Undergraduate Research Shines at Virtual Showcase
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 26, 2021) — Spring is here, which means it is once again time for University of Kentucky students to show off their vast scholarly and creative talents at the 15th annual Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars.
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Bold Dreamers and Strategic Thinkers” and will offer both synchronous and asynchronous virtual presentations over the course of three days. The showcase celebrates the accomplishments of UK students and encourages them along the path of intellectual achievement. It also celebrates the inspiration and creativity of UK's student scholars and the dedication of their mentors.
The virtual event will take place from Tuesday, April 27, to Thursday, April 29, on Zoom, and features 200+ presentations representing 50 disciplines and 16 colleges. The showcase includes 10-minute oral presentations presented live on Zoom with audience Q&A sessions to follow, a virtual project gallery and digital abstract book.
“Inspiringly, our students' contributions have considerable impact in their respective fields and to their professional development,” said Evie Russell, assistant director in the Office of Undergraduate Research. “The showcase is a great opportunity for students to professionally present, perform or demonstrate their faculty-mentored research to UK faculty, staff, students and the general public.”
As in previous years, outstanding faculty mentors will also be recognized during the virtual showcase’s opening ceremony. The student-nominated award is presented to UK faculty mentors for their commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers, providing exceptional experiences for students and supporting undergraduate research initiatives on campus. This year, a record number of faculty members were nominated.
If you would like to attend the virtual showcase, follow this link. The Zoom access information will be included in the confirmation email, and only one registration is need for the three-day event. To see the presentation schedule, click here.
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.