By Blake Jackson
Six University of Kentucky undergraduates have been chosen as 2025 Sustainability Summer Research Fellows.
This prestigious fellowship encourages student-led research focused on sustainability and positive community impact.
Now in its 11th year, the fellowship is a collaboration between the UK Office of Undergraduate Research, UK Sustainability, and the UK Student Sustainability Council. Since its start in 2014, the program has supported 64 undergraduate students in their research journeys.
Each selected student receives a $5,000 stipend to conduct research during the Summer 2025 term, under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Their work aims to address real-world sustainability challenges through academic exploration and innovation.
The 2025 fellows and their faculty mentors represent a range of disciplines -
- Callie Black (Natural Resources) - Mentor – Dr. John Cox, Forestry
- Bailey Little (English & Sustainability) - Mentor – Dr. Lauren Cagle, Writing Studies
- Graciela Martinez (Environmental Studies & Urban Forestry) - Mentor – Dr. Lynn Roche-Phillips, Geography
- Zoe McComas (Sustainability, Urban Forestry) - Mentor – Dr. Caleb Wilson, Entomology
- Ashley Morrison (Ag & Medical Biotechnology) - Mentor – Dr. Bruce Downie, Horticulture
- Lily Tynan (Equine Science) - Mentor – Dr. Hannah Tiffin, Entomology
These students will present their research at the Summer Research Symposium (Aug. 26), Sustainability Showcase (Oct. 15), and the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars (April 2026).
“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.”
Through this program, the University of Kentucky continues to empower students as changemakers in the fields of agriculture, sustainability, and environmental science.
Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Education, Sustainable Agriculture