News Features

Kentucky State University Urban/ CEA  Agriculture News Features

 

Enhancing Food Accessibility Through Urban Agriculture: A Student-Led Research Project at Kentucky State University:

Learn More: 

https://www.kysu.edu/news/2024/12/urban-ag-project-ksu.php  

Kentucky State University Secures $380,000 in USDA Grants for Pioneering Controlled Environment Agriculture Research:

Learn More: 

https://www.kysu.edu/news/2024/12/ksu-awarded-grants-for-controlled-environment-agriculture-research.php  

KSU and DSU Partner with Nigerian Universities to Advance Food Security and Research Collaboration in West Africa:

Learn more: 

https://www.kysu.edu/news/2024/12/ksu-strengthens-relations-in-nigeria.php  

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Illinois State University News Features

Growing hope: Alum cultivates purpose from life marred by tragedy:

Learn more:

https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2024/05/growing-hope-alum-cultivates-purpose-from-life-marred-by-tragedy/

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HBCU-Buzz News Features

KSU Students Cultivate Over 7,000 Pounds of Produce in Urban Agriculture Project to Tackle Food Insecurity:

Learn more: 

https://hbcubuzz.com/103521/hbcu-students-harvest-success-through-urban-agriculture-project/  

Kentucky State University Urban Agriculture Team Travels to USDA Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina

Kentucky State University Urban Agriculture Team travels to the United States USDA Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina. Urban Agriculture graduate students and team leaders had the opportunity to engage with USDA research scientists and learn about the controlled environment agriculture initiatives at the U. S. Vegetable Laboratory. Dr. Theoneste Nzaramyima has established a collaborative grant with the USDA to provide research opportunities for Kentucky State University Graduate students where they will have the opportunity to participate in internships with USDA researchers. The lab solves national problems in the production and protection of vegetable crops. This collaboration will allow for more funding and research possibilities in the future. The Urban agriculture team is excited about working on future research publications and projects over the next growing season.

Learn More:  https://www.ars.usda.gov/southeast-area/charleston-sc/vegetable-research/ Urban Agriculture Team Tours Amplified Ag facility in Charleston, SC The urban agriculture team also had the opportunity to tour the Amplified Ag facility in Charleston, SC on their trip. AmplifiedAg engineers hydroponic container farms to grow fresh, safe produce year round for those that need it most. It was an inspiring and motivating trip for our students. The team also got to experience history as South Carolina had their first snow and ice storm of the century. Snowy beaches and icy coastal shores were quite a sight to see! Learn More:  https://amplifiedaginc.com/   Urban Agriculture Graduate Student, Dr. Adeyeye, Featured in North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture News & Press Article Urban Agriculture Graduate Student, Dr. Adeyeye Adekunle, was featured in North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture News & Press Article.   Quotes from the news feature: -"Our first winter experience in the United States was truly magical. My wife, our little daughter, and I embraced the snow joyfully, making snowballs, building a snowman, and creating memories that fulfilled a long-awaited bucket list dream. This moment reflects our love for new adventures and family togetherness." -If someone asked about NACTA, what 5 words would you use to describe it?: "Collaborative, innovative, supportive, educational, transformative." -Describe your most memorable mentorship/teaching moment with (a) student(s): "One of my most memorable moments was guiding undergraduates at the Kentucky State University student-run farm project at West Farm. Watching them transform from curious learners into confident, skilled contributors, and seeing their pride in harvesting their first crops, was incredibly rewarding." What is your most unique hobby and why do you enjoy it?: "Teaching is my most unique hobby. I find joy in sharing knowledge, sparking curiosity, and witnessing students' growth. It allows me to connect deeply, inspire passions, and continuously learn alongside them. The fulfillment of guiding others toward their potential is what makes teaching so rewarding." Learn more:  https://nactateachers.org/news/692742/   Urban Agriculture Research Assistant, Megreal Ngudia, Selected to Participate in the 1890 Distributed Research and Extension Experience

An Urban Agriculture/ Controlled Environment Agriculture Undergrad Research Assistant, Megrael Ngudia, has been selected to participate in the 1890 Distributed Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates (D-REEU) summer internship. This internship will take place at Tuskegee University College of Agriculture, Environment, and Nutrition Sciences. This will provide him with hands-on research experience at Tuskegee University's Organic Farm under the advisory of Dr. Kpomblekou. 

Learn More: 

https://www.tuskegee.edu/programs-courses/colleges-schools/caens/daes/undergraduate-research-and-mentoring/1890-dreu  

Megrael has been an outstanding student and research assistant in the Urban Ag lab and has gained relevant experience and skills by working as a lab and farm assistant for the past year under the direction of Dr. Nzaramyimana and Cora Teets. As a freshman undergraduate student, he has gone above and beyond to help the team excel and accomplish missions. 

