The Production Sciences lab in Kentucky State University's Division of Aquaculture produces meaningful research results that directly contribute to the betterment of the aquaculture industry in Kentucky and around the world.

“It is my proudest professional accomplishment,” says Dr. Andrew Ray, assistant professor of aquaculture production who established funding for and created the lab. It is funded with over $1.2 million in external, competitive grants.

Dr. Ray’s research focuses on finding ways to make aquaculture systems more sustainable, efficient, and more profitable for farmers. He leads the Aquaculture Production Sciences Group at the university, which works to improve indoor and greenhouse-based recirculating aquaculture systems that use very little water. Because of very low water use, the production sciences group works with systems to grow marine shrimp year-round in Kentucky, allowing farmers to provide fresh, never frozen, jumbo shrimp to local markets. In addition, some aquaculture systems recycle nutrients, leading to lower food costs.

with systems to grow marine shrimp year-round in Kentucky, allowing farmers to provide fresh, never frozen, jumbo shrimp to local markets. In addition, some aquaculture systems recycle nutrients, leading to lower food costs.

He also works with tilapia, largemouth bass, koi, and other freshwater species. More broadly, his research interests include systems refinement, waste and contaminant remediation, polyculture, nutrient cycling, terrestrial-aquatic food systems integration, and aquaponics.

Dr. Ray has worked with industry and academia across the U.S. and in many parts of the world. He designed and managed large-scale aquaculture operations in Mississippi and in South Africa, and he has helped to design barn-scale systems in California and Kentucky. His research group includes Adam Cecil, Leo Fleckenstein, John Barksdale, Josh Finley, Elizabeth Gamez, Tom Tierney, and Nathan Kring.

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