Many students enhance their academic careers by becoming involved in student project teams and organizations. These activities can provide leadership opportunities, hands-on engineering experience and a chance to meet other engineering students.
The Engineering Student Council strives to foster a strong sense of community within the Pigman College of Engineering by connecting students, faculty, alumni, and industry representatives through events, student organizations, and networking opportunities. Our four pillars—fostering community, supporting organizations, building relationships, and enriching student experiences—serve as the foundation for our efforts. These guiding principles direct our commitment to serving the engineering and computer science community and creating a lasting impact within the college.
In the past two years, we have rapidly expanded our reach, creating a Freshman Board to empower first-year engineering students, started four new college-wide initiatives, and added numerous new organizations. We currently serve forty-four registered student organizations and their nearly 1,700 members, as well as almost 3,700 students in the Pigman College of Engineering. Each year, we register an average of four new organizations and give $1,000 in financial support through our Grant Initiative to student organizations. We have added four new board members in the past year, with plans to add six more in the coming year.
We have also increased our collaboration with other councils, most notably the Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville. Collaboration with other colleges, oftentimes sparked at NAESC conference, is key to our continuous growth and increased impact. Support from our partners, including alumni and industry professionals, is essential in executing our goals and providing resources and mentorship to Pigman College of Engineering students.
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers is the largest professional organization for chemical engineers in the world. As a member, you gain access to thousands of resources, have the opportunity to build your professional network, and apply for national scholarships.
The University of Kentucky chapter specifically offers local industry tours, professional workshops, and social events, in addition to adding both the regional and national AIChE conferences! If you are a chemical engineering student, we would love for you to get involved with our organization and help you develop your technical and professional skills in our industry!
The American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA) is a professional and international engineering and scientific society, which promotes interaction among specialists, practitioners, scholars, and educators in rock mechanics and geomechanics. We advocate for individuals and firms in all aspects of rock mechanics and geomechanics, including multi-disciplinary rock physics and rock engineering technology advancement and technological applications for civil engineering, mining engineering and tunneling, oil and gas recovery, and geo-related socioeconomic problem-solving. We provide a forum and information resources for our members, related organizations, and the public, while our strong student membership ensures future continuity.
The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International Student Branch (abbreviated BAE Student Branch) is an educational and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems.
The BAE Student Branch is open to all—engineers as well as non-engineers—who are interested in engineering and technology for agricultural, food, and biological systems. The BAE Student Branch participates in E-day and ASABE Rally while hosting events such as the Lawnmower Clinic and Fall Introductory Cookout.
ASCE is a professional organization that aims to advance civil engineering and to serve the public good. Our chapter at the University of Kentucky works with the local Bluegrass Branch as well as the ASCE National to provide students with information and opportunities to develop Civil Engineering Leaders.
Advisor - Lexington: Scott Yost scott.yost@uky.edu 859-257-4816
klwells248@uky.edu Instagram: @asce_uky
All students of the Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Data Science departments at the University of Kentucky are eligible to be members of ADC. The ADC will not discriminate in membership based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. The ADC will arrange monthly general meetings for the members, organize social and professional beneficial events, create a communication bridge between faculty and graduate students, and help graduate students build a strong network among themselves.
The University of Kentucky Student Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) seeks to create and foster a strong community for computing students at UK. Nationally, ACM is widely recognized as the premier membership organization for computing professionals, delivering resources that advance computing as a science and a profession; enable professional development; and promote policies and research that benefit society. Our ACM Chapter organizes and participates in many outreach and enrichment programs that include the ACM programming contest; an annual hackathon, CatHacks (http://cathacks.com), open to colleges across the nation; technical presentations on campus; study sessions; events for K-12 and the general public. We encourage any interested students, in particular from CS, CoE and EE, to join!
Advisor - Lexington: Jerzy Jaromczykjurek@cs.uky.edu859-257-1186
Association for Computing Machinery for Women at the University of Kentucky aims to raise awareness of the issues faced by women in technology, prepare students for careers in technology, as well as encourage women to join and stay in the field through outreach, networking and mentorship.
Advisor: Dr. Hana Khamfroushkhamfroush@cs.uky.edu859-218-0795
acmwuky@gmail.comFacebook
The Association of Data and Computation (ADC) brings together Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Data Science graduate students under one umbrella. We work to create a vibrant community of graduate students through socializing activities, research-focused seminars, and graduate life discussions.
We also connect graduate students with industry professionals and our alumni and create valuable networking opportunities, helping them to prepare for their career endeavors.
University of Kentucky’s Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) is a professional student organization committed to nurturing student education and involvement in the biomedical engineering field. The chapter organizes several events aimed at getting students involved in the biomedical engineering field. These have included trips to local high schools for outreach, hosting professional guest speakers, collaborative educational meetings, and more.
ChemE Car is a club that builds a shoebox sized car which starts and stops only with chemical reactions. We have to change out these reactions every year for various Regional and National competitions that we attend.
Our club is composed of four main subsystems: Starting Mechanism, Stopping Mechanism, Mechanical, and Electrical. All majors are welcomed and encouraged to join if interested in the club!
