A&S Faculty Honored at UVA’s 2025 Research Achievement Awards
Faculty from the University of Virginia’s College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences were among those honored on February 5th at the University’s annual Research Achievement Awards ceremony, held at the Rotunda and celebrating exceptional research, scholarship and creative work.
The awards recognize faculty members at all career stages whose work advances knowledge and demonstrates significant impact within and beyond the academy.
“Our faculty are asking ambitious questions, pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and challenging our imaginations,” said Christa Acampora, Buckner W. Clay Professor of Philosophy and dean of Arts & Sciences. “It was a pleasure and a source of pride to celebrate their achievements alongside colleagues from across the University.”
Arts & Sciences Faculty Awardees
Arts & Sciences faculty were recognized in two award categories this year:
Research Excellence Awards
- Huiyuan Zhu, associate professor of chemistry
- Jonathan Colmer, associate professor of economics and public policy
Awards for Excellence in the Arts & Humanities
- Ricardo Padrón, professor of Spanish
- Leah Reid, assistant professor of composition
The honorees represent the breadth of scholarship within Arts & Sciences, spanning the social sciences, natural sciences, humanities and creative arts.
“These awards highlight not only the remarkable work of our faculty but also the vibrant and thriving research culture across Arts & Sciences,” said Sarah Kucenas, associate dean for research. “Our scholars are pushing boundaries, asking big questions, and doing it in ways that bring disciplines together and strengthen our entire community.”
The Research Achievement Awards are administered by the Office of the Vice President for Research and recognize accomplishments in areas including research excellence, arts and humanities, mentorship, public impact and collaboration.
