Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The baccalaureate degree program in Agriculture, Food and Environment is the first undergraduate degree offered by KSU's new College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems. The degree program strengthens KSU's land grant, liberal arts, and HBCU missions. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students from diverse backgrounds will develop a broad understanding of relationships between agricultural and aquaculture systems, food safety, and the environment. Through course work and research opportunities at the new Organic Teaching and Research High Tunnels, the existing Research and Demonstration Farm, and the Division of Aquaculture, graduates will develop a strong foundation in basic sciences and philosophies underpinning conventional and alternative agriculture and food systems. Students with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and those who are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged will be recruited and have opportunities to develop applied skills in production Agriculture and Food Science, and gain a contextual understanding of the role agriculture plays in the broader economy and environment. Graduates will compete for jobs in Food, Renewable Energy, and Environmental specialty areas or attend graduate school. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Over 100 undergraduate AFE students worked with KSU research mentors in aquaculture, horticulture, environmental science, animal science, and other agriculture research areas over the life of this grant. Students and research mentors attended and presented at the Kentucky Academy of Science annual meetings; the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, The American Aquaculture Society National meetings, The American Society for Horticultural Science meetings, and other professional conferences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information has been provided to high school students, including brochures, a website, mailings, open houses, visits to high schools, and public events to attract students to the Agriculture, Food, and Environment Undergraduate Degree Program. Potential AFE degree students were recruited at the Majors and Minors Fair, the KSU Spring and Fall Open house events, Future Farmers of America meetings, the KSU Agriculture, Food, and Environment Days, high schools, and by direct mail and a web site for the general public. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The funding from this grant allowed KSU to develop and offer a new baccalaureate degree program in Agriculture, Food, and Environment with four individual Options in Agricultural, Food, Environmental, and Aquaculture Systems. This degree program is generating graduates in in the areas of Food, Renewable Energy, and Environmental specialties where there is a national shortfall of students in these areas. Since the beginning of this project in 2012, we have already had over a dozen graduates in this degree program with many more in the cohorts to follow. In the fall semester of 2015, we started the fourth year of the undergraduate degree in Agriculture, Food, and Environment. Courses offered in 2015 and 2016 included: AFE 116 Introduction Agriculture, Food, and Environment, AFE 217 Plant Science, AFE 117 Global Perspectives of AFE, AFE 211 Introduction to Animal Science, AFE 311 Practicum I, AFE 318 Environmental Entomology, AFE 334 Soil Science, AFE 407 Agroforestry , AFE 366 Climate Change Studies, AFE 445 Agriculture and Energy, AFE 450 Human Health and Environment, AFE 465 Food Systems, AFE 340 Environmental Science and Agroecology, AQU 407 Fish Genetics, AQU 411 Fish Diseases, AQU 422 Principles of Aquaculture, AQU 427 Fish Reproduction, AQU 451 Survey of Production Methods, AQU 460 Water Quality Management, AQU 480 Intro to Geographic Systems, and AQU 491 Internship in Aquaculture. Over 50 students are enrolled in the AFE program as of August 2016. In terms of recruiting students, a recruiting website has been updated. A color brochure was revised for the AFE degree program for recruiting students and has been distributed at many events including several thousand brochures distributed at the Kentucky State Fair, the KSU Spring and Fall Open house events, FFA Conferences, and the 2016 Spring KSU Agriculture, Food, and Environment Day. The Spring 2016 AFE Day had approximately 300 high school students, teachers, and community members attend the event. An Adopt a High School initiative was continued where KSU faculty and staff visit and/or send information concerning the AFE degree program to the adopted high school. Emails and direct mailings concerning the degree program were sent to over 100 high schools in Kentucky. A recruiting and retention plan for the AFE program was developed. In terms of undergraduate research opportunities, students conducted research at the KSU high tunnel complex on campus for hands-on experiential learning opportunities in applied production examining water quality and the effect of planting date. Students also conducted food safety research projects on crop contamination and horticulture projects on the placement of ornamental plants. Graduates will have a strong