Wilson Selected as Undergraduate Research Ambassador

By Jesi Jones-Bowman and Ryan Clark
CHS Contributors

A College of Health Sciences student has been selected for the 2024-25 Undergraduate Research Ambassador program.

Madi Wilson, a senior Human Health Sciences major on the pre-Physician Assistant track from Ona, W.Va., is one of 15 outstanding undergraduates selected by the University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) to increase awareness and create opportunities for students to actively engage in research. Ambassadors must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and be involved in mentored research. This year’s ambassadors represent four colleges, nine disciplines and 10 research areas.

“This position gives me the opportunity to share my love of research with fellow students,” Wilson said. “I am honored to be a resource for students to help initiate their research career and offer guidance along the way.” 

Wilson, who is also co-president of the Kentucky Undergraduate Journal for the Health Humanities, said she is currently working on research through the Hannon Laboratory in the OBGYN department of UK HealthCare. 

“We are studying how environmental toxicants affect female fertility,” Wilson said. “I have worked with the Hannon lab since my freshman year and have learned so much and grown exponentially as a scientist. I have been so lucky for this opportunity — this lab is truly one of the best.”

The student leaders’ goal is to make undergraduate research more accessible. Ambassadors promote undergraduate research involvement through student outreach and program events, such as tabling, drop-in advising sessions, 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.

The Research Ambassadors are available upon request for class and organization presentations, college and university research events and campus outreach efforts. Requests must be submitted two weeks in advance and approved by the UK Office of Undergraduate Research staff.

“The Office of Undergraduate Research is truly focused on the students; we offer peer advising, opportunities to present research, and workshops such as abstract writing to help students who are actively engaged in research,” Wilson said. “I am always open to talk with students interested in research and am available for advising appointments through the Office of Undergraduate Research’s website.”

For more information on the Research Ambassadors and to request an ambassador for an event or presentation, visit https://our.uky.edu/ambassadors.

Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Research here.