AI-Powered Microscope Project at App State Secures $2.3M Grant to Revolutionize Agriculture
Dr. Zachary Russell, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Appalachian State University, has received a $2.3 million grant from NCInnovation (NCI). The funding has been granted to develop an AI-enhanced microscope. The aim is to identify parasites in livestock quickly and also boost animal health. The tool is also capable of enhancing food safety throughout North Carolina.
Dr Russell added that “This funding will enable us to rapidly bring an incredible AI and robotics-enhanced microscope technology to market, which will let us serve a critical need of one of our state’s largest industries.”
Cutting Costs, Time, and Expertise
The methods used traditionally are said to be very slow and require highly trained professionals. The creation of this microscope using AI and automation helps in advanced image processing, with a reduction in time and cost of diagnostics. This kind of innovation is timely and necessary because fecal parasites cause a claimed 20% loss in livestock production, and such losses are further exacerbated by calamities like Hurricane Helene.
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Economic and Educational Impact
App State Chancellor Heather Norris emphasized the broader usage of such an invention, where he said: “This investment recognizes the power of App State's applied research to deliver innovative solutions with a focus on real-world impact.”
The larger aim of the project is to have a corporation in Western North Carolina manufacture and service the microscopes, which would also create jobs and cater to more local industries. The grant is expected to help a postdoctoral researcher, a research scientist, and five student researchers.
Expanding Innovation Through Collaboration
The project also collaborates with the Pet Care Clinic of the High Country, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. The involvement of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) is also observed, which would allow App State to run a summer innovation program in partnership.
