2023 Research Achievement Awards
The University of Virginia honored faculty members for their outstanding research and scholarship at the fifth annual Research Achievement Awards event, held Thursday at The Pavilion at Boar’s Head Resort.
“2023 was an incredible year for UVA research, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to gather and celebrate our faculty’s impressive accomplishments,” Interim Vice President for Research Fred Epstein said.
“I’m a great admirer of these talented and dedicated researchers and the impressive breadth of research represented by this year’s award winners,” President Jim Ryan said. “Their work stretches from quantum physics to the Arctic, from cardiology to contemplative sciences. They ask important questions about our health, our well-being and our cultural world. They also mentor and inspire others, which multiplies their impact across Grounds and in their fields.”
Law professor Danielle K. Citron delivered a keynote address, based on her recent book, “The Fight for Privacy: Protecting Dignity, Identity, and Love in the Digital Age.” She is an expert in privacy, free expression and civil rights, and her most recent honors include being named a MacArthur Fellow and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Executive Vice President and Provost Ian Baucom praised the researchers for not just bringing attention to the work done at UVA, but for advancing science for all.
“Across Grounds, faculty are pursuing groundbreaking research and scholarship that distinguishes the University and advances their disciplines,” Baucom said. “As we celebrate their achievements, it is important to acknowledge the tremendous effort these researchers have devoted to their work along the road to discovery.”
Besides the 130 researchers who were honored that night for their achievements in research and scholarship, the following 16 were honored with Research Achievement Awards.
Distinguished Research Award
Gary K. Owens, Robert M. Berne Endowed Professor of Cardiovascular Research and Director, School of Medicine
The cardiovascular research of Gary Owens has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation. His research focuses on identifying the factors and mechanisms that regulate the stability of late-stage atherosclerotic lesions and the probability of a heart attack or stroke.
During his years at UVA, Owens has written over 200 research papers and received over $30 million in research funding. He also helped establish a partnership between UVA Cardiovascular Research Center (CVRC) and the CV Group at AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical that has helped the University become a leader in the fields of translational research in heart failure, atherosclerosis, vascular complications of diabetes, and targeted drug delivery.
“His research contributions have brilliantly illuminated the intricate complexities of SMC biology, challenging and overturning longstanding beliefs in the field,” said Ling Qi, Andrew P. Somlyo, Distinguished Professor and Chair of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine.
Nikos Sidiropoulos, Louis T. Rader Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Nikos Sidiropoulos has made ground-breaking contributions to tensor theory, wireless communications, and signal processing. He has 4 patents and has published over 165 journal papers in his field. He is a world-leading authority on tensor decomposition which has proven to be indispensable for analyzing big data.
Sidiropoulos is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and received the IEEE SPS Claude Shannon–Harry Nyquist Technical Achievement Award.
“Beyond his unquestionable breadth and depth, his research maintains a fruitful balance between theory and practice, building natural bridges that are critical for interdisciplinary projects,” said Georgios B. Giannakis, McKnight Presidential Chair in ECE, University of Minnesota.
Donald E. Brown, Senior Associate Dean for Research and Quantitative Foundation Distinguished Professor of Data Science, School of Data Science
Don Brown’s research focuses on data fusion, knowledge discovery, using data to improve health, and predictive modeling with applications to security and safety. In his 40-year career at UVA, he has been a principal investigator or co-principal investigator for more than 100 research contracts with federal, state, and private organizations totaling over $35M. He has published two books and over 120 papers. He was also the founding director of the Data Science Institute at UVA that became the School of Data Science.
Brown’s “passion for serving others through research and teaching is obvious and contagious, and research and education are intertwined in all his pursuits,” said Phil Bourne, Stephenson Founding Dean, School for Data Science, Professor of Data Science and Biomedical Engineering.
Patricia (Tish) Jennings, Professor, Curriculum, Instruction, & Special Education; School of Education and Human Development
Tish Jennings pioneered applying contemplative science to solve difficult problems in education. Her work has increased the understanding of educator and student wellbeing and their effect on preK-12 student outcomes. Since 2007, Professor Jennings has helped develop and lead the CARE (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education) program for educators, which has received multiple grants from the U.S. Department of Education.
