Skip to main content

Alex Brown

AB
Alex Brown

PhD Student

Biological and Agricultural Engineering, NC State University

Bio

Advisor and Program

Dr. Daniela Jones
Biological and Agricultural Engineering, NC State University

About

I am entering my first year as a Ph.D. student in the IDEALS Lab at North Carolina State University. Throughout my studies, I aim to expand my expertise in optimizing in-field production and grading decisions for sweet potatoes to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency under variable climate conditions. I am particularly motivated to apply machine learning approaches to assess agricultural waste streams and evaluate how repurposing these materials can enhance sustainability within agricultural systems.

Research Interests

My passion for sustainable agriculture and systems thinking drives my work at the intersection of technology and food production. As a Global Change Research Fellow, I aim to leverage machine learning, geospatial analytics, and bioeconomy frameworks to address climate adaptation challenges in agricultural systems. I focus on developing decision-support tools that translate environmental and operational data into actionable strategies for growers and industry stakeholders. Through collaboration with producers, packing facilities, and interdisciplinary teams, I ensure my work directly supports climate-resilient practices and reduces waste throughout the supply chain while enhancing both environmental sustainability and economic resilience.