Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

SCHEDULE PEER ADVISING APPOINTMENT

Research Ambassadors offer peer research advising to help students explore research opportunities, connect with a mentor, explain research presentation and funding opportunities, and much more.

SCHEDULE PEER ADVISING

CLASS PRESENTATIONS

Research Ambassadors provide presentations to classes, student organizations, Colleges, and faculty. From introduction to undergraduate research to designing research posters and writing an abstract.

REQUEST A PRESENTATION

15 Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Undergraduate Research Ambassadors! This year's outstanding group of 15 ambassadors represents 4 colleges, 9 disciplines, and 11 research areas.

2024-25 Research Ambassadors group photo

URA Info Session leadership 2019 Joe Walden Adan Deeb

Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URAs) are a multi-disciplinary, diverse team of students that serve a central role as advocates for undergraduate research and creative scholarship at the University of Kentucky. The goal of the URA program is to increase awareness and create opportunities for students to actively engage in research and creative scholarship. URAs facilitate this goal by providing presentations to the campus community, creating relevant workshops and programming, and representing OUR at research, recruiting, and outreach events.

UK's Research Ambassadors have a passion for promoting undergraduate research and creative scholarship and helping students connect with research opportunities.

RESEARCH AMBASSADOR ACTIVITIES

Represent the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), their respective College, and the University in a knowledgeable and professional manner
Promote undergraduate research involvement and opportunities
Assist with student-focused outreach and program events, such as tabling, information sessions, and student workshops
Assist at OUR sponsored events (i.e. Showcase, 5-Minute Fast Track) and respective college events
Participate in speaking engagements (i.e. Parent & Family Weekend, Entrepreneur Showcase, Curiosity Fair, BBN Orientation)
Give presentations to classes and student organizations
Serve as student advisory board and provide critical feedback about OUR programs and initiatives

RESEARCH AMBASSADOR BENEFITS

Share your research skills with aspiring researchers
Develop strong leadership, public speaking, presentation, and teambuilding skills
Expand your professional network
Be involved in shaping undergraduate research programs at UK
Add a great resume-building experience
Receive an OUR Ambassador polo, name tag, and swag

2023 Showcase Research Ambassadors of the Year award winners

Research Expo Sai Abraham Deep ambassadors

TIMELINE

AMBASSADOR SELECTION TIMELINE FOR 2025-2026

Application Opens: February 1, 2025
URA Program Interest Session: March 4, 2025 @ 5:30 pm, 103 Jacobs Science Bldg
URA Meet & Greet Social: March 10, 2025 @ 5 pm, 103 Jacobs Science Bldg
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 by 11:55 pm EST
Faculty Letter of Recommendation: April 6, 2025 by 11:55 pm EST
Interviews: April 18, 2025
Announcement of Selection Results: April 21, 2025
Mandatory Ambassador 2-Day Leadership Training: August 18 - 19, 2025
*Failure to attend the entire training will result in the student losing their ambassador position, as this is the only orientation and extensive training offered.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Complete online application
Upload current Resume/CV
Upload Photo
Letter of Recommendation from a research mentor that speaks to your experience as a researcher and student leader.
2 Short-answer Essay Questions

ELIGIBILITY

Full-time enrollment as an undergraduate for 2024-25 in Good Academic standing
Must have at least two (2) terms of research experience (fall, spring, summer)
Positive attitude and professional demeanor
Strong oral/written communication skills, leadership skills, and work ethic
Ability to provide an encouraging, supportive environment for diverse groups of individuals
Application is open to students in ALL majors

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Must commit to one (1) academic year term
Must commit to continue research in the academic year as an active peer mentor
Must attend mandatory 2-day training August 2025 (TBD) and biweekly meetings
Must comply with the Univ of Kentucky Code of Conduct
Minimum time commitment of 6-8 hours per month. This includes URA meetings, monthly peer advising, and 15 hours per semester for events, presentations, and training.
- Most events last 1-hour and require multiple ambassadors
Must lead at least one presentation, event, or workshop per semester

University Community of Inclusion

The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

Email	ugresearch@uky.edu
Phone	859-257-0049
Fax	859-257-8734