foundation in the basic sciences and philosophies underpinning conventional agriculture and environmental science, as well as alternative agricultural and food systems. Students learned the scientific method while conducting research in agriculture, food, environmental, and aquaculture systems. New pest and disease control measures were identified for organic fruit and vegetable market production. Varieties were identified for organic production. Graduates were prepared for occupations in Environmental Science and Agriculture at private companies, state and federal agencies, small business enterprises (CSA, organic farms), non-profit organizations, and community garden initiatives or to attend graduate school. The environment will be protected or improved by graduates working in chosen areas. Locally produced organic food systems were initiated and food safety increased. Graduates will actively apply practical policy and decision making knowledge. Graduates will promote environmental stewardship to protect the environment and the public. Economic opportunities will improve for communities with small and limited resource farmers, thereby improving quality of life. Organic production methods will protect the environment. Rural and urban communities will benefit from safer foods and environment. Health of the public will also improve.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience: The baccalaureate degree program in Agriculture, Food and Environment is the first undergraduate degree offered by KSU's new College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems. The degree program strengthens KSU's land grant, liberal arts, and HBCU missions. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students from diverse backgrounds will develop a broad understanding of relationships between agricultural and aquaculture systems, food safety, and the environment. Through course work and research opportunities at the new Organic Teaching and Research High Tunnels, the existing Research and Demonstration Farm, and the Division of Aquaculture, graduates will develop a strong foundation in basic sciences and philosophies underpinning conventional and alternative agriculture and food systems. Students with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and those who are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged will be recruited and have opportunities to develop applied skills in production Agriculture and Food Science, and gain a contextual understanding of the role agriculture plays in the broader economy and environment. Graduates will compete for jobs in Food, Renewable Energy, and Environmental specialty areas or attend graduate school. Changes/Problems:A one year, no cost extension was received for the project to complete research and teaching objectives. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Seventeen undergraduate AFE students worked with KSU research mentors in aquaculture, horticulture, environmental science, animal science, and other agriculture research areas. Students and research mentors attended and presented at the Kentucky Academy of Science annual meeting in Lexington, KY; the National Conference on Undergraduate Research held in Spokane, Washington, and Posters at the Capitol held in Frankfort, KY. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information has been provided to high school students, including brochures, a web site, mailings, open houses, visits to high schools, and public events, to attract students to the Agriculture, Food, and Environment Undergraduate Degree Program. Potential AFE degree students were recruited at the a Majors and Minors Fair, the KSU Spring and Fall Open house events, Future Farmers of America meetings, the 2015 KSU Agriculture, Food, and Environment Day, high schools, direct mail, and a web site for the general public. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the coming year we will increase recruiting efforts to attract students for the undergraduate degree program and examine retention rates for current students. We will implement additional experiments concerning water sources and mulching of fruits and vegetables in the new high tunnel complex that will address proposal research objectives.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In the fall semester of 2014, we started the third year of the undergraduate degree in Agriculture, Food, and Environment. Courses offered in 2014 and 2015 included: AFE 116 Introduction Agriculture, Food, and Environment, AFE 217 Plant Science, AFE 117 Global Perspectives of AFE, AFE 211 Introduction to Animal Science, AFE 311 Practicum I, AFE 318 Environmental Entomology, AFE 334 Soil Science, AFE 445 Agriculture and Energy, AFE 450 Human Health and Environment, AFE 465 Food Systems, AFE 340 Environmental Science and Agroecology, AQU 407 Fish Genetics, AQU 411 Fish Diseases, AQU 422 Principles of Aquaculture, AQU 427 Fish Reproduction, AQU 451 Survey of Production Methods, AQU 460 Water Quality Management, AQU 480 Intro to Geographic Systems, and AQU 491 Internship in Aquaculture. Over 60 students are enrolled in the AFE program as of August 2015. Twelve students graduated from the degree program in December 2014 and May 2015, all