Student Funding
Undergraduate Opportunities
SUPRA Super Students Grant
The purpose of this funding pilot mechanism is to provide resources to outstanding pairs of undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a collaborative research project from a basic science, clinical, or community research perspective with guidance from a faculty advisor. The intent of this pilot funding is two-fold: 1) to offer high-impact learning experiences focused on substance use research for promising undergraduate students interested in pursuing an advanced degree, and 2) to provide valuable mentoring opportunities for graduate students. A faculty advisor is required for oversight, but the pair of undergraduate and graduate students must both have active research roles. Applications should align with SUPRA’s mission to prevent and reduce the burdens of substance use disorders through conducting innovative basic and translational, transdisciplinary research to inform clinical services, public health practice, and policy. Awardees are required to submit an abstract and present a poster at the next SUPRA Research Day.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
The Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Offers a research-training program to undergraduates after their sophomore year. This program is specifically for students who are interested in a career in basic research and related health care disciplines.
Students will gain research experience in
•Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research
•Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders
•Network with local scientists and professionals in Pharmacological Sciences
•Attend Workshops in Careers and Professional Development Skills
•Present original research
Alzheimer's Disease or Brain Tumors - Defining the metabolic components of either disease (Medicine/Biochemistry)
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Faculty Mentor: DR. MATTHEW GENTRY, Professor of Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry / College of Medicine
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# of Opportunities: 3
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Project Description: Alzheimer's disease and brain tumors each have a very poor patient trajectory and few to no good treatment options. The Gentry lab is defining the metabolic profile of both diseases using mouse models and patient tissue. The projects are in collaboration with senior scientists and graduate students in the lab. The project is tailored to match the student's interest and s/he is given the opportunity to learn a complete spectrum of cell biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, and physiology skills. S/he will have the opportunity to present their data at meetings and be co-authors on papers. Dr. Gentry and the lab has an outstanding track record of assisting students to achieve their goal of graduate or medical school. You can read more about the lab at this site: https://biochemistry.med.uky.edu/users/msge222#profileTab1
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Project Duration: 10-15h/week during the academic year and 40 h/w during summer months
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Student Role: The trainee will be integrated into a team of researchers tackling well-defined questions regarding AD or brain tumor metabolism.
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Minimum Student Requirements (experience, skills, major, etc.): The needed skills are passion to learn, dependability, and trustworthiness. Dr. Gentry has mentored 25 undergraduate students over the last 13 years. The vast majority of these students started in the lab with no experience during their 1st or 2nd year on campus.
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INTERESTED? Contact Dr. Gentry matthew.gentry@uky.edu