COLLEGE PARK, Md. 鈥� 麻豆直播 made a strong showing at the 2025 Aquaponics Association
Conference at the University of Maryland, where a 10-member delegation from the University鈥檚
Aquaponics Lab immersed in workshops, lab tours, and farm visits that connected classroom
learning to real-world food production.
Led by Janelle Hager, Cooperative Extension state specialist for aquaponics, Kentucky
State鈥檚 students and staff engaged with growers, engineers, and researchers on water
quality, system design, plant health, and data logging.
鈥淥ur students came home with new skills, new mentors, and new confidence,鈥� Hager said.
鈥淎quaponics is a team sport 鈥� biology, engineering, and entrepreneurship 鈥� and this
conference put all of those pieces together.鈥�
Aquaponics pairs recirculating aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing
plants) in a closed-loop system. Fish byproducts become nutrients for plants, and
plants, in turn, filter and return clean water to the tanks 鈥� an efficient approach
that reduces water use, supports year-round production, and strengthens food safety
practices.
Student achievements added to the momentum. At the banquet, student Lucian Blakemore earned third
place in the student presentation category, and the Aquaponics Association president
recognized the University鈥檚 delegation for its strong presence and enthusiasm.
The conference also highlighted Driving AgTech Research and Education in Kentucky
(DARE-KY), a $7 millionNational Science Foundation grant and the largest competitive
stand-alone federal award in the University鈥檚 history.
At a busy conference booth, Kentucky State researchers shared DARE-KY results and
built connections with farmers, entrepreneurs, and potential collaborators. By cultivating
networks, advancing applied research, and expanding workforce pathways for soilless
food systems, the University is creating a cross-sector research network to improve
nutrient management, strengthen food safety, and enhance sustainability across the
commonwealth.
The School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science 鈥� part of the College of Agriculture,
Health, and Natural Resources, and the University鈥檚 sole Program of Distinction 鈥�
anchors Kentucky State鈥檚 leadership in sustainable aquaculture and aquaponics, advancing
student success, research visibility, industry partnerships, and workforce development
tied to food security and rural prosperity.
The Kentucky State delegation included staff members Janelle Hager, Chelsea Walling,
Chris Ward, and Constance Finnerty, and students Ethan Bulland, De鈥檃ira Watts, Lucian
Blakemore, Ariana Billings, Charlie Wilbers, and George Collins.
