The University of Kentucky's own MacAdam Observatory provides students with the opportunity to use the most powerful telescopic lenses on campus and see the universe. On clear nights, students are welcome to join director Tim Knauer and his graduate assistants as they look out into the stars and observe those celestial bodies.

Here, Tim and assistants Kyle and Aaron join us to talk about running the observatory and their experiences there.

University of Kentucky professors Karen Petrone and Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby have helped bring a distinctly Russian flavor to UK. In addition to their departments, they are both a part of the Russian Studies program and helped organize 2012's Russian-themed Passport to the World events.

University of Kentucky alumni really do get all around the world. Gwendolyn Schaefer (International Studies/Geography 2013) traveled to Ukraine after her graduation as part of a 27 month long service period with the United State Peace Corps. Unfortunately, Gwen and other Peace Corps volunteers were forced to evacuate from the area in February 2014 due to mounting safety concerns.

Here, Gwen tells us about her time in Ukraine, the people and culture of the nation, and what it was like working there with the Peace Corps.

This fall, Political Science Professor Clayton Thyne will be teaching A&S 100: Introduction to Peace Studies. The class will serve as a portal into the wide range of theories exploring the nature and causes of conflict, the possibilities for conflict resolution, and the foundations of peace.