Digital Agriculture Fellowship Summer Research

Program Overview

Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Agriculture (AI4SA) is a multi-institutional and interdisciplinary research project based out of UC Riverside. Partner institutions include the University of Arizona, Duke University, University of Georgia, and Kansas State University. The project is funded by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

For thousands of years, the Colorado River and Salinas River have supplied surrounding regions with access to fresh water for growing crops. Climate change is threatening current and future access to these waters, with crop stressors (e.g., salinity, drought, pests) expected to require additional resources to protect crops and profits. It is the goal of the research and work being done throughout this project to provide actionable knowledge and tangible tools to improve sustainable management of these agricultural regions in the Western U.S.

Digital Agriculture Fellowship

A key part of this project is the Digital Agriculture Fellowship. This 3 month fellowship provides an enriching experience combining research, professional development, and industry opportunities in digital agriculture. The fellowship begins with participation in the 2026 RISE Summer Program (June 22 to August 28, 2026). Fellows will have the opportunity to:

Participate in the 2026 RISE Summer Program, which includes intensive research experiences, professional development workshops, and team-building activities.
Engage in research with Faculty Mentor's Lab (see Faculty bios and project descriptions)
Receive a $5000 stipend (Please Note: Housing is NOT included)

Outcome

A major purpose of the Fellowship Program is to revitalize interest in pursuing agriculture as a career, by providing students with the experience and guidance necessary for entering the U.S. agricultural workforce. Throughout the Fellowship Program, students will be given networking opportunities, hands-on research experience, and mentorship from the scientists of the AI4SA project.

Eligibility

Current undergraduate students from UCR or partnering institutions
Minimum GPA of 3.0, evaluated after Fall 2025 grades post
Research Areas include: Data Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Sciences, and/or Engineering (focus on environmental, agricultural, and sustainability)
UCR Majors may include: Computer Science, Data Science, Earth Science, Entomology, Environmental Science, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geophysics, Mathematics, Plant Biology, Statistics
Eligible applicants must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors in their undergraduate studies. Seniors can apply if they will remain enrolled at UCR through Fall 2026
Eligible applicants must be able to work up to 40 hours/week and must be available Monday through Friday from 8 AM - 5 PM (some evening/weekend hours at the discretion of your Faculty Mentor)
Must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Resident per USDA grant guidelines

DAF APPLICATION FOR UCR STUDENTS

Summer Research Opportunity for Community College Students & Partnering Institutions

The Digital Agricultural Fellowship (DAF) is excited to offer community college students and undergraduates from our partnering institutions—Duke University, Kansas State University, University of Georgia, and the University of Arizona—an opportunity to participate in the 2026 RISE Summer Program at UC Riverside. This program provides a unique, hands-on research experience in the rapidly evolving fields of agronomy, artificial intelligence, and environmental science, offering exposure to cutting-edge Digital Agriculture research led by UC Riverside faculty.

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled at a community college or one of our partnering institutions (Duke University, Kansas State University, or the University of Arizona)
Minimum GPA of 3.0, evaluated after Fall 2025 grades post
Research Areas include: Data Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Sciences, and/or Engineering (focus on environmental, agricultural, and sustainability)
UCR Majors may include: Computer Science, Data Science, Earth Science, Entomology, Environmental Science, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geophysics, Mathematics, Plant Biology, Statistics
Eligible applicants must be able to work up to 40 hours/week and must be available Monday through Friday from 8 AM - 5 PM (some evening/weekend hours at the discretion of your Faculty Mentor)
Must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Resident per USDA grant guidelines

DAF aPPLICATION FOR Non-UCR Students

For more information, please email: noelgras@ucr.edu or visit https://ai4sa.ucr.edu/