Founded by Purdue Polytechnic Institute alumni Ivan Ball and Scott Massey, both proud Boilermakers, Anu embodies the spirit of innovation synonymous with Purdue. Within this dynamic environment, young talents like Jianxiang Tao have found themselves exposed to many opportunities, nurturing their potential, and fostering a culture of growth and exploration. 

In December of 2023, Jianxiang Tao graduated with a degree in Agricultural Engineering and a minor in Computer Science. During his time as an undergraduate, Tao interned with Anu as a Computer Vision Engineer in the summer of 2023 through the Office of Professional Practice’s Interns for Indiana program. 

Along with being an active participating company in the Interns for Indiana program (IFI), Anu attends Purdue University's Industrial Roundtable (IR) to engage with students interested in career opportunities. This event serves as a platform for companies of all sizes to display their programs to students. As he was preparing to attend IR, Anu caught Tao's eye. Following his initial discussion at the fair with the Chief Technology Officer, Ivan Ball, who was present at the event, Tao realized a significant alignment between the company's offerings and his own personal interests. 

“When I embarked on my internship search during my junior year, I targeted companies within the agriculture sector that offered roles related to engineering or computer science. It was during [Industrial Roundtable] that I had the opportunity to engage with the Chief Technology Officer of Anu, where I shared my experiences and gained insights into the company's vision,” Tao said. “I believe my unique combination of interests and experiences in both agriculture and computer science played a significant role in securing this opportunity.” 

Within the internship program at Anu, interns are provided with a diverse range of responsibilities that push them to explore many areas of interest. 

“From my first day, I appreciated the well-organized structure, which enabled me to discuss and outline projects with my supervisor. What stood out to me was the opportunity to contribute not only to computer vision tasks but also to projects spanning plant science and engineering. This diversity in tasks provided me with valuable hands-on experience across different career areas at Anu, enriching my internship experience,” Tao said. 

The internship at Anu provided Tao with diverse responsibilities spanning computer vision tasks, plant science, and engineering projects. This exposure allowed him to explore various career areas and expand his skill set beyond technical coding. 

 “These experiences, mirroring real-world work environments, not only enhanced my technical proficiency but also fostered skills in research, collaboration, and problem-solving crucial for professional success,” Tao said. “I'm grateful for the wonderful opportunity the program provided me to explore the job and gain a clear understanding of what it truly means to work in the industry.” 

Jianxiang Tao returned to Anu in January 2024 working full-time as a Computer Vision and Plant Science Research Associate.