Over 20 educators will attend the AgTech Workshop at UC Davis Sept. 11–12 to explore AI, robotics, drones, and IoT

DAVIS, CA - September 10, 2025

More than 20 high school and community college instructors from across the Western U.S. will gather this week for the AgTech Workshop for Educators, a two-day professional development program designed to help teachers integrate cutting-edge agricultural technologies into their classrooms.

Organized by the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS) and sponsored by Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (Western SARE), the workshop takes place Sept. 11–12 on the University of California, Davis campus — an international leader in agricultural science and engineering.

The program equips educators to introduce STEM students to real-world agricultural and environmental applications, and to connect students in agricultural programs with emerging technologies, opening the door to new career pathways.

Led by Dr. Ali Moghimi, Assistant Professor of Teaching in Biological and Agricultural Engineering at UC Davis, the workshop includes both classroom instruction and hands-on activities. Teachers will work in university classrooms, computer labs, and test fields to gain practical experience with tools and concepts shaping the future of agriculture.

“At UC Davis, we are committed to preparing the next generation of educators and students to engage with the technologies transforming agriculture,” said Dr. Moghimi. “Through this workshop, we’re equipping teachers and instructors with hands-on experience in AI, robotics, drones, and IoT to help them develop curriculum that connects innovative teaching to innovation in the field.”

Training Trainers to Reach More Students

This year’s workshop also marks the launch of a new Train-the-Trainer program. Six instructors, from Pullman, WA; San Marcos, CA; and California’s Central Valley, will shadow the event in preparation for launching similar workshops in their own regions.

“AI-related technologies are transforming agriculture. K–12 schools and community colleges are key to developing a workforce ready to use these technologies,” said AIFS Associate Director Steve Brown. “By expanding the AgTech Workshop, we’re connecting even more teachers with timely training from experts at the forefront of agricultural innovation.”

With high school teachers often reaching 100 students per year, the expansion of the workshop to three new regions could extend AgTech learning opportunities to more than 4,500 students annually.

Building on Success

This is the second AgTech Workshop led by Dr. Moghimi at UC Davis. In 2024, AIFS, Western SARE, and Dr. Moghimi partnered to host the inaugural AgTech Workshop for Educators, as well as the first AgTech Workshop for Industry. The next industry workshop is scheduled for November 2025.

Instructors

• Ali Moghimi, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of Teaching, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, UC Davis
• Stavros Vougioukas, Ph.D. – Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, UC Davis
• Sean Hogan, Ph.D. – IGIS Academic Coordinator II, Informatics and GIS (IGIS) Statewide Program, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Andrew Lyons, Ph.D. – Program Coordinator, Informatics and GIS (IGIS) Statewide Program, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Berkeley

About the Organizers

AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS)

AIFS is a USDA–National Institute of Food and Agriculture-funded research institute leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle the world’s biggest challenges in crop and food production. Its mission is to ensure a sustainable, nutritious, efficient, and safe food supply while adapting to changing conditions. Learn more at https://aifs.ucdavis.edu.

Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (Western SARE)

Western SARE is the regional branch of a U.S. Department of Agriculture program, serving the Western United States. SARE advances sustainable agriculture through competitive grants and collaborative projects led by farmers, ranchers, researchers, and agricultural professionals. Learn more at https://western.sare.org.

Media Contact:

Kristin Singhasemanon | 530-754-4614 | ksinghasemanon@ucdavis.edu