Chi Epsilon is a Civil Engineering organization that recognizes the academic merits of civil engineering students. XE is both a scholastic organization, a service organization and a professional organization. Eligible students are invited to join during their junior year. Being a member of XE is both an honor and a privilege, as it allows networking between past and present members as well as access to scholarships.
The Energy Club is focused on promoting energy sustainability on campus. We have 11 solar umbrellas across campus that provide clean energy to charge devices. We also have guest speakers from industry present on sustainability and potential internship/co-ops.
Contact: sla294@uky.edu Instagram: uk_energyclub
Innovators in Medicine is a student-driven organization that bridges engineering and healthcare to develop AI-driven solutions for real-world medical challenges.
Undergraduate students can collaborate with physicians and researchers on cutting-edge projects, including AI-powered discharge instructions, ambient listening in the NICU, and medical education chatbots.
The organization offers hands-on research opportunities, mentorship programs, and outreach initiatives, helping students build a strong foundation for medical school and careers in healthcare innovation. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity, dedication, and a passion for using engineering to transform patient care!
EWB-UKY is a student chapter of the national Engineers Without Borders (EWB-USA) organization. The students therein are tasked with designing and providing a sustainable solution to a problem of a given community in a developing country.
The design proposed must incorporate community involvement and accountability as well as student fundraising. A typical project requires a five-year commitment to developing, constructing and monitoring the proposed plan aimed to resolve the problem.
In 2017, we started a new partnership with the community of Salima, Malawi. The desired project was to develop sanitation facilities for elementary schools in the area and aid in the improvement of the health of the community. The development of a construction plan and a latrine prototype to be emulated in the region were the first steps toward improving the health and the quality of life for the entire community.
Eta Kappa Nu - Beta Upsilon Chapter, abbreviated to HKN, is the electrical and electronics honors society. We celebrate the accomplishments of the highest achieving electrical and computer engineering students and provide a place for them here at the college. HKN is a part of the national IEEE, the professional organization for electrical engineers and related fields, and we collaborate with the UK student branch of IEEE. Through hosting events and learning opportunities, we support our members to help them be successful and provide assistance for turning their ideas into reality.
Formula Kentucky is among the best ways for engineering students at UK to get real hands-on experience while in college. Students involved with Formula Kentucky will work in design, analysis, fabrication, testing, and evaluation for parts that will be used on the next FK vehicle. FSAE experience is heavily sought after in industry, and Formula Kentucky has alumni working in product design, product validation, race engineering, and other interesting fields. Aside from making you a better engineer, Formula Kentucky also allows students access to aid from the team's older members when registering for classes, preparing for exams, or just how to maneuver through engineering at UK.
This Chapter's field of Interest is the development and application of engineering concepts and methods to biology, medicine, and health sciences to provide effective solutions to biological and chemical principles, computational models and algorithms, devices, and systems for clinical, industrial, and educational applications.
Innovation Club empowers STEM startups by providing funding opportunities, business pitch competitions across Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi, and essential resources such as IP protection and mentorship. We bridge the gap between engineering and entrepreneurship, helping students turn ideas into viable ventures. Through hands-on experience, Innovation Club builds both the professional and social acumen of future innovators.Contact: wwhe223@uky.edu
IEEE's core purpose is to foster technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. Our Student Branch seeks to develop leadership and technical skills in Undergraduate and Graduate students through seminars, workshops, conferences and other developmental programs.
Material Advantage at the University of Kentucky is a student group committed to the academic and professional development of materials engineering students. We plan industry tours, invite faculty members and graduate students to discuss their research, and host study sessions and resume workshops. We also participate in outreach events in the Lexington community. For a little fun, we hold cook outs, Field Day, and other social events.
The Materials And Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Association (MACE) was formed as a conduit for graduate students to interact through meaningful collaborations, exchange of intellectual property, access to physical assets as well as interact together on a departmental level with faculty. MACE was formed in the Fall of 2013 and has full standing and acknowledgment from multiple campus wide organizations including the Student Government Association, Graduate Student Congress and the Engineering Student Council. Currently MACE focuses its efforts on bringing together graduate students within the department in a variety of social and professional events throughout the semester.
The National Society of Black Engineers at the University of Kentucky is an organization dedicated to providing community among minority students and supplying them with professional, academic, and service opportunities. Members will have the chance to hear about experiences from alumni, industry veterans, and actively recruiting companies on how to increase career prospects. Members can also go to the National and Regional NSBE conference, where they can not only find more job opportunities, but network with Black engineers across the nation and beyond.
Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We are dedicated to fostering sisterhood through friendship, scholarship, and encouragement. We conduct recruitment at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. We accept any major within the College of Engineering, Agriculture & Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer science, Environmental & sustainability studies, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics.
The Professional Development Club (PDC) is an interactive, network-based organization created with the purpose of empowering University of Kentucky students to grow as professionals and achieve their career goals. The PDC seeks to disrupt the culture at the University of Kentucky by inspiring students to compete for top-tier internships, full-time jobs, and graduate programs. This mission will be lived out through professional development workshops, company-sponsored events, and individual mentorship.