“Professor Jennings is one of those rare scholars who is able to not only produce high quality research, but to conduct work that reaches well beyond the research literature to impact practice and policy,” said Kimberly A. Schonert-Reichl, NoVo Foundation Endowed Chair in Social and Emotional Learning, Professor of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago.
Research Excellence Award
Liheng Cai, Assistant Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Liheng Cai’s research focuses on bottlebrush polymers, associative polymer networks, and voxelated bioprinting. He studies the interactions between adaptive soft materials, like responsive polymers or biological gels, and living systems, like bacteria or cells and tissues in the human body.
“Because of his excellence in research, Cai has received a total of $2.33 million funding to his lab, graduate students have won departmental and SEAS fellowships, and two postdocs have secured faculty positions,” said David L. Green, Associate Professor, Depts of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Elana Swartz, Associate Professor Media Studies, College of Arts & Sciences
Elana Swartz’s work on how money and its infrastructure can be understood as a media technology has been central to efforts to understand the emerging digital economy. Her first book, New Money: How Payment Became Social Media, was named #12 on a list of the greatest tech books of all time by The Verge.
Swartz “is a world-class public expert on topics related to fin tech, the digital economy, and cryptocurrency,” said Andrea Press, Chair of Media Studies & William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor of Media Studies & Sociology, College of Arts & Sciences.
Peter Schauss, Assistant Professor, Physics, College of Arts & Sciences
Starting from an empty laboratory five years ago, Peter Schauss has built a world-class quantum physics laboratory at UVA. He has developed state-of-the-art capabilities for quantum simulation of condensed matter systems, using them to perform experiments that are having significant international impact. Schauss has been recognized with highly competitive young investigator awards and secured substantial external funding to support his successful and growing research program.
“In my 30 years at UVA, no other Physics faculty member has achieved a more impressive research profile at this stage of their career - in terms of quality and impact of results, visibility and reputation in the research community, and potential for future success,” said Robert R. Jones, Francis H. Smith Professor of Physics, College of Arts & Sciences.
Award for Excellence in Arts and Humanities
Ashon Crawley, Professor of Religion & African American & African Studies, College of Arts & Sciences
Ashon Crawley is an internationally renowned creative scholar whose interdisciplinary work weaves together Black queer studies, religious studies, music, performance studies, and visual art. His first book, Blackpentecostal Breath, was influential in the fields of religious studies and Black studies. His second book, The Lonely Letters, won three non-fiction literary awards. Crawley’s work is disseminated across multiple platforms and outlets, including public-facing essays, visual art, and performance pieces.
Crawley’s “vibrant presence raises our already highly respected research profile, creatively expands our curricular offerings, and provides mentorship to both junior faculty and to our students,” said Robert Trent Vinson, Chair & Director, Carter G. Woodson Institute for African American & African Studies & Commonwealth Professor of African American & African Studies, College of Arts and Sciences.
David Getsy, Eleanor Shea Professor of Art History, College of Arts & Sciences
David Getsy works at the intersection of art history, queer studies, and transgender studies, and is a leading scholar in post-war American sculpture. In 2022, Getsy’s book Queer Behavior: Scott Burton and Performance Art won the Robert Motherwell Book Award from The Dedalus Foundation. Getsy’s earlier book, Abstract Bodies: Sixties Sculpture in the Expanded Field of Gender, was the first to bridge art history and transgender studies.
“Anchored by the award-winning Queer Behavior and the paperback release of Abstract Bodies, David is forging an entirely new subfield in Art History,” said Douglas Fordham, Professor and Department Chair, Art Department, College of Arts & Sciences.
Tiffany King, Barbara and John Glynn Research Associate Professor of Democracy and Equity, College of Arts & Sciences
Tiffany King is an award-winning scholar whose interdisciplinary research is breathing new life into the field of Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies. King’s scholarship is having both a national and global impact on the field.
King’s “research is field-defining, award-winning, and cutting edge, drawing attention and acclaim from scholars internationally,” said Allison Pugh, Professor of Sociology and Chair, Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality, College of Arts & Sciences.
