Courtney Martin Research Ambassador of the Year 2021-22
Q. What does this award mean to you?
A. "I am very honored to have been selected for this award. Serving as a Research Ambassador has been something I have deeply enjoyed and I am thankful for the opportunity to be recognized for this award alongside 5 other incredible Ambassadors. Research has become a passion of mine and I will forever be grateful that I have had the opportunity to share my love for research with other students. It is so rewarding to watch other student’s step into their own research journeys, and I’m glad to have had the chance to get to know some amazing researchers and the work they are doing along the way."
Q. How has your experience as a Research Ambassador impacted you?
A. "Serving as a Research Ambassador has been a very rewarding experience. I have deeply enjoyed the opportunity to meet and interact with fellow researchers. I have also appreciated the opportunity to engage with students who are either new to research or who are still considering the role research has in their future and being able to provide them with the information and tools they need to make those decisions and pursue opportunities."
Q. What was the most significant or memorable moment you experienced as a Research Ambassador?
A. "While serving as a Research Ambassador, I have had the opportunity to do a number of things — importantly, the privilege of becoming acquainted with an incredible cohort of ambassadors. I have fostered lasting friendships, and can truly say as a research ambassador you leave not only with a very rewarding experience but with friends who are like family. The students, staff, and faculty are incredible, and being presented with this opportunity having gained a number of skills, created lifelong memories, and made some wonderful friends, has been one of the most memorable experiences I have had while at UK."
Q. Name the top two or three lessons you learned from your experience.
A. "Research is diverse and comes in all different forms. I am very thankful I have had the opportunity to serve in this role and learn from my fellow ambassadors and classmates about the incredible work they are doing in their respective fields and all the shapes research can take on. I am also very thankful for a group of students who encourage, motivate and challenge one another. Because of their kindness and support, I have improved my communication skills through presentations I pursued, writing through papers I have helped with, and overall developed a number of skills not otherwise possible without their help and support along the way."
Q. Why is undergraduate research important to the University of Kentucky?
A. "Undergraduate research is important and allows students with the opportunity to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to solving real-world problems. Undergraduate research enriches one’s educational experience and provides a learning opportunity not otherwise possible. Such research is important to the university because it prepares future researchers with the skillset and experiences they need to be successful in their future work."
Q. What advice would you give to future Research Ambassadors?
A. "Ask questions, step out of your comfort zone, and get involved every opportunity you have! Your time as an URA will go by quick, but the memories, friendships, and experiences you gain will last a lifetime."