Grace Vincent
2023 - 2026 FFAR Fellow
Introduction
The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) is pleased to announce the sixth cohort of graduate students to be accepted to the FFAR Fellows Program.
Grace Vincent is a doctoral student at North Carolina State University and was selected as a FFAR Fellow studying Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Keep reading to learn more about Grace's research and why she applied to be a FFAR Fellow.
About Me
I have always been drawn to problem-solving and the practical applications of mathematics. This interest led me to discover my passion for big data and predictive analytics during my high school engineering courses. I pursued a double major in Computer Science and Mathematics at Fayetteville State University, where I further explored the exciting world of artificial intelligence (AI). My involvement in internships with prestigious institutions like the Department of Homeland Security’s Coastal Resilience Center, the Naval Research Laboratory, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory deepened my interest in climate and environmental-based applications.
Although I am new to agriculture research, I am able to utilize my knowledge and skills from past research projects. What excites me about food and agriculture research is the opportunity to make a positive impact. I am motivated by the need to combat the effects of human impact on the environment and the desire to contribute to sustainable farming practices, innovative technologies, and food security. I am excited to be a part of the Plant Science Initiative at North Carolina State University and look to expand my knowledge in the Plant and Data Science fields as a PhD student under the guidance of Dr. Cranos Williams.
Why the FFAR Fellowship?
My decision to apply to the FFAR Fellows program was driven by my desire to be part of a dynamic community that is dedicated to advancing agricultural research. The program provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds to address complex challenges in agriculture in a multidisciplinary manner. Additionally, participating in the FFAR Fellows program offered exposure and mentorship from industry partners in crop science allows me to explore new avenues in research and gain practical knowledge from experienced professionals.
My Research
My current project focuses on developing an automated system for early detection and mitigation of Southern Leaf Blight (SLB) in maize using deep learning models and hyperspectral field imagery. By analyzing spectral signatures and correlating them with visual inspection scores, the project aims to improve disease detection and severity classification. The expected outcomes include more accurate SLB detection before visible symptoms and the classification of severity across maize genotypes. This innovative approach integrates machine learning with hyperspectral analysis, enabling more efficient and effective disease detection in agriculture.
Within the FFAR's Challenge Areas, this project aligns with the Next Generation of Crops Research, specifically Accelerated Breeding Methodologies. By utilizing machine learning techniques to analyze genomic and phenotypic data, the project contributes to identifying genetic markers associated with disease resistance. The project showcases the potential of data science in enhancing the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of agricultural practices, while addressing the need for early disease detection and improving crop management strategies.
Sponsor
I am honored to have Bayer Global, a leading company in the field of crop sciences, as my industry sponsor. Bayer is widely recognized for its expertise in biotechnology and its commitment to advancing agricultural innovation. Collaborating with Bayer's Crop Sciences biotechnology division allows me to gain insights into their cutting-edge research and practical solutions that contribute to improving crop management, disease resistance, and sustainable agricultural practices.
More About Me
I am a former collegiate athlete, playing softball during undergrad. Because of this I have always been active whether it be running, working out, or playing softball. Despite primarily being focused on technical skills, I take pride in my ability to grow and maintain a vegetable and herb garden. My comfort movies include The Devil Wears Prada, The Lord of The Rings Trilogy, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
To learn more about this year's FFAR Fellows, return to the main page.
For more information on the FFAR Fellows Program please visit the FFAR Fellows website or contact the FFAR Fellows Program Director Rebecca Dunning, at ffarfellows@ncsu.edu
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