To broaden and develop our teams’ collaborative skills while offering visiting students the chance to expand their scientific networks and gain cultural experiences, BRT encourages students to join our team for internship opportunities. These internships aim to facilitate idea exchange, foster professional growth, and create opportunities for collaboration. Meet the new intern joining our team from the United States, Mihir Gandhi!    

 

 

Hello! My name is Mihir Gandhi, and I hail from Dallas, Texas, USA. I'm a sophomore studying for my bachelor’s in computer science at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, USA. Ever since I was young, I was fascinated by the possibilities of technology to address tangible problems, and in my academic journey, I've developed special interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and how it can transform businesses across the globe.  

 

I learned about all sorts of computer science in my first year of college, from software engineering to algorithms and data structures. The thing that struck me most was learning about how AI and machine learning platforms can recognize patterns, make predictions, and assist in decision-making across so many fields. This piqued my curiosity about how AI could be applied beyond standard tech environments, particularly in fields like agriculture, health, and environmental science.  

 

This summer, I am excited to be a member of the BioResources & Technology Division (BRT) as an intern, contributing to projects related to AI-based crop identification and agricultural data analytics. I am drawn to this because it combines cutting-edge technology with practical usability. AI has the potential to make a huge impact by enabling farmers to take fact-based decisions, detect diseases in their crops before they become too serious, and optimize yields — making farming more sustainable and efficient.  

 

Throughout my internship, I’ll be assisting in the development and testing of AI models that identify different types of crops based on image data. This involves working with datasets, training machine learning algorithms, and evaluating model accuracy and performance. I’m eager to apply the skills I’ve learned in the classroom while gaining hands-on experience in data analysis, model tuning, and collaborative research. I’m also interested in understanding the unique challenges of AI in agriculture, such as dealing with environmental variability, incomplete data, and ensuring models are fair and reliable.  

 

Apart from studies, I enjoy reading and watching F1. A big interest of mine is Formula 1 racing, a sport that mixes high-speed engineering, strategy, and global culture. What I like best about F1 is how it 3 consistently pushes innovation and precision boundaries, values that I find interesting both in racing and tech.  

 

Back in Dallas, I've always loved the diversity and friendliness of my neighborhood, from being able to navigate without a car to being able to remain active outdoors. At George Mason, I continue to be involved in coding projects, student groups, and campus events. Being part of a thriving academic community has encouraged me to seek opportunities like this internship where I can apply computer science knowledge to solve problems from across disciplines.  

 

Primarily, I am excited to be part of this team because the work is collaborative. The assignment is not just developing AI models but also discovering how such tools can be applied to revolutionize farming activities and farmers' and communities' lives. I enjoy the experience of learning from people with different fields of specialization and debating ethical AI, sustainability, and food security. I look forward to learning, meeting new people, and accomplishing something valuable this summer! 

 

 

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