Student Research

• DMD Student Research Fellowship: Through the Center for Oral Health Research, UKCD provides a number of stipends annually for students to participate in research projects. The fundamental goal of these projects is to "create new knowledge" for the profession so that prevention and treatment of oral and craniofacial diseases continue to evolve. UKCD students in these mentored research programs not only gather information that is presented through College Research Day each spring, but frequently use this experience to compete for national research awards, and often are co-authors on publications of the results. There are two types of awards: Research awards up to $1,500 each and research travel awards up to $1,000 each. Apply here (log in using UK linkblue information) by January 31, 2026 Travel Award and August 31, 2026 for Research Award (reviewed on rolling basis).
   
• Graduate Student/Resident/Fellow/Extern Research Fellowship: The Center of Oral Health Research will make available two types of awards, Research awards up to $1,500 each and research travel awards up to $1,000 each, to support graduate students/residents/fellows and/or externs for research and travel related to research in the fields of oral and craniofacial disease. Apply here (log in using UK linkblue information) by January 31, 2026 Travel Award and August 31, 2026 for Research Award (reviewed on rolling basis).
   
• Undergraduate Research Scholarship Award: Offered by the Office of Undergraduate Research to interested pre-dental undergraduate students who want to be involved in oral/craniofacial health research. Each applicant will need to apply along with a faculty mentor. If you do not have a mentor yet, you can search for and contact a mentor listed on this page under Research Mentors. The online application is available here (log in using UK linkblue information). Up to four scholarships will be offered. Apply by January 31, 2026 Travel Award and April 30, 2026 for Research Award (reviewed on rolling basis). Question? Contact Courtney Brown, cbrown@uky.edu.
   
• Dr. Gene P. Lewis Fellowship: The Dr. Gene P. Lewis Fellowship Fund has been created at UK College of Dentistry (UKCD) in memory of Dr. Lewis, his accomplishments and unparalleled commitment to public health. The fellowship is awarded to students and/or junior faculty in, but not limited to, UK Colleges of Dentistry, Public Health, and Medicine.  Funds are used to support the fellowship holder’s research projects that have the potential to make an impact on oral health issues which confront underserved and/or economically depressed populations and regions. Application 
   
  The application packet should include: 
  • a letter of support from the applicant’s research supervisor and department chair
  • a personal statement, indicating why the candidate should be considered for the fellowship (not more than one page)
  • an outline of the candidate’s project (no more than 4 pages, excluding references), 11 pt. font, should include your hypothesis, methodology, plans for publications/presentations, a description of the impact of the project in underserved populations and in the reduction of oral-systemic health disparities, and realistic timeline within the 12 months
  • the candidate’s NIH style biosketch (not more than five pages)

  • budget and budget justification demonstrating up to $20,000 use of funds to be spent in travel and/or other support related to training and/or research development

    Submit your application packet as one PDF file in the listed order above to Dana Satterly, dlsatt00@uky.edu. 

    Deadline: June 1, 2026

UK College of Dentistry DMD students interested in taking part in an intensive research experience in conjunction with their dental curriculum have the option of applying for the UK College of Dentistry Research Elective program of study. Students do not need to apply to the Research Elective in order to perform research while in dental school. Research Elective students will gain valuable experience in research, have the opportunity to take part in meaningful studies, and receive scholarship funds to help offset UK College of Dentistry tuition fees. Complete the Research Elective Application at the bottom of the page.

Who are we?

The student research group (SRG) at UK College of Dentistry is a student organization dedicated to the needs of those interested in dental research. 

What do we do?

With the significance that oral health research holds in the field of dentistry it is more important than ever to become familiar with the process of what it takes to produce meaningful research. That is why we have a dedicated group to help students navigate the world of research. 

Our goals in the SRG are to: 

1. Help interested students make contact with established research labs and mentors. 
2. Aid in the application for financial assistance in the forms of grants, fellowships and scholarships.
3. Assist in teaching the skills of data presentation for national meetings and conferences. 

Within the UKCD SRG: 

• Members travel all over the world presenting research at little to no cost of their own. 
• Students have received over $100,000 in grants, awards, fellowships and scholarships.
• Student researchers have published in top-tier journals. 
• Members continue to gain access to competitive residency programs across the country.

How can you become involved?

Registration for the SRG is open at the beginning of each school year, however, you can become a member at any time by contacting us.

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View a list of researchers currently conducting exciting research at UKCD. We highly recommend that you learn about their research interests by reading their profiles and reviewing previous publications to see if you will be a good fit in their labs. 

Office of Undergraduate Research (resources)

Office of Undergraduate Research (poster printing and templates)