Summer Graduate Bridge Program

This 3-week required summer program takes on a pivotal role in equipping incoming trainees with a multifaceted foundation, combining data science, agriculture and lab bench skills.

WEEK ONE: On-farm Experience in Eastern NC

Jul 28 – Aug 1

During this week, students will be housed at the Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft in Columbia, North Carolina, which will enable them to travel throughout the week and visit 10-12 farms to gain insight into the challenges and needs of growers. They will begin working with growers to explore if and how AI might be used to address some of those challenges.

WEEK TWO: Industry Visitations Experience

Aug 4 – 8

Students will tour nearby partner Ag biotech and analytics companies such as Novozymes, Bayer, Inari, Envu, Raleigh Bioscience, Pairwise Plants, Microsoft, SAS and IBM. They will also visit the 2,245-acre Cherry Research Station, which is primarily focused on sustainable agriculture and is affiliated with the NC State Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS).

WEEK THREE: Camp Converge

Aug 10 – 14

The 3rd week of the bridge program will consist of two mini-courses co-taught by trainer and director of the Integrative Microbial and Plant Systems Research Experience for Undergraduates (IMPS REU), Dr. Imara Perera, alongside Dr. Dani Jones, trainer and director of the Ag Data Science Certificate program, and other instructors.