The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center recently held its ninth annual Markey Cancer Center Research Day, highlighting the work of UK students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty from the past year.

Research Day provides an opportunity for investigators to showcase their work and also view the work of their colleagues across the campus. Markey researchers are housed all across the University, spanning eight colleges and 28 departments.

Jean Edward, PhD, RN, was awarded $15,000 from the College of Nursing Pilot Research Program to fund her study titled “Examining availability of health system and community-based programs aimed at promoting health insurance literacy and informed healthcare decision making among rural, Appalachian consumers.” Surveys, key informant interviews and focus groups will be collected from providers and information intermediaries, such as community health workers and other outreach workers, serving Appalachian communities.

The Laboratory of Dr. Lisa Cassis within the University of Kentucky (UK) School of Medicine in the Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences is seeking to fill a Postdoctoral Research Scientist position in the area of vascular biology.

With a $4.9 million contract from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the University of Kentucky will expand and improve treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) in rural areas of Kentucky.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognized UK HealthCare's General Pediatric Clinic as a model in its implementation of early childhood screenings.

By integrating a series of standardized screenings into a child's visit, including developmental surveillance, maternal depression screenings, social determinants and family strengths, doctors, nurses and staff are able to get a more complete assessment of a child's health beyond his or her physical well-being. All pediatric providers complete the same screenings for all patients.

Dr. Williams was among 13 UK faculty who were presented with the 2018-19 University Research Professorship Award. This award was presented to faculty who have demonstrated excellence in research and creative work that address scientific, social, cultural, economic, and health challenges in Kentucky and around the world. Please see Uknow article for more information.

Congratulations to Dr. Mark V Williams on being named Chief Quality & Transformation Officer. Dr. Williams will work with Dr. Newman and other members of the Executive Quality Committee to provide leadership in ensuring that quality is the chief goal as an institution.

This week, it was my distinct pleasure to present the University Research Professorship Awards to 14 members of our faculty who have demonstrated excellence in research and creative work that addresses scientific, social, cultural, economic and health challenges in our region and around the world.

At a reception hosted by President Eli Capilouto at Maxwell Place, with their families, deans, associate deans for research and nominators on hand to celebrate with them, we had the opportunity to recognize and publicize the accomplishments of these scholars.

Congratulations to Dr. Jean Edward on being selected into the first cohort of UK-CARES Fellows in Science Communication!! This program is designed to provide early career faculty with skills training for communicating science to a broader audience, leading to an enhanced capability for outreach and success in research, teaching, and service. Dr. Edward was chosen from an elite group of faculty at UK who will comprise the first cohort of 10 fellows.

 The Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala, internationally recognized as the “premier” Kentucky Derby gala and counted among the “10 Best Parties in the World” by Condé Nast, has announced the celebrity lineup for its 30th annual gala being held Friday, May 4 in Louisville.