Rahul Goel: Coding a tool for the future of farming

With this web-based tool, the process became more standardized and efficient. “The most rewarding part was seeing our efforts culminate in a tool that drastically reduced the time for SSEA analysis report generation from hours to mere minutes, a testament to our collective dedication and ingenuity," said Goel.

The coding process was similar to those Goel had used in the past, but he still had the chance to work with some new languages and tools along the way. 

"Working on coding projects with Subha and the team presented its share of challenges, particularly in mastering Shiny R, a tool that was new to me,” Goel said. “However, we were able to overcome any coding difficulties with a lot of perseverance and collaboration.”

Throughout his time with NMSP, Goel has given presentations and conducted training and testing sessions about the SSEA tool, while also getting the chance to meet and learn from others on the team. 

"My journey at NMSP has been transformative beyond just enhancing my technical skills,” Goel said. “It's been my first immersion into an organization within Cornell, shaping not only my professional capabilities but also helping me navigate the cultural shift as an international student. The support from the entire team, and our collaborative efforts, have been instrumental in my growth."

Goel’s contributions to the team were instrumental in the success of the SSEA project, said Srinivasagan. “Rahul was a great asset to the team,” she said.  “I thoroughly enjoyed our brainstorming and problem-solving sessions during the developmental phase. His drive and unwavering commitment have played a crucial role in ensuring the timely release of the SSEA tool for processing and analyzing data from this year's harvest.”

This July, Goel is joining Applied Intuition, a vehicle software supplier for automotives, working with automated driver systems and advanced driver-assistance systems. He’s excited for the next steps in his career and is open to working with precision agriculture more in the future.

"Looking ahead, I'm thrilled to embark on my next adventure in the autonomous vehicle sector with Applied Intuition,” Goel said. “Cornell, along with NMSP, has equipped me with the expertise and confidence to excel in this field. I'm eager to apply the skills and knowledge gained here to contribute meaningfully to my future endeavors."

If you’re interested in learning more about precision agriculture, SSEA, or research assistantships with NMSP, visit the NMSP website.

Madeline Hanscom is a writer for the Nutrient Management Spear Program.