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.
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 encourage them to develop scientific paper, making them competitive in this field.
The research program engages at least 50% of the undergraduate students through a capstone project or undergraduate research experience 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.
The extension portion of the Land-Grant Program is called the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP). The name reflects the mission of the program, which is to help resolve agricultural, educational, economic, and social problems of the people of Kentucky, especially those with limited resources living in rural communities.
KSU's Cooperative Extension Program has a joint plan of work with the research program to provide avenue for technology transfer of research findings that are relevant to the communities. Subject areas for extension include traditional agriculture production; natural resources management; aquaculture production and management; agriculture economics and marketing; environmental quality related stewardships; food nutrition and human health; obesity and chronic disease; goat production; small farm programs; rural community development; family well-being that includes financial and family management; and 4-H and youth development programs. Programs and workshops are offered through "The Third Thursday Thing" monthly meetings to engage stakeholders who are
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