LEXINGTON, Ky. — Five University of Kentucky faculty members have been recognized for their exceptional leadership in mentoring undergraduate researchers, according to an announcement from UK News.

The 2026 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor Award recipients—Warren Alilain, Carol Street, Bruno Menarim, Sybil Gotsch and Lance Johnson—were honored for their outstanding commitment to supporting student researchers. The Office of Undergraduate Research presents the student-nominated award annually to faculty who demonstrate exceptional mentorship and support for undergraduate research initiatives.

The awards were announced April 29 during the 20th annual Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars, where more than 500 undergraduates from all disciplines presented their faculty-mentored research and creative work.

Alilain and Johnson, both from the College of Medicine's Department of Neuroscience, were nominated by their students for creating supportive environments where undergraduates are treated as essential contributors to scientific research. Street, from UK Libraries' Special Collections Research Center, was praised for her commitment to students' long-term success beyond individual projects. Menarim and Gotsch, both from the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, were recognized for fostering inclusive research teams and developing innovative research experiences that inspire students' passion for their fields.

This year marked a record high in nominations, with students nominating 61 faculty mentors representing 38 departments and 14 colleges for the award. The nominations reflected the breadth of undergraduate research activity across the university, including eight previous award winners who were nominated again.

The recognition comes as UK continues to emphasize undergraduate research as a key component of student development. UK students also participated in the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in April, demonstrating the institution's commitment to providing students opportunities to share their scholarly work beyond campus.