Dr. Straus and unidentified woman tour medical campus

For 65 years, the department of behavioral science has engaged in transformative research and provided exceptional educational opportunities for learners. Founded in 1959 by William R. Willard, MD, the first dean of the College of Medicine, and Robert “Bob” Straus, PhD, the department was the first of its kind in the United States.

Michele Staton

Researchers at the University of Kentucky (UK) and Texas Christian University (TCU) have received a $4.7 million, five-year grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to support a new study aimed at reducing overdose risk among women in the criminal legal system.

Sean Regnier, PhD, presents his research poster to NIH Director Monica Bertagno

When Sean Regnier, PhD, started working with people with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD) 10 years ago, he noticed a high rate of cigarette smoking among his clients.

“From a clinical standpoint, I was interested in figuring out how I could help my clients quit smoking,” he said.

The University of Kentucky’s Substance Use Priority Research Area (SUPRA) is sponsoring the inaugural Rising Stars Symposium to showcase innovative research and new perspectives on addiction research.

UKY headshots of Drs. Koffarnus and Lauckner

In Aug. 2020, the College of Medicine Office of Research launched 18 Alliance Research Initiative teams from each of the five research priority areas— substance use disorder, cardiovascular, diabetes and obesity, neuroscience, and cancer—and other important emerging areas of science.

Chisom Iloegbunam and Louise Scharff in white coats

Two University of Kentucky College of Medicine students have been chosen for the fourth cohort of the White Coats for Black Lives fellowships.

Chisom Iloegbunam and Louise Scharff were recently awarded the fellowships created by the department of Behavioral Science.

The ASCEND Team. Details in Image Caption.

A new project at the University of Kentucky will expand new avenues to develop community-engaged health equity research expertise among early-stage investigators. It’s called Achieving Success in Community-Engaged research to elimiNate Disparities (UK ASCEND).

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) invites you to participate in the 2024-2025 ASPIRE (Adopting Supportive Practices for an Inclusive Research Environment) program. 

Registration Deadline: Aug. 23, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET

White flower in vase on blue table in foreground

We are delighted to announce an opportunity for a stellar candidate to join our collaborative and transformative research and training environment. 
 

Director, Center for Health, Engagement, and Transformation (CHET) in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Worsham Theater - a large auditorium with weaving, blue walls, and a presentation screen at the front.

Researchers at the University of Kentucky are hosting a watch party for a video that showcases their work to better understand the barriers to substance use disorder (SUD) program engagement in Kentucky.

Justin Ma presents his poster

At the UK College of Medicine, we embrace our responsibility to drive the change and the discovery required to improve health and wellness across the state. As a recognized leader in biomedical research, we focus on innovative, transformative, and collaborative discoveries from the bench to the bedside.

promotions and tenure 2024

Congratulations to the following University of Kentucky College of Medicine faculty members who received promotions and/or were granted tenure this year. The following list includes faculty from basic science and clinical departments. It is organized alphabetically by department, then by last name.

Nominations Open Graphic with Trophy

It is time to nominate individuals for the BSC Annual Excellence in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Faculty, Staff, and Student Awards! These awards recognize individuals for their contributions to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are accepting nominations for staff, student, and faculty awards.

a panel of of 4 researchers at a table

Watch below Part 2 of the "Because We Care" mini-documentary series. 

Bill Stoops teaching students

As the University of Kentucky College of Medicine works to strengthen its collaborations and clinical research processes, we have created a new research leadership position to oversee these important advancements.

Group of award winners

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is excited to share the winners of the third annual Mission, Vision, Pillar, and Enabler (MVPE) Awards.

award presentation

Elizabeth Rhodus, PhD, assistant professor in the department of behavioral science and a team member from the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, was selected to receive the 2024 Cordelia Myers AJOT Best Article Award, one of the highest honors in the nation for research articles in the field of occupational therapy.

the dean interviewing a department chair in front of a camera

Over the next few months, the UK College of Medicine will be releasing an exciting mini-documentary series called “Because We Care.” Capturing interviews and conversations with people across our community, the four-part series explores who we are as a college and why our mission matters to all of us, whether we are learners, faculty, researchers, or staff.

The Medical Behavioral Science Organization hopes to provide students with other opportunities for shadowing, service learning and patient advocacy.

The Department of Behavioral Science in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine has launched a new student organization affiliated with the department’s undergraduate certificate program.

Mindy Baker

The UK College of Medicine Department of Behavioral Science launched its White Coats for Black Lives Fellowship in 2021 to enhance medical students’ understanding of health disparities, political and social inequalities, and health care inequities experienced by Black Americans.