Undergraduates showcase animal science, plant science, and soil science research at statewide event in Frankfort

FRANKFORT, Ky. — With lawmakers just steps away, three Kentucky State University undergraduates presented research on cattle health, soil amendments, and food safety at the Capitol Annex on March 5, bringing student-led agricultural science to the center of state government.

The 24th annual Posters-at-the-Capitol is a one-day statewide event designed to help Kentucky legislators better understand the value of undergraduate research and scholarly work.

Representing Kentucky State were Demarreon Green, mentored by Dr. George Antonious, professor of plant and soil science; Jordan A. Bennett, mentored by Dr. Antonious; and Jacob H. Wells, mentored by Dr. Sarah Carr, assistant professor of animal science.

Their presentations reflected the breadth of Kentucky State’s applied research strengths, with projects spanning agriculture, environmental quality, and animal health.

Green, a junior Environmental Studies major with a minor in chemistry, presented “Recycling Animal Manures for Enhancing Agricultural Production Systems.” His research examined how a range of soil management treatments, including animal manures and biochar, affected summer squash yield and fruit quality. The findings pointed to the promise of low-cost organic amendments as a way to reduce dependence on mineral fertilizers while improving productivity.

Bennett, a senior Agriculture Systems major with a minor in computer science, presented “Variability in Heavy Metal Concentrations Among Field-Grown Vegetables.” His project explored how different soil treatments influenced the accumulation of heavy metals in edible crops, highlighting an important intersection of agricultural production, environmental stewardship, and food safety.

Wells, an Agriculture Systems major who expects to graduate in December 2026, presented “Extension Efforts to Aid Small-scale Beef Cattle Producers Mitigate Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) and Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD).” His project focused on producer education and outreach, including the importance of identifying symptoms, strengthening biosecurity practices, and promoting vaccination. The work included a producer needs assessment, 19 trainings reaching 542 producers, and distribution of more than 2,100 vaccination cards across Kentucky. He plans to become a livestock veterinarian.

Dr. Antonious served as Kentucky State’s primary faculty representative for the event and helped facilitate the University’s participation.

“Events like Posters-at-the-Capitol give students a chance to share their work with a broader audience and see the real-world relevance of their research,” Dr. Antonious said. “It is rewarding to watch Kentucky State students present with confidence on topics that matter to agriculture, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of communities across Kentucky.”

Participation in the event also underscored Kentucky State’s continued commitment to undergraduate research with practical value — work that connects faculty mentorship, student learning, and real-world challenges facing Kentucky agriculture and rural communities.