4 students named Excellent Undergraduate Research Ambassadors
Every year, the University of Kentucky’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) selects a new cohort of Undergraduate Research Ambassadors — a group of outstanding students who serve as advocates for undergraduate research at UK.
This year, OUR awarded four students as Excellent Undergraduate Research Ambassadors in recognition of their outstanding contributions, achievements and dedication to promoting undergraduate research opportunities across UK’s campus and fostering community engagement.
The four award winners, who were recently announced at OUR’s 20th annual Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars, are:
- Austin Trotter, neuroscience and psychology senior, College of Arts and Sciences
- Addison Witucki, neuroscience and psychology junior, College of Arts and Sciences
- Kaydee Straw, chemical engineering junior, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering
- Owen Walker, agriculture and medical biotechnology junior, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, also a Lewis Honors College student.
As Research Ambassadors, the award winners spent the academic year promoting undergraduate research involvement and opportunities through student outreach and program events, such as tabling, information sessions, student workshops, speaking engagements, class and student organization presentations and OUR-sponsored events including the 5-Minute Fast Track Competition and Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars.
“Being an Undergraduate Research Ambassador has been extremely rewarding,” Straw said. “I have had the opportunity to help many students and I’ve often seen the fruits of that labor. In several instances, I have had students I have met with one-on one come and talk to me more afterward or reach out to me with follow-up questions. When I first started research, it was an ambassador that pushed me to send that first message to Dr. Chwatko and I am extremely grateful I get to pay that kindness forward to further others’ careers and aspirations.”
The Undergraduate Research Ambassador program’s mission is to increase awareness and create opportunities for students to actively engage in research. Ambassadors must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and be involved in mentored work.
The Excellent Undergraduate Research Ambassador honor includes a $250 award.
Of the 670 cumulative service hours completed by the 2025-26 Research Ambassador team, the four Research Ambassadors promoted and created unique undergraduate research and creative opportunities, serving 223 hours.