Professor Tapped to Participate in AI Technologies Champion Network

February 26, 2026

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Cooperative Extension, Research

A woman gestures while speaking to a group in a field, with rows of leafy greens in front of her. The audience, mostly wearing hats, stands attentively in the background.

Kathleen Liang leads a training session at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. Liang’ proposed project to train farmers in AI’s use was selected by the CAA Academic Alliance for funding.

A woman with long black hair and glasses smiles, wearing a blue blazer and light gray blouse, against a neutral background.

Chyi-lyi “Kathleen” Liang, Ph.D.

Chyi-lyi “Kathleen” Liang, Ph.D., W.K. Kellogg Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, is one of two representatives participating in the inaugural cohort of the AI Technologies Champion Network organized by the CAA Academic Alliance.

Liang, along with Yimesker Yihun, Ph.D., Ford Motor Company Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering, were selected from nearly 400 applicants submitted by the Alliance’s 13 collegiate members.

The network recognizes and connects faculty and staff who creatively and responsibly integrate artificial intelligence technologies with teaching, research, student success, leadership development and institutional effectiveness.

Bringing together the 22-member cohort and their combined expertise will help Alliance institutions accomplish more, and much more rapidly, to build a community of AI technology champions, according to CAA’s website. These inter-institutional teams could apply for grants and other funding for their projects.

Liang, director of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), said she is excited to explore updating and upgrading the AI equipment, such as sensors, tracking and communications systems, that farmers can use to collect information on their farms. The equipment will also allow researchers like Liang to study agricultural methods and train farmers to use AI in their work.

CEFS conducts research and demonstration projects at the Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro, which includes farm animals, crops and specialty fruit and vegetables on a small scale.

“What I propose to do is integrate artificial intelligence into the farming operations, but also to enhance the training, research and communication purposes when working with the farmers,” she said.

“I never had any connection with the CAA organization, so it’s great to learn more about it, their mission, their activities and to get to know more people doing good work,” Liang said.

The CAA Academic Alliance was formed in 2002 to academically link the higher education institutions of the CAA (Coastal Athletic Association) conference.

“N.C. A&T is committed to leading the charge in AI innovation and education nationwide,” Catherine Edmonds, interim provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, said when announcing the selection of Liang and Yihun as the university’s cohort members.

The 2025-26 cohort will meet in person at the S2EARCH26 conference at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington in June.

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