OCTC Foundation receives grant from Cargill for Motus Wildlife Tracking Student Engagement Project

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (07/03/2024) — The Owensboro Community and Technical College Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce a grant award received from Cargill in support of the MOTUS Wildlife Tracking Student Engagement Project. This opportunity will allow a MOTUS wildlife tracking tower to be placed on the Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) main campus and create engaging opportunities for students to learn about the wildlife that travel through our community. Students will gain skills in important real-world research studying animal movement and will develop a greater understanding of the real-world interconnectedness of ecology, science, and agricultural landscapes. OCTC is the first community college in Kentucky that will have a tower and is the only location in the greater Owensboro region.

Dr. Micah Perkins, an OCTC Biology Professor, is the project director and is excited about the benefits this will have for our community. "MOTUS is a global research network that uses real-time radio telemetry to track migratory animals while also facilitating ecological research and conservation. OCTC students will have the opportunity to be part of global conservation efforts involving more than 1,200 MOTUS stations in 31 countries."

Data from the MOTUS system helps understand conservation planning, environmental assessment, and ecology development. This project can impact our local agricultural industry by identifying potential bat and insect ecology to promote natural pest management and understanding the importance of conservation science to mitigate the impacts on agriculture and wildlife.

Bethanie Roberts from Cargill shared, "We are thrilled to support OCTC with this new wildlife tracking tower and the learning and engagement opportunities it will bring students for years to come."

Cargill owns the local Owensboro Grain Company and is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, Cargill partners with farmers and customers to source, make, and deliver products that are vital for living.

As a global company, they have 160,000 team members that innovate with purpose and provide customers with life's essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 159 years of experience as a family company, Cargill remains true to their values. At Cargill, they put people first, reach higher, and do the right thing-today and for generations to come.

"We are excited to call Cargill a partner of the OCTC Foundation and look forward to the opportunities that this grant award will provide for education, research, and our students," said Sydney Warren, OCTC Foundation Executive Director and Chief Institutional Advancement Officers for OCTC.

Dr. Scott Williams, OCTC President commented, "We cannot thank Cargill enough for their generous support for our students and faculty. We are excited about the opportunity this grant will provide in enhancing our educational outcomes for our students."

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