MK Lamkin , PHD

Like Undergraduate Research Program Directors across the nation, the purpose of my work is to “broaden participation in Undergraduate Research”. This means both expanding the overall number of participants across disciplines and growing the proportion of participants from groups historically excluded from research professions. I approach my role by providing discipline-inclusive centralized programs and working with colleagues across the institution to support college-level and department-level undergraduate research initiatives. Centralized programs include:
·      Exploring Research Small Group Consultations
·      The Undergraduate Research Society
·      The Undergraduate Scholarly Showcase
·      Summer Learning Community for Student Researchers
·      Excellence in Research Mentorship Awards
·      The Grad-Undergrad Research Connections Program
·      Training Programs for Research Mentors
·      Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program
I seek collaborations with colleagues and students interested in advancing equitable access to research experiences and psychological safety in research environments.




 

PhD: University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH, 2016 (Biological Sciences)

MS: Purdue University West Lafayette, IN, 1998 (Plant Pathology)

BS: Ohio University Athens, OH, 1996 (Environmental Plant Biology)

Previous research activity focused on understanding mechanisms of species-level extinction through population-level processes (2010-2016) and environmental determinants of plant disease (1996-1998). In my current role, I am interested in understanding, illuminating, and addressing sources of racial inequity at UC, especially as it relates to research. In 2020, I founded UC’s Coalition for Anti-Racist Action, a cross-campus network of staff and faculty committed to doing work to support calls to action by Black-led organizations at UC. In 2022, the Coalition became a part of UC’s Center for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation. I seek collaborations with colleagues and students interested in advancing equitable access to research experiences and psychological safety in research environments.

2017 - Assistant Professor, Program Director for Undergraduate Research, My work is focused on fostering a university-wide culture of undergraduate research at UC. I work with faculty, staff, administrators, and students to develop resources and systems aimed at broadening undergraduate participation in all forms of research activity that happens at this magnificent institution. , University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

2010 -2016 Graduate Assistant, Taught freshman biology, microbiology, ecology, and cell biology labs., University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

2013 -2017 Biology Instructor, Summer Bridge Scholars Program, Prepared incoming freshman from populations that remain underrepresented in STEM professions for excellence freshman year. , University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

1998 -2002 Horticulture/Natural Resources Extension Agent, Administered educational programming aimed at increasing the adoption of best practices in horticulture and natural resource management., Colorado State University, Eagle County, Colorado

2005 -2010 Teacher, Director, Outdoor Learning Lab, Developed and led outdoor learning activities that supported K-12 Ohio education standards in math, science, and literacy., St. Rita School for the Deaf, Cincinnati, OH

Peer Reviewed Publications

Lamkin MK & AI Miller (2016. ) On the challenge of comparing the contemporary and deep-time biological-extinction rates .Bioscience, , 66 (9 ) ,785 -789More Information