Research

Students: Apply Now to be Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

photo of Joseph Walden and Kenyatta Mitchell
Undergraduate Research Ambassadors Joseph Walden and Kenyatta Mitchell at the 2019 Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars. Photo courtesy of UK Office of Undergraduate Research.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 15, 2021) — Applications are being accepted for positions as University of Kentucky Undergraduate Research Ambassadors for the 2021-2022 school year.

Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URAs) are a multidisciplinary, diverse team of students engaged in research or creative scholarship in different fields of study across campus that serve a central role as advocates at UK. The URAs work to inspire broader engagement in undergraduate research and creative scholarship by educating and serving the UK community and beyond. Ambassadors provide presentations to the campus community, create relevant workshops and programming, and represent the Office of Undergraduate Research, their respective colleges and the university at research, recruiting and outreach events.

URAs are chosen competitively through an interview process. Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:

  • Full-time enrollment as an undergraduate for 2021-22 in good academic standing
  • Must have at least two (2) terms of research experience (fall, spring, summer)
  • Strong oral/written communication skills, leadership skills and work ethic
  • Ability to provide an encouraging, supportive environment for diverse groups of individuals
  • Application is open to students in ALL majors
  • Must commit to one (1) academic year term
  • Must commit to continue research in the academic year as an active peer mentor
  • Must comply with the UK Code of Conduct

Students interested in applying to become a URA can complete an application at https://our.uky.edu/ambassadors. All applications require a photograph, a resume/CV and letter of recommendation. The deadline to apply is 11:55 p.m. EDT Monday, July 5, 2021.

The application process has two rounds: (1) an online application form and (2) a virtual interview. No application will be accepted after the deadline. Information regarding interviews will be distributed Friday, July 9.

For more information, contact Jesi Bowman at jesibowman@uky.edu or at 859-257-0049.

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.