AWC Researcher Presents AI Genomics on Fusarium, Boosts Workforce

Arizona Western College announced on November 19, 2025 that Dr. Hikmet Budak, the college director of agriculture, presented research at the American Society of Agronomy annual conference held November 9 to 12, 2025. The talk, titled "A Network Perspective on Noncoding Elements in Response to Fusarium Head Blight Using Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence," showcased advanced genomic methods and computational tools aimed at understanding plant disease response and featured hands on student work through AWC GOAL programs.

The announcement positions AWC at the intersection of education, applied research and workforce development. College leaders framed the presentation as evidence of AWC students engaging in high level research experiences that connect classroom learning with practical applications in agriculture. The project received partial support from federal USDA NIFA funding tied to AWC GOALs projects, providing public dollars for research that may translate into local agricultural resilience and workforce pipelines.

For Yuma County, where agriculture is a central part of the local economy, advances in diagnosing and mitigating Fusarium Head Blight carry direct implications for crop management and long term productivity. The research focus on noncoding genomic elements and machine learning suggests a move toward more precise and predictive approaches to disease control, which could influence farm practices, extension services and local agribusiness investments if findings are translated to the field.

The student involvement highlighted by AWC points to workforce development benefits. Hands on experience with genomics and artificial intelligence can create a pipeline of skilled workers for regional employers who need technical expertise in data driven agriculture. That potential strengthens the case for continued institutional support and for public monitoring of outcomes tied to taxpayer funded grants, including measures of student placement, technology transfer and adoption by growers.

Institutionally, the presentation reflects growing expectations that community colleges engage in applied research that supports regional economies. AWC will face practical questions about scaling student opportunities, sustaining grant funded work, and documenting community benefits. Local policymakers and stakeholders may want to seek clear reporting on how USDA NIFA and other funds are used, what milestones the projects reach, and how research findings are communicated to area producers.

The AWC announcement signals that the college is active on a national research stage while also training students in skills those producers and agribusinesses increasingly demand. As the work moves forward, transparency on outcomes and deliberate coordination with local agricultural stakeholders will determine how much of the research translates into tangible gains for Yuma County.