By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is launching a new program that uses Kentucky’s strong connection to horses to encourage college students to explore science-based careers.
Stable to STEM (S2S) has received a five-year, $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Beginning in summer 2027, the program will bring eight undergraduate students to Lexington each year for a nine-week residential experience focused on equine research, Extension and scientific training.
The initiative is led by Meghan Wulster-Radcliffe, Ph.D., director of strategy for equine initiatives, and Kristine Urschel, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Animal and Food Science. Students will participate in horse-related research projects throughout Martin-Gatton CAFE while developing laboratory and field skills.
“Students come through, learn techniques and work as a group on horse-related research,” Wulster-Radcliffe said.
“Additionally, we have multiple industry partners throughout the Lexington area who help the students translate the scientific knowledge they acquire into practical use.”
The program aims to use students’ existing interest in horses as an entry point into agriculture, animal science and food-system careers.
“The goal is to get students interested and grow the science-based career pipeline,” Wulster-Radcliffe said. “Essentially, we are using horses to get students interested in science and research.”
S2S will support 40 students across five annual cohorts, with at least half coming from outside UK through national recruitment partnerships. Students from various academic majors can apply, particularly those interested in horses and the equine industry.
“I believe most of the students are probably coming in with an interest in horses and the equine industry,” Urschel said. “Hopefully, this puts them more on the science side or emphasizes the use of science in their business-based decisions.”
The program expands UK’s Saddle to STEM effort for younger students, reinforcing the university’s goal of developing future researchers, scientists and Extension professionals through hands-on learning.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-patrick-jennings
Categories: Kentucky, Education, Livestock