Megrael also showcased his research on Hungarian yellow wax sweet pepper's response to different production systems at the Posters at the Capital event in Frankfort, Kentucky this March. He was selected as the only Kentucky State University student to compete in the oral presentation in front of Kentucky legislators. These combined experiences inspired him to apply to the Tuskegee University summer internship and helped him demonstrate compatible alignment with the program’s goals and objectives.

Learn More: 

https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/postersatthecapitol/2025/KSU/7/ 

Kentucky State Students Discover the Future of Farming Isn't What they Expected

KYSU Urban AG and other KYSU Students Embark on Educational Tour to Purdue University. A group of undergraduate and graduate students from the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources of Kentucky State University recently visited one of the top research institutions, Purdue University, as part of a four-day educational tour from May 27 to 30 aimed at enhancing academic exposure and practical hands-on experience.

The tour included visits to Controlled Environment Facilities for Horticulture and Agronomy, Food Science Labs, the Phenotyping Center, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Beck’s Ag Center, Agronomy Center, Horticulture Research Farms, and Animal Science Farms. During the visit, the students observed the modern innovative research advancing agricultural activities and actively interacted with Purdue faculty and researchers.

A total of twenty-five students, thirteen faculty, and staff members from KSU participated in this tour. The objective of this tour was to expose students to different learning environments so that they could gain deeper insights into innovations in modern agriculture.

''I was overwhelmed with information and visuals of machines and things that I didn't understand were even created,” said junior Psychology and Social Work major Ms. Shaneice Brown. Another participating fresman, Agriculture, Food and Environment major Mr. Megrael Ngudia, stated, "It was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the importance of research and what can be done when a large number of resources are available for research."

Further, an undergraduate agribusiness student, Dshia Turner, explained, "A fun fact about the farming industry is they have such a good system, from what I have seen, that their combination with the technology and engineering industries has resulted in a variety of inventions to help and understand the wildlife or the food production, consequently reducing the amount of labor that is required on the farm."

“I was especially impressed by the scale of investment and the depth of innovation in agricultural sciences at Purdue. This experience has equipped me with new ideas, knowledge, and motivation that I’m looking forward to applying in my academic and research,’’ said Sudha Bhandari, a graduate student.

''I was able to get access to and connect with relevant professors in my research interest, and they gave me insights into what to do next for my future academic career,'' shared Prabina Bhujel, a participating student.

The tour created a lasting impact on students at various levels, who found the experience valuable in separate ways.

In addition to the visit, the tour provided practical takeaways for students in shaping their understandings of agricultural innovation.

Eric Murwanashyaka, a graduate student stated, "The trip to Purdue renewed my belief in the importance of integrating digital technology into agriculture to enhance crop productivity and ensure better harvests."

''The experience was not only insightful but truly transformative. From advanced laboratories to expansive research farms and high-tech facilities, every aspect of their agricultural program reflects a dedication to solving real-world problems,'' stated Mona Bhandari, a graduate student.

The KSU faculty and staff, including Drs. Buddhi R. Gyawali, Maheteme Gebremedhin, Jyotica Batra, Theoneste Nzaramyimana, Liang Yu, and Ms. Cora Teets, met with Dr. Bernie Engel, Dean of Agriculture, and Dr. Ron Turco, Associate Dean of Agricultural Research and Graduate Education, to discuss future collaboration. Dr. Gyawali, KSU professor of Geospatial Technology and Environment stated that “Building on the momentum of this visit, KSU further plans to collaborate with Purdue University, including student and faculty summer internships, use of Purdue's research labs and fields for KSU graduate and faculty research, and collaborative grant development for extending Purdue's research to Eastern Kentucky in studying impacts of surface coal mines, landscape restoration, and economic development.”.

The trip was funded by a USDA/AFRI grant- Enhancing Productivity, Diversification, and Sustainability by Infusing Geospatial Technology in Small and Medium-Sized Farms, (Award # 2019-68006-29330 (Project Director, Dr. Buddhi R. Gyawali).

Learn more: 

https://www.kysu.edu/news/2025/06/ksu-future-of-farming.php 

https://www.state-journal.com/education/kentucky-state-students-discover-the-future-of-farming-isnt-what-they-expected/article_9a84e3f0-28b7-4269-87c3-940405cc017d.html 

 

 

Urban Ag Summer Interns Work Hard at KYSU Student Run Farm 

Summer break didn’t stop these student leaders from digging into hands-on learning! Alecia Daniels, Jaiya McCargo, and Jade McCargo stayed on campus to help tend the student-run farm under the guidance of Dr. Theoneste Nzaramyimana.

