KSU Aquaculture leads the country in research and Extension
Kentucky State University's Division of Aquaculture is one of the top aquaculture programs in the U.S. Known for its innovative research, KSU supports aquaculture initiatives across Kentucky. The program, which is housed in the College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems, is the university's Program of Distinction and the region's only full-service aquaculture program offering opportunities in teaching, research, and extension.
Dr. James Tidwell directs the aquaculture program at KSU and has dedicated most of his 30-year professional career to the university. Dr. Tidwell has been instrumental in developing the academic program within the division and fostering the growth of aquaculture research and extension at Kentucky State. He devoted many years to the development of academic offerings in aquaculture including the Masters Degree in Aquaculture/Aquatic Sciences and the wide variety of online classes. Today, the Division of Aquaculture has the largest offering of online aquaculture courses in the U.S. at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. More than 700 students from 40 states and 27 countries have taken online classes through the program. Dr. Tidwell's research directions include the development of alternative aquaculture species, the evaluation of different production systems, and the evaluation of alternative feed ingredients. He has also worked on practical fish and shrimp nutrition. Most recently, his research has involved largemouth bass as a culture species, insect meal as a protein source in largemouth bass diets, and the food safety aspects of products (fish and vegetables) produced in aquaponics systems.
Dr. Tidwell’s research directions include the development of alternative aquaculture species, the evaluation of different production systems, and the evaluation of alternative feed ingredients. He has also worked on practical fish and shrimp nutrition. Most recently, his research has involved largemouth bass as a culture species, insect meal as a protein source in largemouth bass diets, and the food safety aspects of products (fish and vegetables) produced in aquaponics systems.
Dr. Tidwell has served as President of the World Aquaculture Society, which is aquaculture’s largest professional society with membership in over 90 countries. His staff includes Karla Johnson, Shawn Coyle, Leigh Anne Bright, Janelle Hager, Chelsea Walling, Doug Blair, and Fred Gonzales.
Dr. James Tidwell, Professor and Chair, Division of Aquaculture
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