespread concern about students\u2019 over-reliance on AI, Cole suggested assigning projects that require students to reflect on AI as a collaborative tool \u2014 an opportunity to develop stronger information literacy and research skills.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symposium also operated as an exploratory space for learning and sharing. Participants were invited to collaborate with AI in their work and research. Research librarians from the Hunt Library<\/a> led a hands-on workshop for attendees to explore various AI platforms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, Paul Liu of\u00a0Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences<\/a>\u00a0and the Center’s newest faculty fellow, invited participants to learn how to design discipline-centric language models during a\u00a0two-day training<\/a>\u00a0on campus on May 5-8, offered by the\u00a0Data Science and AI Academy<\/a>. (The May 1-2 session is full.)\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In navigating the new age of AI, the 2025 Research Symposium laid important groundwork: By embracing this technology thoughtfully and proactively, NC State stands at the forefront of the AI revolution, shaping its trajectory of innovation and addressing complex challenges across disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article was\u00a0originally published<\/a>\u00a0in NC State News.<\/em>
<\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"\n\n\n\n\n

The Artificial Intelligence revolution is upon us \u2014 or so many agreed at the 2025 University Research Symposium: Research With AI: Navigating A New Age<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Held at the innovative Hunt Library, the event drew a record number of attendees in the history of the research symposiums. Over 200 faculty attendees filled the seats to learn about how their fellow researchers are currently using AI \u2014 and explore its evolving potential and applications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe purpose of this forum is to foster connections among researchers and scholars,\u201d said Sofia Col\u00f3n of the Office of Research and Innovation<\/a> and lead organizer of the event. \u201cThe goal is to have attendees forge new partnerships and help shape the future of research at our university.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/a>
Faculty researchers across disciplines filled the seats at the Hunt Library for the 2025 Research Symposium.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Below is a summary of some of the faculty research presented during the symposium, highlighting different ways AI is being used across disciplines at NC State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Full slide decks and more info are available on the 2025 University Research Symposium website<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

AI for Predictive Modeling<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The keynote speaker, Terri A. Long, opened the symposium by demonstrating how AI is transforming research in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Long, a professor in the Department of Plant and Microbiology<\/a>, discussed how CALS researchers are using dynamic modeling to understand how RNA molecules in plant roots respond to iron deficiency. Analyzing data on decay rates through AI predictive modeling, researchers are exploring gene expression patterns and how to engineer plants to better adapt to low-iron conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jorge Piedrahita of the College of Veterinary Medicine<\/a> also illustrated how AI algorithmic modeling can be used to identify key proteins for restoring animal gut function. Kevin Flores, in the Department of Mathematics and director of the Biomathematics Graduate Program<\/a>, demonstrated how medical data can be integrated to create mathematical models and enhance understanding of biological processes, such as cell motility and tumor growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AI as a Skilled Pair of Eyes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Daniela Jones, Center for Geospatial Analytics faculty fellow an assistant professor in the\u00a0Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a>, presented the use of AI with image sensors to improve how to measure harvest yields of sweetpotatoes. North Carolina leads in sweetpotato production, a crop that generated $324 million in 2019. One challenge growers face is that sweetpotatoes grow underground, making it difficult to create yield maps to aid in making profit projections. When AI scanners are positioned over conveyor belts or bins placed on harvesting trucks, they can accurately count harvest yields, helping growers plan storage and fulfill orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An assistant professor in the\u00a0Department of Textile and Apparel Technology and Management<\/a>, Zahra Saki, described using AI spectroscopy and thermal measurements to identify and classify textile waste to help make recycling processes more efficient. Raju Vatsavai, a professor in the\u00a0Department of Computer Science<\/a>\u00a0and the Geospatial Analytics cluster<\/a>, explained how drones can collect data for real-time AI analytics to monitor and assess crop yields, aiding in resource management and agricultural planning. Paul Fyfe, an associate professor in the\u00a0Department of English<\/a>, showed how AI can be used to create a searchable, visual archive of 19th-century newspaper illustrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Collaborative Tool for Faculty and Students<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the \u201cCollaboration and Ethics in AI\u201d panel, Darby Orcutt, director of interdisciplinary partnerships at NC State University Libraries<\/a>, suggested thinking of AI as a collaborator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, Kristi Cole from the English Department<\/a> emphasized the concept of treating AI as a partner in student assignments. In the face of widespread concern about students\u2019 over-reliance on AI, Cole suggested assigning projects that require students to reflect on AI as a collaborative tool \u2014 an opportunity to develop stronger information literacy and research skills.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symposium also operated as an exploratory space for learning and sharing. Participants were invited to collaborate with AI in their work and research. Research librarians from the Hunt Library<\/a> led a hands-on workshop for attendees to explore various AI platforms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, Paul Liu of\u00a0Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences<\/a>\u00a0and the Center's newest faculty fellow, invited participants to learn how to design discipline-centric language models during a\u00a0two-day training<\/a>\u00a0on campus on May 5-8, offered by the\u00a0Data Science and AI Academy<\/a>. (The May 1-2 session is full.)\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In navigating the new age of AI, the 2025 Research Symposium laid important groundwork: By embracing this technology thoughtfully and proactively, NC State stands at the forefront of the AI revolution, shaping its trajectory of innovation and addressing complex challenges across disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article was\u00a0originally published<\/a>\u00a0in NC State News.<\/em>
<\/p>\n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Three Center fellows – Daniela Jones, Raju Vatsavai, and Paul Liu – shared how they use AI in their research to the largest audience in the history of on-campus research symposia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":152,"featured_media":23646,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"caption\":\"Daniela Jones, CGA Faculty Fellow and Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, discussed using AI to improve the planning and management of sweetpotato production.\",\"displayCategoryID\":7,\"showAuthor\":false,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23645","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-faculty-and-staff"],"displayCategory":{"term_id":7,"name":"Faculty and Staff","slug":"faculty-and-staff","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":7,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":96,"filter":"raw"},"acf":{"ncst_posts_meta_modified_date":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23645","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/152"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23645"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23645\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23682,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23645\/revisions\/23682"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23646"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23645"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23645"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/geospatial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23645"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}