News and Spotlights

Dr. Warren Alilain 2026 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year

Dr. Warren Alilain is a Professor of Spinal Cord and Brain Injury in Neuroscience at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Warren attended the University of California San Diego for his Bachelor of Science and received his PhD at Wayne State University. His education also includes a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University. He then moved to Lexington, where he conducts research at the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center.   

Carol Street 2026 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year

Carol Street mentors undergraduates in the Learning Lab at the University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center. Carol received her MLS, BA, and a certificate in Museum Studies from Indiana University, and has previously worked in museums, libraries, and other archives around the country. She has since moved to Lexington, where she mentors students at the Special Collections Research Center.   

UK Office of Undergraduate Research marks 25 years of student discovery, impact

Students launch UK’s 3rd edition of undergrad research journal

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 22, 2026) — Undergraduate students at the University of Kentucky who participate in research under the guidance of faculty mentors have the opportunity to publish and broadly share the outcomes of their work and collaborative experiences. The third edition of Aperture Journal of Undergraduate Research (AJUR) is now available and highlights the projects of 15 student-professor partnerships.

6 students selected as 2026 Sustainability Summer Research Fellows

Six University of Kentucky undergraduates have been selected for the Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship, a program that supports student-led projects that advance sustainable practices and community impact through research.

11 students awarded CURE Fellowships

The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) has announced the 11 students selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) Fellowship program.

5 UK faculty honored for excellence in undergraduate research mentoring

Five University of Kentucky faculty members received the 2026 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor Award for their exceptional leadership and support of student researchers. 

4 students named Excellent Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

Every year, the University of Kentucky’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) selects a new cohort of Undergraduate Research Ambassadors — a group of outstanding students who serve as advocates for undergraduate research at UK.

2026-27 Undergraduate Research Ambassador application now open

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 18, 2026) — Applications are being accepted for University of Kentucky Undergraduate Research Ambassadors for the 2026-27 school year. Organized by the UK Office of Undergraduate Research, the Ambassadors program is a leadership opportunity for undergraduates who are passionate about promoting undergraduate research at UK and helping other undergraduates find their path.

48 UK undergrads to present at national research conference

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 5, 2026) — Forty-eight University of Kentucky students will present their research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) on April 13-15 in Richmond, Virginia. NCUR is one of the largest events in the United States for undergraduate students to share their academic work with peers, faculty and professionals.