DARE-KY Programs, Research, and Education

DARE-KY Programs, Research, & Education

Aquaponics System

The workforce development (WFD) initiatives of DARE-KY are designed to create strong pipelines between research, education, and industry. Strong emphasis is placed on student training, faculty development, mentoring, and partnerships with employers to build a skilled soilless agriculture workforce.

 

Work-to-Learn Activities

  • Paid Research Positions: Undergraduate students at KSU, BCTC, UPIKE, and FoodChain will work as student research assistants.
  • Summer Research Program: This program is designed to engage high-school and early post-secondary students in soilless agriculture research. Students gain exposure to research methodology, industry-focused solutions, and career pathways in soilless agriculture.
  • Pre-College Engagement: Workshops, field trips, and mentorship programs at 25+ high schools, plus annual open houses rotating among consortium partners

Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)

  • A new RAP in soilless agriculture will be developed in coordination with the Kentucky Department of Workforce Development.
  • Competency-based training and placements will be coordinated by KSU, BCTC, and KSTC.
  • The RAP will provide entry points for non-traditional students and concentrate on developing a skilled SAT workforce in Kentucky

Integration with Existing Workforce Programs

  • Connection to Existing Programs: Builds on BCTC’s B-CELL program, which employs students in bioscience contract lab services and boasts a 95% placement rate into industry or 4-year programs.
  • Additional summer research and internship opportunities will be provided

Faculty and Mentoring Activities

  • Early-Career Development: Structured program across consortium institutions (KSU, BCTC, UPIKE, Bellarmine) with mentoring from senior faculty and support from UK and UofL.
  • Collaborative Partnerships: Technology exchange, seminars, and joint research collaborations are included to accelerate expertise and integrate applied research in soilless agriculture and related fields
  • Mentorship: Cross-level mentoring will connect students, junior researchers, early-career faculty, and senior faculty.
  • New Funding Opportunities: KSTC will also help junior/senior faculty identify new funding opportunities

Industry Partnerships

  • Strong collaborations with Kentucky AgTech companies (e.g., Kentucky Fresh Harvest and West Kentucky Aquaponics).
  • Industry partners, working with KSTC and the Industrial Advisory Board, will guide curriculum design, internships, apprenticeships, and collaborative research

Title: Turning Fish Waste into plant Nutrients

Group: Aquaponics

Author: Ciera Davis, Deira Watts, Leo Fleckenstein, Janelle Hager & Avinash Tope, PhD

Publish Date: June 9, 2026

Type: Info Sheet

Abstract: Aquaponics systems generate concentrated fish solids that are often treated as waste, despite containing valuable plant nutrients. Mineralization is a biological process that uses naturally occurring microorganisms to convert nutrients bound in fish waste into plant-available forms, improving nutrient recovery and system efficiency. This publication explains the principles of aerobic and anaerobic mineralization, outlines best management practices for operating mineralization tanks, and provides guidance on tank sizing, aeration, solids management, and nutrient recovery. By incorporating mineralization into aquaponic production, growers can increase the availability of essential nutrients, reduce reliance on supplemental fertilizers, improve water quality, and move toward a more sustainable, low-discharge production system.

 https://www.kysu.edu/academics/college-ahnr/school-of-anr/co-op/publications.php

Turning Fish Waste into Plant NutrientsTurning Fish Waste into Plant Nutrients

Student harvesting aquaponics plants Processing aquaponic fish Genomics Lab