Weekly News and Events | February 17, 2025

Department News

February Faculty Meeting

Friday, February 21, 2025

3:00 - 5:00pm

361M JSB

Dr. Ashley Seifert was featured in the article: UK-led study points to possible explanation for regeneration. An international team of researchers led by biologists at the University of Kentucky has discovered that the ability to regenerate complex tissue may be more common in mammals than previously thought. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, focused on African rodents called brush-furred mice, which can regrow musculoskeletal tissue, unlike most mammals that heal with scar tissue. The team, led by Dr. Ashley Seifert, found that both spiny mice and brush-furred mice could fully regenerate tissue, suggesting that certain evolutionary traits enabled this ability. This research helps lay the foundation for understanding regenerative processes in mammals and may offer insights into new therapies for tissue repair and organ regeneration.

Dr. Seifert was also quoted in this Phys.org article: Study points to possible genetic explanation for regeneration.

Seminars

Research Talk

Speaker: Dr. Jenna McCullough (Post-Doctoral Scholar - Dr. Zenil-Ferguson Lab)

Date: Tue, Feb 18 2025, 2:00pm

Location: 116 THM

Upcoming Biology Seminar and Events

Campus and Lexington Area Events

Graduate Corner

Important Dates for Graduate Students spring 2025:

February 20

• Last day doctoral candidates for a May 2025 degree can submit a Notification of Intent to schedule a final examination in the Graduate School

Fellowship and Funding Opportunities: 

Graduate School Fellowship Competition for Spring 2025

The Graduate School’s fellowship competition is now open for funding opportunities for the Fall 2025 and/or Spring 2026 semesters.

Application Timeline:

• Matthews/Singletary/Wethington Fellowships (For First-Year Students Only)
• Applications Open: January 6, 2025
• Application Deadline: March 30, 2025
• Cralle Foundation/Joan Cralle Day Fellowship (For First-Year Students Only)
• Applications Open: January 6, 2025
• Application Deadline: March 30, 2025

Application Links:

• Full fellowship descriptions: Fellowship Descriptions
• Application portal: Apply Here

External Funding: Explore and apply for current external funding Opportunities here.

Kuehne Fellowship: The main purpose of the Biology Department's Kuehne Fund is to provide support for the field work of a graduate student in biology.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for awards up to $1,000.

Please contact Dr. Jessica Santollo, Biology DGS, if you have any questions.

BGSA News

This spring the BGSA will meet 3;30-4:30pm in THM 108 on the following dates:

• February 28
• March 28
• April 25

Resources for Students

Undergraduate News

Undergraduate Summer Training in Cardiovascular Research at the University of Kentucky - Sponsored by the American Heart Association, Cardiovascular RPA, and the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center

The USTiCR program at UK offers a 10-week research experience for undergraduate students, where they work full-time in faculty labs across eight colleges. Students engage in research across population-based, basic, translational, and clinical sciences, with opportunities for scientific presentations, social events, and professional development. The program helps students explore career paths in biomedical sciences.

Two students, Molly Dunn (Neuroscience major) and Jackson Schwamburger (Biology major), have each been awarded a $6,000 stipend to conduct summer research with Dr. Robin Cooper in Biology. The 10-week program runs from May 19 to July 25, 2025.

Professional Development

College of A&S Concur Open Lab Schedule:

• Friday, February 21, POT 245, 10 AM - 11 AM 
• Friday, February 28th, JSB 361 M, 10 AM - 11 AM
• Friday, March 7th, POT 245, 10 AM - 11 AM
• Tuesday, March 11th, CP 303, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
• Friday, March 14th, JSB 361 M, 10 AM - 11 AM 
• 
  

Center for the Enhancement of Leaning and Teaching (CELT) Events

Better Practices in Student Peer Review

Monday, February 17, 3:00-3:30 PM (via Zoom)

Register here!

Coaching Students on Reading

Wednesday, February 26, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (via Zoom)

Register here!

View schedule of upcoming CELT Events here.

Research Events: Spring 2025 Lunch and Learn Series

All Lunch and Learn workshops are held via Zoom on Wednesdays from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

February 26, 2025

Title: Why & How to Effectively Engage with Industry and Discuss Your Science to Advance Research

Presenters: Chelsea Ex-Lubeskie (UK Innovate) and Members of the UK Innovate team

Scientific Meetings

Upcoming conferences and symposiums: 

Cold Spring Harbor - Single Cell & Spatial Transcriptomics Analysis

Dates: June 26 - July 14, 2025

• Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
• Arrival: June 26th by 6pm EST
• Departure: July 14th around 12pm EST

Course Details:

The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) course is an intensive, full-day program that often includes evening and weekend sessions. Students are expected to attend all sessions and reside on campus for the duration of the course.

Application Link: CSHL Course Application

Job Opportunities

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, is hiring a renewable-contract Assistant Professor in Physiology or related fields, starting August 2025. The position focuses on teaching human anatomy and physiology, animal physiology, and nutrition, with opportunities for upper-undergraduate courses in the candidate’s area of expertise.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field. Responsibilities include innovative teaching, limited research, committee service, and undergraduate advising. The position is a 9-month, renewable 3-year contract, with opportunities for promotion.

For more details and to apply, visit careers.ua.edu. Application review begins February 15, 2025.

Curriculum Fellow Position – Graduate Program in Bacteriology at Harvard University

Is hiring a Curriculum Fellow to support the Graduate Program in Bacteriology (GPiB) at Harvard University, starting June 1st. This postdoctoral position is ideal for recent PhD graduates interested in teaching-intensive faculty roles.

The Curriculum Fellow will design, implement, and evaluate aspects of the microbiology curriculum, with a primary focus on the GPiB. The role involves supporting scientific growth, well-being, and career development for students, while collaborating with faculty, administrative staff, and students to enhance the program.

The CF will receive mentorship from Dr. David Rudner, Dr. Deepali Ravel, and Dr. Aimee Hollander.

Apply by March 3rd: Application Link

Beyond Biology: Community Awareness

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Voucher Program

The UK HR Health and Wellness Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) offers a subscription-style share of local farm produce. The UK HR Health and Wellness CSA Voucher program provides UK employees and retirees on a health plan with $100 or $200 vouchers for a CSA share. Enjoy weekly deliveries of fresh, local vegetables (and sometimes fruits), get to know your farmers, and access seasonal tips and recipes. Claim your voucher by April 11 at 4 p.m. Visit the UK Dashboard for more info!

Big Blue Pantry The Food Pantry is an emergency relief program that is designed to meet the short-term food security needs of all current UK students. Email: bigbluepantry@uky.edu

LGBTQ+ Resources is the University of Kentucky's central hub for accessing information, groups, and services related to diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Housed in the Office for Student Success, they are a campus-wide office that works to make sure that our community is a welcoming, safe, and supportive place for all students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Email: LGBTQ@uky.edu

The CaTS team is providing free Professional Headshots for all Arts and Sciences faculty and Staff. Walk-in sessions on the first Wednesday of each month from 11 AM - 1 PM in POT 918 (student work room). You can also book a 15-minute appointment on select Thursday's with Sophie Morgan for as-needed headshots.

Feedback and Weekly Newsletter Submissions

The weekly newsletter, along with future updates, will be posted on the Biology website under the Departmental Newsletter and Weekly News tab. Any edits or updates will be reflected on this page.

If you notice anything that needs editing or if you have information to share in the next newsletter, please email Jacqueline Burke at jacqueline.burke@uky.edu.