Agronomist | Data Scientist | Founder

Bridging Biology and Software

Agronomist, Data Scientist, and Founder of Dakota AI. I build full-stack solutions that bridge the gap between biological data and actionable software.

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About Me

I am an Agronomist turned Data Scientist with a passion for plant systems. Whether I'm analyzing sunflower canopy cover with drones, training ML models to detect sugarbeet disease, or building web resources for bonsai care, my goal is the same: using technology to understand and improve plant life.

5+

Years Experience

Part 107

Remote Pilot

Education

Expected Spring 2026

MS in Data Science

North Dakota State University

Key Modules: Applied AI, Fundamentals of Data Engineering, Cloud Computing.

Master of Science

MS in Plant Science

North Dakota State University

Thesis: Importance of plant spacing heterogeneity in sunflower performance and phenotyping using remote sensing.

Bachelor of Science

Crop and Weed Science, Agronomy

North Dakota State University

Summa Cum Laude | Minors in Botany and Biological Science.

Experience

Jan 2024 – Present

Founder & Lead Data Scientist

Dakota AI LLC

Full-Stack Development: Deployed commercial web solutions for small businesses (FonicTonic LLC) and internal projects.
Domain Integration: Built SaveMyBonsai.com, leveraging background in Botany and biological sciences to create technical educational content.

05/2022 – 12/2023

Production Agronomist

Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative

Led sugar beet variety trials, coordinated disease nurseries, and managed a team to improve yield and disease resistance.

05/2019 – 05/2022

Graduate Research Assistant

USDA/NDSU

Researched sunflower plant spacing using UAS for canopy closure measurement. Presented findings at conferences.

Skills & Certifications

📊

Data Science & Engineering

  • Python (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-Learn)
  • Deep Learning (PyTorch, Keras)
  • R (Statistical Computing)
  • SQL & Cloud Computing
🛰️

Geospatial & Remote Sensing

  • ArcGIS Pro & QGIS
  • Agisoft Metashape & Pix4D
  • UAS Flight Operations
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot
🚀

Deployment & Web

  • Full-Stack Development
  • DNS & Hosting Management
  • UI/UX Design
  • Business & Client Relations
🌱

Agronomy & Research

  • Experimental Design (RCBD)
  • High-Throughput Phenotyping
  • Official Variety Trials (OVT)
  • SAS (GLM/MIXED Procedures)

Certifications

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot

Data Science & AI

Research, Computer Vision, and Predictive Modeling

High-Throughput Phenotyping & Yield Prediction

The Problem: Determining if non-uniform plant spacing (skips/doubles) negatively affects yield and how to measure it efficiently.

The Tech Stack: UAV (MicaSense RedEdge MX), ArcGIS Pro, ImageJ, SAS.

The Work: Processed drone imagery to calculate canopy coverage using EVCI (Enhanced Vegetation Coloration Index) and stitched images to remove background noise for yield analysis.

Scientific Research Remote Sensing UAS
View Publication

Automated Sunflower Bloom Stage Detection

The Problem: Manual bloom staging is labor-intensive and prone to error.

The Tech Stack: Python, PyTorch/Keras, OpenCV, Computer Vision.

The Work: Developed a computer vision model to recognize different growth stages in a nursery setting, increasing data accuracy for breeding programs.

Computer Vision Deep Learning Automation

Predictive Disease Modeling for Root Rot

The Tech Stack: Statistical Modeling, Machine Learning (Scikit-Learn).

The Work: Analyzed 20 years of historical agricultural data to extract insights, demonstrating the ability to handle longitudinal datasets and perform complex data cleaning.

Predictive Modeling Data Analysis Scikit-Learn

Web Development & Deployment

Commercial Applications and Digital Platforms

Dakota AI

My Consulting Firm. A specialized consultancy bringing artificial intelligence and data solutions to the agricultural sector in the Northern Plains.

Proves business viability, client acquisition, and full-lifecycle project delivery.

Data Consultancy Full-Stack Deployment AI Solutions
Visit DakotaAI.us

FonicTonic

Commercial Platform for Music Theory. Client delivery for FonicTonic LLC. Focused on user experience (UX) to showcase services and drive client conversion.

Client Delivery Requirement Gathering UX Design
Visit FonicTonic.com

Save My Bonsai

Educational Horticulture Platform. My first foray into full-stack web development. I combined my academic background in Botany (NDSU) with web technologies to create a resource for bonsai enthusiasts.

"Bridging the gap between plant physiology and digital education."

Passion Project Botany Full-Stack
Visit SaveMyBonsai.com

Let's Grow Together

Interested in collaborating or just want to say hi?

Get In Touch