UVA Recognizes Faculty for Outstanding Research and Scholarship
by Audrey Hanger
The University of Virginia honored faculty members for their research that shapes scholarship and impacts communities at the seventh annual Research Achievement Awards, held February 5 at the Rotunda.
The ceremony spotlighted 14 faculty award winners whose research exemplifies excellence across disciplines. Together, the honorees reflect the breadth and vitality of UVA’s research enterprise and its impact on the academic life of the University and the communities it serves.
“Across disciplines and schools, the people in this room are advancing knowledge and translating ideas into meaningful change,” said Vice President for Research Lori L. McMahon. “Everyone here contributes to the strength and resilience of UVA Research.”
“This past year has been one of momentum and progress,” she said. “These achievements reflect the hard work and dedication of our research community and the trust our partners place in UVA.”
Amid broader uncertainty in higher education, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Brie Gertler reflected on the role of research in sustaining the University’s academic community. “When the world around us seems uncertain, there is certainty in being part of a community that continues to pursue answers and to create new ways of looking at what is happening around us,” Gertler said. “We are all incredibly fortunate to be part of this academic community.”
President Scott Beardsley, who was unable to attend in person, underscored the importance of research to UVA’s mission and public purpose. “The pursuit of new ideas, discoveries, and innovations through research is essential to this University’s purpose,” Beardsley said. “It is a public good and central to our mission to serve our community, the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world.”
The Research Achievement Awards recognize faculty across several categories, including research excellence, mentorship, public impact, collaboration, and distinguished scholarship.
The 2025 Winners of the Research Achievement Awards
Distinguished Researcher Award
Patrick Hopkins, Whitney Stone Professor of Engineering and professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Patrick Hopkins is internationally recognized for his contributions to nanoscale thermal sciences and interfacial heat transport. His interdisciplinary research spans mechanical engineering, materials science, chemistry, biology, and physics, advancing the understanding and control of thermal transport in materials with applications in semiconductors, thermoelectrics, and ferroelectrics. A national leader in advanced thermal measurement techniques, he is widely known for his expertise in Time Domain Thermoreflectance and nanoscale heat transfer characterization. He has authored more than 340 peer-reviewed publications, delivered nearly 200 invited seminars, and his work has been cited over 22,000 times. Hopkins is a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers and the Bergles Rohsenow Young Investigator Award, and a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
“Dr. Hopkins is one of the nation’s leaders in thermal transport science and has a great track record of impact in the field,” said Samuel Graham, Dean of Engineering and Nariman Farvadin Professor, University of Maryland.
Zongli Lin, Ferman W. Perry Professor of Engineering and professor of electrical and computer engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Zongli Lin is recognized as a world-leading authority in nonlinear control theory and its applications. His foundational research has transformed the field through seminal contributions to control systems with actuator saturation, time-delay systems, reinforcement learning control, and multi-agent systems. Lin has authored seven books and more than 360 journal articles, with his work cited over 30,000 times. His research has advanced both theory and practice, with applications in flight control, energy systems, and biomedical devices. Lin is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the International Federation of Automatic Control, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was also named a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2025.
“Zongli Lin has almost single-handedly put UVA on the control theory map,” said Scott Acton, AT&T Professor and Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Jennifer Payne, professor of psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences, School of Medicine
Jennifer L. Payne has transformed the field of reproductive psychiatry by advancing understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying perinatal mood disorders. Her work identified and validated the first epigenetic biomarkers predictive of postpartum depression, creating a path toward biologically informed precision tools for prevention and treatment. Payne leads translational and clinical research programs on postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, including studies that contributed to the approval of the first medication for postpartum depression. Since joining UVA, she has expanded a federally funded reproductive psychiatry research program while mentoring early-career investigators and guiding the development of clinical applications.
“Dr. Payne is among the leading figures in the world conducting translational research into the biological mechanisms and predictors of postpartum mental illness,” said Lauren M. Osborne, Vice Chair of Clinical Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine.
Research Excellence Award
Jonathan Colmer, associate professor of economics and public policy, College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Jonathan Colmer’s research examines how economic activity, policy, and the environment interact to shape prosperity, opportunity, and well-being. He has collaborated with the U.S. Census Bureau to develop new data products linking individual-level administrative records with environmental hazard data. His work has informed policymakers and been published in leading journals, with coverage in more than 100 media outlets.
“Given his career stage, Professor Colmer is a star,” said Jay P. Shimshack, professor of public policy and economics.
