News and Spotlights

20 students selected for undergraduate research ambassador program

The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) has selected 20 outstanding undergraduates for the 2026-27 Research Ambassador program.  The program’s mission is to increase awareness and create opportunities for students to engage in research. Ambassadors must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and involvement in mentored research. This year’s ambassadors represent eight colleges, 14 disciplines and 15 research areas.

Sybil Gotsch 2026 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year

Dr. Lance Johnson 2026 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year

Dr. Lance Johnson is a professor and chair of the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Johnson attended the University of North Carolina, where he received his bachelor's degree as well as a PhD in molecular and cellular pathology. His education also includes a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Behavioral Neuroscience at Oregon Health and Science University. He then moved to Lexington, where he conducts research dedicated to understanding the role of the Alzheimer's disease risk factor Apolipoprotein E (APOE) in cerebral metabolism. 

Dr. Warren Alilain 2026 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year

Dr. Warren Alilain is a Professor of Spinal Cord and Brain Injury in Neuroscience at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Warren attended the University of California San Diego for his Bachelor of Science and received his PhD at Wayne State University. His education also includes a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University. He then moved to Lexington, where he conducts research at the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center.   

Dr. Bruno Carvalho Menarim 2026 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year

Carol Street 2026 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year

Carol Street mentors undergraduates in the Learning Lab at the University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center. Carol received her MLS, BA, and a certificate in Museum Studies from Indiana University, and has previously worked in museums, libraries, and other archives around the country. She has since moved to Lexington, where she mentors students at the Special Collections Research Center.   

UK Office of Undergraduate Research marks 25 years of student discovery, impact

Students launch UK’s 3rd edition of undergrad research journal

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 22, 2026) — Undergraduate students at the University of Kentucky who participate in research under the guidance of faculty mentors have the opportunity to publish and broadly share the outcomes of their work and collaborative experiences. The third edition of Aperture Journal of Undergraduate Research (AJUR) is now available and highlights the projects of 15 student-professor partnerships.

6 students selected as 2026 Sustainability Summer Research Fellows

Six University of Kentucky undergraduates have been selected for the Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship, a program that supports student-led projects that advance sustainable practices and community impact through research.

11 students awarded CURE Fellowships

The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) has announced the 11 students selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) Fellowship program.