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.
Three School of Medicine faculty received awards:
Jennifer Payne, MD
Distinguished Researcher Award: Jennifer Payne, MD, Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences
Dr. Payne is one of three UVA faculty across Grounds to receive the Distinguished Researcher Award. She 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.
Jason Papin, PhD
Research Mentor Award: Jason Papin, PhD, Harrison Distinguished Teaching Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 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.
Kathleen McManus, MD
Public Impact-Focused Research Award: Kathleen McManus, MD, Associate Professor, Department 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.
For the full list of awardees and the School of Medicine faculty who were honored as Top 25 Sponsored Funding recipients, see the full story on the UVA Office of the Vice President for Research website.
Filed Under: Featured, Honors & Awards, Research