PhD and MS Graduate Opportunities in Digital Agriculture, Precision Farming, AI, Robotics, and Computer Vision at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in United States

Graduate opportunities are open in the Camiletti Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for PhD and MS students interested in digital agriculture, precision farming, machine learning, AI, computer vision, robotics, remote sensing, and digital twins.

The post highlights interdisciplinary research at the intersection of agricultural engineering, plant pathology, data science, and crop disease management. A specific project in the Smart Plant Pathology Lab focuses on remote sensing and digital agriculture for detection and management of soybean diseases, including red crown rot and other soilborne pathogens. The work combines satellite imagery, drone/UAV data, multispectral and hyperspectral analysis, machine learning, GIS, and field trials to build decision-support tools for farmers.

Principal investigators listed are Dr. Boris X. Camiletti (Assistant Professor, Department of Crop Sciences) and Dr. Nicolas Martin (Associate Professor, Department of Crop Sciences). The lab seeks motivated students with a strong interest in digital agriculture and crop disease management. A master’s degree is preferred for the specific PhD opening, with backgrounds such as Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Data Science, or Agricultural Engineering especially relevant.

Funding information includes a competitive stipend and a full tuition waiver. The application deadline is 2026-05-01, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants should prepare a cover letter, CV, and three references, and submit materials through the university website while highlighting Dr. Camiletti’s name.

This is a strong fit for students seeking research training in smart agriculture, crop sensing, AI-driven field analytics, and technology-enabled plant health solutions.