From harvesting cucumbers and cherry tomatoes to sharing fresh produce with the campus community—they're growing more than food, they're growing impact.

#ThorobredsLeadingForImpact

See FaceBook and LinkedIn Posts Here

https://www.facebook.com/KyStateU/photos/summer-break-didnt-stop-these-student-leaders-from-digging-into-hands-on-learnin/1042758631340808/?_rdr 

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cora-teets-264662290_thorobredsleadingforimpact-activity-7353151720354435074-Qk6T?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAEaTfOwBD2vssUNVn5nOU-oopyUlJpOSBk8 

KSU News: Kentucky State University Achieves National Recognition with Prestigious Award and Breakthrough Research at Leading Horticulture Conference

Kentucky State University demonstrated its national leadership in agricultural science at the 122nd Annual Conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), where faculty and students presented groundbreaking research in pawpaw domestication and urban agriculture. The University's impact was further solidified when a leading researcher received the society's highest honor.

The premier conference, attended by over 1,500 horticultural experts in New Orleans from July 28 to Aug. 1, showcased Kentucky State's multifaceted contributions to the field.

The conference's highlight was Dr. Kirk W. Pomper's induction as a Fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science. This lifetime achievement award represents one of horticulture's most prestigious honors, reserved for scientists whose exceptional contributions have shaped the profession. Dr. Pomper's selection to the 62nd class of Fellows recognizes his pioneering work and leadership in agricultural research.

Kentucky State University operates the world's only full-time pawpaw research program, and its team presented comprehensive studies aimed at transforming the pawpaw (Asimina triloba) from regional novelty to commercial crop.

The KSU Pawpaw Research Program team—including Dr. Pomper, Research and Extension Associate Sheri Crabtree, Horticulture Research Associate Jeremy Lowe, and graduate students Nabin Adhikari, Subas ThapaMagar, and Kshitij Shahi—addressed the fruit's key commercial challenges:

·     Genetic Verification: Using DNA fingerprinting through Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers to verify parentage of new cultivars, ensuring reliable breeding programs and intended traits.

·     Pollination Solutions: Research on fly and beetle pollinators (pawpaws aren't bee-pollinated) provides growers essential knowledge to improve fruit set and maximize yields.

·     Extended Shelf-Life: Modified atmospheric storage research addresses the pawpaw's short shelf-life barrier, enabling wider market distribution.

·     Superior Cultivars: Data on promising new selections from KSU's breeding program, including yield, fruit weight, seed-to-pulp ratio, and sugar content, represents years of development work.

Graduate students also participated in the competitive Scholars Ignite Competition, which challenges researchers to present their work's impact in three minutes with a single slide.

"Presenting at ASHS provides incredible feedback from field experts and teaches you to communicate research impact," said graduate student Subas ThapaMagar. "It makes you a better scientist."

While Kentucky State University's pawpaw research focuses on maximizing the potential of a native fruit in traditional agricultural settings, the University is simultaneously pioneering the future of indoor agriculture. The KSU Urban and Controlled Environment Agriculture Team, led by Dr. Theoneste Nzaramyimana, was the conference's only group presenting watercress and upland cress research—a distinction that underscores the University's leadership in exploring underutilized crops with exceptional nutritional potential.

The team's comprehensive research program showcases Kentucky State's commitment to hands-on learning through close collaboration between faculty, researchers, and students. Seven team members presented their individual research projects at the conference: three graduate students, one undergraduate, and three research associates. This representation demonstrates how KSU integrates students at all levels into meaningful research experiences.

The presentations covered systematic investigations into bio-fortification strategies:

·     Graduate students Richard Kabanda, Germiane Akeza, and Eric Murwananasyaka presented research on magnesium fertilization effects on phytonutrient accumulation, phenolic compound accumulation, and biomass in upland cress, respectively. 

·     Undergraduate researcher Megrael Ngudia contributed a study on selenium biofortification effects on beta carotene accumulation in watercress. While Sephora Yao Affoue contributed a study on magnesium fertilization effects on chlorophyll accumulation in upland cress.  

·     Research associates Cora Teets and Adekunle Adeyeye presented work on selenium's impact on the accumulation of carotenoid, glucosinolates, beta carotene, and phytonutrienl accumulation in watercress.

"Horticulture production is fundamental to food security," explained Dr. Nzaramyimana.

"Watercress ranks as the most nutrient-dense leafy green according to the CDC, and both watercress and upland cress contain high levels of glucosinolates—powerful compounds with anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventive benefits," he added. "By optimizing how these crops are grown in controlled environments through strategic supplementation with selenium and magnesium, we're creating a direct pathway from agricultural science to improved public health."

