Faculty members are the heart of the University of Virginia. They bring expertise, passion and creativity to the University’s instructional settings, offering students an educational experience unlike any other. Learn more about some of these extraordinary educators in UVA Today’s ongoing Faculty Spotlight series.

UVA associate professor Rupa Valdez sits on a flight of stairs, smiling
Research & Discovery
Faculty Spotlight: Valdez Makes Travel Easier for People With Disabilities
Rupa Valdez, an associate professor at the University since 2013, has dedicated her career to working with people living with disabilities and chronic health conditions.
UVA professor of mathematics and history Karen Parshall, seated in a blue blazer
University News
Faculty Spotlight: Professor Makes Math Less Maddening, By Using History to Relate
Intimidated by math? Versatile UVA professor Karen Parshall might be able to help you overcome your fears – with history lessons.
Tassone Headshot
University News
Faculty Spotlight: After 12 Years at Google, Eric Tassone Joins School of Data Science
“It’s not necessarily about having the most efficient algorithm,” Tassone says of data science. “It’s about the creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit that people bring to solving problems.”
Xiaorong Liu headshot
Research & Discovery
Faculty Spotlight: New Diagnostic Tool to Aid in Identifying Leading Cause of Blindness
Associate professor of biology and psychology Xiaorong Liu has developed a retinal imaging technique to aid in early diagnosis of glaucoma, the world’s leading cause of blindness.
Looking at Charlotte Matthews working on her computer through a buildings open window
Arts & Culture
Faculty Spotlight: Writing Can Return Some of What the Pandemic Has Taken Away
Writing may not be a vaccine, but Charlotte Matthews has found it cures some of what ails us in this protracted pandemic. See how she helps School of Continuing and Professional Studies students find their voices.
Malo A. Hutson stands half sideways looking at the camera
University News
Getting to Know UVA’s New Dean of the School of Architecture, Malo A. Hutson
With classes just begun, UVA Today reached out to Hutson to see how he is settling in and to learn more about his goals as dean.
Robert Gilliard headshot
Research & Discovery
Uncommon Bonds: Robert Gilliard Is a Rising Star in Innovative Chemistry
Working with less-studied part of the periodic table, the University of Virginia chemist is breaking new ground in his field.
Jeffrey Lovelace headshot
Student Experience
Faculty Spotlight: Professor Who Served Two Tours in Iraq Intent on Helping Student Vets
Jeffrey Lovelace, a former U.S. Army intelligence officer who served two tours in Iraq prior to arriving at UVA, is committed to improving the experiences of student veterans however he can.