Paola Pesantez-Cabrera
Paola Pesantez-Cabrera is a Research Assistant Professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Washington State University. She is also the data manager/scientist for the AgAID Institute - AI for Transforming Workforce and Decision Support in Agriculture and the Washington Soil Health Initiative (WaSHI). Her research focuses on the development of data-driven decision support tools through the application of FAIR data principles and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning with a direct impact on agriculture and its environmental and economic sustainability. She is an avid advocate of accessible education, the generation of knowledge, respect for diversity and the visualization and engagement of Latin American women in STEM, which is why she is also a member of Women in Analytics and the Association of Data Scientists.
Currently
- Preparing presentation for FIRA Spanish session
- Teaching Generative AI (tutorials, workshops)
- Exploring AI-Readiness Assessment
Research areas
Data Management · Frameworks Frameworks and practices (FAIR, governance, metadata) that keep research data trustworthy and reusable. How connectivity structure predicts an ecosystem’s ability to absorb disturbance.
Generative AI · Tools for Research Responsible use of language models for literature review, exploratory analysis, and reproducible code generation.
Workforce Development · Technology Transfer Building practical skills and training pathways so research outcomes and new technologies actually reach the people who need to use them.