From research to real-world impact: UK grad student brings sociological insight to Lexington’s sustainable growth

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 29, 2025) — As National Internship Awareness Month wraps up, the University of Kentucky Graduate School will feature sociology Ph.D. student Jimmy Robinson. Robinson chose UK because he was inspired by his program’s emphasis on rural sociology and strong faculty mentorship. What he didn’t expect was how quickly he’d be able to turn classroom theory into community impact through the Kentucky Graduate Internship Scholarship.

This past summer, Robinson partnered with Fayette Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on sustainable development in Lexington-Fayette County. With funding support from The Graduate School, Robinson applied his research expertise to design a high-impact evaluation tool for the organization’s Grow Smart Academy, a public education series that addresses key land-use and sustainability issues.

“Coming into this internship, the primary goal was to create an evaluation survey… that measured participants’ awareness of concepts, organizations or initiatives relevant to each session; measured participants’ willingness to engage in civic action… and still assessed general level of satisfaction,” Robinson said. “Additionally, the survey’s structure needed to be created such that it could be easily adapted to sessions in future iterations of the program.”

By the end of the summer, Robinson created a user-friendly, research-informed assessment tool built to help Fayette Alliance track, refine and grow the reach of its programming year after year.

“I think the end product was a nice synthesis of these different worlds — a succinct survey which draws only from the most useful aspects of academic research but is ultimately user-friendly and helpful for Fayette Alliance on multiple fronts,” Robinson said.

Robinson’s work went beyond simply collecting feedback. His experience demonstrating how graduate students can use their academic training to directly benefit community partners.

“It enhanced my professional experience by equipping me with skills, knowledge and familiarity related to both local governmental policies and processes, as well as systems (e.g. energy and agriculture) at the rural-urban interface,” Robinson said.

He also gained insight into the nuanced difference between academic and nonprofit environments.

“The folks who attend the academy’s sessions are not ‘research participants’ but community members,” Robinson said. “Fayette Alliance is a nonprofit organization with different needs and desires than a peer-reviewed journal.”

For Fayette Alliance, Robinson’s work provides an adaptable tool that will continue delivering value long after the internship.

“Internships like Jimmy’s play a vital role in student success. They offer students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom and through research in real-world settings,” said Abbie Wood, assistant director for graduate and professional students and postdoctoral scholars. These experiences also help students build professional connections and networks that can support their careers long after they graduate from UK.”

While the internship timeline is tight, his advice to others is clear: seek out opportunities that align with your goals, and don’t be afraid to take initiative.

“Don’t box yourself into only opportunities that are posted through organizations,” Robinson said. “There are many possibilities for reaching out and developing something a bit more individualized.”

Robinson encourages students considering graduate school to think long-term.

“Make sure you are really interested and passionate in the subject you choose and, if possible, that it is funded.” he said. “Graduate school should be something you view as a worthwhile experience regardless of what job you get afterward.”

And for leaders at The Graduate School, Robinson’s successful internship showcases the direct mission to cultivate a community of leaders, innovators and scholars who drive progress in their fields.

“The graduate students of UK do research that reverberates around the world. Jimmy Robinson’s work shows how that expertise can have an impact right here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Graduate School Dean Padraic Kenney, Ph.D. “My hope is that Jimmy’s experience inspires more graduate students to explore new opportunities and gain experience that launches their careers.”

From designing an innovative community tool to deepening his knowledge of policy and civic engagement, Robinson exemplifies the type of student impact UK’s Graduate School is proud to support. His journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, funding and the belief that learning extends far beyond the classroom.

To learn more about internship funding, professional development, and graduate opportunities, visit https://gradschool.uky.edu/funding.