Public Impact Focused Research Award
William Shobe, Professor of Public Policy; Professor of Economics; and Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Studies, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service
Bill Shobe’s research focuses on reducing emissions, carbon removal technologies, and electricity sector transformation, and finding effective solutions to pressing environmental problems. He has made significant contributions to the design of emission markets and auctions, and is consulted statewide about Virginia electricity demand forecasting. He helped design the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) that helps states reduce carbon emissions while investing in communities.
Shobe’s “… projects create new bodies of knowledge in service to the greater public, informing how the clean energy transition can positively impact Virginia’s economy, environment, residents, and businesses,” wrote Carrie Ella Hearne, Director of Affordability and Competitiveness, and Aaron Berryhill, Solar Program Manager, State Energy Office, Virginia Department of Energy.
Research Mentor Award
Amy Bouton, Harrison Distinguished Professor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology (MIC), School of Medicine
During Amy Bouton’s 30-year career at UVA, she has applied her leadership, commitment, and creativity to help her fellow faculty.
Several years ago, Bouton helped establish a committee of senior faculty to review grant proposals prior to submitting to NIH. This model was so successful that it was adopted by other groups on Grounds. As interim Chair of the Department of MIC, she instituted “Promotion Advisory Committees” for all faculty below the rank of Full Professor. The committees meet every 6 months to provide advice to faculty.
“Amy has shown amazing leadership and guidance to me at every stage of my career. She always has time to listen, be a sounding board, and offer insightful advice and constructive criticism,” said Lucy Pemberton, Associate Director for Education, UVA Cancer Center, School of Medicine.
Research Collaboration Award
Leena S. Cho, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Architecture
Howard E. Epstein, Sidman P. Poole Professor of Environmental Sciences and Dept. Chair, Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences
Matthew G. Jull, Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, School of Architecture
Caitlin D. Wylie, Associate Professor, Department of Engineering and Society, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (with courtesy appt. in the School of Data Science)
For nearly a decade, this team of researchers have dedicated individual and collective efforts towards focused research on the Arctic region and its flora, fauna, buildings, landscapes, infrastructure, and communities, examining the complexities of natural and built environments in relationship to climate adaptation. Their important insights and actions include building datasets, resources, and partnerships directly with Arctic communities.
“With the more recently defined Grand Challenge focus at UVA on Environmental Resiliency and Sustainability, the nominated team exemplifies the University’s commitment to a collaborative, high-impact approach to climate change,” said Malo A. Hutson, Dean and Edward E. Elson Professor, School of Architecture.
Other Researchers Honored:
Top 25 Sponsored Funding Recipients
The following 25 researchers received the highest amount of funding at UVA for FY23.
Daphna Bassok, School of Education & Human Development
Douglas A. Bayliss, School of Medicine
Marc D. Breton, School of Medicine
Christopher S. Hulleman, School of Education & Human Development
Kevin A. Janes, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Karen Johnston, School of Medicine
Jonathan R. Lindner, School of Medicine
Thomas Loughran, School of Medicine
Michael D. Lyons, School of Education & Human Development
Jianjie Ma, School of Medicine
Madhav V. Marathe, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Imre Noth, School of Medicine
Kevin A. Pelphrey, School of Medicine
William A. Petri, School of Medicine
Karen S. Rheuban, School of Medicine
Josipa Roksa, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
John R. Scully, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Emily J. Solari, School of Education & Human Development
James R. Stone, School of Medicine
Jie Sun, School of Medicine
Sana Syed, School of Medicine
Gregory C. Townsend, School of Medicine
Kenneth Walsh, School of Medicine
Jessica E. Whittaker, School of Education & Human Development
Amanda P. Williford, School of Education & Human Development
Aidong Zhang, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Nationally Recognized Award Winners & Members of Academies
The following researchers were invited for achieving notable recognition and acclaim in their respective fields at a national level. The criteria for inclusion in this category typically involve either winning a prestigious national award, being elected or named to a distinguished academy, receiving an award from a society/academy, or receiving recognition for excellence from sources external to the University.