receiving an undergraduate degree (B.S.) in Agriculture, Food, and Environment. In terms of recruiting students, a recruiting website has been updated. A color brochure was revised for the AFE degree program for recruiting students and has been distributed at many events including several thousand brochures distributed at the Kentucky State Fair, the KSU Spring and Fall Open house events, FFA Conferences, the Thorobred Express, and the 2015 Spring KSU Agriculture, Food, and Environment Day. The Spring 2015 AFE Day had approximately 250 high school students, teachers, and community members attend the event. An Adopt a High School initiative was continued where KSU faculty and staff visit and/or send information concerning the AFE degree program to the adopted high school. Emails and direct mailings concerning the degree program were sent to over 100 high schools in Kentucky. A recruiting and retention plan for the AFE program was developed. In terms of undergraduate research opportunities, students conducted research at the KSU high tunnel complex on campus for hands-on experiential learning opportunities in applied production examining water quality and the effect of planting date. Students also conducted food safety research projects on crop contamination and horticulture projects on the placement of ornamental plants. Graduates will have a strong foundation in the basic sciences and philosophies underpinning conventional agriculture and environmental science, as well as alternative agricultural and food systems. Students learned the scientific method while conducting research in agriculture, food, environmental, and aquaculture systems. New pest and disease control measures were identified for organic fruit and vegetable market production. Varieties were identified for organic production. Graduates were prepared for occupations in Environmental Science and Agriculture at private companies, state and federal agencies, small business enterprises (CSA, organic farms), non-profit organizations, and community garden initiatives or attend graduate school. The environment will be protected or improved by graduates working in chosen areas. Locally produced organic food systems were initiated and food safety increased. Graduates will actively apply practical policy and decision making knowledge. Graduates will promote environmental stewardship to protect the environment and the public. Economic opportunities will improve for communities with small and limited resource farmers, thereby improving quality of life. Organic production methods will protect the environment. Rural and urban communities will benefit from safer foods and environment. Health of the public will also improve.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Gott, A., Conway, K., Tierney, M., Silvernail, A., Cambron, J., Crabtree, S., Sedlacek, J., & Pomper, K. (2015, August). The Effect of Rowcovers and Municipal Water or Rainwater on the Growth of Vegetable Crops in Organic High Tunnels in Kentucky. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA. https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2015/webprogram/Paper22108.html
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Hill, Kinita, Hideka Kobayashi, Sheri Crabtree & Kirk. W. Pomper. 2015. Establishing sustainable demonstration gardens and cataloguing plant species at Kentucky State University. [Abstract] Posters at the Capital Program Booklet, page 53.
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Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The baccalaureate degree program in Agriculture, Food and Environment is the first undergraduate degree offered by KSU's new College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems. The degree program strengthens KSU's land grant, liberal arts, and HBCU missions. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students from diverse backgrounds will develop a broad understanding of relationships between agricultural and aquaculture systems, food safety, and the environment. Through course work and research opportunities at the new Organic Teaching and Research High Tunnels, the existing Research and Demonstration Farm, and the Division of Aquaculture, graduates will develop a strong foundation in basic sciences and philosophies underpinning conventional and alternative agriculture and food systems. Students with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and those who are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged will be recruited and have opportunities to develop applied skills in production Agriculture and Food Science, and gain a contextual understanding of the role agriculture plays in the broader economy and environment. Graduates will compete for jobs in Food, Renewable Energy, and Environmental specialty areas or attend graduate school. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Fifteen undergraduate AFE students worked with Kentucky State University research mentors in aquaculture, horticulture, environmental science, animal science, and other agriculture research areas. Students and research mentors attended and presented at the Kentucky Academy of Science annual meeting in Morehead, KY; the National Conference on Undergraduate Research held in Lexington, KY, and Posters at the Capitol held in Frankfort, KY. