Urschel said students who want to get involved with research but might not have a lot of time due to classes are still welcome to join in research efforts, which might mean caring for horses, collecting samples, and running lab work. | Photo: iStock

As a land–grant institution, one of the University of Kentucky’s (UK) key missions is to facilitate learning through hands-on experience, expand knowledge through transformational research, and prepare its students of today to be the scientists of tomorrow.

Students who participate in research can breakout of the normal classroom routine and apply their learning in new ways. Students gain hands-on skills by going into laboratories, pastures, and barns with research faculty that ultimately can translate into meaningful work in a future career.

Undergraduate students at UK have an unparalleled opportunity to participate in equine research though the Gluck Equine Research Center; the College of Engineering; the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; and many other departments. Undergrads can take part in equine research on topics including nutrition, parasitology, facility design, racetrack surfaces, endocrinology, immunology, musculoskeletal science, plant and soil science, and more. Here’s a look at how some students are jumping into equine research during their undergraduate studies