Weekly News and Events | February 24, 2025

Be Kind for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle - Ian Maclaren (a quote often misattributed to Plato)

Two weeks ago, from February 9-14, was Random Acts of Kindness Week.

In a world that can sometimes feel uncertain and heavy, we all need a bit of kindness, whether it's receiving it from a stranger or feeling moved to share it with others.

It doesn’t always have to be something grand – like paying for someone’s coffee or groceries. Simple gestures can have just as much impact: offering a smile in the elevator, leaving a space on the road for someone to merge, letting someone with a few items go ahead in line, or even leaving a thoughtful note in someone’s mailbox.

Think about those moments when you’ve felt uplifted by an unexpected kindness. Now, imagine how it feels to pass that light along. Not only does it bring warmth to others, but it nourishes your own spirit, lifting your morale and mental well-being.

Drs. Vincent Cassone and Ann Morris, Biology Faculty, were quoted in the article: Federal funding cap on colleges would cut at least $40M from research at UK. Lexington Herald-Leader 2.11.2025. Read Article Here.

T-Shirt Orders Now Open for UK Employee Appreciation Day 2025!

The UK Staff Senate is excited to announce that T-shirt orders are NOW OPEN for UK Employee Appreciation Day 2025!

New Ordering Process:

Each employee can now submit their own T-shirt order directly. This update helps avoid miscommunications and missed orders, ensuring your order is tracked properly!

Don’t Wait – Order Now Using Your Linkblue Email!

Order Deadline: 1:00 PM EST on February 25, 2025 - No Exceptions: This is a firm deadline due to tight ordering timeline

Be sure to place your order soon to secure your T-shirt!

🔗Order Your T-Shirt before noon on Tuesday, 2/25/25

Biology Research Talk

Presenter: Prince Verma, PhD Candidate (Dr. Beth Duncan Lab)

Date: Tuesday, February 25

Time: 2:00pm

Location: THM 116

The Research Talks provide an opportunity for students and postdocs in the Biology department to present their work to the entire department. We encourage everyone to attend and support these presentations.

Upcoming Biology Seminar and Events

Campus and Lexington Area Events

Important Dates for Graduate Students spring 2025:

• April 1: Last day to apply for a May or August 2025 graduate degree in myUK
• April 10: Last day candidates for a May 2025 degree can submit a request to schedule a final examination through the GRADUATE SCHOOL.
• April 24 Last day candidates for a May 2025 degree can sit for a final examination. All scheduling requests must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the proposed examination date. Degree Forms 
• May 2: Last day candidates for a May 2025 degree can submit their thesis/dissertation for format review to the Graduate School via UKnowledge.
• May 9 Last day for May 2025 degree candidates to submit final revised/dissertation (ETD) to the Graduate School for students who first submitted May 2^nd.
• May 9-10: Commencement

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 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

College of A&S Concur Open Lab Schedule:

• 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.