Lora Henderson Smith, assistant professor, School of Education and Human Development
Lora Henderson Smith is an emerging leader in school psychology and youth mental health. Her work spans cultural responsiveness in education and school-based mental health interventions, particularly for students returning after crises. She has published 28 peer-reviewed articles, presented at more than 60 national conferences, and secured more than $14 million in funding.
“We fully expect that her research will continue to make a significant impact on the mental health and educational experiences of youth in schools,” said Nancy Deutsch, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and director of Youth-Nex.
Xu Yi, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Xu Yi’s research focuses on photonic integration and multiplexing for information and computing. His lab demonstrated the first deterministic quantum microcomb at UVA and has produced integrated photonic oscillators with record-low phase noise signals. His work has been published in Nature, Nature Communications, and Nature Photonics.
“Even a non-expert can see that Prof. Yi’s work will impact the quantum computing of the future,” said Scott Acton, AT&T Professor and Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Huiyuan Zhu, associate professor of chemistry, College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Huiyuan Zhu advances catalysis research through atomically precise catalyst design for sustainable energy and chemical transformations. Since joining UVA in 2022, she has secured more than $5 million in funding and earned multiple national honors, including a Sloan Research Fellowship.
“Dr. Zhu is an exceptional researcher whose scholarship is shaping the future of catalysis research,” said T. Brent Gunnoe, Commonwealth Professor of Chemistry.
Award for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities
Ricardo Padrón, professor of Spanish, College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Ricardo Padrón is a leading scholar of the early modern Hispanic world whose research reshapes understandings of power, geography, and visual culture. His work has opened new methodological pathways across Hispanic studies, global history, and Asian studies.
“His work advances the humanities while expanding their global reach and relevance,” said Robert Sanchis Álvarez, PhD candidate and lecturer.
Leah Reid, assistant professor of composition, College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Leah Reid is recognized internationally for groundbreaking work in contemporary and electroacoustic music. Their compositions integrate music, choreography, media art, and scientific research and have been presented at major festivals worldwide.
Research Collaboration Award
Hilary Bart-Smith, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering; Haibo Dong, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering; and Daniel Quinn, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and electrical and computer engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science
The team has collaborated for 17 years to advance understanding of underwater locomotion and bio-inspired robotic systems. Their work has resulted in more than 100 joint publications, $28 million in external funding, and the development of the UVA Tunabot.
“I regard these three UVA faculty collectively as the number one group worldwide in the study of bio-inspired propulsion systems,” said George Lauder, Henry Bryant Bigelow Professor of Ichthyology, Harvard University.
Research Mentor Award
Jason Papin, Harrison Distinguished Teaching Professor and professor of biomedical engineering, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Medicine
Jason Papin’s dedication to mentoring has helped faculty become leaders in their fields through guidance in grant writing, collaboration, and career development. His work fosters a culture of growth, confidence, and inclusion.
“With his passion and effectiveness for mentoring, Jason Papin exemplifies the standard for faculty mentorship,” said Amy Bouton, Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology.
Public Impact-Focused Research Award
Kathleen McManus, associate professor of medicine, School of Medicine
Kathleen McManus’s research addresses critical gaps in HIV care and prevention by translating patient experiences into actionable policy change. Her work has influenced Medicaid and state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs and informed national strategies.
“Her team’s innovative approach made the impact of health policy interventions more tangible for policymakers and the public,” said Karen Johnston, Harrison Distinguished Professor of Neurology and Associate Vice President for Clinical and Translational Research.
