There are many benefits to having plants in workspaces: they can improve productivity, boost your mood, and generally make you and your workspace feel better. On this episode of Pilot Projects, University of Virginia undergraduate student Katherine Kearney describes her Jefferson Trust-funded project to place and care for plants in the Chemistry Building at the UVA.

Pilot Projects is a Sound on Grounds podcast, produced with support from the Jefferson Trust. Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at virginiaaudio.com/soundongrounds . This episode of Pilot Projects was engineered by Sara Bastianelli and Jason Evans Groth and edited by Cecelia Parks. The Pilot Projects’ show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. All music used in this episode was written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth.

Concussions are common injuries off the field, significantly impacting a student’s ability to operate for possibly weeks at a time. What if there was a way to reduce that, much like how your favorite quarterback can return to the field less than a week after being diagnosed with a concussion? On this episode of Pilot Projects, we sat down with Dr. Jacob Resh, associate professor in the department of Kinesiology here at the University of Virginia. Dr Resh will walk us through his project, titled “Jefferson CARES.” CARES stands for Concussion, Access to Recovery, Exercise, and Support. Recently, Dr. Resh attained a 300,000$ grant from Jefferson Trust to improve recovery rates amongst student non-athletes at UVA. Along with this, he and his team have been using the successful SLAM model to diagnose quickly, and then to notify faculty and staff about potential help they can offer to a student in an educational environment. Pilot Projects is a Sound on Grounds podcast, produced with support from the Jefferson Trust. Learn more about Sound on Grounds at virginiaaudio.com. This episode was engineered by Blake Cabral and recorded by Sara Bastianelli in the Robertson Media Center Audio Studio at Clemons Library. The Pilot Projects show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. Original music featured in this episode was written and recorded by Jason Evens Groth.

How many of us truly understand the benefits of healthy habits—small changes that over time, help us heal, grow, and better understand our bodies?

On this episode of Pilot Projects, we sit down with Macy Stahl, a PhD student in kinesiology, who is launching the Women’s Lifelong Wellness Initiative. The program is designed to close persistent gaps in women’s healthcare by promoting accessible education, personalized fitness and nutrition resources, and long-term preventative strategies. Macy shares the inspiration behind the initiative, how it addresses barriers women face in maintaining wellness across different stages of life, and what she hopes it will mean for the women of the UVA and Charlottesville community. To sign up, email Macy at Macy.Stahl@virginia.edu

Pilot Projects is a Sound on Grounds podcast, produced with support from the Jefferson Trust. Learn more about Sound on Grounds at virginiaaudio.com.

This episode was engineered by Dalanda Diallo and recorded by Sara Bastianelli in the Robertson Media Center Audio Studio at Clemons Library. The Pilot Projects show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci.

Original music featured in this episode was written and recorded by Jason Evens Groth.

What happens when a simple home-cooked meal becomes a source of comfort, healing, and community?

On this episode of Pilot Projects we explore the Clean Plate Project, a student-led initiative at UVA that brings nutritious, homemade meals to families experiencing stressful medical situations. What started in 2024 with a handful of pre-med students has grown into a dedicated group of undergraduates using cooking as a form of care, culture-sharing, and community service.

We hear from two UVA students, Niharika Chandna and Isabelle Michalski, about why they joined the project, how food connects people in moments of stress, and the importance of making quality meals accessible. From lasagna and protein muffins to Filipino family recipes and Indian fusion dishes, their work blends cultural expression with service. The Clean Plate Project doesn’t just feed families—it fosters food literacy, builds community among students, and offers comfort when it’s needed most.

Want to get involved? The Clean Plate Project will be at the 2025 UVA Club Fair on August 25. You can find them at Table 195b on the South Lawen. Students from all majors and backgrounds are welcome to join.

Pilot Projects is a Sound on Grounds podcast, produced with support from the Jefferson Trust. Learn more about Sound on Grounds and listen to more episodes at virginiaaudio.com.

This episode was engineered and recorded by Sara Bastianelli in the Robertson Media Center Audio Studio at Clemons Library. It was written and edited by Sara and Jason Evans Groth.The Pilot Projects show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci.

Original music used in this episode was written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth.

