Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

MEET THE AMBASSADORS 2024-25 RECRUITMENT EVENTS

2024-25 RESEARCH AMBASSADOR APPLICATION

Application Opens: March 1, 2024

Deadline: March 31, 2024

MENTOR LETTER OR RECOMMENDATION

26 Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Undergraduate Research Ambassadors! This year's outstanding group represents 6 colleges, 21 disciplines, and 18 research areas.

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.

WHAT DO RESEARCH AMBASSADORS DO?

Represent the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), 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

BENEFITS OF BEING A RESEARCH AMBASSADOR

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 shirt and name tag

2023 Showcase Research Ambassadors of the Year award winners

2022 Showcase Research Ambassadors of the Year award winners

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 training August 19-20, 2024 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

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

AMBASSADOR SELECTION TIMELINE FOR 2023-2024

Application Opens: March 1, 2024
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024 by 11:55 pm EST
Faculty Letter of Recommendation: April 6, 2024 by 11:55 pm EST

URA Program Interest Sessions: March 20, 2024 @ 5:30 PM in Room 114 Jacobs Science Building - Applicants must attend the Interest Session
Interviews: April 4, 2024
Announcement of Selection Results: April 30, 2024
Mandatory Ambassador Leadership Training: August 19-20, 2024

*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.

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