Shelby McCubbin Research Ambassador of the Year 2021-22
Q. What does this award mean to you?
A. "To me this award is a recognition of service to both the Office of Undergraduate Research and the larger campus community. I would have wanted to help people get involved with research either way, but I am grateful to hear that my work in the Office has had a notable impact."
Q. How has your experience as a Research Ambassador impacted you?
A. "My work as a Research Ambassador has helped me to learn more about the University and the many ways that the different departments intertwine with one another. As an ambassador I have had to really step outside of my comfort zone in presenting in front of groups and meeting new people, and I think this has helped me better prepare for medical school where I will often be put in new and unfamiliar situations."
Q. What was the most significant or memorable moment you experienced as a Research Ambassador?
A. "I think the most memorable moment for me personally was helping set up for Showcase. Because I was not presenting I was able to fully take everything in without being stressed about what I had going on, and it helped me to see a small glimpse of how much planning and behind the scenes work goes into these different events. As someone who has been pretty involved on campus the past four years, it is nice to have a reminder of how hard many people have worked to create these different opportunities for students."
Q. Name the top two or three lessons you learned from your experience.
A. "Though there are MANY lessons to be learned from this experience, a few of the main ones are you're only as strong as your weakest link (so it's important to have a strong and supportive foundation) and that you will get out of the experience what you put into it."
Q. Why is undergraduate research important to the University of Kentucky?
A. "Undergraduate research is important to UK because undergraduates are the future. These are the future doctors, nurses, educators, engineers, scientists, architects, etc. of the world and these students will eventually go on to create real and lasting change. Being involved with undergraduate research gives students the skills, confidence, and foundation they need to take their first steps into the real world."
Q. What advice would you give to future Research Ambassadors?
A. "As a Research Ambassador it's important to always be ready to pivot. Plans are always changing and new needs pop up, so resilience is an invaluable skill to have. Also though, it is never bad to ask for help. If you need to step away for a bit or something goes wrong, it is a lot easier for those in charge to be patient and understanding when you fully communicate your needs and what is going on."