Pigs, Poultry, the Planet and Data-Driven Problem-Solving (nicknamed “P4”) is a USDA NIFA-funded Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates summer fellowship program. The P4 program is designed to develop the next generation of data-savvy food animal production professionals, extension associates, and researchers. P4 fellows learn how to apply data-driven analytics and problem-solving to address issues surrounding global intensification of poultry and swine production. The program is led by North Carolina State University in partnership with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. We anticipate admitting 7-9 students in the 2023 cohort. The program takes place on the NC State University campus in Raleigh, NC.


P4 fellows will:

  • Gain skills in data science, data-driven problem solving, holistic evaluation of food animal production systems, global thinking, and technical communications

  • Work on a computational, data-driven research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor

  • Travel to Florence, Italy (flight, lodging, and transportation covered by the program) for 1 week to learn about international animal production systems

  • Participate in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting in Omaha, NE, to learn about advances in precision livestock farming (flight, lodging, transportation, and registration covered by the program)

  • Visit poultry and swine production facilities in North Carolina to gain hands-on experience

  • Network with industry professionals in the food animal production and data analytics industries

  • Receive a $5,000 stipend and on-campus lodging at NC State University