Using AI and Satellite Data to Transform Agriculture: A Conversation with Alyssa Whitcraft

Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft is a professor at University of Maryland and a leading expert in agricultural

remote sensing and climate adaptation. Dr. Whitcraft discusses her journey from co-founding NASA Harvest, a global program addressing food security with satellite data, to leading NASA Acres, which focuses on U.S. agriculture. She explains how AI and satellite technology are changing the agricultural sector, offering solutions ranging from crop yield prediction to regenerative farming practices. Alyssa also shares insights into Harvest SARA, a nonprofit she

founded to foster collaboration between public and private sectors in advancing sustainable agriculture. Finally, she provides career advice for aspiring scientists and professionals interested in the intersection of AI, climate, and agriculture.