UVA Health’s most recent Spark Innovation Competition — established in 2022 to leverage the wisdom, energy, and dedication of team members — concluded in July 2024. The competition invites participants across the organization to submit ideas that could bring positive change to the culture of UVA Health.
This round’s initiative focused on enhancing the research culture within the health system by seeking submissions that could transform how research is conducted, streamline processes, and improve the quality of life for faculty, staff, students, research subjects, and supporting team members. With 319 submissions from over 80 different areas across UVA Health, participants proposed actionable ideas, which were evaluated based on feasibility, impact, and sustainability.
David Kashatus, PhD, Associate Professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology and Assistant Dean for Research at UVA School of Medicine, served as the Culture Lead for the Spark Innovation Competition.
“With this round of the Spark competition, we set out to build off the momentum generated with the first competition and tap into the collective wisdom of the people working within the research community. The ideas ranged from simple to complex, but they all shared a passion for improving the research environment,” Kashatus reflects.
One of the standout submissions came from Brant Isakson, PhD, Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, and a resident faculty member of the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center. Project teammate Randy Speight, Director of Capital and Facilities Planning, brought Isakson’s idea to life.
A Simple Solution to a Common Problem
Isakson’s idea addressed a longstanding issue faced by researchers in the MR4, MR5, and MR6 buildings: limited access to outdoor space during the workday. Despite a large courtyard connecting these buildings, the area was underutilized due to a lack of seating. Many researchers and staff members were left to eat lunch while sitting on the short walls or stand while enjoying brief breaks outside.
“When I was here as a post-doc, the space between MR4 and MR5 was just a gravel pit. It flooded frequently and was messy,” Isakson recalls. “When they built MR6, they put in a beautiful courtyard.”
Recognizing the potential of the courtyard, Isakson proposed adding outdoor seating and tables to make the space more inviting.
(From left) Brant Isakson, PhD, Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics; Randy Speight, Director of Capital and Facilities Planning; and Jason Snow, Facility Assistant Manager
Turning Ideas into Reality
Isakson’s team submitted their idea through the Spark platform, which Isakson found remarkably user-friendly. “It was very easy to submit. I went online, filled out the form, and shared my thoughts. The barrier to entry was so low that I thought, ‘Why not?’ Even if nothing came of it, at least someone would see it,” Isakson recalls.
The proposal resonated with the judging panel, and Isakson’s team advanced to the final round, where they presented a more detailed pitch. Isakson worked closely with the project team, including Speight, who played a key role in ensuring the feasibility of the project.
“Randy is the guy who handles permits, fire codes, and all the logistical details,” Isakson notes. “Once the idea was solidified, professionals like Randy took over to bring the project to life. He’s kept me involved in decisions, like choosing the type of benches, which I appreciate. But I’m happy to let the professionals handle the execution. It’s going to be fantastic.”