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Information has been provided to high school students, including brochures, a web site, mailings, open houses, visits to high schools, and public events, to attract students to the Agriculture, Food, and Environment Undergraduate Degree Program. Potential AFE degree students were recruited at the HBCU Showcase, a Majors and Minors Fair, the KSU Spring and Fall Open house events, Future Farmers of America meetings, the 2014 KSU Agriculture, Food, and Environment Day, high schools, direct mail, and a web site for the general public. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? In the coming year we willincrease recruiting efforts to attract students for the undergraduate degree program and examine retention rates for current students. We will implement a series of experiments concerning water sources and mulching of fruits and vegetables in the new high tunnel complex that will address proposal research objectives.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In the fall semester of 2013, we started the second year of the undergraduate degree in Agriculture, Food, and Environment. Courses offered in 2013 and 2014 included: AFE 116 Introduction Agriculture, Food, and Environment, AFE 217 Plant Science, AFE 117 Global Perspectives of AFE, AFE 211 Introduction to Animal Science, AFE 311 Practicum I, AFE 318 Environmental Entomology, AFE 334 Soil Science, AFE 445 Agriculture and Energy, AFE 445 Human Health and Environment, AFE 340 Environmental Science and Agroecology, AQU 407 Fish Genetics, AQU 411 Fish Diseases, AQU 422 Principles of Aquaculture, AQU 427 Fish Reproduction, AQU 451 Survey of Production Methods, AQU 460 Water Quality Management, AQU 480 Intro to Geographic Systems, and AQU 491 Internship in Aquaculture. Over 60 students are enrolled in the AFE program as of August 2014. Our first graduate of the degree program graduated in May 2014 and received an undergraduate degree in Agriculture, Food, and Environment. In terms of recruiting students, a recruiting website has been updated. A color brochure was revised for the AFE degree program for recruiting students and has been distributed at many events including several thousand brochures distributed at the Kentucky State Fair, HBCU Showcase, the KSU Spring and Fall Open house events, FFA Conferences, and the 2013 Fall KSU Agriculture, Food, and Environment Day. The Fall 2013 AFE Day had approximately 250 high school students, teachers, and community members attend the event. An Adopt a High School initiative was continued where KSU faculty and staff visit and/or send information concerning the AFE degree program to the adopted high school. Emails and direct mailings concerning the degree program were sent to over 100 high schools in Kentucky. A recruiting and retention plan for the AFE program was developed. In terms of undergraduate research opportunities, construction was completed in April 2014 on the KSU research high tunnel complex on campus to conduct hands-on experiential learning opportunities in applied production and research techniques. Change in Knowledge. Graduates will have a strong foundation in the basic sciences and philosophies underpinning conventional agriculture and environmental science, as well as alternative agricultural and food systems. Students will learn the scientific method while conducting research in agriculture, food, environmental, and aquaculture systems. New pest and disease control measures will be identified for organic fruit and vegetable market production. Varieties will be identified for organic production. Change in Actions. Graduates will be hired in occupations in Environmental Science and Agriculture at private companies, state and federal agencies, small business enterprises (CSA, organic farms), non-profit organizations, and community garden initiatives or attend graduate school. The environment will be protected or improved by graduates working in chosen areas. Locally produced organic food systems will be initiated and food safety will increase. Graduates will actively apply practical policy and decision making knowledge. Change in conditions. Graduates will promote environmental stewardship to protect the environment and the public. Economic opportunities will improve for communities with small and limited resource farmers, thereby improving quality of life. Organic production methods will protect the environment. Rural and urban communities will benefit from safer foods and environment. Health of the public will improve.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Graves, R., Lowe, J., Pomper, K., & Crabtree, S. (2014. February). Comparison of Acetogenin activity in twig and ripe fruit of six pawpaw [Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal] varieties using the brine shrimp test [Abstract]. Posters at the Capital Program Book p. 44.Frankfort, KY.
