By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has announced the 2026 recipients of The Bill Gatton Foundation Professorships, recognizing faculty members whose work is advancing research, education, Extension, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Made possible through The Bill Gatton Foundation’s historic $100 million gift, the professorships provide three years of funding to support projects addressing major challenges in agriculture, food systems, environmental sustainability, animal and human health, and community development.
"These professorships represent the kind of bold, collaborative thinking that defines our college and our land-grant mission," said Laura Stephenson, vice president for land-grant engagement and dean of Martin-Gatton CAFE.
"Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of The Bill Gatton Foundation, the discoveries, partnerships and solutions that emerge from this work will strengthen Kentucky's communities and create lasting benefits across the Commonwealth and beyond."
Recipients were selected through a competitive process based on their accomplishments in research, teaching, Extension, and service, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Distinguished Professors will lead projects ranging from indoor pest management, coffee sustainability, antimicrobial resistance, plant reproduction, equine health technologies, artificial intelligence for agriculture, Antarctic insect research, and food purchasing behavior.
The Early-Career Professors will focus on innovative fermentation systems, nutrition and gut health, Alpha-gal Syndrome research, equine injury prevention, and strengthening Kentucky’s beef industry through applied research and producer education.
Together, these faculty members are developing solutions that will improve agricultural productivity, enhance public health, protect natural resources, and create new educational opportunities for students and communities.
The work reflects the university's commitment to innovation while supporting Kentucky's agricultural economy and addressing global challenges through science-based research and outreach.
2026 Bill Gatton Foundation Distinguished Professors
- Zachary DeVries, Ph.D.
- David Gonthier, Ph.D.
- Yosra Helmy, Ph.D.
- Tomo Kawashima, Ph.D.
- Carrie Shaffer, Ph.D.
- Jian Shi, Ph.D.
- Nick Teets, Ph.D.
- Shuoli Zhao, Ph.D.
2026 Bill Gatton Foundation Early-Career Professors
- Tyler Barzee, Ph.D.
- Kendall Corbin, Ph.D.
- Abigail Pace, Ph.D.
- Allen Page, Ph.D.
- Katie VanValin, Ph.D.
Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Education