6 students selected as 2026 Sustainability Summer Research Fellows
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 14, 2026) — 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.
Now in its 12th year, the fellowship is a collaboration between the Office of Undergraduate Research, UK Sustainability and the UK Student Sustainability Council (SSC). Since its launch in 2014, the program has supported 65 undergraduate researchers.
Students selected as Sustainability Research Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend to support their research during the Summer 2026 term. Fellows engage in a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Students will present their research at the Summer Research Symposium Aug. 25, the Sustainability Showcase Oct. 14 and the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars April 28, 2027.
The 2026 Sustainability Research Fellows:
- Mwajuma Alexandre, mechanical engineering sophomore; mentor: Diane Byrne, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering
- Sophia Bowden, biology junior; mentor: Robbie Burger, College of Arts and Sciences
- Katy Brandt, dietetics senior; mentor: Courtney Lueking, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE)
- Md Himel Ahamed Joy, agricultural and medical biotechnology freshman; mentor: Manoj Sapkota, Martin-Gatton CAFE
- Ayusma Karki, architecture sophomore; mentor: Leen Katrib, College of Design
- Ella Shields, horticulture senior; mentor: Manoj Sapkota, Martin-Gatton CAFE
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.