Visiting Scholar Program

Since 1956, the Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Program has been offering undergraduates the opportunity to spend time with some of America's most distinguished scholars.

The purpose of the Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Program is to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus by making possible an exchange of ideas between the Visiting Scholars and the resident faculty and students.

Spring 2025 Visiting Scholar

Dr. Kelly Lambert  is the Trawick Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Richmond where she investigates experience-based neuroplasticity and teaches multiple neuroscience courses.

Professor Lambert has approximately 80 scholarly publications and has written two neuroscience textbooks and three mainstream books including Lifting Depression, The Lab Rat Chronicles, and Well-Grounded.  She is currently writing Wild Brains: Translating Optimal Mental Health Strategies from the Bush to the Bedside.  Lambert was awarded the Virginia Professor of the Year award in 2008 and, more recently, was recognized as one of three national finalists for Baylor University’s Robert Cherry Award for Great Teaching.  In 2018, Lambert was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award given by the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society. Her research targeting connections between physical effort and emotional resilience was featured on CBS Sunday Morning and her rat-driving research has been featured in over 1500 news stories across the world, including the Netflix series The Hidden Lives of Pets and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Rat City. In 2019, Lambert described her behaviorceuticals research perspective in a TEDx Bermuda talk. In 2023, she received the Society for Neuroscience’s Science Educator Award for her scientific outreach endeavors. 

Dr. Lambert will deliver the following public lecture at 4:00pm on Thursday, April 24th in Woodruff Auditorium:

"Brain Sculpting: Creating Optimal Neural Networks and Functions with Experience-Based Neuroplasticity" 
Considering that our brains change from the womb to the tomb, it is critical to understand how life experiences alter neural functions. The ability to change our minds and our brains---known as neuroplasticity---is one of our most valuable "superpowers." A discussion of neuroplasticity research will span from the earliest "enriched environment" rodent studies to current research focusing on tuning brains for optimal functions throughout our lives. Over a half-century of research has identified fascinating neurobiological tools that the brain uses to adapt to our changing worlds. Knowledge that the brain can also change in maladaptive ways serves as a potent reminder that we should be mindful of our brain's experiences throughout our lives.

This free event is open to the public, and will serve as the kickoff to the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Getting Started in Research
Dr. Lambert will also participate in a moderated discussion (along with several KU faculty members) on how undergraduates can enhance their education through research opportunities.  This session will take place from 10:00-11:30am on Friday, April 25th in Nunemaker Center (1506 Engel Road, next to Lewis Hall).  Any undergraduate student from any discipline is invited to attend to learn more.

Past Visiting Scholars

Other recent visiting scholars include:

  • Trevon Logan, Ohio State University professor of Economics (Fall 2023)
  • William Moseley, Macalester College professor of Geography (Fall 2022)
  • Adam Winkler, UCLA professor of law (Spring 2022)
  • Karen Fleming, Johns Hopkins University professor of biophysics (Spring 2021)
  • James Sullivan, University of Notre Dame professor of economics (Spring 2020)
  • Paula Stephan, Georgia State University professor of economics (Spring 2019)
  • Mary Miller, Yale professor of art history (Spring 2018)