Pilot Projects

About Pilot Projects

Pilot Projects presents the stories and the people behind the inspirational and world-changing work done by students, faculty, and staff at the University of Virginia. These passionate people made pitches to the Jefferson Trust, an organization that “makes grants to innovative ideas that enrich the University of Virginia and the student experience,” and have received the support they needed to grow their great ideas into groundbreaking and impactful realities for the community at UVA and the globe. Presented by the UVA Library Sound on Grounds team, Pilot Projects invites you to engage with the passion and people of Pilot Projects.

Publisher

Sound on Grounds UVA

Category

business · education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Jul 2025

Latest episode

14 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Nov 2025

   Exploring the Universe: The Dark Matter Radio Telescope with Dr. Brad Johnson

   Episode Notes UVA students interested in working on research with the Dark Matter Radio Telescope should email Professor Brad Johnson at bradley.johnson@virginia.edu The Jefferson Trust makes grants to innovative ideas that enrich the University of Virginia and the student experience. Founded in 2006, the Trust has awarded over $16 million to 382 trustee-selected projects across Grounds. Any student, faculty, or staff member may apply for funding, with grants typically ranging between $1,000 and $300,000. Grants have been made to every school; and many University organizations, centers, or institutes have received grants. To learn more about the Jefferson Trust and their upcoming grant cycle, visit jeffersontrust.org (http://jeffersontrust.org) . 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 (http://virginiaaudio.com). This episode of Pilot Projects was engineered, written, and edited by Sara Bastianelli. 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.

2. 

   7 Nov 2025

   From Grounds to the Supreme Court: Moot Court w/ Yanni Aknine, Kirby Westerfield, and Sebastian Ghersi

   Episode Notes Pilot Projects is a Sound on Grounds podcast, produced with support from the Jefferson Trust. This episode was recorded by Sara Bastianelli and audio-engineered by Dalanda Diallo in the Robertson Media Center Audio Studio. The Pilot Projects show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. Original music featured in the episode was written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth. If you are an undergraduate looking to find out more about Moot Court at UVA, follow them on Instagram @uvamootcourt.

3. 

   31 Oct 2025

   Bits & Bytes with Mark Sherriff and Stanley Stepanic

   Episode Notes Learn more about the Bits and Bytes course at https://vampiregames.org/ (https://vampiregames.org/) Here’s the UVA Today article mentioned in the episode: https://news.virginia.edu/content/class-dark-shadows-course-makes-game-creating-monsters (https://news.virginia.edu/content/class-dark-shadows-course-makes-game-creating-monsters) Play some of the student-created games for free online at https://uvacs.games/ (https://uvacs.games/) Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at https://www.virginiaaudio.com/soundongrounds (https://www.virginiaaudio.com/soundongrounds). The Pilot Projects’ show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. Music in this episode includes: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor By Johann Sebastian Bach (1703-1707) Futility of Swimming by Jason Evans Groth (2025) Audio clips in this episode include: Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) Twilight (2008) Sinners (2024) Arcade Akumajou Dracula (2008) Castlevania Symphony of the Night Opening (1997) Night Trap (1992) Vampirina (2017)

4. 

   24 Oct 2025

   Safeguarding Science: Developing Tools to Prevent Scientific Fraud with Dr. Matthew Bolton

   Episode Notes Scientific discovery relies on trust, trust in data, in peers, and in the systems that vet and publish research. But what happens when that trust breaks down? This episode of Pilot Projects explores the alarming rise of academic fraud,  and the consequences these practices have for research, reputation, and public trust in science. We speak with Professor Matthew Bolton, a systems engineer at the University of Virginia, who shares the origins of a new scientific fraud initiative aimed at identifying and addressing misconduct in academic publishing. Professor Bolton reflects on what first drew him to this work, recounts personal experiences that revealed just how pervasive the problem has become, and discusses the difficult balance between innovation, competition, and integrity in research. For students interested in opportunities to research scientific fraud, contact Dr. Matthew Bolton at mlb4f@virginia.edu (mailto:mlb4f@virginia.edu) Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective and is based in Clemons Library at UVA. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at http://virginiaaudio.com/soundongrounds (http://virginiaaudio.com/soundongrounds).  The Pilot Projects show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. This episode was record by Sara Bastinelli and Jason Evans Groth, and edited by Dalanda Diallo, with original music written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth in the RMC audio studio.

5. 

