UK SPARK Program Announces 7th Cohort

Four students selected for 2026 health disparities research program

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The University of Kentucky's Students Participating as Ambassadors for Research in Kentucky (SPARK) Program has named its seventh cohort, which includes four students who will partner with UK faculty to identify research questions and develop projects to address health disparities.

Why it matters

The SPARK program provides undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds with hands-on experience in conducting impactful health disparities research early in their college careers, helping to develop the next generation of public health leaders and advocates.

The details

Students in the 2026 SPARK cohort will receive summer funding to support their research projects, which they will then write up, present, and publish. Throughout the program, SPARKlers learn skills like developing and implementing a health disparities research study, operating a budget, adhering to research integrity standards, and collaborating with community members.

  • The SPARK program was founded in 2019.
  • The 2026 cohort is the seventh cohort of the program.

The players

SPARK Program

The Students Participating as Ambassadors for Research in Kentucky (SPARK) Program at the University of Kentucky trains undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to conduct impactful research to improve health disparities.

Maiya Bhandari

A sophomore public health and neuroscience major on the pre-medical track, who is part of the 2026 SPARK cohort.

Shreya Chandrashekar

A sophomore public health and neuroscience major on the pre-medical track, who is part of the 2026 SPARK cohort.

Karmen Parker

A first-year political science major in the UK Blue pre-law program, who is part of the 2026 SPARK cohort.

Isabella Skibba

A sophomore public health major on the pre-law track, who is part of the 2026 SPARK cohort.

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What they’re saying

“The program offers the hands-on experience I need to translate research into meaningful change for communities facing systemic health challenges.”

— Isabella Skibba, 2026 SPARKler

“SPARK felt like an amazing fit for my academic path because it directly connects public health research with my long-term goal of practicing medicine. Through this experience, I hope to develop a strong public health mindset that helps me better understand the health disparities my future patients face. I am especially excited to learn how research can be used as a tool for advocacy and to create interventions that help close the gaps in health care.”

— Maiya Bhandari, 2026 SPARKler

What’s next

The 2026 SPARKlers will partner with pre-matched UK faculty members to identify research questions and develop projects to address health disparities. They will receive summer funding to support their efforts and then write up, present, and publish their research findings.

The takeaway

The SPARK program is providing valuable hands-on research experience to undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to become the next generation of public health leaders and advocates working to address systemic health challenges in their communities.