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Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The baccalaureate degree program in Agriculture, Food and Environment is the first undergraduate degree offered by KSU's new College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems. The degree program strengthens KSU's land grant, liberal arts, and HBCU missions. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students from diverse backgrounds will develop a broad understanding of relationships between agricultural and aquaculture systems, food safety, and the environment. Through course work and research opportunities at the new Organic Teaching and Research High Tunnels, the existing Research and Demonstration Farm, and the Division of Aquaculture, graduates will develop a strong foundation in basic sciences and philosophies underpinning conventional and alternative agriculture and food systems. Students with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and those who are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged will be recruited and have opportunities to develop applied skills in production Agriculture and Food Science, and gain a contextual understanding of the role agriculture plays in the broader economy and environment. Graduates will compete for jobs in Food, Renewable Energy, and Environmental specialty areas or attend graduate school. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Twelve undergraduate AFE students worked with Kentucky StateUniversityresearch mentors in aquaculture, horticulture, environmental science, animal science, and other agriculture research areas. Students and research mentors attended and presented atthe17th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. (ARD), which was held in Jacksonville, Florida from April 6 to 10, 2013. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? A number of approaches, including brochures, a web site, mailings, open houses, visits to high schools, and public events, have been implemented to attract students to the Agriculture, Food, and Environment Undergraduate Degree Program. Potential AFE degree students were recruited at the Kentucky State Fair, HBCU Showcase, a Majors and Minors Fair, the KSU Spring and Fall Open house events, Future Farmers of America meetings, the 2013 KSU Agriculture, Food, and Environment Day, high schools, direct mail, and a web site for the general public. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? During the next year we will offer additional courses for the Agriculture, Food, and Environment Undergraduate Degree Program. We will also continue recruiting efforts to attract students for the undergraduate degree program and examine retention rates for current students. We will implement a series of experiments in the new high tunnel complex that will address proposal research objectives.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The first students in the Agriculture, Food, and Environment Degree Program were enrolled in the fall semester of 2012. The first classes offered in the new degree program for fall 2012 and spring 2013 were: AFE 116 Careers in Environmental Science and Agriculture, AFE 217 Plant Science, AFE 117 Global Perspectives of AFE,AFE 211 Introduction to Animal Science, AFE 311 Practicum I, AFE 340 Environmental Science and Agroecology, AQU 407 Fish Genetics, AQU 411 Fish Diseases, AQU 422 Principles of Aquaculture, AQU 427 Fish Reproduction, AQU 451 Survey of Production Methods, AQU 460 Water Quality Management, AQU 480 Intro to Geographic Systems, and AQU 491 Internship in Aquaculture. Over 40 students enrolled in these courses. In terms of recruiting students, a recruiting website has been developed and can be viewed at http://www.kysu.edu/academics/collegesAndSchools/CAFSSS/collegedegreeprograms/. A color brochure was revised for the AFE degree program for recruiting students and has been distributed at many events including several thousand brochures distributed at the Kentucky State Fair, HBCU Showcase, the KSU Spring and Fall Open house events, FFA Conferences, and the 2013 KSU Agriculture, Food, and Environment Day. The 2013 AFE Day had approximately 300 high school students, teachers, and community members attend the event. An Adopt a High School initiative was started where KSU faculty and staff visit and/or send information concerning the AFE degree program to the adopted high school. Emails and direct mailing concerning the degree program were sent to over 100 high schools in Kentucky. In terms of undergraduate research opportunities, construction has almost finished on the research high tunnel complex on campus to conduct hands-on experiential learning opportunities in applied production and research techniques. Research opportunities in the high tunnels will begin in early winter 2014. Change in Knowledge. Graduates will have a strong foundation in the basic sciences and philosophies underpinning conventional agriculture and environmental science, as well as alternative agricultural and food systems. Students will learn the scientific method while conducting research in agriculture, food, environmental, and aquaculture systems. New pest and disease control measures will be identified for organic fruit and vegetable market production. Varieties will be identified for organic production. Change in Actions. Graduates will be hired in occupations in Environmental Science and Agriculture at private companies, state and federal agencies, small business enterprises (CSA, organic farms), non-profit organizations, and community garden initiatives or attend graduate school. The environment will be protected or improved by graduates working in chosen areas. Locally produced organic food systems will be initiated and food safety will increase. Graduates will actively apply practical policy and decision making knowledge. Change in conditions. Graduates will promote environmental stewardship to protect the environment and the public. Economic opportunities will improve for communities with small and limited resource farmers, thereby improving quality of life. Organic production methods will protect the environment. Rural and urban communities will benefit from safer foods and environment. Health of the public will improve.