Katie Cardarelli, Interim University Provost

Welcome to the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Academy of Science — we are thrilled to host you here at the University of Louisville. It is an honor to bring together scientists, educators, students, and community partners from across the commonwealth and beyond to support and promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) achievements and initiatives.

As Kentucky’s premier metropolitan research university, UofL is committed to advancing knowledge that improves lives, strengthens communities and fuels innovation. Our Cardinal community takes great pride in being a place where bold ideas take flight, where discovery is driven by purpose and where interdisciplinary collaboration leads to transformative impact. That commitment is embodied in our reaffirmation as a “Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production” institution by the Carnegie Foundation, a distinction held by only one other school in the state.

Contributing to that distinction is UofL’s commitment to STEM initiatives. In 2023, the UofL J.B. Speed School of Engineering opened a STEM+ Hub for K-12 students and community activities. Earlier this year, UofL joined the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s STEMM Opportunity Alliance. UofL is the alliance’s only academic partner in the region. And, earlier this semester, the Speed School opened its new Student Success & Research Building.

Of course, we are fortunate to have strong community partners, such as the Kentucky Academy of Science, whose Athey Science Education and Outreach program recently awarded funding to UofL for the development and distribution of science education materials focused on nanoparticle synthesis to chemistry students across Kentucky.

During your stay on UofL’s campus, you will experience the full spectrum of scientific disciplines. Please take advantage of every opportunity to ask questions, share insights and form new connections that will strengthen your STEM work as well as the scientific community throughout Kentucky. We hope this meeting inspires you to continue pursuing your scientific interests.

We also offer heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and program organizers. Your dedication reflects UofL’s commitment to be a great place to learn, discover, connect and work — values that guide our mission and strengthen our shared commitment to advancing science for the public good.

On behalf of the University of Louisville and the Kentucky Academy of Science, welcome to Louisville, welcome to our campus and welcome to a community where science, innovation and impact thrive.

Annual Meeting Links 2025

The Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting is an interdisciplinary professional environment that cultivates scientific discovery and understanding. Thank you for contributing to our advancement of science by behaving professionally, respectfully and collegially at all times.