The Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence - University of Kentucky

We will be closed Friday, June 19th.

Celebrating 20 Years! Chellgren Student Fellow Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Nicole Blackstone, Chellow Class of 2018

Nicole Blackstone’s journey from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, to her current role in Washington, D.C., is rooted in a lifelong connection to the University of Kentucky and a deep commitment to serving others. A Political Science and Sociology major and Otis A. Singletary Scholar, she immersed herself in opportunities that matched her curiosity and drive, including her introduction to the Chellgren Center through her advisor and the Lewis Honors College. As a Chellgren Fellow, she found intellectual challenges and a community of like‑minded peers that shaped her academic confidence and continues to influence her life today.

To read her full story, click the link below:
https://chellgren.uky.edu/news/chellgren-student-fellow-alumni-spotlight-3

Wildcat Alumni Wednesday🐾💙

Chellgren Student Fellows Alumni, Where Are You Now? You can drop a comment or send us a picture outside your window. We’d love to hear from you and see where you are since graduating!

Celebrating 20 Years! Chellgren Student Fellow Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Aaron Silverstein, Chellow Class of 2016

Aaron Silverstein, originally from Paducah, KY, pursued degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Kentucky, where he also minored in violin performance. His involvement with the Chellgren Center began early in his undergraduate journey, ultimately connecting him with a research mentor and providing workshops and opportunities that deeply shaped his academic path. The fellowship’s research requirement launched a trajectory that carried him through continuous lab work, a completed PhD, and into the UK MD/PhD program, setting the foundation for his future in neurosurgery.

To read his full story, click the link below:
https://chellgren.uky.edu/news/chellgren-student-fellow-alumni-spotlight-2

We are doing something special for our students in the office! Any guesses?!

We will be working remotely June 1-5, 2026 while our office is under construction!

♻️ 2026 Sustainability Summer Research Fellow Spotlight

MEET AYUSMA KARKI

Ayusma is a sophomore in Architecture. As one of six UK undergraduates selected for the 2026 Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship, Ayusma will be spending the summer conducting research under Leen Katrib in the College of Design's Department of Architecture.

Project Title: "A Material Investigation into Kudzu as a Building Material for Post-Disaster Shelters"

University of Kentucky College of Design UK Sustainability

We will be closed from May 22-25 in observance of Memorial Day. We will be back in the office on Tuesday, May 26.

Congratulations to everyone who made Spring 2026 Dean’s List!

Celebrating 20 years of the Chellgren Center Student Fellows Program! Alumni Spotlight and Q&A with Alpha Parrott, Chellow Class of 2011.

Alpha Parrott was the first to respond to our Q&A Alumni Spotlight! Originally from Franklin, TN, Alpha pursued degrees in political science, classics, and history at the University of Kentucky. While at UK, she was a Singletary Scholar, a Chellgren Student Fellow, and a Gaines Fellow. Because of the Chellgren Center, Alpha matched with her research mentor and drove her to pursue a research internship focused on a medieval Latin manuscript with Special Collections. She recently published a short story and is looking for a home for a full-length poetry collection as well.

To read her full story, click the link below:
https://chellgren.uky.edu/news/chellgren-student-fellow-alumni-spotlight