A Vision for Martin County: A Collaborative Strategic Planning Process
Project Lead(s): Dr. Karen Rignall, Community and Leadership Development, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Tyler McDaniel, Blueprint Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Collaborators: Nita Collier, Martin County Tourism and Recreation; Madison Mooney, Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network; Joe Maynard, Martin County Cooperative Extension, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Abstract: This collaborative project will develop a strategic plan for economic development and civic engagement in Martin County. The goal is to unify assets and initiatives present in the county under an umbrella plan with clear objectives and deliverables. This proposal aligns with the Community Vitality and Economic Development priority area.
Biostat PRODIGY - Biostatistics Program for Research Outreach and Development in this Generation of Youth
Project Lead(s): Kristen McQuerry, College of Public Health; Justin Moore, College of Medicine/Behavioral Science
Collaborators: James McMillin, Fayette County Public Schools; Kert Viele, Berry Consultants
Abstract: The Biostat PRODIGY workshop introduces high school students to statistical programming and public health careers. Aligned with UK Engagement’s priorities, this initiative enhances STEM skills, promotes biostatistics career interest, and builds diverse future leaders in public health through hands-on learning and industry collaboration.
Blazing Trails: Creating an Inclusive and Accessible Mountain Biking Experience in Kentucky
Project Lead(s): John C. Hill, Human Development Institute/College of Education; Laura N. Butler and Darrell Mattingly, Human Development Institute
Collaborators: Jon Strom, Kentucky Mountain Bike Association; Dr. Jeb Gorham, Midway University; Sydney Adkisson, UK HealthCare – Healthy Kentucky Initiative; Johnny Callebs, Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities (CCDD); Adam Drye, Broomwagon Bikes; Dr. Kristina Hains, UK College of Education; Dr. Bryan Hains, UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Abstract: "Blazing Trails" addresses documented disparities for people with disabilities by increasing the use of and access to adaptive mountain biking. Our state-wide partners are committed to promoting and facilitating community interest and engagement in this effort. Funding will support this project through inclusive workshops and other forms of community engagement.
Cross-disciplinary Underutilized Hardwood Design Values Testing to Develop New Markets
Project Lead(s): Chad Niman, Forestry and Natural Resources, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Abheetha Peiris, Pigman College of Engineering/Department of Civil Engineering; Bruce Swetnam, College of Design/School of Architecture
Collaborators: Abheetha Peiris, Pigman College of Engineering/Department of Civil Engineering
Abstract: Local underutilized hardwood can provide an excellent renewable building material that is durable and sustainable. However, to use these species in structural applications, design values must be published in the National Design Specification (NDS) for that species. Our UK team is leading an effort to test samples and obtain design values.
Empowering PWUD to Disrupt Stigma: Reducing Harm and Barriers to Treatment
Project Lead(s): Jessalyn Vallade and Kimberly Parker, College of Communication and Information
Collaborators: Dr. Alexander Elswick, Human Environmental Sciences, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Abstract: By engaging with people who use drugs (PWUD) and collaborating with extension services and community providers, our project aims to improve health and wellness via the development of tailored interventions and resources to empower PWUD to manage stigma in real-time interactions to mitigate this barrier to healthcare, relationships and resources.
Families Moving Together: Building a Curriculum to Engage Preschool-aged Children and their Families in Physical Activity Together
Project Lead(s): Deirdre Dlugonski, College of Health Sciences
Collaborators: Katherine Jury, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Laura Sheffield, Community Action Council
Abstract: Few children or adults in Kentucky participate in recommended levels of physical activity. To address this challenge, our team will engage families to build a curriculum to increase family physical activity. Then, we will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the curriculum in Cooperative Extension and Head Start settings.
Food Recovery for Whitesburg
Project Lead(s): Alison Gustafson, Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Melody Nall, Blueprint Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Collaborators: Paul Freedman and Herron Linscott, Appalachia Regional Food Business Center; Frances Morales, Community Member; Brandon Fleming, CANE (Community Agricultural Nutritional Enterprises, Inc.) Kitchen; Heather Graham, University of Kentucky Food Connection; Melissa McDonald, Feeding Kentucky; Connie Sturgill and Rachel Chambers, USDA Rural Development; Michael Zachary, USDA NRCS; Marisa Aull, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service; Angella Watson, USDA Farm Service Agency
Abstract: Whitesburg community organizations, residents and federal nutrition USDA leadership recognize the need to connect food recovery systems to improve food security. At the same time there is growth in food is medicine programming efforts. Our project will 1) convene various entities to conduct an asset mapping of food recovery efforts and 2) develop an operations plan for how to connect and create a sustainable food ecosystem.
Kentucky Extension Military Collaborative
Project Lead(s): Nichole Huff, Human Environmental Sciences, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Kerri Ashurst, Family & Consumer Sciences Extension, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Kimberly Schrader, 4-H Youth Development, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Collaborators: Julie Cerel, College of Social Work; CPT Joshua Meadors, Kentucky National Guard, B BTRY 1-623d FAR (HIMARS); Jennifer Hunter, Family & Consumer Sciences Extension, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Rachel Guidugli, Kentucky 4-H Youth Development, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Jeffrey Casada, Matt Fulkerson and Amanda Hardy, UK Cooperative Extension Service, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Abstract: The Kentucky Extension Military Collaborative will expand engagement with military families and professionals across the Commonwealth. Our goal is to create a dynamic Collaborative that extends Land-grant University Partnerships by assessing existing campus-connected military engagement; addressing gaps in programming, resources and access; and establishing an online repository highlighting these efforts.
UK DEAL - Discover, Explore, Apply and Learn: What's the Big DEAL about One Health?
Project Lead(s): Janie Cambron, College of Public Health; Dr. Jeff Young, UK Cooperative Extension, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Collaborators: Nicole Barber-Culp, UK College of Public Health; Kayla Watts, UK Cooperative Extension, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Abstract: UK DEAL provides high school and college students with immersive, hands-on learning, highlighting the intersection of agriculture and public health within the One Health framework. Through public health and agricultural topics, the project aims to foster workforce development by inspiring students to pursue careers at this crucial intersection.