   17 Oct 2025

   Why Are We Bullying Each Other?: The UVA Civil Discourse Initiative's "This is (Not) a Debate" Series with Sabriya Sheikh and Christoph Schoer

   Episode Notes This episode of Pilot Projects spotlights the Civil Discourse Initiative (CDI) at the University of Virginia, a student-led organization creating space for honest, good-faith political dialogue. With support from the Jefferson Trust, CDI hosts the “This Is (Not) a Debate” series—events where students with differing viewpoints come together to discuss complex issues, from tariffs to the Gen Z gender gap, not to score points but to seek common ground. We hear from Sabriya Sheikh and Christoph Schoer, two student leaders from CDI, about how they’re reimagining disagreement as a collaborative act. Guided by kindness, curiosity, and a desire for accessibility, CDI helps students learn to disagree better; developing empathy, critical thinking, and the courage to change their minds. Follow the Civil Discourse Initiative on Instagram at @civildiscourseinitiative or connect on LinkedIn. Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective and is based in Clemons Library at UVA. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at virginiaaudio.com/soundongrounds (http://virginiaaudio.com/soundongrounds). The Pilot Projects show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. This episode was engineered, written, and edited by Sara Bastinelli and Jason Evans Groth, with original music written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth.

6. 

   10 Oct 2025

   Exercise as Medicine with Keila Strick, Jenny Turner, and Micha Nenbee

   Episode Notes Physical therapy and exercise coaching are commonly prescribed medical interventions and have long-lasting benefits for injury prevention and recovery and long-term health. However, accessing these interventions can be cost-prohibitive. The Fried Center for the Advancement of Potential, or FCAP, at the University of Virginia, is addressing this need by providing low-cost physical therapy and one-on-one exercise coaching for UVA faculty, staff, and students as well as intellectually and developmentally disabled residents of Innisfree Village in Crozet, Virginia. FCAP interns act as key providers of care, furthering FCAP's mission alongside their own professional development. Clinical Co-Director Keila Strick and interns Jenny Turner and Micha Nenbee discuss their Jefferson Trust grant-funded work in this episode of Pilot Projects. If you would like to learn more about FCAP, visit https://fcapotential.org/ (https://fcapotential.org/). Pilot Projects: Stories from the Jefferson Trust 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. You can find more Sound on Grounds Podcasts at virginiaaudio.com/soundongrounds (http://virginiaaudio.com/soundongrounds). This podcast was engineered and recorded by Sara Bastianelli. It was written and edited by Cecelia Parks. The Pilot Projects show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci, and all the music in this episode was written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth.

7. 

   3 Oct 2025

   Data Driven Justice: The Criminal Justice Data Training Initiative with Peter Alonzi

   Episode Notes What happens when students, faculty, and community leaders use data to reimagine justice—one spreadsheet, one policy, and one partnership at a time? This episode of Pilot Projects explores the Criminal Justice Data Training Initiative (CJDTI) at the University of Virginia's School of Data Science. With funding from the Jefferson Trust, Professor Peter Alonzi and his students work directly with local agencies, jails, and policymakers to tackle urgent questions about incarceration, disparities, and evidence-based reform. From reducing jail overcrowding to challenging court fee cycles that reached the U.S. Supreme Court, this project demonstrates how data science can shape fairer outcomes in Virginia and beyond. We hear from Professor Alonzi about the origins of CJDTI, its roots in UVA’s systems engineering program, and the importance of working hand-in-hand with community partners like criminal justice planners, police departments, and the Evidence-Based Decision Making policy team. With student-led research already producing award-winning papers and practical dashboards for law enforcement, CJDTI highlights how experiential learning can drive systemic change. Keep up with CJDTI projects and student opportunities at https://alonzi.github.io/cjdti/ (https://alonzi.github.io/cjdti/) and see the data at github.com/alonz (https://github.com/alonza)i. Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective and is based in Clemons Library at UVA. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at virginiaaudio.com (https://www.virginiaaudio.com/)/soundongrounds . The Pilot Projects show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. This episode was engineered and edited by Sara Bastianelli and Jason Evans Groth. Original music used in this episode was written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth.

8. 

   26 Sept 2025

   Spin Things Around: BAPS and Advancing Systems Engineering with Katie Fidler

   Become A Problem Solver, or BAPS at UVA, seeks to make your group projects a little easier. Katie Fidler, executive director and founder, talks to Sara Bastianelli about how her systems engineering major inspired her to create a service organization that helped other service organizations optimize their workflow. Furthermore, she chats about the systems engineering major as a whole, why it's crucial, and why engineering students should consider pursuing it as a pathway. Get in touch with BAPS at UVA: www.bapsatuva.org (http://www.bapsatuva.org) @baps_at_uva bapscontact@virginia.edu 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  . This episode of Pilot Projects was engineered by Sara Bastianelli and Jason Evans Groth and edited by Haley Gillilan. 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.

