KSU conducts research projects relevant to the needs of the community to fulfill one of its land grant missions through the divisions of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Aquaculture, Environmental Studies and Sustainable Systems, Food and Animal Science, and Family and Consumer Sciences. Topics in the Agriculture and Natural Resources varies from studies in honeybee production; pesticide management; medicinal and ornamental plants; alternative crops; organic production; plant molecular biotechnology; and forestry production and management. Research in aquaculture covers areas of alternative aquaculture production systems such as aquaponics and the use of reclaimed waste water treatment; alternative feeds and nutrition; fish genetics; fish diseases diagnostics; alternative species; and aquaculture production and marketing. Study areas in the Division of Environmental Studies and Sustainable Systems include the use of Geospatial technology to identify land-use/land cover for land and watershed management; bioremediation of agricultural chemicals; development of natural pesticides; and sustainable agriculture practice that uses feedstock crops for biofuel production. The Food and Animal Science program focuses on the use of sweet potatoes for antioxidants contents and its correlations to bone loss (osteoporosis); nutrition and obesity; prevention of high blood pressure; and beef goat production and breeding. The Family and Consumer Sciences study the wellbeing of family and child development.
Students are involved in these research programs to enhance their academic curriculum obtained through hands-on training and experiential learning in the laboratory and in the field. Students receive close mentoring engagement that provides opportunities for their professional development where they participate in scientific oral and poster competitions. Research engagement also prepares students in developing their analytical capability and encourages them to develop scientific paper, making them competitive in this field.
The research program will engage at least 50% of the undergraduate students through capstone project or undergraduate research and at least 75% of graduate students through research. At least 50% of the students engaged in research will participate in scientific oral or poster presentations and 50% will develop refereed or journal publications.
Scientists conducting research will be able to identify best management practices that can be adopted by local small and under-served stakeholders, leading to increasing their potential income while minimizing adverse impacts to the environment. At least 75% of research faculty and/or scientists will be able to present and publish their research findings and secure external funds.
A portion of the Kentucky State University Mission Statement (1993) reads: "Kentucky State University, as the 1890 land-grant institution in the system, shall carry out its responsibilities
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