John McMaine

Professional Biography

John McMaine is an Extension Associate Professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at University of Kentucky. His Extension and research activity centers on developing and implementing solutions to address challenges related to climate resilience, stormwater, flooding during extreme events, low impact development, green infrastructure, and urban pollutant fate and transport. Dr. McMaine is focused on developing and implementing solutions in conjunction with local communities and stakeholder groups that solve real world problems.  

A Wildcat alum, John received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering from UK before completing a Ph.D. in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Oklahoma State University. Before joining UK as faculty, he spent seven years as an Extension and Research faculty member at South Dakota State University. He worked primarily with agricultural water management and the intersection of soil health and water management. Past projects involved working with agricultural producers to investigate the potential for in-field practices, such as extended rotations, no-till and cover crops, to improve resilience to climate extremes (too much water or not enough). In addition, he worked with producers to better understand what role subsurface (tile) drainage plays in downstream nutrient loading under the South Dakota landscape and climate. His Extension programming and products have directly reached thousands of stakeholders through podcasting, videos, workshops, trainings, K-12 activities and Extension articles and fact sheets.  

Outside of work, he enjoys time with family, being active whether hiking or playing pickup basketball, traveling and experiencing new adventures.