Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 39 minutes ago
Olivia Smith, a May 2026 graduate from the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, has spent her time at UK turning a passion for sustainability into real-world impact.
From helping establish The Thrifty Cat, a free store for students on campus, to conducting undergraduate research on mycelium-based textile materials, Smith’s work reflects creativity, collaboration and a commitment to reducing overconsumption. As she prepares for graduation, she plans to continue building long-term sustainability resources that help people and the planet.
Article by Bailey Vandiver: https://news.mgcafe.uky.edu/article/university-kentucky-student-who-founded-thrifty-cat-will-continue-sustainability-efforts
Media inquiries: C.E. Huffman, ce.huffman@uky.edu
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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Reasonable accommodation of disability may be available with prior notice. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating.
Olivia Smith, a May 2026 graduate from the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, has spent her time at UK turning a passion for sustainability into real-world impact.
From helping establish The Thrifty Cat, a free store for students on campus, to conducting undergraduate research on mycelium-based textile materials, Smith’s work reflects creativity, collaboration and a commitment to reducing overconsumption. As she prepares for graduation, she plans to continue building long-term sustainability resources that help people and the planet.
Article by Bailey Vandiver: https://news.mgcafe.uky.edu/article/university-kentucky-student-who-founded-thrifty-cat-will-continue-sustainability-efforts
Media inquiries: C.E. Huffman, ce.huffman@uky.edu
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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Reasonable accommodation of disability may be available with prior notice. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating.
