The 2024 UNITE Research Showcase took place on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the Gatton Student Center. This event is centered around elevating and promoting the importance of research at the University of Kentucky, across the Commonwealth, and beyond. UK faculty, staff, and students – in addition to UK affiliates and academic partners - heard keynote addresses from national leaders in their fields, breakout sessions presented by local researchers, and a poster session designed to highlight the impactful work of our faculty and students. 

Irma Sarett Rosenstein Lecture

Juan Williams

Journalist and Columnist
NY Times, Fox News

Widely regarded as one of America’s top speakers, New York Times Best-selling author and award-winning columnist Juan Williams spent 23 years as a reporter, award-winning investigative journalist, White House correspondent, editorial writer, columnist and magazine writer. Williams has interviewed Presidents and members of the Supreme Court and Congress, as well as civil rights and global leaders.

Sponsored by: University of Kentucky College of Social Work

Afternoon Keynote Address

Regina Benjamin, MD

Former US Surgeon General
MacArthur Fellow ("MacArthur Genius")

Dr. Regina Benjamin is the Founder and CEO of BayouClinic, and was the 18th United States Surgeon General. She specializes in prevention policies and health promotion with a special interest in rural health care, health disparities among socio-economic groups, suicide, violence, and mental health. Dr. Benjamin was honored in 2008 with a MacArthur Genius Award Fellowship and is the recipient of 30 honorary degrees.

Sponsored by: University of Kentucky College of Medicine

University of Kentucky researchers featured their work during breakout sessions designed to illustrate the relevance and impact of their ongoing scholarship. 

University of Kentucky faculty, trainees, and students participated in a poster session designed to promote their dynamic research.

Prizes were awarded to the following posters:

Graduate/Postdoctoral Awardees

1st Place - Rujeko Machinga-Asaolu

2nd Place - Monyae Kerney

3rd Place - Hannah Brown, Eric Ingram, and Ashmita Thapa

Undergraduate Awardees

1st Place - Haley Brown

2nd Place - Zachary Owen

3rd Place - Randi Osborne

The UNITE Research Priority Area is profoundly grateful for the generous contributions of the following colleges and centers at the University of Kentucky:

College of Social Work

College of Medicine

College of Education

Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies

College of Arts and Sciences

Gatton College of Business and Economics

College of Public Health

College of Communication and Information

Rosenberg College of Law

UK Libraries

CHET