Other Researchers Honored:
Top 25 Sponsored Funding Recipients
Leena Cho, School of Architecture
Mathews Jacob, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Kevin Janes, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Jaideep Kapur, School of Medicine
Lu Le, School of Medicine
Arthur W. Lichtenberger, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Jonathan Lindner, School of Medicine
Thomas Loughran, School of Medicine
Jianjie Ma, School of Medicine
Christine Mahoney, Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy
Jennifer Payne, School of Medicine
William A. Petri, School of Medicine
Philip Potter, Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy
Ling Qi, School of Medicine
Jeffrey Saucerman, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Medicine
Natasha Sheybani, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Emily Solari, School of Education & Human Development
James Stone, School of Medicine
Jie Sun, School of Medicine
Jill Venton, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Haydn Wadley, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Jessica E. Whittaker, School of Education & Human Development
Amanda P. Williford, School of Education & Human Development
Xu Yi, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Recognized by their Deans and Schools
Daniel Abebayehu, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Huiwang Ai, School of Medicine
Nassima Ait-Daoud Tiouririne, School of Medicine
Windy Alonso, School of Nursing
Derrick P. Alridge, School of Education & Human Development
Siddhartha Angadi, School of Education & Human Development
Ian Appel, Darden School of Business
Tom Barker, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Medicine
Laura Barnes, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Taison Bell, School of Medicine
Bryan W. Berger, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Alanna Bergman, School of Nursing
Nicola Bezzo, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Camille Bilodeau, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Silvia Blemker, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Catherine Bradshaw, School of Education & Human Development
Ken Brayman, School of Medicine
Marc Breton, School of Medicine
James Burns, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Liheng Cai, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Coleen Carrigan, School of Engineering & Applied Science
A.D. Carson, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Chris Carter, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Ben Castleman, Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy
Ming-Jer Chen, Darden School of Business
Roger Chevalier, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Leena Cho, School of Architecture
Crystal Chu, School of Nursing
Ilse Cleeves, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Anna Cliffe, School of Medicine
Brian Davis, School of Architecture
Sara Dexter, School of Education & Human Development
Christa Dierksheide, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Scott Doney, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Robert Dreicer, School of Medicine
Colleen Druzgal, School of Medicine
Linda Duska, School of Medicine
Sandhya Dwarkadas, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Justene Hill Edwards, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Sebastian Elbaum, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Charles Farber, School of Medicine
Patrick Finan, School of Medicine
Thomas Floyd, School of Medicine
Xinfeng Gao, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Alex Gates, School of Data Science
Tom Hartvigsen, School of Data Science
Natoya Hastings, School of Education & Human Development
Bruce Holsinger, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Patrick Hopkins, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Eric Houpt, School of Medicine
Tariq Iqbal, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Mathews Jacob, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Kevin Janes, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Tish Jennings, School of Education & Human Development
Lieny Jeon, School of Education & Human Development
Andrew Kahrl, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Jaideep Kapur, School of Medicine
Raymond Keller, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Christine Kim, McIntire School of Commerce
Fotini Kondyli, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Anton Korinek, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Christopher Kramer, School of Medicine
Yen-Ling Kuo, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Tim Layton, Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy
Lu Le, School of Medicine
David Lehman, McIntire School of Commerce
Arthur Lichtenberger, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Jonathan Lindner, School of Medicine
Molly Lipscomb, Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy
Thomas Loughran, School of Medicine
Chance Luckey, School of Medicine
Jianjie Ma, School of Medicine
Christine Mahoney, Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy
Steve Majewski, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Carol Manning, School of Medicine
Amy Mathers, School of Medicine
Micah Mazurek, School of Education & Human Development
Nicole Mitchell Gant, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Kevin Moffett, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Reza Mousavi, McIntire School of Commerce
Bhiken Naik, School of Medicine
John Nemec, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Suna Onengut-Gumuscu, School of Medicine
Natalia Palacios, School of Education & Human Development
Shayn Peirce-Cottler, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Medicine
Kevin Pelphrey, School of Medicine
William Petri, School of Medicine
Joann Pinkerton, School of Medicine
Marcos Pires, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Ling Qi, School of Medicine
Jess Reia, School of Data Science
Matthew Reilley, School of Medicine
Kristine Richardson, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Andrea Roberts, School of Architecture
Alexa Rodríguez, School of Education & Human Development
Jeffrey Saucerman, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Medicine
John Saxon, School of Medicine
Abby Scholer, Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy
Natasha Sheybani, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Yun Shim, School of Medicine
Sandhya Shukla, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Kevin Skadron, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Jim Soland, School of Education & Human Development
Emily Solari, School of Education & Human Development
Schaeffer Somers, School of Architecture
Mircea Stan, School of Engineering & Applied Science
James Stone, School of Medicine
Jie Sun, School of Medicine
William Therrien, School of Education & Human Development
Jack Van Horn, School of Data Science
Nick Vecchiarello, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Ashish Venkat, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Jill Venton, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Craig Volden, Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy
Haydn Wadley, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Rachel Wahl, School of Education & Human Development
Art Weltman, School of Education & Human Development
Jessica Whittaker, School of Education & Human Development
Amanda Williford, School of Education & Human Development
Vivian Wong, School of Education & Human Development
Shangtong Zhang, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Leonid Zhigilei, School of Engineering & Applied Science
James Zimring, School of Medicine