Dr. Lang Qiao, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (BBE), has been named a recipient of the 2025 UMN Postdoc Impactful Research Award. The honor recognizes postdoctoral scholars whose work demonstrates innovation, creativity and potential for real-world impact.
Qiao joined the University of Minnesota in 2024, where he works in Professor Ce Yang’s Agricultural Robotics Lab. His research integrates artificial intelligence with spectral and hyperspectral imaging to tackle pressing challenges in agriculture, from animal welfare to sustainable crop management.
One of his current projects focuses on developing an AI-based hyperspectral imaging system to detect the gender and fertility of chicken eggs prior to incubation. The goal is to reduce post-hatch culling, improve animal welfare and increase efficiency in poultry production. Qiao and his team have submitted a patent for this technology and received $10,000 through the UMN Software Startup Development Program to support its commercialization.
Another project led by Qiao uses multi-scale remote sensing, including satellite and drone imagery, along with historical cropping records, to monitor crop types and detect disease in-season. By enabling earlier identification of crop stress, the research aims to improve decision-making for sustainable farming practices.
“I’m honored to receive the 2025 UMN Postdoc Impactful Research Award,” Qiao said. “It’s exciting to see our work in AI and agricultural sensing recognized for its potential to make a difference.”
Qiao earned his Ph.D. in 2023 from China Agricultural University and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison before coming to Minnesota. He has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and continues to advance agricultural sensing technologies with applications in both research and industry.