Dr. Sideris’s research focuses broadly on the ethical significance of natural processes, and the way in which “environmental” values are captured, or obscured, by narratives and perspectives from religion and the sciences. Her recent research examines the role of wonder in contemporary scientific discourse and its impact on how humans conceive of and relate to nature. She is especially interested in the mythic, religious, and ethical dimensions of the so-called Anthropocene and its attendant technologies, such as geoengineering and de-extinction. The overarching question that drives her research is how to articulate a vision of the human that is appropriate to the environmental challenges we collectively face. She is actively involved in a number of international research initiatives in the environmental humanities, and serves as President-Elect of the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture.  She is author of Environmental Ethics, Ecological Theology, and Natural Selection, and Consecrating Science: Wonder, Knowledge, and the Natural World, and co-editor of a collection of interdisciplinary essays on the life and work of environmental pioneer Rachel Carson, titled Rachel Carson: Legacy and Challenge.

Fall semester classes begin on Aug. 23, 2021. View the full academic calendar for the fall semester here.

For more information, visit: https://www.uky.edu/commencement/springceremonies 

***THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO DANGEROUS WEATHER CONDITIONS. WE WILL RESCHEDULE AND POST UPDATES WHEN PLANS ARE FINALIZED*** The University of Kentucky Graduate Appalachian Research Community presents the 6th Annual UK Appalachian Research Community Symposium and Arts Showcase on Saturday, March 7, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the William T. Young Library.  This year's keynote speaker is Lisa Conley, Ph.D. Her research interests focus on foodways, environmental sustainability, and local food politics in motivating the self-provisioning practices of people in rural and urban Kentucky.  Please, find more information about registration or proposal submition here: https://appalachiancenter.as.uky.edu/annual-research-symposium.  The deadline to submit abstracts is February 15, 2015.  Registration for presenters and non-presenters is free.  Undergraduate and Graduate students are welcome to register.

The UK Appalachian Center welcomes Iryna Galushchak, Professor of Economics at Precarpathian National University for a SWAP (Sharing Work on Appalachia in Progress).  Dr. Galushchak will be giving a talk entitled: Economic, Ecological and Cultural Influences on Regional Development in the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains.  This is a free event for UK Students, Faculty, and Staff and will be held at the UK Appalachian Center from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2015.

Please, join in the fun at the Lexington Old-Time Music Gathering in Lexington, KY!  This event spans February 12, 2015 through February 15, 2015 and has something for everyone.  This is an opportunity for community engagement, learning about traditional mountain music, and hearing artists perform.  During the Saturday, 2/14/15 event, there will be fun for all ages at the Appalachian Youth Day portion of the event from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Admission for the Youth Day is free, and there will be workshops, open mic, jam sessions, singing, and dances!  (Please note that a parent must accompany children at all times.)  Please, see the Lexington Old-Time Music Gathering website for detailed information, including a full schedule of performers and events: http://lexoldtime.com/.