The University of Kentucky student chapter of the Society for Biomaterials (UK SFB) is an academic organization dedicated to uniting graduate and undergraduate students from diverse disciplines who share an interest in biomaterials. We foster an educational, service-oriented, and engaging community by offering social, academic, and professional enrichment opportunities. From collaborative potlucks with adjacent student organizations to hands-on workshops and research tool training, our events support both learning and networking. We encourage and support our members in attending regional and national SFB events, including Biomaterials Days and the SFB Annual Meeting. No matter your level of experience or expertise, we welcome all students to join our inclusive community, gain valuable skills, and explore opportunities in the dynamic field of biomaterials.
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) works to empower the Hispanic community of the University of Kentucky to attain careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and excel as technical and professional leaders.
Advisor - Lexington: Isabel Escobarisabel.escobar@uky.edu 859-257-7990
The UK SME Student Chapter is dedicated to fostering professional growth in the fields of mining, metallurgy, and exploration while emphasizing ethical, social, economic, and safety considerations in engineering. Our chapter provides opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and develop leadership skills through networking events, technical talks, and field trips. While SME is rooted in mining, we welcome students from all engineering disciplines who are interested in learning about the critical role of mineral resources in modern society.
SWE is a professional organization dedicated to stimulating women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expanding the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving quality of life, and demonstrating the value of diversity.
Advisor - Lexington: Kim Sayrekim.sayre@uky.edu 859-257-3343
swe.uky@gmail.comswe.uky.secretary@gmail.com Instagram: @swe.uky LinkedIn: University of Kentucky Society of Women Engineers SWE Website
GradSWE is a student organization at the University of Kentucky affiliated with the national chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). While we share similar goals to the undergraduate SWE section established on campus, we strive to meet the specific needs of graduate students. We serve as a support system for hard-working graduate students and are committed to their academic and professional development. We are gender-inclusive and we welcome both students as well as faculty members at all of our events.
Advisor: Sarah Wilsonswi263@uky.edu
GradSWE WebsiteContact: efa229@uky.edu Instagram: @gradswe_uky
The University of Kentucky Solar Car team is a student-led organization that operates on the campus of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY through the Pigman College of Engineering. The team was formed in 1999 and continues to operate with an inspired and committed team. In general the team works to finance, design, and construct solar vehicles that we use in STEM outreach events and to compete in competitions which include the Formula Sun Grand Prix and the American Solar Challenge. Currently the team is finishing the manufacturing of Gato del Sol VII, with its planned debut in 2025, the team will then begin designing the next generation of car, Gato del Sol VIII.
Located in the DV Terrell Engineering building and recruit year round with no experience required.
We are the University of Kentucky’s competitive rocketry and rocket propulsion team. As a skilled group from almost every discipline of engineering, we work to develop sounding rockets built to test the limits of modern spaceflight. Our vehicles are all designed and built from scratch by students, including fiberglass airframes and fins, wiring for flight computers, machined engines, and our tested solid fuel. With every project we develop, we seek to be the first at it. Over summer 2024, we placed first at the Friends of Amatuer Rocketry national competition with Meridian, our first ever competition rocket. We hope to continue to succeed at future competitions and push the boundaries of rocketry.
Advisor: Nancy Millernancy.miller@uky.edu 859-257-5127
spacelexky@gmail.com InstagramLinkedIn
Visit the SPACE LEX Website
STEMgiQueers is the student org for LGBTQIA+ people and allies in STEM! We help our community connect with, support, and uplift each other through weekly meetings and occasional conferences. We welcome everyone, no matter your college or major!
Tau Beta Pi is the oldest engineering honor society, and the KY-A chapter was the 8th to be chartered. We invite the top 1/8th of juniors and the top 1/5th of seniors that showcase exemplary character to join TBP. At UK, we currently have nearly 100 members and over 4,500 alumni!
TEA at UK is focused on the themed entertainment industry and connecting students to opportunities to immerse themselves within the industry while ultimately providing a forum for students across different fields of study with similar interests and aspirations to connect and help one another develop academically and professionally. Our group hosts industry professionals monthly, and will give students the opportunity to interact with them. TEA has also participated in the Ride Engineering Competition, has attended the IAAPA Conference, and attends the Students in Themed Entertainment (SITE) Conference at Ohio State University each year.
The Kentucky chapter of Triangle is a Fraternity of engineers, architects, and scientists. Triangle works to develop balanced men who cultivate high moral character, foster lifelong friendships, and live their lives with integrity.
A professional organization dedicated to helping students approach the water/environmental industry and promote the common professional interests of its members.
Given an engine and tire, the Wildcat Pulling Team designs and manufactures a new ¼ scale pulling tractor each year. This competition challenges students to go beyond simply building a tractor. Students develop technical and professional skills while they complete the entire product cycle of the tractor. Students have a role on every step from design to manufacturing to marketing.
