LEXINGTON, Ky. — Six University of Kentucky undergraduates have been selected for the Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship, a competitive program that supports student-led research projects aimed at advancing sustainable practices and generating community impact. The fellows—majoring in fields ranging from mechanical engineering to horticulture—received their selections on May 14, 2026.

Now in its 12th year, the fellowship is a collaboration between the Office of Undergraduate Research, UK Sustainability and the UK Student Sustainability Council. Since launching in 2014, the program has supported 65 undergraduate researchers pursuing environmental stewardship and sustainable development goals on campus and in the Lexington community.

Each fellow receives a $5,000 stipend to conduct their research during the summer term under faculty mentorship. The fellowship is funded by the Environmental Stewardship Fee and seeks projects that contribute to both student academic growth and sustainability-focused research initiatives.

The selected fellows will present their research findings at three major venues: the Summer Research Symposium on August 25, the Sustainability Showcase on October 14, and the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars on April 28, 2027.

The 2026 fellows include Mwajuma Alexandre, a mechanical engineering sophomore mentored by Diane Byrne; Sophia Bowden, a biology junior mentored by Robbie Burger; Katy Brandt, a dietetics senior mentored by Courtney Lueking; Md Himel Ahamed Joy, an agricultural and medical biotechnology freshman mentored by Manoj Sapkota; Ayusma Karki, an architecture sophomore mentored by Leen Katrib; and Ella Shields, a horticulture senior mentored by Manoj Sapkota. Faculty mentors represent UK's College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Design, and Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

As part of its broader sustainability mission, UK is committed to integrating sustainability into its curriculum, research, outreach, and daily operations, preparing students and the community to lead toward a more sustainable future.