UK Appalachian Center Eller & Billings Student Research Award
History of the Award
In the spirit of collaboration across units, colleges, and academic/community boundaries, the Appalachian Center and Appalachian Studies Program have established the UK Appalachian Center Eller & Billings Student Research Award for research by University of Kentucky students focused in and on the Appalachian region, especially toward furthering the conversation on sustainable futures in the region. Named after longtime UK historian Ronald D. Eller and longtime UK sociologist Dwight B. Billings, the award seeks to encourage and promote cutting-edge research across disciplines.
Award Information
The UK Appalachian Center Eller & Billings Student Research Award supports students who are involved in research studies focused in and on the Appalachian region. To be eligible for this award of up to $750 students must be actively enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program at the University of Kentucky. Funding may be used for supplies, travel, and other research or subsistence-related expenses. (Please note that travel-related expenses must be in accordance with University of Kentucky's current travel guidelines). Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Several awards will be given this funding cycle. Applications for the James S. Brown Graduate Student Award for Research on Appalachia that were NOT funded will be automatically entered into the competition for the UK Appalachian Center Eller & Billings Student Research Award.
Recipients will be asked to give an update on their research in a SWAP (Sharing Work on Appalachia in Progress) Presentation with Appalachian Studies faculty and students during the 2025-2026 academic year. Recipients will provide a copy of their presentation to be shared with the wider Appalachian Studies community.
Applications and recommendations for the 2024-2025 Eller & Billings Student Research Award are due Friday, February 7, 2025.
