By Haven L. Patrick
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 14, 2026) — Six University of Kentucky undergraduates have been selected for the Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship, a program that supports student-led projects that advance sustainable practices and community impact through research.
Now in its 12th year, the fellowship is a collaboration between the Office of Undergraduate Research, UK Sustainability and the UK Student Sustainability Council (SSC). Since its launch in 2014, the program has supported 65 undergraduate researchers.
Students selected as Sustainability Research Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend to support their research during the Summer 2026 term. Fellows engage in a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Students will present their research at the Summer Research Symposium Aug. 25, the Sustainability Showcase Oct. 14 and the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars April 28, 2027.
The 2026 Sustainability Research Fellows:
- Mwajuma Alexandre, mechanical engineering sophomore; mentor: Diane Byrne, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering
- Sophia Bowden, biology junior; mentor: Robbie Burger, College of Arts and Sciences
- Katy Brandt, dietetics senior; mentor: Courtney Lueking, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE)
- Md Himel Ahamed Joy, agricultural and medical biotechnology freshman; mentor: Manoj Sapkota, Martin-Gatton CAFE
- Ayusma Karki, architecture sophomore; mentor: Leen Katrib, College of Design
- Ella Shields, horticulture senior; mentor: Manoj Sapkota, Martin-Gatton CAFE