‘Learning is Fun’

HHS 453 Class, KYnsHIP Conference Provide Great Memories for Professor 

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

It was a memorable end to the semester for Assistant Professor Brendan O’Farrell, PhD.

O’Farrell, a faculty member in the Department of Health and Clinical Sciences, first presented with students at the inaugural Kentucky Network for Supporting High Impact Practices (KYnsHIP) Conference, held on UK’s campus April 4 at the Gatton Student Center.

The conference aimed to foster innovation in education by exploring high-impact practices in teaching and learning and featured workshops, a keynote address from Dr. Sarah L. Bunnell from Elon University, and opportunities to connect with educators from across Kentucky and beyond.

He joined students Alexis Dillard, a Mathematics major, as well as Chloe Olegario, a Medical Laboratory Science Major in the College of Health Sciences. Both also served as peer mentors in the Interprofessional Healthcare Residential College (IHRC).

“The conference proved to be a great opportunity to learn about innovative, high-impact practices in higher education,” O’Farrell said. “Alexis and Chloe were naturals!”

Then, later in the month, another student took a picture of O’Farrell’s HHS 453 class. In the picture, all of the students are smiling, many cheesing for the camera, flashing peace signs and blowing kisses.

“I thought it was pretty spectacular,” O’Farrell said of the image. “Both of my 453 sections have been delightful this semester.”

O’Farrell said this class, in particular, was a good reminder that “learning is fun.”

“In fact, they inspired me to re-create a version of this course in Berlin, Germany, during Summer 2026,” he said.

O’Farrell recently returned from a conference in Germany where he said he started planning the future education abroad course. 

“I can’t wait to teach this course again with more fantastic students like these,” he said.

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For more information about education abroad, look here.