By Andi Anderson
The 2026 North American Plant Phenotyping Network (NAPPN) Annual Conference welcomed researchers, students, and agricultural professionals to Michigan State University for a week of collaboration and scientific exchange.
Hosted by the Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology (PBGB) program, the event focused on plant breeding, engineering, data science, and innovations that can advance modern agriculture.
Students from multiple institutions presented their research, expanded their networks, and learned from experts across disciplines.
One of the most popular parts of the conference was the Bayer‑sponsored Maize Data Hackathon, organized by Dr. Addie Thompson. The challenge brought together about 30 participants for an exciting, hands‑on competition centered on real agricultural datasets.
Students worked in fast‑paced teams to analyze large sets of maize data and predict hybrid yield outcomes. The collaborative spirit of the event encouraged teamwork among students who often met their teammates for the first time.
Teams were formed across different levels of experience, academic backgrounds, and institutions.
Each group received identical datasets on flash drives and was asked to generate meaningful predictions using limited time and resources. The goal was not only to build predictive models but also to communicate findings effectively.
Among the participants was PSM staff research technician Kelsey Middlemiss, who works in the Bonito Lab and holds a degree in environmental science.
She described the hackathon as demanding but rewarding. “It was a huge challenge, but I did have some experience going into it, which helped me,” she said. The experience strengthened her interest in pursuing an advanced degree in bioinformatics at Michigan State University.
Kelsey emphasized the importance of communication during the event. “The most valuable lessons I learned were the importance of connecting with people on my team and communicating rapidly,” she explained. “The time pressure was impossible, and teams focused on presenting what they learned as a whole—not just creating a predictive model.”
According to organizer Dr. Thompson, the hackathon promoted rapid learning, creative problem solving, and meaningful professional connections. Student feedback reflected appreciation for the event’s inclusive and supportive atmosphere, which encouraged both academic growth and teamwork.
The conference also included a lunchtime career development session, giving students the opportunity to learn more about professional pathways in plant science, biotechnology, and data‑driven agriculture.
Events like the NAPPN Annual Conference and the maize hackathon help prepare the next generation of scientists to tackle real‑world agricultural challenges while encouraging collaboration, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education