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$70M In grant Awards

To fund faculty and graduate student research endeavors, the college receives over $70 million annually in grant awards.

3.3GPA APPLICATION FEE WAIVED

Take the next step and apply. If your GPA is over 3.3, we waive the application fee! *Domestic students only

Diverse Areas of Research

Our research areas include artificial intelligence, energy, carbon capture, security, sustainable manufacturing, resilient infrastructure, transportation, advanced materials, rare earth materials, computational systems and health applications.

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Supportive Community

Immerse yourself in active research labs, present at conferences, publish scientific papers in respected journals and work with colleagues who are committed to advancing the commonwelth of Kentucky and beyond .

Collaborative Opportunities

The field of engineering is a team story. Many research opportunities are interdisciplinary in their approach to solution discovery. Work with the Director of Graduate Studies in your area of interest to find a graduate assistantship or fellowship.

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Lexington, Kentucky

"Top 5 Best Small Cities in the U.S."

Come home to Lexington, Kentucky. Lexington is known for its vibrant culture, eclectic festivals and creative restaurants. Learn more about the bourbon and horse capital of the world at VisitLex.

 

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Research Faculty

If you want to work with renowned faculty, immerse yourself in an active research lab, present at conferences and publish scientific papers in respected journals, you should consider a graduate degree program at the University of Kentucky. 

Over 30 of our faculty members have received CAREER Awards from the National Science Foundation, and the college receives over $70 million annually in grant awards.

Research Centers, Institutes, and Consortia

The College hosts ten research units and is affiliated with numerous other University of Kentucky research centers and institutes.

Graduate Degrees and Programs

The University of Kentucky Pigman College of Engineering is the largest and highest-ranked engineering college in the state. With our small class sizes and wide-ranging opportunities for student involvement and leadership, we want to help you build your future in engineering.

Apply to the Graduate School

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Research News

Zach Agioutantis named 2025-26 University Research Professors

Zach Agioutantis, department chair and professor for the department of Mining Engineering, was named University Research Professors for the 2025-26 academic year.

EduceLab unveiled as UK’s gateway to next-generation heritage science

Made possible by a $14 million infrastructure grant from the National Science Foundation, EduceLab is the university’s bold vision for next-generation heritage science. The lab was unveiled during a “soft opening” last week — launching a new era of discovery, education and innovation at the intersection of the humanities, engineering and data science.

UK, Lockheed Martin to partner, driving innovation in advanced engineering

The University of Kentucky, through UK Innovate, is teaming up with Lockheed Martin to leverage cutting-edge expertise to drive innovation in advancing engineering, materials, energy and manufacturing technology.

UK researchers develop groundbreaking microscopy technique to study cancer

Researchers at the University of Kentucky have introduced a novel microscopy technique that could revolutionize cancer research by providing an accessible, cost-effective way to study how cancer cells adapt to treatments. The National Institutes of Health-funded study, published in Biophotonics Discovery and featured on that publication’s cover, underscores its importance and potential impact on the field of oncology

Su awarded James F. Lafferty Faculty Fellowship in Biomedical Engineering

Ni Su, assistant professor in the F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, has been awarded the James F. Lafferty Faculty Fellowship in Biomedical Engineering, effective July 1.