Application - GRAD-AID for Ag

GRAD-AID for Ag: Graduate Training in Translational Convergent Research

The GRAD-AID for Ag program is an interdisciplinary graduate training initiative focused on addressing the global challenges of climate change and food security through innovations in sustainable agriculture. The program brings together students from diverse fields—basic plant biology, applied plant biology, and artificial intelligence (AI)—to develop data-driven solutions that accelerate the transition from lab discoveries to real-world agricultural applications.

Eligibility:

Open to prospective Ph.D.* students and current Ph.D. students in their 1st–3rd year.
Must commit to a three-week bridge program during Jul 28–Aug 15, 2025 (stipend provided).

*Must have an application submitted to NC State Graduate School for the upcoming Fall semester.

For more information, visit our website: units.cals.ncsu.edu/grad-aid-for-ag-nrt/

Application deadline: January 17, 2025
Notifications: April 2025

Personal Information

Your Name(Required)

First Last

Your Email Address(Required)

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Are you a US Citizen?(Required)

Not a prerequisite; non-US citizens are eligible.

Yes

No

Other

Academic Information

What is your primary field of study?(Required)

Basic Plant Science: Focuses on understanding the fundamental processes and mechanisms of plant biology, often conducted in controlled environments like laboratories or greenhouses.

Applied Plant Science: Translates fundamental discoveries from basic plant science into real-world agricultural applications, aiming to solve practical challenges in crop production, such as improving drought tolerance or pest resistance.

Data Science/AI/ML: Encompasses data-driven and computational approaches, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to analyze and model complex data sets.

Unsure

Other

If "other," please specify:(Required)

What is your current academic status?(Required)

Prospective Ph.D. Student

Current Ph.D. Student

Indicate the Ph.D. program(s) to which you have applied and the faculty you are interested in working with.(Required)

Please list your college, department, academic advisor, and degree year.(Required)

Short Essay Questions

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?(Required)

What do you hope to achieve through this program and how will it help you reach your long-term career goals?(Required)

Perseverance, passion, determination, and resilience are traits that can help students be successful in graduate school and beyond. Describe a personal or academic challenge in your life that helped you to develop one or more of these traits.(Required)