Faculty Mentor of the Week Aiyub Palmer
Dr. Aiyub Palmer is an Assistant Professor of Arabic and Islam in the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Palmer's research focuses on the social and theoretical foundations of early Islamic authority, looking particularly at early Islamic sainthood. More broadly, he studies Islamic mysticism and Sufi movements in the early and modern periods.
In the past year Dr. Palmer has mentored 2 undergraduate students and explains, "I encourage my mentees to study an area that excites them and I share my research with them that I feel is relevant to their topic of study and these discussions enrich both of us." Dr. Aiyub Palmer values his role as research mentor and explains, "The best thing about mentoring students in research is being a part of their discoveries and to watch their intellectual growth and development. It is probably the most rewarding aspect of teaching for me." His own undergraduate research experience and mentor helped inspire his career. "I wrote an honors thesis on the place of the Analects of Confucius in Chinese intellectual history. When I saw how the feedback of my mentor significantly improved what I was able to produce in terms of my thesis I was sold on research," and now Dr. Palmer works in the area of Islamic intellectual history.
When considering undergraduate mentees Dr. Palmer looks for students with drive and motivation, "Does the process of research itself excite that student or not regardless of the outcome? When a student has sufficient motivation they are usually able to do the requisite legwork required to complete their investigation." He believes his primary role is to help narrow and focus the student so that they tackle something manageable.
For students interested in pursing undergraduate research, Dr. Palmer encourages students to find a mentor and try out topics that interest them, "Doing research as an undergraduate will significantly enrich the undergraduate learning experience. It will provide invaluable skills and tools that can be used later in one's academic career or in life in general." He also offers these words of wisdom to UK's undergrads, "Research requires venturing out into the unknown and while this can be frightening, it holds the promise of deep fulfillment."
Thank you Dr. Aiyub Palmer for your unwavering support of undergraduate research at the University of Kentucky. We are pleased to recognize your dedication this week as our Research Faculty Mentor of the Week.