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Pomper, K.W., Bomford, M., Sedlacek, J.D., Antonious, G., Tope, A., Andries, K., et al. (2012). Development of a baccalaureate degree program in agriculture, food, and environment and supporting research opportunities at Kentucky State University. Poster presented at Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting, October 20, 2012, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Graves, R. (2013). Research and outreach approaches at the Kentucky State University Environmental Education and Research Center. Poster presented at Association of 1890 Research Directors 17th Biennial Research Symposium, Jacksonville, FL.
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In the fall of 2011, KSU introduced a new College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems, bringing an undergraduate teaching element to the Land Grant Program for the first time in 50 years. Required forms for the new Agriculture, Food, and Environment (AFE) degree paperwork (45 documents for 17 new classes in the degree program) were developed for consideration by the Faculty Senate Curriculum committee degree program and then the Full Faculty Senate. The new degree proposal was approved by the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee on November 28th, 2011, and was approved by the full Faculty Senate on December 5th, 2011. President Sias approved the degree program proposal and the KSU board of Regents then approved the program on April 27, 2012. A pre-proposal for the program was submitted to the Kentucky Council for Post Secondary Education (CPE) in February, 2012 and successfully completed a 45 day comment period and the new degree program was approved on June 21, 2012 by the CPE Board. Additionally, the proposed program was submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation organization in January, 2012 and was approved. The first students enrolled in the degree in fall semester of 2012, taking a mix of courses designed to integrate KSU's established Liberal Arts curriculum, as well as AFE and Aquaculture courses. The first classes offered in the new degree program were: AFE 116 Careers in Environmental Science and Agriculture, AFE 217 Plant Science, AQU 407 Fish Genetics, AQU 411 Fish Diseases, AQU 422 Principles of Aquaculture, AQU 427 Fish Reproduction, AQU 451 Survey of Production Methods, AQU 480 Intro to Geographic Systems, and AQU 491 Internship in Aquaculture were all offered in the Fall semester. A total of 47 students enrolled in these courses. In terms of recruiting students, a recruiting website was developed and can be viewed at http://www.kysu.edu/academics/collegesAndSchools/CAFSSS/collegedegree programs/. A color brochure was developed for the AFE degree program for recruiting students and has been distributed at many events including several thousand brochures distributed at the Kentucky State Fair, HBCU Showcase, and the KSU Spring Open house event. The first KSU Agriculture, Food, and Environment Day was held on April 24, 2012 and approximately 340 high school students, teachers, and community members attended the event. A number of high schools, including Henry County and Western Hills High Schools, were visited by the PD and Co-Is in April to recruit students for the degree program. Emails and direct mailing concerning the degree program were sent to over 100 high schools in Kentucky. In terms of undergraduate research opportunities, a site was located on the main KSU campus to establish a half- acre organic teaching and research high tunnel complex on campus to conduct hands-on experiential learning opportunities in applied production and research techniques. Hoops and other supplies were purchased to support the four replicate high tunnels. Soil tests, site preparation, and assembly of the high tunnels began in July and will be completed in December so that experiments can begin. