Registration Now Open for Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 3, 2022) — At the University of Kentucky, undergraduate research and creative work are central to a well-rounded student experience. The Office of Undergraduate Research is celebrating 16 years of supporting students presenting their research and creative work at the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars. The 16th annual Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars is 1-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom.
The showcase is an opportunity for undergraduates of all disciplines across the university to present their work through oral sessions, posters, artistic exhibits or performances. The event gives students a chance to engage in public outreach and polish their presentation skills. Peers, faculty and staff, and the local community are invited to learn about the wide range of undergraduate research and creative work conducted at UK.
After two years of hosting this event virtually, the showcase returns to in-person programming. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation as the event nears to ensure the safety of all involved.
“Opportunities to present one’s scholarly work and answer questions from a broad range of perspectives help to strengthen one’s understanding as it makes you consider how to best reach a wide audience,” said Chad Risko, faculty director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. “We are beyond thrilled to bring the Showcase back to an in-person format this year so as to enhance these important interactions, and to recognize the incredible research and creative work that our undergraduates undertake and the roles that mentors play in these endeavors.”
Registration for the showcase is currently open and will close April 1. All undergraduates are welcome to present, perform, or demonstrate their faculty-mentored scholarly work. Students can register for the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars here.
The showcase is also an opportunity to recognize and honor the dedication of hundreds of faculty and staff research mentors who devote their time and energy to students in the labs and other creative endeavors. Each year, students nominate their faculty for the honor of receiving the UK Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year award. Students can submit their mentor’s nomination here.
The event is open to the public; students, faculty and staff are highly encouraged to attend.
The University of Kentucky is increasingly the first choice for students, faculty and staff to pursue their passions and their professional goals. In the last two years, Forbes has named UK among the best employers for diversity, and INSIGHT into Diversity recognized us as a Diversity Champion four years running. UK is ranked among the top 30 campuses in the nation for LGBTQ* inclusion and safety. UK has been judged a “Great College to Work for" three years in a row, and UK is among only 22 universities in the country on Forbes' list of "America's Best Employers." We are ranked among the top 10 percent of public institutions for research expenditures — a tangible symbol of our breadth and depth as a university focused on discovery that changes lives and communities. And our patients know and appreciate the fact that UK HealthCare has been named the state’s top hospital for five straight years. Accolades and honors are great. But they are more important for what they represent: the idea that creating a community of belonging and commitment to excellence is how we honor our mission to be not simply the University of Kentucky, but the University for Kentucky.