Lexington, Kentucky, September 15, 2025
News Summary
The University of Kentucky has selected 15 outstanding undergraduate students to serve as Research Ambassadors for the 2025-26 academic year. This program aims to increase student engagement in research initiatives. The ambassadors will promote the value of undergraduate research across various disciplines and colleges, highlighting the diversity of academic interests on campus. Their responsibilities will involve outreach efforts such as workshops and presentations to enhance research opportunities for their peers.
Lexington, Kentucky: University of Kentucky Announces 15 New Research Ambassadors for 2025-26 Academic Year
The University of Kentucky’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) has named 15 exceptional undergraduate students as the new Research Ambassadors for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. This initiative is designed to boost awareness and create more opportunities for students to engage in research activities throughout their university experience.
Among the selected ambassadors is Grant Fischer, a senior from Fort Mitchell, who, along with others, will play a key role in promoting the importance of undergraduate research. The chosen ambassadors showcase a wide range of academic disciplines and represent six colleges within the university, highlighting the diversity of research interests on campus.
Program Objectives and Ambassador Responsibilities
The Research Ambassador program aims to enhance undergraduate involvement in research through various outreach efforts. These include:
- Student outreach initiatives
- Program events such as workshops and competitions
- Tabling sessions for information dissemination
- Drop-in advising sessions for students seeking guidance
- Presentations to student organizations and classes
- Engagement in events like the 5-Minute Fast Track Competition and the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars
The ambassadors are expected to demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence along with leadership qualities and active participation in mentored research projects.
New Research Ambassadors
The 2025-26 cohort of Undergraduate Research Ambassadors includes:
- Gabrielle Beacham: Biology major, Lewis Honors College junior, mentor Jake Ferguson
- Katie Christensen: Agricultural and medical biotechnology, violin performance major, Lewis Honors College junior, mentor Kendall Corbin
- Grant Fischer: Electrical engineering major, Lewis Honors College senior, mentor Dan Ionel
- Omar Hamid: Agricultural and medical biotechnology major, Lewis Honors College sophomore, mentor Lance Johnson
- Nikhil Kumar: Biochemistry and mathematics major, Lewis Honors College sophomore, mentor Maj-Linda Selenica
- Mohit Patel: Neuroscience and psychology major, Lewis Honors College junior, mentor Warren Alilain
- Emma Schumann: Animal science major, Martin-Gatton CAFE senior, mentor Lauren Brzozowski
- Mani Shahzad: Kinesiology major, Lewis Honors College junior, mentor William Bailey
- Julianne Sharpe: Biology major with a minor in neuroscience, Lewis Honors College senior, mentor Yasir Alsiraj
- Evan Stover: Agricultural and medical biotechnology with a minor in business, Lewis Honors College junior, mentor Emma Adam
- Kaydee Straw: Chemical engineering major, Lewis Honors College junior, mentor Gosia Chwatko
- Austin Trotter: Neuroscience and psychology major, Lewis Honors College senior, mentor Martha Tillson
- Owen Walker: Agricultural and medical biotechnology major, Lewis Honors College junior, mentor Carlos Rodriguez Lopez
- Addison Witucki: Neuroscience and psychology major, Lewis Honors College junior, mentor Hiroshi Saito
- Sophia Zhou: Agricultural and medical biotechnology with a minor in mathematics, Lewis Honors College junior, mentor Nick Teets
Preparation for Engagement
Research Ambassadors are expected to be available for presentations in classes and student organizations. However, requests for their participation must be submitted at least two weeks in advance and approved by the University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research.
For those interested in learning more about the Research Ambassadors program or seeking engagement opportunities, additional information is accessible on the University of Kentucky‘s official website.
Conclusion
The introduction of the new cohort of Research Ambassadors signifies the University of Kentucky’s commitment to fostering research involvement among undergraduate students, paving the way for a vibrant academic environment that prioritizes innovation, discovery, and experiential learning.
FAQ Section
What is the Research Ambassador program?
The Research Ambassador program is an initiative by the University of Kentucky’s Office of Undergraduate Research to promote undergraduate research by selecting outstanding students to engage in outreach activities and mentor fellow students.
How many students were selected as Research Ambassadors?
A total of 15 undergraduate students were selected as Research Ambassadors for the 2025-26 academic year.
What are the responsibilities of the Research Ambassadors?
Research Ambassadors are responsible for promoting undergraduate research through various initiatives, including workshops, outreach programs, tabling sessions, and presentations for classes and student organizations.
How can students request a Research Ambassador for a presentation?
Students can request a Research Ambassador for a presentation by submitting their request at least two weeks in advance to the University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research for approval.
Key Features of the Research Ambassadors Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Ambassadors | 15 undergraduate students |
| Objective | To increase awareness and promote undergraduate research |
| Colleges Represented | 6 colleges at the University of Kentucky |
| Disciplines | 13 different academic disciplines |
| Research Areas | 14 distinct research areas |
| Outreach Initiatives | Workshops, presentations, drop-in advising, and events like showcases |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kentucky High School Seniors Attend Agriculture Leadership Conference
University of Kentucky Honors Undergraduate Research Ambassadors
Additional Resources
- Oldham Era: Prospect Students Selected for Research Ambassador Program
- Kentucky.com: University Education News
- Fox 56 News: Federal Research Cuts Impact on University of Kentucky
- Kentucky Lantern: Universities’ Mission Expansion
- Apple Education: University of Kentucky Success Stories
- Wikipedia: Research Ambassador
- Google Search: University of Kentucky Research Ambassadors
- Google Scholar: University of Kentucky Research
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Kentucky
- Google News: University of Kentucky Research Initiatives
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