5 UK faculty honored for excellence in undergraduate research mentoring

Five University of Kentucky faculty members received the 2026 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor Award for their exceptional leadership and support of student researchers. 

Presented each year by the Office of Undergraduate Research, this student-nominated award recognizes UK faculty members who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers, providing exceptional undergraduate research experiences, as well as supporting and promoting undergraduate research initiatives on campus. 

This year, students nominated a record 61 faculty mentors representing 38 departments and 14 colleges for the award, including eight previous award winners. The awards were announced April 29 during the 20th annual Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars. 

The 2026 award winners are: 

Warren Alilain, Ph.D., College of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience 

Alilain was nominated by two students, Mohit Patel and Jack Prendergast

 “My faculty mentor is the epitome of what it means to be an exceptional undergraduate research mentor,” wrote Patel in his nomination. “His ability to balance high expectations with genuine support creates an environment where students are both challenged and empowered. He not only supervises students, but he is actively involved in their overall development as independent thinkers and contributors to the field.” 

“What makes my mentor truly unique is his unwavering belief in undergraduate students,” wrote Prendergast. “He recognizes that undergrads are not just an extra pair of hands, but an essential part of the laboratory and the future of science, which is something that strongly aligns with UK’s mission as an R1 institution. His sustained dedication and impact make him exceptionally deserving of this award.” 

Carol Street, UK Libraries, Special Collections Research Center

Street was nominated by student Anaya Ali.

“There are so many remarkable things I could say about my mentor, but what stands above all is this: she truly cares about the ongoing success of her students,” wrote Ali in her nomination. “My mentor refuses to let us remain in the background. Instead, she actively teaches us the granular skills of library science and archival data collection. Her mentorship does not end when a project concludes or when a student graduates. She is invested in who we are becoming, not just what we produce. Because of her, so many of us have grown not only as researchers but as individuals navigating the world.” 

Bruno Menarim, Ph.D., Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), Department of Veterinary Science 

“My faculty mentor has completely transformed my undergraduate research experience into something I genuinely look forward to and feel excited about. He is the first person outside of my parents who I have felt is in my corner, someone who genuinely wants to do everything in his power to help me succeed,” wrote student Luke Russell, who nominated Menarim. “What stands out most to me is that it’s not just the research itself that makes the experience meaningful, but the environment he creates. He fosters a space where you feel motivated to grow, not only as a researcher but also as a person. He has shaped my undergraduate experience and influenced the kind of professional and person I strive to become.” 

Sybil Gotsch, Ph.D., Martin-Gatton CAFE, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources 

Gotsch was nominated by student Anna Ackerman.

“My mentor has fostered a creative, hardworking and inquisitive environment in her lab, and has built a welcoming and inclusive research team. She sees potential in everyone and pushes you to learn and be involved in the process of research, from project conception to data analysis and results presentation,” wrote Ackerman. “She has truly taken forestry research to the next level by developing projects in Robinson Forest and Berea, Kentucky, creating UK Canopy Cats, leading a study abroad trip in Costa Rica, fostering a strong and caring research team and pushing students to try new things. My mentor has given me a million opportunities to prove myself as an undergraduate student and shaped my love for research. I am so grateful for her commitment to supporting students.” 

Lance Johnson, Ph.D., College of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience 

“My faculty mentor has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers,” wrote student Lily Smith, who nominated Johnson. “Through his skillful instruction, thoughtful feedback, creation of an inquisitive and open lab environment and investment in his undergraduate researcher’s long-term success, my mentor has shown time and time again his sustained commitment to undergraduate mentorship and exemplifies all the qualities that this award recognizes. Through his dedication, my mentor has demonstrated that he is willing to go above and beyond to train the next generation of future scientists and cultivate our passion for research.”  

For a list of this year’s award nominees, visit our.uky.edu/2026-mentor-nominees.