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INVESTIGATOR: Grimes, K. R.; Tope, A.; Wang, C.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY 40601

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES OPTION FOR THE AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND ENVIRONMENT DEGREE

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Kentucky State University officially launched the College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems (CAFSSS). Five divisions --Agriculture, Food and Animal Science, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, and Family Consumer Science were created. Although, in the current settings, undergraduate students have degree options in agriculture, food systems, aquaculture, and the environment, there is currently no option available for nutrition related sciences. With Kentucky ranking the 6th most obese state in the U.S. there is a significant shortage of trained workforce in the area of Nutrition Education and Sciences, especially from lower economic and minority populations. Hence, there is a need in Kentucky for an undergraduate degree, or degree option in Nutritional Sciences (NS). The NS option under the current Agriculture, Food Systems, and Environment (AFE) baccalaureate degree will substantially enhance the current degree, serve as a precursor to graduate studies in NS and undergraduate degrees within the division of FCS, and provide the necessary training for students wishing to pursue future careers in NS and related fields. In addition to the creation of a new NS degree option, this project will also offer students the opportunity to conduct research and Extension activities as an experiential learning component through the Center for Family Nutrition and Wellness Education (CFNWE). This experiential learning component will provide an apt opportunity for students to discover their aptitude for work in the field of NS through the research and Extension projects offered through the CFNWE. Many of these projects will involve basic NS research tracts centering on evaluation of risks for metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, and related areas in humans. In addition, students desiring to focus on an Extension tract will have the opportunity to interact with Elementary, Middle and High School students on basic nutrition and physical activity concepts, develop curricula tools, and analyze behavioral changes. Students in both tracts will have the opportunity to present their results at state and national meetings and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Finally, it is well documented that minority and lower income individuals are disproportionately impacted by obesity and obesity related diseases. KSU is historically black land grant university that is comprised of an exceptionally diverse cross-section of students. Of the nearly 3000 students, nearly 60% are African American, 28% are white, and the remaining portion is comprised of other racial and ethnic groups. By developing a NS degree option within the CAFSSS at Kentucky State University, minority students will have a tremendous opportunity to be trained in unique undergraduate courses that will prepare them for the nutrition workforce to help combat this growing problem.

OBJECTIVES: Currently the Kentucky State University College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems (CAFSSS) offers one undergraduate program (Agriculture, Food, and Environment), two master level programs (Aquaculture and Environmental Studies), and one undergraduate minor (Aquaculture). The Agriculture, Food, and Environment (AFE) degree program falls under the Division of Agriculture and consists of four available options: Agricultural Systems, Food Systems, Environmental Systems, and Aquaculture Systems. Each of these options generally requires four core courses and three elective courses to successfully complete the AFE degree program. The proposed Nutritional Science option would serve as a fifth option within the AFE degree which will fill the nutrition education gap at the university, strengthen the current Food Systems AFE option, and will pave the way for a future Nutritional Science undergraduate and graduate degree program. A total of three new core courses will be developed in addition to one experiential learning course. AFE/NUR Nutrition and Metabolism: This course will provide an overview of the relationship between metabolism and nutrition as it relates to general health. Special consideration will be made for metabolic pathways that are essential for energy, muscle growth, and disease. AFE/NUR Modern Nutrition, Health, and Disease: This course will give an overview of the role of nutritional science as it relates to health with special emphasis on disease prevention and management of disorders and diseases of various body systems. AFE/NUR Society and Nutrition: This course will look at the relationship between general nutrition and the community dynamic. In addition, it will introduce students to the program planning, policies, resources, and nutrition issues specific to community nutrition, providing an understanding of creating and implementing nutrition programs from various constituencies (elderly populations, children, impoverished populations, college students, etc.). Crucial to the NS program is the course Research in Nutritional Science which will provide substantial opportunities to conduct research, provide education, and participate in Extension activities in order to give students a chance to explore different work experiences. This course will be designed during the first year of funding, followed by full implementation during the following years. Faculty, with specific experience in the field of study, will design each project in a manner that enhances related coursework and provides a significant opportunity to experience NS in the field. Students, once enrolled, will make a specific selection of which area they would like to focus: Research, Education, or Extension. Based on the students' application and space allotted, faculty will choose students to participate in particular projects. Throughout the semester, students will work on their project under the supervision of faculty. Where applicable, students will also work as a team on certain projects to teach them how to function in a team-oriented environment.