LEXINGTON, Ky. — Scott Berry, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kentucky's Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, has been named a 2026-27 University Research Professor, a distinction recognizing excellence in research addressing scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in Kentucky and beyond.

Berry's research applies engineering principles to molecular diagnostics. Over 15 years, he has investigated how fluid mechanics phenomena can improve molecular assays—lab tests using tissue, blood or other body fluid samples to detect disease markers. His work has led to development of technologies for diagnosing HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, influenza, cancer and most recently SARS-CoV-2.

The distinction recognizes excellence in work that addresses scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in Kentucky and the world. Berry is the director of the Environmental Surveillance Center for Assessing Pathogen Emergence (ESCAPE), a U.S. National Science Foundation-funded initiative. Berry leads a nearly $18 million NSF award, shared by institutions including Arizona State University, University of Alaska Anchorage and Wildlife Conservation Society, for environmental surveillance and pathogen detection.

Currently, Berry's team measures levels of three respiratory pathogens—SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV—in 10 Kentucky communities twice per week. The work is part of the Kentucky Wastewater Surveillance System, which aims to provide early warning of disease outbreaks before they arrive in the Commonwealth. Berry said in an interview that understanding disease patterns globally is essential for protecting Kentucky.

"Any mitigation strategies that aim to benefit Kentucky must be truly global in reach," he said. "This enables us to potentially forecast the where, when, how of disease outbreaks before they arrive in the Commonwealth, giving our public health authorities the maximum window in which to mitigate global and local impact."

The honor comes as part of a cohort of 17 faculty members approved by the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees. Established in 1976, the University Research Professors program recognizes excellence across the full spectrum of research at UK. Each professor receives a one-year award of $10,000 and participates in university events highlighting their research.