Prairie View A&M University · College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

PVAMU · CAFNR · AITC

The technology engine behind CAFNR.

We advance AI, secure data systems, web platforms, immersive learning, and service excellence across the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources.

SecureIntegratedIntelligentHuman-centered
One secure gatewayCAFNR
Systems Hub
AI & AnalyticsInsights · ML · Decisions
Web PlatformsApps · APIs · Experiences
Data & IntegrationPipelines · Reporting · Access
Immersive LearningVR · Simulation · Media
20+Digital Platforms
950+Service Requests
200+Active AI Users
100+Counties Supported

Technology with purpose

Ideas become infrastructure. Infrastructure becomes impact.

AITC is the digital innovation arm of CAFNR. Our multidisciplinary team brings together software development, data analytics, IT infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and user-experience design to build smart, scalable, service-oriented systems for academics, research, Extension, and operations.

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Goals & objectives

Technology for transformation in agriculture.

AITC connects modernization, data, capacity, and service to advance CAFNR's land-grant mission.

01
Modernize

Digital Ecosystems

Ensure CAFNR systems are secure, responsive, accessible, and cloud-ready.

02
Promote

AI & Data Integration

Use advanced tools to strengthen faculty research, planning, evaluation, and decisions.

03
Enhance

Reporting & Compliance

Support strategic planning and accountability through dynamic reporting platforms.

04
Deliver

User-Centered Platforms

Prioritize intuitive design, accessibility, performance, and dependable service.

05
Build

Digital Capacity

Provide technical support, training, and practical resources for CAFNR faculty and staff.

06
Support

From Root to Fruit

Advance implementation of CAFNR's Plan of Work and 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.

Core services

Capabilities built around CAFNR.

AITC designs, builds, and maintains the digital infrastructure that enables CAFNR's daily operations and long-term strategy.

AI

AI & Analytics

Predictive models, decision support, dashboards, and responsible AI adoption.

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WEB

Web & Digital Services

Accessible websites, secure applications, APIs, forms, and digital experiences.

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DATA

Data & Integration

Connected data, reporting pipelines, system integration, and information on demand.

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XR

Immersive Learning

VR tours, simulation, interactive media, and technology-enhanced learning.

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IT

Technology Support

Responsive support, equipment deployment, labs, classrooms, and event technology.

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AV

Media & AV

Livestreaming, hybrid events, training media, digital storytelling, and production support.

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A team you can count on

Technology is better when it feels human.

We pair deep technical capability with responsive service and a practical understanding of CAFNR's mission.

Meet the team

AITC staff profiles

The people behind the platforms.

Our multidisciplinary team combines leadership, software development, immersive technology, infrastructure, inventory, support, and administration.

Director, AITC

Ashwani Srivastava

Leads AITC's strategy across AI, automation, data science, smart agriculture, and digital infrastructure, drawing on more than 30 years of technology and leadership experience. View Pure Profile ↗

Assistant Director, AITC

Joshua Rieger

Leads immersive technology, audiovisual systems, livestreaming, Microsoft Copilot training, and technology-enhanced learning while mentoring student technologists.

Senior Web Application Developer

Beknar Bakytbekuly

Builds CAFNR's web infrastructure and AI-enabled, cloud-ready applications, including connected data platforms, smart-agriculture tools, and forecasting systems.

Property & Inventory Control Coordinator II

Ryan Harris

Manages technology procurement, inventory, asset tracking, equipment deployment, and smooth resource allocation across CAFNR departments and locations.

IT Support Specialist

Niraj KC

Supports campus and county computing and contributes expertise in databases, web development, analytics, computer science, and medical microbiology.

Administrative Coordinator I

Evan Smith

Coordinates AITC operations, procurement documentation, service intake, and support for platforms such as SharePoint and Smartsheet.

Services at a glance

Dependable support. Measurable delivery.

950+IT Helpdesk
200+Web Services
150+AV & Virtual Meetings
20+Software Applications
20+AI/IT Trainings
306+Computers Deployed

One secure gateway

CAFNR Systems Hub

Access the data-management systems and applications created to support CAFNR programs, faculty, staff, researchers, and Extension professionals.

View all systems
Generalactive

Grant & Communications Language Reference

A working reference of terms flagged in federal agency guidance since January 2025, with commonly used neutral alternatives — compiled for CAFNR proposal writers, PIs, and web/training content.

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Research & FundingProduction

CAFNR Ag REACH Portal 2026

A role-based portal supporting the complete 2026 Ag REACH funding cycle—from public information and proposal submission to rubric-based evaluation, leadership review, and administration.

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Research & FundingProduction

CAFNR Research Imapct Management System (CRIMS) Public Portal

Public access point for the CAFNR Research Impact Management System (CRIMS).

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Professional DevelopmentProduction

CAFNR-PSD Intake System

A centralized intake and workflow system for conference, training, Individual Development Plan, and retreat requests, with approval queues, dashboards, and guided assistance.

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CAFNR POWPublished

Plan of Work

The CAFNR POW and accountability team provides leadership in organizational program planning, reporting, accomplishments, and evaluation. This team brings research and extension leaders together to clarify and develop goals, strategies, and action steps to serve the people of Texas. On an ongoing basis, CAFNR Research and Extension professionals engage in a variety of program planning exercises: annual plans of work, and every year the organization as a whole engages in a statewide program planning process that solicits stakeholder input. The Plan of Work and Accountability team is responsible for supporting these individual and organizational planning efforts through training and resource development. The other major task this team performs is the monitoring and compilation of the final annual accomplishment report each year based on reports submitted by research scientists, extension specialists, and agents in the counties.

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Operations & ComplianceProduction

CAFNR SOP Management System

Create, review, approve, publish, and discover Standard Operating Procedures through a structured two-reviewer sign-off workflow and an AI assistant grounded in published SOPs.

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Innovation in action

Selected projects

Applied technology initiatives that improve decisions, expand access, and make CAFNR's impact more visible.

Artificial Intelligence

Plant Health Intelligence

Computer vision and conversational AI supporting faster plant-disease recognition and knowledge access.

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Data Science

Farm Information on Demand

Live environmental data, forecasting, and operational dashboards for research and farm leadership.

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Immersive Technology

Virtual Farm Experiences

Interactive tours and simulations that extend CAFNR learning beyond the physical campus.

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AITC AI Newsletter Agent

AI signals for higher education.

A daily, source-linked briefing focused on developments that matter to teaching, research, administration, workforce development, and institutional strategy.

Read the AI newsletter

Monitors timely AI developments from configured, trusted sources.

Ranks relevance to higher education and prepares concise summaries.

Creates CMS drafts for an AITC administrator to verify and publish.

Start a conversation

What can we help you move forward?

Tell us what you are trying to accomplish. We will connect you with the right AITC capability and next step.

Contact AITC