Nitin Rai, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Wimauma, Fl, Us

Wimauma, Florida, United States

Working on developing AI-based smart spray technology for target fungicide application in collaboration with an AgTech startup, EZ Ag. Innovations. ∼ USDA-NIFA funded SBIR/STTR (Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer) Program.

Fargo, North Dakota, United States

• Research (75%) & Teaching (25%). • Working on processing drone data for nutrient management and yield estimation in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and canola (Brassica napus) crops.• Collaborating with a plant pathologist to work on soybean (Glycine max L.) disease identification using ground and aerial robots.• Developing deep learning algorithms to quantify multiple disease in corn (Zea mays L.) crop using open-access datasets.• Managing NDSU-UAS network aimed to achieve… Show more • Research (75%) & Teaching (25%). • Working on processing drone data for nutrient management and yield estimation in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and canola (Brassica napus) crops.• Collaborating with a plant pathologist to work on soybean (Glycine max L.) disease identification using ground and aerial robots.• Developing deep learning algorithms to quantify multiple disease in corn (Zea mays L.) crop using open-access datasets.• Managing NDSU-UAS network aimed to achieve successful research collaboration of several faculties across NDSU.• Assisting as a Co-PI in grant writings. • Presenting research findings to scientific and extension communities.• Teaching an undergraduate-level course titled, Electronic Systems in Precision Ag. (PAG 315) in Spring 2024, (2-lectures + 1-lab)/week. Show less

Fargo, North Dakota, United States

• Conducted multiple labs for the courses titled, Introduction to Precision agriculture (PAG 115L), Mapping of Precision Ag. Data (PAG 215), and Electronic Systems in Precision Agriculture (PAG 315) for over 45 undergraduate students.

Fargo, North Dakota, United States

• Tasked to work on a USDA-funded goal of identifying weeds amongst crop plants in aerial images using deep learning techniques.• Conducted drone flights across three locations in the state of North Dakota (ND) to acquire in-field aerial images of seven weed species.• Published a paper and presented SpotWeeds dataset that comprises of over 30,000+ aerial images for deep learning-based weed identification.• Built an annotated weed dataset repository based on several formats… Show more • Tasked to work on a USDA-funded goal of identifying weeds amongst crop plants in aerial images using deep learning techniques.• Conducted drone flights across three locations in the state of North Dakota (ND) to acquire in-field aerial images of seven weed species.• Published a paper and presented SpotWeeds dataset that comprises of over 30,000+ aerial images for deep learning-based weed identification.• Built an annotated weed dataset repository based on several formats including, PASCALVOC, IMAGENET, and COCO.• Implemented object detection architectures on resource constrained edge device for near real-time weed identification task.• Gained familiarity with several deep learning frameworks including DarkNet, Keras, and TensorFlow.• Amplified theoretical understanding of deep learning neural networks and representation learning from input images.• Gained experience working on resource constrained edge platforms with Linux-based environment such as, Jetson boards and Raspberry Pi modules.• Integrated novel PyTorch-based modules in single-stage object detection architectures to improve weed detection accuracy.• Performed model optimization using pruning and quantization techniques.• Developed codes in RStudio (using ggplot2) for data visualization.• Streamlined Python scripts with ArcGIS Pro to leverage transfer learning for sunflower stand count. Show less

Kharagpur, West Bengal, India

• Worked on thesis titled, "Development of a portable soil dryer for estimating soil hydraulic properties"• Finished 30 credits for the research• Earned an excellent grade (Ex) for my Masters Thesis work

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Agricultural And Biosystems Engineering | Focus: Digital Ag. For Site-Specific Applications, 3.63/4.00

Activities and Societies: • Former President of ABEN Graduate Students Association • Member of the American Society of Agricultural.

Master'S Student, Agricultural Engineering • Specialization: Agricultural Systems Management, 8.08/10.00

Activities and Societies: Member of Agricultural Engineering Society of India My thesis was on the "Development of a controlled soil dryer.

Bachelor'S Student, Agricultural Engineering, 9.51/10.00

My bachelor's thesis was based on the topic titled, "Feasibility study of gravity drip irrigation for small-scale farmers."