From the Executive Director
Amanda Fuller
Have questions, concerns, ideas, or want to get involved? Reach out!
At your service,
Amanda Fuller, KAS Executive Director. 859-227-2837 executivedirector@kyscience.org
Education
STEM Summer Camp Directory
We've curated a list of 20+ STEM Summer Camps around Kentucky, and KAS has awarded camp scholarships to 20 kids this summer. Here's to our next generation of scientists!
Enviropods: Free, interactive summer camp for middle schoolers
Kentucky is at risk for earth, environmental, and weather hazards. Join faculty and students from University of Kentucky for a three-day camp to learn about how earth and environmental scientists research hazards in our state like flooding, landslides, tornadoes, earthquakes, drought, and water quality concerns.
Students will get hands-on experience with the methods and data used to help try to predict these costly and dangerous threats including modern technologies like drones, virtual reality, and GIS. Each camp will be tailored to regional concerns so that students can leave the week ready to help their families and community prepare for and respond to natural hazards.
Thanks to funding from the KY NSF EPSCoR CLIMBS project, this camp is free and open to eligible students. Lunch and snacks will be provided each day. Registration is limited to 20 students per camp.
Eligibility: Rising 7th, 8th, and 9th grade Kentucky residents are eligible. If you have specific questions about the program and eligibility, reach out to enviropods@uky.edu
2025 Dates:
July 15th-17th - Paul Sawyier Public Library in Frankfort (10 AM to 5 PM)
July 29th-31st - Perry County Public Library in Hazard (10 AM to 5 PM)
Depending on library operating hours, earlier drop off may be an option.
Registration: Register here.
Source: https://ees.as.uky.edu/enviropods
Professional Development Resources for KAS members
We've curated a variety of opportunities for our members to learn new skills, advance your careers, and have more impact in the world. Check our our Professional Development Resources at the KAS website. Many of them are free or cheap. If you know of resources you would like to share with fellow scientists, send them our way!
Science PD opportunities for teachers this summer
Education and Engagement Team
Our Education & Engagement team makes connections with K-12 Teachers, Kentucky field stations, supports the Junior Academy, and connects with other partners around the state.
E&E meets next on July 28 at 10am ET. All are welcome! Email our Executive Director Amanda Fuller to get added to the list.
Policy
The Endangered Species Act is Threatened
From KWA: KWA and our partners, including the National Wildlife Federation, oppose changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that remove habitat protection from the ESA. 0n May 19, 2025, KWA and our partners submitted comments to the Department of the Interior strongly opposing the removal of habitat destruction from the definition of “harm." This proposed rule change also signals a move away from science-based policy and toward political expediency, which is incompatible with both the plain language of the ESA and the agencies’ duty to faithfully execute the laws passed by Congress. In Kentucky, 29 species of mussels are currently federally listed as threatened or endangered, most due to habitat degradation. Many of Kentucky’s other threatened and endangered species would be impacted by this proposal, including the the Blackside dace and Big Sandy crayfish pictured below.
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Read our comment letter here.
KWA also assisted with drafting and signed onto technical comments submitted by the National Wildlife Federation, found here.
Proposed Budget Bill Threatens Science and Scientists
Science Policy Committee Invites your Participation!
Research
Kentucky Association for Environmental Education Research Opportunity
Small Research Stipends Available
The KAEE has small research stipends for researchers interested in digging into the quantitative and qualitative datasets in their Landscape Analysis of Environmental Education programs in the southeast US. Here's an example of a recent publication using their rich dataset.
For more information, contact Ashley Hoffman at KAEE, director@kaee.org
Are You Cancer Literate?
Wilson Gonzalez-Espada, KAS Intern
According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer occurs when abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply uncontrollably. These rogue cells do not respond to the body's signals to stop growing or to self-destruct, a process called apoptosis.
Instead, they trick the immune system into thinking they are A-OK and the blood vessels into providing fresh blood to keep malignant cells alive. Through these vessels, some cells may metastasize, that is, reach other parts of the body, settle, and continue their unruly reproduction.
Early detection is essential to identify the type of cancer a person may have and evaluate possible treatment options. However, one major limitation for those who live in economically distressed regions of Kentucky is the shortage of healthcare options. In fact, in the U.S. eight of the ten counties with the lowest life expectancy are in Kentucky’s Appalachia, which creates cancer disparities.
Funding
Did you know?
We have funding available for our members on our website!
Check out our Funding Opportunities today - some deadlines are quickly approaching!
Federal Funding
Who stands to lose most from the Trump Administration's threats to science? Find out more
Annual Meeting
Propose a Special Session for the KAS Annual Meeting
Special Sessions Should be cross-disciplinary, 2-3 hours long
Please submit a 250-word description by August 15.
In your proposal, we ask you to list a minimum of 3 presenters. Abstract submissions will also be open and presenters can submit into your session if approved. Presentations may be 15 minutes or longer. Special sessions may also be appropriate content for a Theme issue of the Journal of the KAS.
Any KAS member is welcome to propose a Special Session.
Submit Your Session Proposal
Junior Academy
Recruiting for KJAS
Help us expand the reach of the Kentucky Junior Academy of Science! Share information about KJAS in your region to help promote this valuable experience for Kentucky's future science community!
Community
Raisin’ Hellbenders on the River: Concert for Conservation
Join the Thomas More University Biology Field Station for the second annual “Raisin’ Hellbenders on the River: Concert for Conservation” on Saturday, July 26 from 3-9 PM at the Field Station (8309 Mary Ingles Hwy, California, KY 41007).
The day will have live bluegrass music, lab tours (where you can meet hellbenders–north America’s largest amphibian!), free kayak rentals, food trucks, and MadTree beverages. This day of fun and fellowship on the Ohio River supports the Field Station’s conservation and outreach programs. Purchase tickets online at tmuky.us/concertrsvp. This event is open to the public and serves as a great way for folks to learn more about our research, conservation, and education! Contact Molly Williams, Field Station Manager, at williamsm@thomasmore.edu, for any questions.
From our Science Partners
Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE)
Annual Conference Nov 13-14, 2025
Owensboro Convention Center
https://www.kaee.org/conference
Propose a session to share with environmental educators across the Commonwealth.
How U.S. Adults Perceive Science in this Moment
The Association of Science & Technology Centers (ASTC) has released findings from a recent survey, identifying the following opportunities:
- Increase public awareness of the impact of recent federal actions on their interests (including their current everyday lives and their economic future)
- Close gaps in public understanding of how science and technology are impacted by federal policy
- Strengthen and expand the opportunity for the public to engage with the scientific community
Kentucky scientists, we can help! Do you have a story to share about how federal policy has impacted YOUR work as a scientist, or would you like to share your science with a broader public audience?
KAS wants to share your stories on our social media channels, on the Bench Talk podcast, and in other media outlets. Get in touch with Melissa Dougherty, our Science Communication Specialist,
Learn more & watch ASTC's presentation of their findings
Download the ASTC slides
Kentucky Infrasructure Network for Biomedical Research (KY-INBRE)
offers free trainings, and funding opportunities- check out their monthly news
News, training and funding opportunities from Established Program for Stimulating Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and Institutional Development Award (IDeA)
Save the date!
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