University of Kentucky's UNITE Welcomes Arts and Sciences Students to Predoctoral Program

The UNited In True Equity Research Priority Area (UNITE RPA) welcomed this year's cohort of 21 graduate students to the UNITE Predoctoral Research Enhancement Program.

UNITE is led by Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D., an associate vice president for research, diversity and inclusion and acting dean of the University of Kentucky College of Education. She created the predoctoral program in 2022, with support from the Office of the Vice President for Research, Office of Institutional Diversity and The Graduate School, to engage scholars who enhance equity and inclusion in Ph.D. programs at UK and support them as they become academic leaders in their field.

"The UNITE Predoctoral Research Enhancement Program is aligned with university priorities to create cultures of inclusive excellence while incorporating remarkably talented students into academia," said Lisa Cassis, Ph.D., vice president for research. "This effort implements evidence-based strategies to develop research training for diverse scholars."

The program will provide a stipend for students in addition to funding for their home college or department. Each fellow will also receive funding to support research-related expenses such as travel or equipment needs.

"This year's cohort was selected among a group of highly impressive applicants," said Stevens-Watkins. "I look forward to seeing them grow as research scholars through the support and mentorship they will receive. Our program is designed to ensure any social and cultural barriers they encounter will not prevent their success. Each member of this cohort is poised to pursue an impactful career in academia as the next generation of scholars who will use their unique lived experiences to make discoveries and mentor students in their fields."

Lauren Whitehurst, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology in the UK College of Arts and Sciences, is the assistant director of the UNITE program and works closely with scholars as they pursue their research agendas.

"One new aspect of the predoctoral program that we have piloted this year is a professional development needs assessment," Whitehurst said. "This assessment has allowed UNITE leadership to develop tailored professional development content, like grant and award writing workshops or networking opportunities, that are responsive to fellows' current needs."