Chyi-lyi “Kathleen” Liang, Ph.D., W.K. Kellogg Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, is one of two N.C. A&T 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.

Liang is the director of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), a partnership wit N.C. State University and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that promotes sustainable, economically sound farming systems. She said she is excited to explore updating and upgrading the sensors, tracking and communications systems using AI that can be used by farmers. 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 farming operations, but also to enhance training, research and communications when working with farmers,” she said. “I am very excited to represent N.C. A&T and to join this esteemed group. I never had any connection with the CAA organization, so this is great to learn more about it and to get to know more people doing good work.”

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

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.

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