UK Students to Lead Green Research Projects

By Blake Jackson

Six undergraduate students at the University of Kentucky have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship. The program supports student-led research focused on promoting sustainability and making a positive impact on the community.

This fellowship, now in its 11th year, is a collaborative initiative of the UK Office of Undergraduate Research, UK Sustainability, and the UK Student Sustainability Council. Since 2014, the program has funded 64 undergraduate students engaged in sustainability-focused research.

Each student receives a $5,000 stipend to carry out research during the Summer 2025 term. The fellows will work under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors and are expected to present their work at several key events. These include the Summer Research Symposium on August 26, the Sustainability Showcase on October 15, and the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars in April 2026.

The 2025 Sustainability Research Fellows are:

• Callie Black, a junior majoring in natural resources and environmental sciences. She is mentored by Dr. John Cox from the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.
• Bailey Little, a junior studying English and environmental and sustainability studies, mentored by Dr. Lauren Cagle in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies.
• Graciela Martinez, a junior majoring in environmental and sustainability studies and urban and community forestry, mentored by Dr. Lynn Roche-Phillips from the Department of Geography.
• Zoe McComas, a junior in environmental and sustainability studies, urban and community forestry, and Lewis Honors College. Her mentor is Dr. Caleb Wilson from the Department of Entomology.
• Ashley Morrison, a junior in agricultural and medical biotechnology, mentored by Dr. Bruce Downie from the Department of Horticulture.
• Lily Tynan, a junior in equine science management and Lewis Honors College, mentored by Dr. Hannah Tiffin from the Department of Entomology.

These fellowships offer students a valuable opportunity to gain research experience, explore sustainability challenges, and share their findings with the broader university community.

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