By Blake Jackson
Kentucky State University students earned national recognition for their research presentations and innovation projects during the 2026 Association of Research Directors Symposium in New Orleans. The event brought together more than 2,000 students, faculty members, researchers, and agricultural leaders from 1890 land-grant universities across the country.
The symposium focused on innovation in food, agriculture, health, environmental resilience, and economic sustainability. Kentucky State students presented research projects connected to agriculture, technology, environmental protection, and community development.
Graduate student Amos Akwemoh received second place in the Graduate Oral Competitive category within the Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment section. His research examined vegetation recovery and surface temperature changes on reclaimed mine lands in Eastern Kentucky using satellite and geospatial technology tools.
“Attending the ARD Symposium was an incredible experience for me,” Akwemoh said. “I had the opportunity to present my research, engage with other scholars, and learn about innovative work being done across the field.”
Kentucky State students also earned recognition during the ARD Research Symposium Hackathon. The 48-hour competition challenged student teams to analyze a large corn dataset and develop agricultural solutions. Oluwafunmisho Ibiloro helped Team Ojnab earn third place among more than 10 teams. Graduate student Ebenezer Akinola also participated as part of a cross-university team.
“Our team earned third place at the 2026 ARD Hackathon, where more than 10 teams participated in a transformative agricultural innovation challenge,” Ibiloro said.
Students said the symposium helped them build professional connections and learn about future research and career opportunities. Undergraduate student Jinniah Ali described the experience as valuable for networking and professional development.
The Kentucky State delegation included undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty members, and research staff presenting work in agriculture, animal science, food systems, forestry, plant health, bioenergy, and community development.
“Our students represented Kentucky State University with excellence, preparation, and confidence,” said Dr. Marcus Bernard, dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. “Their success at the ARD Symposium reflects the strength of our research enterprise.”
University leaders said the event highlighted Kentucky State’s commitment to research, innovation, and the 1890 land-grant mission.
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Categories: Kentucky, Education