University of Kentucky, College of Arts and Sciences

Meet Beaux Hardin, English and French double-major, Lewis Honors College student, and a proud Chellgren Fellow ?? Beaux, supported by an Undergraduate Research Award, explored how Black poets in America and North Africa use colonized language to express culture and uplift communities. This cross-cultural research culminated in a bilingual chapbook celebrating Black pride, identity, and experience. “Anybody can write a paper but that doesn’t mean those outside of academics would be able to read and understand it. Through creating poetry, I could make a statement through art that everyone could understand and read,” said Beaux. Beaux is a shining example of what it means to turn passion into action. We are proud to call them an Arts and Sciences Wildcat! ???? Check out the full story ?? https://bit.ly/4ePllWl #ResearchExcellence #UKArtsandSciences #ItAllStartsHere

80+ Neuroscience majors and other attendees had the unique opportunity to hear from alum Dr. Louis Hempel ('82) ?? Dr. Hempel, a pediatrician based in the Atlanta area, shared invaluable insights on pre-med careers and his professional journey. Moments like these connect our students with the experiences of accomplished alumni and help shape their future paths! #PreMed #UKYAlumni #ItAllStartsHere #UKArtsandSciences

The Canelands Issue 1 — a new nonfiction journal that aims to help UK student writers, editors and illustrators grow ??? Published by the Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Studies (WRD), this limited 200-copy edition represents a collective effort led by Professor Beth Connors-Manke and a dedicated student editorial team. From article selection to design, every detail showcases the unique blend of academic rigor and creativity supported by the department and College. Explore the first issue or get involved! ?? https://bit.ly/4fNo9UN #TheCanelands #UKWRD #UKArtsandSciences

Last weekend, the Lyric Theater & Cultural Arts Center hosted “Reckoning, Remembering, Restoring: A Symposium on the History of Racial Violence in Kentucky,” an event co-sponsored by the Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies (CIBS) and the Gaines Center for the Humanities. Inspired by the work of George C. Wright, Ph.D., voices from the community and the College gathered to discuss the realities of racial violence, past and present. Panels highlighted impactful initiatives such as CIBS’ Digital Access Project and Civil Rights and Restorative Justice-Kentucky. “Kentuckians are eager to know more about our past — both the most disturbing moments of violence and also the lives, families and humanity of our ancestors,” said Dr. Anastasia Curwood, director of CIBS. “This symposium is an opportunity for us to build a community and a common language for moving forward.” #UKCIBS #UKArtsandSciences #CommunityImpact

Making neuroscience accessible and memorable for future generations ??? Professor Chana Akins (Psychology/Neuroscience) and former doctoral student Beth Ann Rice release “A Brainy Book About Neurons and Beyond.” This delightful read introduces young readers to the wonders of the nervous system, sparking curiosity and making complex scientific concepts fun! Read more ?? https://bit.ly/4eKhPg5

?? An inspiring and thought-provoking talk from Dr. Waleed F. Mahdi (University of Oklahoma) at the Hajja Razia Sharif Sheikh Lecture. Dr. Mahdi shared his expertise on US-Arab cinema and provided invaluable insights to students, faculty, staff, and the greater community. Thank you to everyone who joined us as we continue Dr. Hamid H. Sheikh and Amy Lee Sheikh's mission to promote cultural awareness, tolerance, and understanding. #CommunityEngagement #UKIslamicStudies #SheikhLecture

We’re thrilled to spotlight Frank X Walker (English), celebrated poet and former Kentucky Poet Laureate on the release of his new poetry collection, “Load in Nine Times,” published by LIVERIGHT PUBLISHING CORP. This powerful collection offers a journey through the antebellum era, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Through a series of “persona poems,” Walker gives voice to the U.S. Colored Troops, their families, slave owners, and iconic historical figures like Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and Margaret Garner. Read more ?? https://bit.ly/4fDkZCU #FacultyExcellence #UKArtsandSciences

Join us this Thursday for the 2024 Hajja Razia Sharif Sheikh Islamic Studies Lecture featuring Dr. Waleed F. Mahdi from University of Oklahoma! Dr. Mahdi will lead an insightful discussion on cultural identity and representation in Hollywood portrayals of the Arab community. ?? November 7, 2024 ? 3:30PM ?? Gatton Student Center, 330AB Be part of the conversation! #SheikhLecture #UKIslamicStudies #UKArtsandSciences

Dr. Christal Badour (Psychology) has been honored as the 2024 “Psychologist of the Year” by the Kentucky Psychological Association. Badour directs the Stress, Trauma, and Recovery Research Collaborative and the Psychology Scholars program at the UK Clinic for Emotional Health, and collaborates with UK’s Center for Equality and Social Justice and Center for Health Equity Transformation. Recognized for her contributions to the field and commitment to expanding mental health access, Badour’s research focuses on the development and treatment of psychological disorders following trauma. “Our work isn’t finished until everyone can live a life free from violence and other risks,” she continued. “Until then, I’m dedicated to supporting people in rebuilding full and valued lives beyond their experiences of trauma.” Congratulations, Dr. Badour! Learn more about her work here: https://bit.ly/48upvRM

Congratulations to Professor Philip Mink (Anthropology), who has been named Director of the Office of State Archaeology and the William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology. Mink has been at UK for 25 years, most recently serving as the Assistant Director of the Office of State Archaeology. “We have about 12,000 years of human history represented in our collection that we utilize to examine all the diversity we have in the state from Eastern Kentucky to Western Kentucky, from Northern Kentucky to Southern Kentucky,” Mink said of the Webb Museum’s collection. “It’s important that UK plays a role in making sure that information is preserved and available for research and study for our faculty, staff, and students.” Learn more about Mink and the Webb Museum here ?? https://bit.ly/3UoHljm