KSU Aquaculture Research Center

10/07/2026

🌿 Out in the Field with KSU SAAS! 🐟💧

Last week, Kentucky State University's School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science was proud to participate in the Owen County Natural Resources Field Day at Owen County Park!

Hosted by the Owen County Cooperative Extension Service , this hands-on event brought local students and community members together to explore conservation, water quality, and aquatic life. Our team loved getting out into the field to connect with the community, share insights on aquatic ecosystems, and inspire the next generation of natural resource stewards!

A big thank you to the Owen County Extension Service for organizing such a fantastic day dedicated to hands-on learning and environmental conservation.

Education

10/06/2026

A young calf drew students toward a livestock display. Nearby, Kentucky-grown pawpaws, aquaculture systems, drones, and hands-on science showed visitors to Kentucky State University’s fourth annual Ag Roundup that agriculture […]

10/05/2026

🍎 Happy World Teacher’s Day! 📚✨

Today, we pause to celebrate the incredible educators who spark curiosity, open doors, and shape the future—one student, one lesson, and one breakthrough at a time. Teachers do so much more than deliver curriculum; they mentor, encourage, and inspire us to reach further than we ever thought possible.

At Kentucky State University , we are proud to be home to dedicated faculty who are truly changing lives every day.

A special shoutout goes to our outstanding professors, researchers, and extension specialists at KSU’s School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science (SAAS)! 🐟💧

Our SAAS educators bring world-class expertise straight into the classroom, lab, and field. From guiding complex research in sustainable aquaculture and water quality to preparing students for high-impact careers in aquatic sciences, their passion and commitment drive our program of distinction forward every single day.

To all the teachers across Thorobred nation and around the world: Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and lifelong impact! 💚💛

10/02/2026

🌱 Inspiring Visit Alert! 🌱

Last week, we were thrilled to welcome Stephen Ritz, founder of Green Bronx Machine, to the Kentucky State University Aquatic Research Center!

Stephen is a legendary educator and pioneer who started Green Bronx Machine in New York’s South Bronx. His organization uses urban agriculture, indoor tower gardening, and hands-on STEM education to transform classrooms, grow healthy students, and build resilient communities. As Stephen says, "We grow vegetables, and our vegetables grow high-performing schools!" 🥦🍏

It was an absolute energy boost having him share his passion, insights, and vision with our community. Thank you, Stephen, for stopping by, inspiring our team, and reminding us all of what’s possible when we cultivate potential from the ground up!

📍 Learn more about Stephen and his incredible mission at GreenBronxMachine.org

09/28/2026

That’s a wrap on Ag Roundup 2026! 🌾🐟✨

What an incredible event at Kentucky State University! We had a fantastic turnout with over 1,000 students visiting campus to explore hands-on learning in KSU Agriculture and Aquaculture.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect for an outdoor festival, filled with learning, networking, and community. A huge thank you to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this event a success—with a special shoutout to those who helped set up and run the SAAS booth!

We were also thrilled to welcome Stephen Ritz and the Green Bronx Machine team, who came down to share their inspiring work in urban agriculture and education with our students and guests. 🌱

Thank you to all the students, faculty, sponsors, and volunteers who made this year's Ag Roundup so memorable!

09/28/2026

Last week, students from Dr. Bob Durborow’s Fish Diseases Lab got an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at FoodChain, an inspiring aquaponics non-profit in Lexington, KY. Guided by researcher Dorcas Lukwesa, the team got a firsthand view of how fresh greens, tilapia, and marine shrimp can thrive together in an urban farm setting.

From collaborating with KSU’s Aquatic Research Center to supplying local favorite Smithtown Seafood and creating a closed-loop system with West Sixth Brewery, FoodChain is setting a powerful example for sustainable local food systems.

Huge thanks to FoodChain for hosting us and leading the way in innovation, education, and community! 🙌✨

09/25/2026

Join us on campus for Kentucky State University’s 4th Annual Ag Roundup (Sept 24–26)!

The School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences (SAAS) is excited to showcase how we’re leading the way in sustainable fish farming, aquaponics, and aquatic STEM research.

Hands-on Demos: Get up close with living aquatic displays and recirculating water systems.
Career Pathways: Discover high-demand opportunities in water management, sustainable food production, and environmental science.
Campus Immersion: Check out interactive exhibits, 4-H Ville, and free food at the Yellow Brick Road Cookout!

09/16/2026

Major Milestone Alert at KSU Aquaculture! 🐟🎓

Huge congratulations to graduate research assistant Kazi Rakib Uddin on wrapping up the trial phase of his master's research on Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)!

In his study, Rakib evaluated how different salt formulations (commercial vs. homemade salt mixtures) and varying salinities (15 ppt and 30 ppt) impact flounder growth, tissue structure, and molecular responses. His ultimate goal: finding cost-effective sea salt alternatives to lower production costs for marine aquaculture without compromising fish health or growth!

The Olive Flounder is a highly valued marine flatfish native to East Asia, known for its distinct flattened body and high commercial demand. Because it thrives in controlled environments, it is a key candidate for expanding land-based marine aquaculture, though optimizing its salinity and water parameters remains essential for economic viability.

After months of hard work—from acclimatizing fish received from the University of Miami to managing recirculating systems, chillers, and 90-day feeding trials—Rakib has officially finished raising his flounder cohort!

Now comes the next big phase: diving deep into all the accumulated data, analyzing growth parameters and tissue responses, and preparing for his master's thesis defense.

It’s taken countless hours of dedication, system maintenance, and meticulous monitoring, but he is one step closer to earning his Master’s degree! Join us in wishing Rakib the best of luck as he completes his thesis work! 👏🎉

🎥 Want to learn more about his research and setup? Watch the video link in the comments 👇

09/15/2026

🐟 Indoor Largemouth Bass Research at KSU SAAS! 🐟

While Largemouth Bass is widely known as one of the most popular sport fish in the United States, it also holds tremendous potential for commercial food fish production!

In our latest project video, Research Associate Sagun Chhetri shares how KSU researchers are evaluating the performance of Largemouth Bass in advanced indoor Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). By fine-tuning environmental control and identifying optimal stocking densities, our team is working to establish sustainable and efficient production methods for indoor growers.

🎥 Watch the full video update here: https://youtu.be/vShvcEvIaE0

Interested in learning more about indoor aquaculture and RAS technology? Visit us online or reach out to our extension team!

In this video, Sagun Chhetri, Research Associate at the Kentucky St...

09/09/2026

🌿 Utilizing Macroalgae for Sustainable Aquaculture Water Quality! 🐟

How can we effectively manage nutrient buildup in marine aquaculture systems while keeping production costs down?

In our latest “Behind the Scenes” video, Elizabeth, a Graduate Research Assistant in the Water Quality Lab at Kentucky State University, shares an inside look at her current research project.

Elizabeth is testing how macroalgae (Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria) can absorb excess nutrients from flounder aquaculture effluent. Her study combines aerobic mineralization—digesting effluent at 32°C for 8–10 days to boost bioavailable nitrates—with an evaluation of standard synthetic sea salts versus a homemade salt formulation designed to reduce production costs by over 50%!

🎥 Watch the full video update here: https://youtu.be/dxoZ-RTUjDk

In this video, Elizabeth, a Graduate Research Assistant in the Wate...