The Alpha Kappa chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma is the one and only professional chemistry fraternity at UVa! We are a diverse and close-knit group of men and women from various fields of study and different backgrounds in education united by a passion for chemistry and science. We aim to promote an interest in science and chemistry throughout the Charlottesville-UVa community through a variety of service and outreach projects and to create a network of scientists and science enthusiasts, including professors and students, here at UVa. Many of our brothers are highly involved in the science departments at UVa as teaching assistants, researchers, and tutors. We work closely with the Chemistry department to create events and opportunities for students to get involved in the sciences. Find more about AXE at https://www.instagram.com/axe_uva/?hl=en Learn more about UVA Outdoors Club at https://outdoorsatuva.org/ Learn more about University Records at instagram.com/university.records.uva/?hl=en Learn more about the Office of Sustainability at https://sustainability.virginia.edu/office-sustainability Learn more about Cville Solar Project at https://www.cvillesolarproject.com/ Learn more about Morven Gardens at https://morven.virginia.edu/our-gardens Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at virginiaaudio.com/ The Pilot Projects’ show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. All music used in this episode was written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth.

What happens when student composers get to hear their music brought to life—by real musicians, in a real concert hall?

This episode of Pilot Projects explores a new initiative at UVA that provides undergraduate composers the opportunity to write, revise, and showcase original compositions performed by professional musicians. With 17 world premieres, a packed house at Old Cabell Hall, and a powerful focus on collaboration and refinement, the Undergraduate Composers Concert—led by Professor Leah Reid—redefines what's possible for young creators working in acoustic and electronic music. We hear from Professor Reid about her Jefferson Trust-funded project, the role of AI and data sonification in student work, and the importance of live performance in the compositional process. From orchestral rescores of Netflix scenes to ecoacoustic brass quintets, this project gave students a rare chance to hear and share their music—beyond the limitations of MIDI. Sponsored by the Jefferson Trust, this project supports an expanded future for composition instruction and public performance at UVA, helping students move from ideas to impact through sound. Keep up with the next Undergraduate Composers Concert in Spring 2026 by following UVA’s Music Department at https://music.virginia.edu/ .

Watch the live stream from the inaugural concert on April 19th, 2025 here: https://www.youtube.com/live/M3yZTsEB7Hs

Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at virginiaaudio.com. The Pilot Projects show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. This episode features music by student composers Hannah Martin, Eduardo Hinkley, Hunter Colson, and Jeremy Chase. It also features music from Chubby Checker, Little Richard, George Harrison, Fleetwood Mac, The Cars, Cadmium Orange, and Magnolia Electric Co. Original music used in this episode was written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth.

The UVA Speaking Center provides students with the highest quality service to assist them with their communication skills so that all Virginia students can realize their full oratorical potential. All of our services are provided free of charge to UVA students, made possible through the generous support of the UVA Jefferson Trust. Learn more about the Speaking Center at speakingcenteratuva.com .

Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at virginiaaudio.com . The Pilot Projects’ show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. All music used in this episode was written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth.

The Virginia Student Film Festival establishes a prestigious annual event celebrating the creativity, talent, and dedication of student filmmakers across the nation. Taking place on April 6th, 2025, at the historic Paramount Theater in Charlottesville, the festival provided a platform to showcase over 15 short films, each under 20 minutes, during two screening blocks. The evening culminated in an award ceremony with live music, performances by UVA artistic organizations, and the presentation of 7 awards with cash prizes, including $1,000 for Best Picture. By offering a unique and immersive experience, the festival highlights the impact of student films, inspires the next generation of creators, and fosters a vibrant, collaborative, artistic community at UVA and beyond. Sponsored by The Jefferson Trust and the UVA Student Council. Supported by UVA Arts & The Office of the Provost and Vice Provost for the Arts. Endorsed by the Virginia Film Office and the UVA Arts Council: Enriching the Arts on Grounds.

Keep up with the VSFF by following their Instagram at instagram.com/vastudentfilmfest/ . Check out the winner for Best Picture, directed by Natalia Melnikova at youtube.com/watch?v=0sGVSVmdTtY . Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at virginiaaudio.com . The Pilot Projects’ show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. All music used in this episode was written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth.