Lindsey Fay named 2025 UK Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor

Lindsey Fay, associate professor and associate dean for research in the University of Kentucky College of Design, has been named a 2025 UK Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year. This prestigious, student-nominated honor celebrates faculty who go above and beyond to foster deep, meaningful undergraduate research experiences for students. 

Coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Research, this award recognizes five faculty members from across the university who make outstanding contributions to undergraduate scholarship through direct mentorship. Fay was nominated by Brayden Nichols, a junior architecture major and Chellgren Fellow.  

"Learning and growing alongside Lindsey as she fully embraced her role has been truly inspiring," Nichols said. "[…] Lindsey doesn't see her role as just a title; she views it as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our college and the broader field of design research. [She] is more than just a mentor; she is a driving force behind the growing culture of research in the College of Design.”

Under Fay’s mentorship, Nichols researched pediatric healthcare design. The pairs work culminated in the project titled "Exploring Positive Distractions in Pediatric Healthcare Design," which emphasizes how natural elements, interactive spaces and sensory engagement can reduce stress and anxiety for young patients. This research project has now been presented on campus, state and national levels. Nichols emphasized that Fay’s approach to research mentorship is not just about helping students collect data or present at conferences but encouraging them to uncover the “why” behind their work.

“From the moment I started working with her, she has pushed me to not only explore research but to find meaning in it,” Nichols said. “She never just hands students projects to complete; she helps us shape our own ideas, refine our questions and turn them into something impactful.”

Originally a pre-med student, Nichols credited Fay with helping him pivot successfully into architecture and design research, describing her mentorship as transformative. 

"Lindsey did something I can never truly repay her for: she helped me discover my passion for research,” Nichols said.

Fay’s work exemplifies the importance of research in design education. Through mentorship and leadership, Fay is preparing these future designers and design researchers to explore the impact of evidence-based design and drive real-world improvements, enhancing both efficiency and quality of life. 

"I am so honored to receive this award and nomination from Brayden," Fay said. "Serving as a mentor to someone so dedicated to their research has been a true privilege. His nomination so thoughtfully captures the values I hold most deeply, especially the importance of advocating for design research and its role in advancing thoughtful, impactful design."

Nichols plans to continue working with Fay in the coming semester to expand his research portfolio.