Undergraduate Research Ambassadors Now Accepting Applications
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 11, 2022) — Applications are being accepted for positions as University of Kentucky Undergraduate Research Ambassadors for the 2022-23 school year.
Organized by the UK Office of Undergraduate Research, the Ambassadors program is a volunteer opportunity for undergraduates who are passionate about promoting undergraduate research at UK and helping other undergraduates find their path.
“The OUR Ambassador program is important to the University's community of students because it provides a bridge between students and faculty. The University has incredible undergraduate research opportunities but finding the right research mentor can be intimidating and overwhelming,” said Shelby Brantley, current URA and senior Honors biology major. “Student Ambassadors provide a more inviting and personable experience for students looking for research opportunities. The approachability of student Ambassadors makes them exceptional at introducing the world of research at the University of Kentucky to new students.”
Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URAs) are a multidisciplinary, diverse team of students engaged in research or creative scholarship in different fields of study across campus that serve a central role as advocates at UK. The URAs work to inspire broader engagement in undergraduate research and creative scholarship by educating and serving the UK community and beyond. Ambassadors provide presentations to the campus community, create relevant workshops and programming, and represent the Office of Undergraduate Research, their respective colleges and the university at research, recruiting and outreach events.
URAs are chosen competitively through an interview process. Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
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Full-time enrollment as an undergraduate for 2022-23 in good academic standing
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Have at least two terms of research experience (fall, spring, summer)
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Strong oral/written communication skills, leadership skills and work ethic
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Ability to provide an encouraging, supportive environment for diverse groups of individuals
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Commit to at least two semesters (Fall 2022 and Spring 2023)
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Commit to continue research in the academic year as an active peer mentor
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Complete the training program and attend monthly meetings
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Comply with the UK Code of Conduct
Students interested in becoming URAs for the 2022-23 school year should attend an interest session to talk with current student ambassadors to learn more about this leadership opportunity. Two interest sessions are scheduled for Feb. 10 and March 2 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Attendance at one interest session is mandatory for all applicants.
For more information, visit our.uky.edu/ambassadors. Applications open Feb. 15 and are encouraged from all colleges and areas of study. The deadline to apply is March 15.
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.