Research

Registration Now Open for Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars

UK student researchers at the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars in 2019.
UK student researchers at the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars in 2019.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 3, 2022) — At the University of Kentucky, undergraduate research and creative work are central to a well-rounded student experience. The Office of Undergraduate Research is celebrating 16 years of supporting students presenting their research and creative work at the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars. The 16th annual Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars is 1-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom.

The showcase is an opportunity for undergraduates of all disciplines across the university to present their work through oral sessions, posters, artistic exhibits or performances. The event gives students a chance to engage in public outreach and polish their presentation skills. Peers, faculty and staff, and the local community are invited to learn about the wide range of undergraduate research and creative work conducted at UK.

After two years of hosting this event virtually, the showcase returns to in-person programming. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation as the event nears to ensure the safety of all involved.

“Opportunities to present one’s scholarly work and answer questions from a broad range of perspectives help to strengthen one’s understanding as it makes you consider how to best reach a wide audience,” said Chad Risko, faculty director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. “We are beyond thrilled to bring the Showcase back to an in-person format this year so as to enhance these important interactions, and to recognize the incredible research and creative work that our undergraduates undertake and the roles that mentors play in these endeavors.”

Registration for the showcase is currently open and will close April 1. All undergraduates are welcome to present, perform, or demonstrate their faculty-mentored scholarly work. Students can register for the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars here.

The showcase is also an opportunity to recognize and honor the dedication of hundreds of faculty and staff research mentors who devote their time and energy to students in the labs and other creative endeavors. Each year, students nominate their faculty for the honor of receiving the UK Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year award. Students can submit their mentor’s nomination here.

The event is open to the public; students, faculty and staff are highly encouraged to attend.

 

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 health care. 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 $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.