EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Office of Academic Affairs

UNIT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems

1. Awarded Proposals

Several faculty and scientists received funding from the USDA – NIFA 1890 Capacity Building Grant for a total of $1,200,000.00, consisting of teaching, research, and integrated projects:

  • "Integrated Approach for Sustainable Aquaculture and Agriculture with the Use of Reclaimed Water from Rural Communities" ($599,751). Dr. Steven Mims, Project Investigator, along with Drs. George Antonious, Rafael Cuevas, Sid Dasgupta, George Antonious, Sid Dasgupta, Rob Durborow, and Maifan Silitonga will conduct research in fish production using reclaimed water from decommissioned wastewater treatment plants in Frankfort and Winchester.
  • “Screening the USDA Capsicum Germplasm Collection for Antioxidants and Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation” ($299,373). Dr. George Antonious, Project Investigator, along with Dr. Maifan Silitonga will assess the potential harmful effects of trace elements in hot peppers.
  • "Kentucky State University Nutritional Sciences Option for the Agriculture, Food, and Environment Degree" ($149,490.) Dr. Kristopher Grimes, Project Investigator, along with Drs. Avinash Tope, and Changzheng Wang will develop a Nutritional Sciences option program for the Agriculture, Food, and Environment Degree.
  • “Development of an Apiculture Course Designed To Broaden the Student Experience” ($149,490). Dr. Thomas Webster, Principal Investigator, along with Drs. Kirk Pomper and John Sedlacek will develop an online Apiculture class, the first course to be offered by an 1890 Institution and the first public institution to include apiculture (the study of bees) in its curriculum.
  • The Youth Development Program held residential summer enrichment programs under the leadership of Ms. JoAna McCoy:

o The Kentucky State University Summer Transportation Institute (KSU STI), funded by the Federal Highway Administration in the amount of $55,000, provided students with opportunities to discuss the importance of STEM education and participated in a video teleconference with representatives from the White House.

Ag Discovery Program, partially funded by the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) – National Civil Rights Leadership Committee (NCRLC) in the amount of $14,999, provided opportunities for students from Kentucky who have displayed an interest in animal science and veterinary medicine