Education Professor Tish Jennings Honored with UVA Distinguished Research Award

This is an excerpt from a story published on the UVA Research news website. Photo by Amanda Maglione Photography.

The University of Virginia honored faculty members for their outstanding research and scholarship at the fifth annual Research Achievement Awards event, held Thursday at The Pavilion at Boar’s Head Resort.

“2023 was an incredible year for UVA research, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to gather and celebrate our faculty’s impressive accomplishments,” said Interim Vice President for Research Fred Epstein.

“I’m a great admirer of these talented and dedicated researchers and the impressive breadth of research represented by this year’s award winners,” President Jim Ryan said. “Their work stretches from quantum physics to the Arctic, from cardiology to contemplative sciences. They ask important questions about our health, our well-being and our cultural world. They also mentor and inspire others, which multiplies their impact across Grounds and in their fields.”

Law professor Danielle K. Citron delivered a keynote address, based on her recent book, “The Fight for Privacy: Protecting Dignity, Identity, and Love in the Digital Age.” She is an expert in privacy, free expression and civil rights, and her most recent honors include being named a MacArthur Fellow and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Executive Vice President and Provost Ian Baucom praised the researchers for not just bringing attention to the work done at UVA, but for advancing science for all.

“Across Grounds, faculty are pursuing groundbreaking research and scholarship that distinguishes the University and advances their disciplines,” Baucom said. “As we celebrate their achievements, it is important to acknowledge the tremendous effort these researchers have devoted to their work along the road to discovery.”

Besides the 130 researchers who were honored that night for their achievements in research and scholarship, the following 16 were honored with Research Achievement Awards.

Distinguished Research Award

Patricia (Tish) Jennings, professor of curriculum, instruction, and special education at the School of Education and Human Development was one of four recipients of the Distinguished Research Award.

Tish Jennings pioneered applying contemplative science to solve difficult problems in education. Her work has increased the understanding of educator and student wellbeing and their effect on preK-12 student outcomes. Since 2007, Professor Jennings has helped develop and lead the CARE (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education) program for educators, which has received multiple grants from the U.S. Department of Education.

“Professor Jennings is one of those rare scholars who is able to not only produce high quality research, but to conduct work that reaches well beyond the research literature to impact practice and policy,” said Kimberly A. Schonert-Reichl, NoVo Foundation Endowed Chair in Social and Emotional Learning, professor of psychology, University of Illinois Chicago.

Top 25 Sponsored Funding Recipients

The following School of Education researchers were among the top 25 who received the highest amount of funding at UVA for FY23.

• Daphna Bassok
• Christopher S. Hulleman
• Michael D. Lyons
• Josipa Roksa
• Emily J. Solari
• Jessica E. Whittaker
• Amanda P. Williford

Nationally Recognized Award Winners & Members of Academies

The following School of Education researchers were among a longer list of researchers invited for achieving notable recognition and acclaim in their respective fields at a national level. The criteria for inclusion in this category typically involve either winning a prestigious national award, being elected or named to a distinguished academy, receiving an award from a society/academy, or receiving recognition for excellence from sources external to the University.

• Nancy L. Deutsch
• Wintre Foxworth Johnson
• Christopher M. Kuenze
• Beth E. Schueler
• LaRon A. Scott

Recognized by Their Deans and Schools

The following School of Education researchers were among a longer list of researchers who were nominated by their school deans to be recognized for having gone above and beyond in their research endeavors. This could involve making substantial contributions to their field of study, influencing the academic community, or having a positive impact on society through their work. This is a way of highlighting and celebrating the exceptional contributions of these individuals to their respective fields during the specified year.

• Michael J. Kennedy
• Jonee Wilson

For the full story, including the complete list of award winners, visit the UVA Research website.