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals. Dr. Kirk Pomper, the project PD, led the degree program approval process through KSU and Kentucky Council on Post Secondary Education (CPE), developed brochures, developed a website concerning the degree program, assisted with recruiting, and answered student questions via email, letters, and during visits of potential students. He also developed and taught AFE 217 Plant Science to 10 students in the fall semester that started in August. Dr. John Sedlacek (Co-I), assisted in brochure development, recruited students, and answered questions via email, letters, and during visits of potential students. He also developed and taught AFE 116 Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Environment to 21 students in the fall semester that started in August. Dr. Michael Bomford (Co-I) assisted the degree program approval process through KSU and Kentucky CPE, developed brochures, assisted in the development of a website concerning the degree program, recruited students, and answered student questions via email, letters, and during visits of potential students. He is also serving as an advisor to all the AFE students. Drs. Antonious, Tope, Andries, Tidwell, and Tsegaye, recruited students, answered questions via email, letters, and during visits of potential students. Training or professional development. Ten undergraduate students assisted in experiments concerning agricultural production and aquaculture. TARGET AUDIENCES: The baccalaureate degree program in Agriculture, Food and Environment will be the first undergraduate degree offered by KSU's new College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems. The degree program will strengthen KSU's land grant, liberal arts, and HBCU missions. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students from diverse backgrounds will develop a broad understanding of relationships between agricultural and aquaculture systems, food safety, and the environment. Through course work and research opportunities at the new Organic Teaching and Research High Tunnels, the existing Research and Demonstration Farm, and the Division of Aquaculture, graduates will develop a strong foundation in basic sciences and philosophies underpinning conventional and alternative agriculture and food systems. Students with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and those who are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged will be recruited and have opportunities to develop applied skills in production Agriculture and Food Science, and gain a contextual understanding of the role agriculture plays in the broader economy and environment. Graduates will compete for jobs in Food, Renewable Energy, and Environmental specialty areas or attend graduate school. Efforts. This project will support an area of high importance at the 1890 institutions by training minority students in the disciplines of food and agricultural science, developing online courses that can be offered at other 1890 institutions, and allow students to compete for jobs in the areas of agricultural, food, and environmental science. This project will create integrated approaches in education and research by: 1) developing curriculum involving multiple disciplines in the food and agricultural sciences, including environmental science, organic agriculture, aquaculture, human nutrition, health, food safety, and bio-security; 2) KSU minority undergraduate students, and non-traditional students will receive training in the scientific method and utilize state-of-the-art equipment involving the disciplines above; 3) building a new relationships between KSU and other 1890 and 1862 institutions by providing online courses to students in agriculture, food science, environmental science and aquaculture to those institutions. The first classes offered in the new degree program were: AFE 116 Careers in Environmental Science and Agriculture, AFE 217 Plant Science, AQU 407 Fish Genetics, AQU 411 Fish Diseases, AQU 422 Principles of Aquaculture, AQU 427 Fish Reproduction, AQU 451 Survey of Production Methods, AQU 480 Intro to Geographic Systems, and AQU 491 Internship in Aquaculture were all offered in the Fall semester. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Change in Knowledge. Graduates will have a strong foundation in the basic sciences and philosophies underpinning conventional agriculture and environmental science, as well as alternative agricultural and food systems. Students will learn the scientific method while conducting research in agriculture, food, environmental, and aquaculture systems. New pest and disease control measures will be identified for organic fruit and vegetable market production. Varieties will be identified for organic production. Change in Actions. Graduates will be hired in occupations in Environmental Science and Agriculture at private companies, state and federal agencies, small business enterprises (CSA, organic farms), non-profit organizations, and community garden initiatives or attend graduate school. The environment will be protected or improved by graduates working in chosen areas. Locally produced organic food systems will be initiated and food safety will increase. Graduates will actively apply practical policy and decision making knowledge. Change in conditions. Graduates will promote environmental stewardship to protect the environment and the public. Economic opportunities will improve for communities with small and limited resource farmers, thereby improving quality of life. Organic production methods will protect the environment. Rural and urban communities will benefit from safer foods and environment. Health of the public will improve.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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