This research was supported by USDA Evans-Allen Research Grant (Project Number 7004987) and USDA Grants for Pioneering Controlled Environment Agriculture Research, conducted in collaboration with The Ohio State University Agricultural Research Service, with assistance from Dr. James Altland and Mrs. Leslie Morris.

Learn more below: 

https://ashs.org/page/ASHSAnnualConference 

What’s Been Happening in Our Urban Ag World…

Spring into Success! | Department Milestones Update

This Spring has been an exciting and productive season for our department! Our Master's students have successfully completed their proposal defenses — a major academic milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and perseverance.

A special congratulations to Dr. Adeyeye Adekunle, who not only completed his thesis defense but also passed his final exam defense with flying colors!

Meanwhile, our research continues to grow—literally! Dr. Hattie Hope Makumbe, is our newly appointed Post Doctoral Researcher in our department.

By integrating biochemistry techniques with urban farming systems, she is uniquely positioned to add value to the urban agricultural space.

Richard Kabanda’s succcessfully defends his thesis project on watercress cultivation and nutrient analysis has reached a key milestone: successful plant growth and now entering the nutrient analysis phase. 
This cross-institutional research is pushing boundaries in sustainable agriculture and plant science. We are proud of the impact our students and researchers are making—regionally and globally.

Eric Murwanashyaka sucessfully defends his thesis on Evaluating the Effects of Blue Light Intensities on Beta-carotene Accumulation in Two Baby Cress Varieties. 

 

MarieMerci Uwimbabazi sucessfully defends her thesis on the Impact of Artificial LED Lights Spectra on Swiss Chard Growth, Yield, and Quality under Controlled Environment Agriculture

Germaine Akeza sucessfully defends her thesis on Optimizing Red-Light Intensity to Maximize Lycopene and Other Carotenoids Accumulation in Tomato. 

Onward Upward…
#ResearchInAction #GraduateSuccess #WatercressResearch #USDA #PlantScience 
#SustainableAgriculture #AcademicExcellence #DepartmentHighlights

Urban Agriculture Team Receives New High Tunnel at Harold Benson Farm 

The urban/ CEA agriculture team recently received a high tunnel facility at the Harold Benson research and demonstration farm from the Schrock’s team. Our team can learn about how this facility operates and is constructed. We look forward to conducting many research trials with this new controlled environment agriculture facility. We are also engaging our students on the student-run farm in producing many varieties of veggies in the high tunnel throughout the coming seasons. 

Urban Ag Extension in West Louisville, Kentucky Engages Community with Urban Ag Initatives 

On Saturday, June 21 The Urban Growers Program at the Kentucky State University West Louisville Office hosted an Urban Agriculture presentation and demo. This involved Gill Finley (Program Leader in Community Resource Development) – leader of the program, Kelly Rawalt (Local Food Systems Coordinator) – coordinator of the program, Dr. Theoneste Nzaramyimana (Assistant Professor for Urban Agriculture) – curriculum for workshop, Cora Teets (Research & Extension Associate) – curriculum for workshop, Adekunle Adeyeye (Research Associate) – curriculum for workshop, Alex Kofi (Graduate Research Assistant) – curriculum for workshop, and 24 Urban Growers Program participants (urban growers in Louisville. This Extension activity took place at the West Louisville Extension Office and BearFruit & Grow farm owned by LeTicia Marshall (urban farmer, former KSU extension staff member). The lecture included topics: What is Urban Agriculture?, KY crop seasonality, Water irrigation systems, Crop rotations, Raised beds, Row covers, Hydroponic systems (including live demonstration), and Microgreen production (including live demonstration). It was a great oppurtunity to teach and engage with the community. Anonymous participant testimonial: “I really enjoyed the workshop on controlled agriculture systems and the various methods of growing food hydroponically. The farm tour to Bear Fruit and Grow was awesome—it’s always inspiring to see how others care for their land and support their communities. I found it both motivating and educational. I love this program!”

 

Urban Ag Team Donates Produce to West Louisville Senior Center 

The Studnet Run Fatm at KYSU has been a huge success this summer, 2025. Our urban ag team recently donated fresh produce (cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pumpkins, basil, beans, and squash) to the KYSU West Louisville Nutirition Educator, Nicole Daniels, who donated our harvest to a senior center and food pantry in West Louisville. "Thank you so much for providing the vegetables last week for the eating healthy on a budget session for individuals living with diabetes. They were presently surprised! I had a few extra and donated them to the pantry of a local family health clinic that focuses on pediatrics. We are trying to build programming with the location, and they were elated as well." We hope to bring more fresh produce to our communites, one vegetable at a time.