AI Research Initiative @ UVA Archives

Catch-up on recent media coverage of Jefferson Trust-supported projects:

William Brady recently joined The Cavalier Daily’s On Record podcast to discuss UVA’s EMS Response Initiative, the University’s first student-run emergency medical service, and how it’s helping strengthen emergency response on Grounds.

Students are getting hands-on experience to the field of architecture through the Design Discovery Summer Program

The Design Discovery Summer Program is introducing youth to architecture through hands-on design projects, construction site tours, and mentorship from industry professionals.

AI Research Initiative at UVA is bringing faculty from across the University together for hands-on workshops exploring practical applications of AI in teaching and research, helping build AI knowledge, tools, and infrastructure across Grounds. Take a closer look at the initiative’s recent workshops.

Roots on the Road spent the summer biking across the country to research and raise awareness about the future of food. Read a preview of their journey from The Cavalier Daily.

Cavalimbs is designing a prosthetic arm, with the goal of making prosthetics more accessible and affordable. Learn more about the team’s work in their UVA Today feature.

The Architecture School Student Council is designing and building two respite pods in Campbell Hall, “Sol” and “Luna”, to promote mental well-being and strengthen studio culture. Learn more about the project and its impact.

The Jefferson Trust has awarded $761,000 to support five new initiatives across the University of Virginia.

“These grants are indicative of a leap forward for UVA and the Trust, said Brent Percival, Executive Director of the Jefferson Trust. “In this cycle, Trustees awarded their largest grant ever at $360,000 which we hope will propel UVA forward in the field of artificial intelligence.”

Experiential learning and research are central to all five funded projects, reflecting the Trust’s continued commitment to student impact.

The 2026 Spring Major Cycle Grants:

AI Research Initiative @ UVA: $360,000

This initiative aims to revise UVA’s research enterprise by embedding advanced AI skills and tools across all disciplines, positioning UVA as an AI research leader, building AI research infrastructure, and fostering cross-school research collaboration.

Pre-Med Student Shadowing and Mentoring Pilot Program: $113,600

Offering a hybrid learning approach with virtual and in-person clinical experiences, this program will offer undergraduate students interested in medical careers exposure to clinical reasoning, patient interaction, and medical culture.

Baby Cavs Express: $188,000

Funding helps early developmental screenings for Autism and Cerebral Palsy go mobile, offering screenings and support to underserved communities, removing access barriers and providing hands-on training for UVA trainees.

High Knob Explorers: $50,000

In partnership with Virginia State Parks and the City of Norton, this UVA Wise environmental education project plans to create STEM learning experiences at the High Knob Destination Center.

A view from High Knob in southwest Virginia.

Pilot Trial for Patients on VV ECMO for ARDS: $49,700

This research study aims to improve outcomes for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and mechanical ventilation patients, while generating preliminary data to support future NIH funding.