Research & Discovery

UVA Honors Faculty for Research and Scholarship

February 2, 2024 • By Meredith Cole, msc6y@virginia.edu Meredith Cole, msc6y@virginia.edu

Group photo taken inside Boar's Head Resort, back row left to right: Don Brown, Nikos Sidiropoulos, Gary Owens, Liheng Cai, William Shobe, Lana Swartz, Peter Schauss, Amy Bouton, Patricia Jennings, David Getsy, Howard Epstein, Caitlyn Wylie and Leena Cho. Front row, left to right: Interim Vice President for Research Fred Epstein, UVA President Jim Ryan and Provost Ian Baucom

Faculty members honored at UVA’s Research Achievement Awards ceremony include, back row left to right: Don Brown, Nikos Sidiropoulos, Gary Owens, Liheng Cai, William Shobe, Lana Swartz, Peter Schauss, Amy Bouton, Patricia Jennings, David Getsy, Howard Epstein, Caitlyn Wylie and Leena Cho. Front row, left to right: Interim Vice President for Research Fred Epstein, UVA President Jim Ryan and Provost Ian Baucom. (Photo by Amanda Maglione)

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.”

Danielle Citron behind a podium speaking

School of Law professor Danielle Citron gives the keynote address to the researchers at the annual awards ceremony. (Photo by Amanda Maglione)

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, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Medicine.
Nikos Sidiropoulos, Louis T. Rader Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Donald E. Brown, senior associate dean for research and Quantitative Foundation Distinguished Professor of Data Science, School of Data Science.
Patricia “Tish” Jennings, professor of curriculum, instruction and special education, School of Education and Human Development.

Research Excellence Award

Liheng Cai, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Elana Swartz, associate professor of media studies, College of Arts & Sciences.
Peter Schauss, assistant professor of physics, College of Arts & Sciences.

Award for Excellence in Arts and Humanities

Ashon Crawley, professor of religion and African American and African studies, College of Arts & Sciences.
David Getsy, Eleanor Shea Professor of Art History, College of Arts & Sciences.
Tiffany King, Barbara and John Glynn Research Associate Professor of Democracy and Equity, 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.

Research Mentor Award

Amy Bouton, Harrison Distinguished Professor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, 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 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 appointment in the School of Data Science).