Chellgren Student Fellow Alumni Spotlight Q&A with Aaron Silverstein, Chellow Class of 2016
Celebrating 20 Years! Chellgren Student Fellow Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Aaron Silverstein, Chellow Class of 2016
The Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence is celebrating the 20th class of Chellgren Student Fellows by hosting an All-Class Reunion in October 2026 to celebrate! In honor of 20 years, we are highlighting alumni from the program by sharing where they are now and reflecting on their time as Chellgren Student Fellows.
Aaron Silverstein, originally from Paducah, KY, pursued degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Kentucky, where he also minored in violin performance. His involvement with the Chellgren Center began early in his undergraduate journey, ultimately connecting him with a research mentor and providing workshops and opportunities that deeply shaped his academic path. The fellowship’s research requirement launched a trajectory that carried him through continuous lab work, a completed PhD, and into the UK MD/PhD program, setting the foundation for his future in neurosurgery.
Why did you choose to attend the University of Kentucky, and how did you first get connected with the Chellgren Center?
I chose UK due to the neuroscience undergrad program which I learned was to become official during my first semester at UK fall 2015, and because of the excellent scholarship offer. I don't actually remember how I first connected with the Chellgren Center, but likely through the honors college, psychology scholars, or through friends who had heard about it.
What was your involvement with the Chellgren Center during your time at UK?
I participated in the sophomore year fellowship program and became connected with my first (and only) undergraduate research mentor through that fellowship, as well as participated in workshops and field trips related to undergraduate enrichment and preparation for applications for nationally competitive awards.
How did that experience enrich your undergraduate years? In what ways did your Chellgren experience prepare you for where you are now?
Ultimately, the research requirement for the fellowship fundamentally shaped my undergraduate experience and laid the foundation for my post-graduate training and career. I never stopped doing research in the same lab throughout undergrad and even completed my PhD in the same lab. Without the requirement for the Chellgren Fellowship to initiate research, I don't know if or when I would have started. I think my career goals and competitiveness for them would be fundamentally different now if not for the Chellgren Center.
What have you been up to since graduation, and how did that path unfold?
I started the UK MD/PhD program fresh out of graduation and am in my penultimate year of training, having completed my PhD in 2025, and am currently nearing the end of my 3rd year of medical school. I plan to pursue residency training in neurosurgery after completion of my M4 year in 2027. This was fueled by my interest in neurotrauma research which was inspired by my first undergrad research opportunity. All credit for initiation of my first undergrad research experience (and by extension, my current career trajectory) goes to the Chellgren Center.
What advice would you give to an undergraduate student considering getting involved with the Chellgren Center?
Do it!
About the Chellgren Center Student Fellows Program
The Chellgren Center Student Fellows Program is designed for second-year students. This program provides experiences that go beyond the classroom. Through the Chellgren Center programming, you will gain many experiences that will help you get a head start on your career and inspire your goals. You get to experience faculty-mentored research, career advising, professional development, and so much more. You will collaborate with students, mentors, faculty, and staff.
The Chellgren Center began in 2005 with a generous gift from Mr. Paul W. Chellgren and his family, which was matched by the state to create a $4.5 million endowment. The center aims to foster undergraduate excellence through programs like the Chellgren Student Fellows program and by inspiring innovation in teaching and learning, aligning with Chellgren’s vision to enrich the lives of students and faculty. The first class of Chellgren Student Fellows began in the fall of 2007 when Dr. Philip Harling became the director of the student program and the first endowed chair of the center. We have seen many changes over the years, including the growth of the student program, financial assistance to undergraduates traveling to conferences or performing research, annual trips for the Chellgren Student Fellows, and the restructuring of one of our faculty programs. For more information on the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence, visit our website: https://chellgren.uky.edu/.