The University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has launched an undergraduate and graduate certificate program in One Health. This initiative aims to integrate research, Extension programs, and instruction under the One Health Initiative (UKOHI), funded in part by a significant gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation.
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UKOHI was created to serve as a hub for collaborative research and learning focused on the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health in Kentucky. S. Reddy Palli, the director of UKOHI and chair of the Department of Entomology at Martin-Gatton, emphasized the importance of educating future leaders about the significance of One Health. He stated, “At UK, we want to be a leader in educating people about the significance of One Health and its impact on everyone’s daily life.”
The undergraduate certificate is tailored for students interested in various fields, including human health, veterinary medicine, public health, environmental health, agriculture, and food safety. The program will address rising health threats such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and food security. Students will learn to evaluate collaborative solutions using a systems approach, equipping them for contributions in research and policy.
Tonja Fisher, the director of the undergraduate certificate program, remarked on the uniqueness of One Health, stating, “The health of humans, animals, and the environment is closely linked and involves input from everyone.” The program consists of 12 credit hours, with two core and two elective courses.
The graduate certificate is designed for graduate students to grasp the complex interactions among human, animal, plant, and environmental health. It offers a transdisciplinary framework, integrating perspectives from fields such as human medicine, veterinary science, epidemiology, and conservation. Comprising nine credits, this certificate aims to enrich graduate studies across various disciplines, focusing on research and practical applications.
Yosra A. Helmy, the director of the graduate certificate program, stated, “One Health challenges do not fit within the boundaries of a single discipline.” The program aims to enhance students' critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, preparing them to tackle real-world issues effectively.
Courses for the One Health certificates will be offered through multiple departments, including Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Entomology, Forestry and Natural Resources, Horticulture, Veterinary Science, and the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Public Health at UK.
More information about the One Health certificates can be found at onehealth.mgcafe.uky.edu. This initiative is supported by a historic $100 million gift from University of Kentucky alum Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, marking the largest donation to the university.
The Bill Gatton Foundation’s gift focuses on four pillars: scholarships, companion animal programs, capital projects, and research innovation.