9. 

   19 Sept 2025

   Designing Grounds: Student Internships in the Office of the Architect with Rachel Lloyd, Ruth Player, and Laura Whitaker

   Episode Not Have you ever wondered why UVA is so beautiful, beyond being designed by Thomas Jefferson, who believed architecture itself could serve as a teaching tool? This episode takes listeners behind the scenes of the University of Virginia’s Office of the Architect, where a lead landscape architect and two interns share their experiences shaping and caring for UVA’s celebrated grounds. Together, they discuss the balance between preserving the university’s historic landscapes and envisioning new projects, including the transformative Emmet-Ivy Corridor and efforts to make the Gardens behind the Lawn more accessible. Their stories highlight not only the craft of landscape architecture but also the vital role that beautiful, intentional spaces play in academic life, spaces that invite gathering, reflection, and a deeper connection to place. To learn more about the Office of the Architect, visit officearchitect.virginia.edu (https://officearchitect.virginia.edu). Pilot Projects is a Sound on Grounds podcast, produced with support from the Jefferson Trust. This episode was recorded by Sara Bastianelli and audio-engineered by Dalanda Diallo in the Robertson Media Center Audio Studio. The Pilot Projects show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. Original music featured in the episode was written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth.

10. 

    12 Sept 2025

    Bringing Color and Life to the Chemistry Building with Katherine Kearney

    Episode Notes 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 (https://www.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.

11. 

    5 Sept 2025

    Wishing for a Speedier Recovery: Assisting Student Non-Athletes Back Into the Classroom After a Concussion with Dr Jacob Resh

    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 (http://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.

12. 

    29 Aug 2025

    Bridging the Gap in Healthcare: Women's Lifelong Wellness Initiative with Macy Stahl

    Episode Notes 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 (http://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.

13. 

    22 Aug 2025

    A Place at the Table: The Clean Plate Project with Niharika Chandna and Isabelle Michalski

    Episode Notes 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 (http://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.

14. 

    15 Aug 2025

    A Blossoming Community: Reviving the AXE Garden with Samantha Smith, Simran Patel, and Phil

    Episode Notes 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 (https://www.instagram.com/axe_uva/?hl=en) Learn more about UVA Outdoors Club at https://outdoorsatuva.org/ (https://outdoorsatuva.org/) Learn more about University Records at instagram.com/university.records.uva/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/university.records.uva/?hl=en) Learn more about the Office of Sustainability at https://sustainability.virginia.edu/office-sustainability (https://sustainability.virginia.edu/office-sustainability) Learn more about Cville Solar Project at https://www.cvillesolarproject.com/ (https://www.cvillesolarproject.com/) Learn more about Morven Gardens at https://morven.virginia.edu/our-gardens (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/ (https://www.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.

15. 

    8 Aug 2025

    Bringing Sound to Life: The Undergraduate Composers Concert and Performance Series with Leah Reid

    Episode Notes 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/ (https://music.virginia.edu/) . Watch the live stream from the inaugural concert on April 19th, 2025 here: https://www.youtube.com/live/M3yZTsEB7Hs (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 (https://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.

16. 

    1 Aug 2025

    Conquering the Biggest Fear: The UVA Speaking Center with Jolina Dong

    Episode Notes 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 (https://www.speakingcenteratuva.com/) . Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at virginiaaudio.com (http://www.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.

17. 

    25 Jul 2025

    Stories Through the Student Lens: The Virginia Student Film Festival with Ansh Pathapadu

    Episode Notes 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/ (https://www.instagram.com/vastudentfilmfest/) . Check out the winner for Best Picture, directed by Natalia Melnikova at youtube.com/watch?v=0sGVSVmdTtY (https://www.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 (http://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.

18. 

    18 Jul 2025

    From Seed to Story: The Jefferson Trust with Brent Percival

    Pilot Projects is a new show created by the University of Virginia’s Sound on Grounds team. Sound on Grounds, and all of the projects featured in Pilot Projects are sponsored by the Jefferson Trust. The Jefferson Trust makes grants to innovative ideas that enrich the University of Virginia and the student experience. Founded in 2006, the Trust has awarded over $16 million to 382 trustee-selected projects across Grounds. Any student, faculty, or staff member may apply for funding, with grants typically ranging between $1,000 and $300,000. Grants have been made to every school; and many University organizations, centers, or institutes have received grants. To learn more about the Jefferson Trust and their upcoming grant cycle, visit jeffersontrust.org (http://jeffersontrust.org) . Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at virginiaaudio.com (http://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.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact Pilot Projects

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.