Mississippi State University receives grant for AI-enabled solutions in forestry

STARKVILLE, Miss.— Mohammad Marufuzzaman, a Mississippi State University professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and his team have been awarded a $750,000 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to support the development of advanced artificial intelligence solutions aimed at advancing artificial intelligence solutions in forestry product evaluation.

“This grant has been crucial in advancing artificial intelligence applications for forestry and provides opportunities to recruit and train undergraduate students nationwide through meaningful research experiences,” said Haifeng Wang, a Mississippi State University associate professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and co-PI of the project.

The project titled "AI2F: Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates in AI-enabled Industrial Solutions for Forest Products” equips undergraduate students with critical skills and knowledge relevant to the rapidly evolving wood products industry. Over the next five years, the grant will support a dedicated team focused on developing AI-driven solutions that streamline the evaluation of forest products.

Through a series of immersive workshops, the program will bring the grant's goals to life, emphasizing the practical development of AI tools for evaluating forest product quality. These workshops will not only showcase innovative applications of artificial intelligence in forest products but also serve as hands-on learning experiences for students. By working directly with advanced technology, collaborating with industry professionals and accessing state-of-the-art lab resources, participants will gain valuable skills that prepare them to address real-world challenges in the industry.

Undergraduate students participating in the workshops will engage in various projects, including the design and implementation of devices for real-time wood quality assessment and the study of environmental impacts on wood materials. Wang said this experiential learning will prepare students for future careers in forestry, ensuring they are equipped to meet industry demands and challenges.

 “These workshops give students the chance to get hands-on experience and see how AI can make a real difference in forest products,” Wang said. “It’s exciting to watch them connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real challenges in the industry.”

The project will also encourage collaboration with industry stakeholders, allowing students to apply their research in practical settings and contribute to the economic viability and sustainability of forest products industries.

The multi-disciplinary team includes Professor Mohammad Marufuzzaman, Associate Professor Haifeng Wang and Associate Professor Wenmeng Tian, all in MSU’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Team members in the MSU College of Forest Resources include Associate Professor Jason Street and Assistant Extension Professor Kevin Ragon, both in the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, and Assistant Professor Christine Fortuin in the Department of Forestry.