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ARTS & SCIENCES NAMES 27 NEW GRADUATE FELLOWS
NEW RADIO TELESCOPE TO HELP UVA ASTRONOMERS STALK DARK MATTER IN DEEP SPACE
FOUR ARTS & SCIENCES FACULTY EARN PRESTIGIOUS GUGGENHEIM FELLOWSHIPS
UVA MATHEMATICIANS SURPASS AI IN BREAKTHROUGH DISCOVERY
A team of mathematicians, including a UVA Arts & Sciences faculty member, has solved a decade-old problem that even advanced artificial intelligence could not crack—underscoring the power of human insight in tackling complex challenges. Fueled by a culture of collaboration and supported by philanthropy, this work highlights how investments in faculty and research empower discovery, elevate graduate and undergraduate learning, and drive impact at the forefront of mathematical innovation.
Four Arts & Sciences professors have been named 2026 Guggenheim Fellows, one of the nation’s highest honors for scholars and artists. Their groundbreaking research, supported by a culture of academic excellence and sustained by philanthropic investment in faculty and research, will advance new knowledge and shape conversations far beyond Grounds—demonstrating the power of private support to elevate scholarship, expand impact, and prepare future generations.
A newly installed radio telescope at UVA is opening powerful new pathways to uncover the mysteries of dark matter, one of the universe’s most elusive forces. Made possible through philanthropic support, this cutting-edge instrument gives graduate students and Arts & Sciences students the opportunity to engage directly in advanced research—driving discovery, deepening hands-on learning, and extending UVA’s impact in the global scientific community.
From the humanities to the sciences, 27 exceptional graduate students have been recognized with endowed fellowships, made possible by generous donors who believe deeply in the importance and impact of a strong graduate program.
Curated by UVA anthropology students, this showcase of contemporary artwork from Papua New Guinea reflects Arts & Sciences’ commitment to hands‑on learning and global understanding.
Through philanthropic support that has more than doubled the Graduate School’s endowment in just two years, Arts & Sciences has once again increased living stipends for PhD students, further strengthening UVA’s position among elite public universities.
Nyamekye Wilson ‘18 credits UVA with fundamentally transforming her life—providing a foundation that empowered her to launch a global nonprofit, Black Sisters in STEM, now empowering more than 27,000 women across 33 countries to thrive in tech careers.
A faculty and undergraduate trio from UVA Environmental Sciences co‑authored a new study revealing the sources of pollution in Lake Anna. Donor support enables experiential learning and prepares undergraduates in Arts & Sciences for careers beyond college.
Frank Hamlin '90, a former GameStop executive, used his unexpected front row seat to write Skinny Dipping at Low Tide, a satirical, semi‑autobiographical novel inspired by the real‑world GameStop short squeeze. All proceeds from the book will benefit the Causeways Program at UVA.
Astronomers—led by A&S third‑year PhD student Raphael Baer‑Way unlocked an unprecedented, time‑machine‑like view of a dying star’s final decade. Support for Arts & Sciences strengthens graduate research and helps attract outstanding scholars who drive discovery.
Dean Acampora welcomed Cornel West and Robert P. George to speak about embracing intellectual “death” as a path to deeper understanding. Their call to confront ideas openly reflects the heart of the A&S undergraduate experience, which pushes students to think expansively, engage across differences, and cultivate critical, self‑reflective thinking.
UVA Dean of Arts & Sciences Christa D. Acampora shares how your generosity made 2025 a year of transformation, enriching the undergraduate experience, advancing graduate excellence, and fueling research and creative activity that addresses society’s most pressing challenges.