Weekly News and Events | September 22, 2025

Encourage Your Students to Apply – Ribble Research Award

Please encourage your undergraduate students engaged in research to apply for the Undergraduate Ribble Research Award. This competitive award provides $1,000 per semester for two consecutive semesters of research, for a total of $2,000.

Application Deadline: October 3rd

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain research experience, mentorship, and professional development support. Please share this with eligible students and encourage them to apply.

All investigators at the University of Kentucky are required to complete the new “Research Security Training (Combined)” through CITI by October 1. This training meets the requirements outlined in the NIH’s September 11 notice, "Implementation of NIH Research Security Policies" (NOT-OD-25-154), and also fulfills research security requirements from other federal agencies.

Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to access the training.

Need a Quiet Place to Study or Work on Your Thesis?

Thomas D. Clark Graduate Study – William T. Young Library

The Thomas D. Clark Graduate Study is a secure, dedicated space for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, located on the 5th floor (west wing) of William T. Young Library.

Access: UK ID card tap (all eligible IDs should be pre-programmed)

Exploring Career Paths for Graduate Students Series

Career Workshops for Master’s and PhD Students

Workshop Schedule (All 1–2 PM, via Zoom):

• September 24 – Careers in Government
• October 8 – Careers in Non-Profit
• October 22 – Careers in Consulting
• November 5 – Careers in Research & Development
• November 19 – Careers in Writing & Publishing
• December 3 – Careers in Education

Zoom Link: tinyurl.com/2025GradCareerSuccess

Doctoral Degree Candidate Forms


Key Dates for Graduate Students

2025 Neuroscience Clinical-Translational Research Symposium

A two-day event focused on advancing clinical and translational neuroscience research.

Dates: November 6–7, 2025

Location: Healthy Kentucky Research Building (In-person only)

Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday, September 15, 2025

🔗Register here

Job Opportunity at James Madison University

James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, VA is hiring for four faculty positions in Biology:

• Tenure-Track Assistant Professor – Animal Development (with evolutionary focus): Job Posting
• Tenure-Track Assistant Professor – Molecular and Cell Biology or Genetics: Job Posting
• Tenure-Track Assistant Professor – Microbiology: Job Posting
• Lecturer – Microbiology: Job Posting

Why JMU?

JMU is a public R2 university with ~20,000 students, located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. The Department of Biology boasts over 50 faculty, a thriving master's program, strong external funding, and clear policies on teaching loads and research support. Harrisonburg is a welcoming and diverse college town, with access to Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest.

CELT – Upcoming Faculty & Graduate Student Workshops

Fall 2025 | Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching

This fall attend a series of workshops and events focused on teaching innovation and the thoughtful integration of AI in the classroom.

October 7–8, 2025 (Monday–Tuesday), the NSF ACCESS Regional AI Workshop will be held in person at the Gatton Student Center. Learn more and apply here.

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Teaching Excellence Symposium on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM at the Gatton Student Center. You can view the full schedule and register here, or register directly.

Flu Shots Now Available for UK Community

Flu vaccines for the 2025 respiratory season are now available for UK students, staff, faculty, and the Lexington community at UK Retail Pharmacies and other locations across campus.

🔗 Full details & pharmacy locations

📞 Call 859-562-2018 for questions or scheduling help

📧 Contact Pharmacist Care Team

Big Blue Pantry: Food Lockers

Need essentials after hours? Secure lockers now available in Young Library. Reserve online, grab your code, and pick up anytime.

Big Blue 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

🔗 Learn more: studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-wellness/services/big-blue-pantry

Big Blue Family Care: Sitters for Kids & Pets

UK employees can request childcare or pet care from background-checked student sitters.

Complete the online form to request support

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.