17 faculty named 2026-27 University Research Professors
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 27, 2026) — On Friday, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved 17 University Research Professors for the 2026-27 academic year. Established by the Board of Trustees in 1976, the professorships program recognizes excellence across the full spectrum of research at UK.
“It is our privilege each year to recognize distinguished experts who have made significant contributions across the breadth of research fields at the University of Kentucky,” said Ilhem Messaoudi, UK’s acting vice president for research. “This cohort of University Research Professors have demonstrated excellence in fields that address scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in our region and around the world.”
College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000 and participates in other events planned around the program.
The 2026-27 University Research Professors are:
- Wayne T. Sanderson, biosystems and agricultural engineering, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
- Ashley W. Seifert, biology, College of Arts and Sciences
- Nathaniel Stapleton, mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences
- Russell Jame, finance and quantitative methods, Gatton College of Business and Economics
- Andrew Pilny, communication, College of Communication and Information
- Ian Boggero, oral health science, College of Dentistry
- Patrick Lee Lucas, school of interiors, College of Design
- Danelle Stevens-Watkins, educational, school and counseling psychology, College of Education
- Scott Berry, mechanical and aerospace engineering, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering
- Miriam Kienle, school of art and visual Studies, College of Fine Arts
- James M. Donovan, J. David Rosenberg College of Law
- Ann L. Coker, obstetrics and gynecology, College of Medicine
- Greg A. Gerhardt, neuroscience, College of Medicine
- Mary Kay Rayens, College of Nursing
- Rachel Hogg-Graham, health management and policy, College of Public Health
- Joseph K. Young, Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, The Graduate School
- Douglas A. Boyd, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, UK Libraries
Throughout the summer, the university will feature a 2026-27 University Research Professor in UKNow to share more about each professor’s area of research and how their work is advancing Kentucky and beyond.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.