Roger Anderson, School of Medicine
Benton H. Calhoun, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Giorgio Carta, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Yue Cheng, School of Data Science, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Pamela F. Cipriano, School of Nursing
Danielle K. Citron, School of Law
Andres F. Claren, School of Engineering & Applied Science
W. G. Clark, School of Architecture
Linda Columbus, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Brian R. Davis, School of Architecture
Nancy L. Deutsch, School of Education & Human Development
Sepideh Dolatshahi, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Edward H. Egelman, School of Medicine
Sebastian Elbaum, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Ana L. Fostel, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Wintre Foxworth Johnson, School of Education & Human Development
Cassandra L. Fraser, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Xinfeng Gao, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Mariano A. Garcia-Blanco, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Christopher M. Gaskin, School of Medicine
Amanda K. Gibson, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Lian-Wang Guo, School of Medicine
Mool C. Gupta, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Richard Handler, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Rachel A. Harmon, School of Law
Ziv J. Haskal, School of Medicine
John A. Hossack, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Cathy Hwang, School of Law
Brant E. Isakson, School of Medicine
Adwait Jog, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Andrew S. Johnston, School of Architecture
Ahmad Jomaa, School of Medicine
Irving L. Kron, School of Medicine
Christopher M. Kuenze, School of Education & Human Development
Venkataraman Lakshmi, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Tracy A. Larson, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Virginia T. LeBaron, School of Nursing
Ajay Limaye, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Ruth Mason, School of Law
Joseph Moorman, School of Medicine
Jason A. Papin, School of Medicine
Thomas A. Platts-Mills, School of Medicine
Kristina Richardson, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Andrea Roberts, School of Architecture
Laura Morgan Roberts, Darden School of Business
Jeffrey J. Saucerman, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Frederick Schauer, School of Law
Beth E. Schueler, School of Education & Human Development
LaRon A. Scott, School of Education & Human Development
Kevin Skadron, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Ashish Venkat, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Haydn N. Wadley, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Brian G. Weinshenker, School of Medicine
Jennifer L. West, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Xu Yi, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Ifrah Zawar, School of Medicine
Miaomiao Zhang, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Sen Zhang, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Huiyuan Zhu, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Recognized by Their Deans and Schools
The following researchers were nominated by their school deans to be recognized for having gone above and beyond in their research endeavors. This could involve making substantial contributions to their field of study, influencing the academic community, or having a positive impact on society through their work. This is a way of highlighting and celebrating the exceptional contributions of these individuals to their respective fields during the specified year.
Jayakrishna Ambati, School of Medicine
Laura Barnes, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Andreas Beling, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Nicola Bezzo, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Silvia S. Blemker, School of Engineering & Applied Science
James T. Burns, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Jack W. Davidson, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Andrew C. Dudley, School of Medicine
Linda R. Duska, School of Medicine
Jonathan L. Goodall, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Scott K. Heysell, School of Medicine
Patrick E. Hopkins, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Eric R. Houpt, School of Medicine
Jaideep Kapur, School of Medicine
Robert G. Kelly, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Michael J. Kennedy, School of Education & Human Development
Jason R. Kerrigan, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Boris P. Kovatchev, School of Medicine
Christopher M. Kramer, School of Medicine
James H. Lambert, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Matthew J. Lazzara, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Dorothy E. Leidner, McIntire School of Commerce
Li Li, School of Medicine
Sheng Li, School of Data Science
Art W. Lichtenberger, School of Engineering & Applied Science
John R. Lukens, School of Medicine
Meghan Mattos, School of Nursing
Trish Ann Millard, School of Medicine
Daniel P. Murphy, Darden School of Business
Ken Ono, Provost Office
Elizabeth J. Opila, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Paul Perrin, School of Data Science
James Platts-Mills, School of Medicine
Jeana Ripple, School of Architecture
Gustavo Rohde, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Kara D. Romano, School of Medicine
Chris J. Ruhm, Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy
Saras Sarasvathy, Darden School of Business
Suprateek Sarker, McIntire School of Commerce
Abigail Scholer, Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy
Shayna L. Showalter, School of Medicine
Nina J. Solenski, School of Medicine
Craig Volden, Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy
Michael E. Williams, School of Medicine
Bev Wilson, School of Architecture
Jonee Wilson, School of Education & Human Development
Jochen Zimmer, School of Medicine
Jamie Zoellner, School of Medicine