Pigs, Poultry, the Planet and Data-Driven Problem-Solving (nicknamed “P4”) is a Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates summer fellowship program. The P4 program is designed to develop the next generation of data-savvy food animal production professionals, extension associates, and researchers. P4 fellows learn how to apply data-driven analytics and problem-solving to address issues surrounding global intensification of poultry and swine production. The program takes place at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, in partnership with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
P4 fellows will:
- Gain skills in data science, data-driven problem solving, holistic evaluation of food animal production systems, global thinking, and technical communications
- Work on a data-driven research project under the supervision of two faculty mentors
- Visit poultry and swine production facilities in North Carolina to gain hands-on experience
- Travel to China for 2 weeks (expenses paid) to participate in knowledge and cultural exchange with scholars at China Agricultural University and Zhejiang University, and learn about international food animal production systems
- Network with industry professionals in the food animal production and data analytics industries
- Attend a national conference
- Receive a stipend, on-campus housing, and meal allowance
Eligibility: Enrolled undergraduate students of sophomore or junior standing are eligible to apply. Only U.S. citizens are eligible to receive funding, but self-funded non-U.S. citizens are welcome to apply. Interests in food animal production and data science are required; prior experience is not. Some background in statistics (e.g. completion of an introductory statistics course) is preferred, but not required. Students who do not have current passports will be expected to apply for one immediately after receiving notice of acceptance into the program.
Schedule: The program spans 11 weeks and begins the week after Memorial Day. In 2019, the program will occur from May 28 – August 11; the trip to China takes place during the final two weeks of the program.
Compensation: Fellows will receive a $5,280 stipend, $100/week meal allowance ($1,100 total), on-campus housing, travel to China, and financial support to attend a national conference. Financial assistance to support travel to/from home institutions to NC State is available.
Housing: Fellows will stay in the Wolf Village Apartments on NC State’s campus in Raleigh, NC. Each fellow will have his or her own room and shared bathrooms. Fellows will have access to on-campus facilities and resources including the Wolfline Bus system.
Applications are due by 11:59 PM on March 1, 2019. Complete applications include all of the following materials:
- Application form
- Statement of interest (submitted via the application form). The statement of interest should summarize your motivation for applying to the program and career goals (short- and long-term). Limited to 1 page with 12-pt font and 1” margins.
- Resume (submitted via the application form). Limited to 1 page with 12-pt font and 1” margins.
- Contact information for a reference (submitted via the application form). The reference should be a faculty member or professional who knows you through academic and/or professional interactions and can speak to your potential and career ambitions.
Applications that remain incomplete by the deadline may not be reviewed.