The research area is a new transdisciplinary field of research that is a critical interface between plant biology, engineering, and data sciences. This research experience will encompass sensor development, different proximal and remote sensing technologies, data processing, and data analysis associated with agricultural applications. Some of the skills developed in this research experience (image processing, data processing, genomics/phenomics, machine learning, etc.) are relevant to medical and other biological applications.

Crop phenomics is a new transdisciplinary field of research that is a critical interface between plant biology, engineering, and data sciences. Phenomics data refers to sensory data acquired from high-throughput sensing/automation equipment that is associated with crop phenotypes/traits. Crop phenotyping is a complex process as the plant phenotype results from interactions between the genetic framework, dynamically changing environment, and complex plant physiology. In recent years, phenomics technologies have challenged traditional crop phenotyping approaches, especially for efforts toward crop improvement. The strong motivation for this project comes from the need to develop a unique interdisciplinary skillset and promote genuine interest among undergraduate students in this field of research for phenomics data-driven discoveries for impact on global food security. In this project, our diverse team of eight faculty mentors, actively pursuing research in topics associated with phenomics big data management research such as the development of automated sensing/image processing tools, phenomics data-based visualization, and phenomics data-based variety development will provide educational and outreach benefits to traditional and underrepresented undergraduate students by providing an immersive research experience for about 9 weeks. The six major objectives defined in this project are to: (1) create a cohort-wide program offering transdisciplinary educational opportunities, (2) develop technical and research expertise, (3) develop professional and communication skills, and encourage graduate education, (4) promote networking and socialization, (5) promote diversity and broaden participation, and (6) proactively engage in project evaluation.

In addition to research experience, activities include: 

• Breeding, Genomics, and Phenomics Boot Camp 
• Field Trips
• Field Day 
• Professional Development Workshops
• WSU Summer Research Symposium 
• Graduate Education Seminar
• Internship Sites at Pullman and Wenatchee, WA