Echols Scholar alumnus Tim Ingrassia returned to Grounds as the keynote speaker for the 65th anniversary of the Echols Scholars Program, reflecting on the program’s lasting impact on his life. Ingrassia and his wife, Stephanie, are among Echols’ most generous supporters, making transformational gifts to the program and supporting research opportunities for Echols Scholars.

The Echols Scholars Program marked its 65th anniversary, reuniting alumni and connecting them with current scholars on Grounds. Many generous Echols alumni supported and attended the event in celebration of the life-long skills this unique honors program fosters.

Strategic investments and cross‑disciplinary collaboration are ushering in a new era for UVA’s Department of Astronomy. Philanthropic support plays an important role in expanding access to world‑class telescopes, growing postdoctoral and research communities and leading national AI‑driven astronomy initiatives. Arts & Sciences’ investment in the size and scope of Astronomy studies is strengthening UVA’s ability to explore the universe and train the next generation of astronomers.

A chance observation in a chemistry lab led Professor Marcos Pires and his research team of students and scientists to uncover previously unseen behavior in how cells organize themselves, which could lead to advances in understanding how cells become susceptible to disease. Support for the Graduate Excellence campaign is enabling the University to generate ground-breaking research with teams of leading faculty, top PhD students and bright undergraduates working together on consequential scientific discovery.

New research from UVA Arts & Sciences neuroscientist Dan Meliza and his graduate students shows that zebra finches can predict missing sounds in birdsong, indicating predictive processes in the brain. Determining the brain’s innate and learned patterns that guide behaviors has implications for neuroscience and multiple human technologies, including AI. Funding from donors creates an engine of meaningful interdisciplinary discovery that engages faculty, students and researchers across the University. 

Supported by donors who want to ensure UVA continues to attract the brightest minds, Psychology Associate Professor Hudson Golino has developed a strong interdisciplinary approach to researching AI, where PhD students and scholars collaborate and students prepare for the world beyond graduation.

Photographer and UVA Commonwealth Professor of Art William Wylie’s new book captures his 1,200‑kilometer journey through Japan. His reflections draw on insights he also teaches in a popular first‑year Engagements course on the art of walking.

Priyanka Shetty, MFA ’19, reflects on how her broadly based foundational training in the Drama MFA program helped launch both an acclaimed acting career and award-winning original theatrical works. Philanthropic support for the Masters in Fine Arts graduate program enables UVA to attract some of the most talented students and prepare them for success in the disciplines they love.