The University of Kentucky Achieving Success in Community-Engaged Research to elimiNate Disparities (UK ASCEND) is welcoming its third cohort of Scholars. These four Scholars, selected through a competitive application and review process, will begin the two-year program on February 1, 2026. Supported by the National Institutes of Health (P50MD019467), UK ASCEND is a comprehensive research training initiative that supports early-stage investigators conducting community-engaged health disparities research. The program supports Scholars through structured training, pilot funding, and strong partnerships with community stakeholders. Cohort 3 ASCEND Scholars include:
Lynden Bond, PhD, MSW is an assistant professor in the UK College of Social Work. She is a social work researcher focusing on addressing homelessness and improving access to behavioral health care among people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Informed by her professional social work practice and advocacy experience, Dr. Bond’s research agenda aims to partner with communities to improve housing and behavioral health outcomes.
Delvon T. Mattingly, PhD is an assistant professor of behavioral science in the UK College of Medicine and a primary faculty member of the Center for Health, Engagement, and Transformation. A social epidemiologist, his research examines social and structural determinants of behavioral health disparities, with a focus on substance use, tobacco regulatory science, and cancer prevention. Dr. Mattingly also is involved with Markey Cancer Center’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program and Co-Lead of the Career Enhancement Core for the Appalachian Tobacco Regulatory Science Team, a Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science (AppalTRUST,).
Willie F. McBride III, PhD, is an assistant professor of Neurology in the UK College of Medicine and a clinical neuropsychologist specializing in care of medically underserved populations. He focuses his clinical, scholarly, and service work on leveraging neuropsychological assessment services and resources, among older adults. Dr. McBride also is involved with UK’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging. Dr. McBride is a Health Resources and Services Administration Geriatric Academic Career Award recipient.
Ketrell L. McWhorter, PhD, is an assistant professor of Epidemiology and Environmental Health in the UK College of Public Health. Her research focuses on sleep health, tobacco exposure, pain, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk among individuals with pancreatic disease. Her research focuses on populations disproportionately burdened by chronic disease, including resource-limited communities. Dr. McWhorter’s work leverages large cohort data and patient-reported outcomes to inform targeted, non-pharmacologic interventions and support equitable chronic disease prevention.
A call for applications for the ASCEND program will be released in early Fall 2026. Learn more about the UK ASCEND program HERE