The primary mission of the 1890 Land Grant Universities is to conduct agriculture research and extension activities that benefit small and limited-resource farmers. Out of the 19 1890’s in the United States, very few conduct any aquaculture-related activities. However, three noteworthy institutions stand out in this field: the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (UAPB), Delaware State University (DSU), and Kentucky State University (KSU). These three universities worked together to develop a successfully-funded grant for the USDA 1890 Capacity Building Grant Program. The mission of the grant is to provide experiential learning experiences for under-represented college students.
Students have been provided an assortment of STEM learning experiences. A large group traveled to Auburn University, where they spent two weeks visiting the aquaculture facilities and other related spaces at the University. Activities featured tours of a feed mill and processing plant, a visit to the Alabama Aquarium, as well as explorations of several catfish farms in West Alabama. They had the opportunity to enjoy kayaking on the Coosa River, and a trip to Dauphin Island for trawling and fish sampling. These experiences provided comprehensive insights into aquaculture and fisheries operations, environmental impacts, and sustainability strategies. The hands-on activities and field visits enhanced both graduate students’ technical skills and offered valuable networking opportunities. The combination of educational sessions and recreational activities made the workshop both informative and entertaining,
Students traveled to the University of Southern Mississippi where they learned about algae culture, recirculating aquaculture systems, finfish production, and participated in a live oyster spawning event. In Kentucky, students attended the North American Native Fishes Association Convention in Gilbertsville, KY. There, they took field trips, sampled native fish populations, including through electro-fishing, and they identified and cataloged the fish. Two M.S. students were sent to Delaware State University for training in genetics analysis. The students learned eDNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, water quality testing, and water sample collection methods. They brought 50 walleye fin clips with them from various Kentucky waterways for analysis.
Overall, this project has been tremendously successful in making sure students at 1890 universities have a broad and impactful set of learning experiences in aquaculture. These activities have inspired them to learn more and have made lasting impressions that will help them as they advance academically and professionally. We plan to continue the program for about one more year.