Thursday, February 28, 2019 by The Cavalier Daily

The Cavalier Daily

Vol. 129, Issue 21

Thursday, February 28, 2019

EMMA KLEIN | THE CAVALIER DAILY

THE CAVALIER DAILY

This week in-brief

NEWS

CD News Staff

Housing and Residence Life selects 2019-20 co-chairs Third-year Engineering student Nick Smith and third-year College student Adriana Allen are the incoming Co-Chairs of the University’s Housing and Residence Life program for the 2019-2020 school year, according to the outgoing Co-Chairs fourth-year Engineering student Nikhith Kalkunte and fourth-year Curry school student Moises Mendoza. Co-Chairs are expected not only to lead the Resident Staff Program in tandem with the Housing and Residence Life professional staff, but also develop, articulate and affirm the Resident Staff program’s goals, according to the description on the Housing and Residence Life website. Co-Chairs are required to have one year of Senior Resident experience or two years of experience as an RA. During her first year as an RA, Allen worked in

the Balz-Dobie dormitory and is currently an RA in the Spanish House. Smith is currently the SR for Faulkner, a community in which he was an RA previously. Allen explained she signed up to be a Resident Advisor to make her residents feel more at home. “I actually have a sign on my door that says ‘home is where they love you,’ so I wanted to provide that unconditional love and support for new students,” Allen said. Smith was inspired to be an RA because of his positive experience as a first-year with the advisors in his dorm. “I wanted to be apart of Housing and Residence Life as an RA, because the advisers in my dorm were so empowering.”

COURTESY ADRIANA ALLEN AND NICK SMITH

Adriana Allen (left) and Nick Smith (right) are the next Resident Staff Co-Chairs.

Virginia House Delegate David Toscano announces retirement

COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Toscano has represented the 57th District since 2005.

Del. David Toscano (D-Charlottesville) announced Saturday that he will not be seeking reelection to represent the 57th District in Virginia this November. Toscano has represented the 57th District — which includes Charlottesville and portions of Albemarle County — since 2006. During his announcement, Toscano pointed to major bills passed while he served in the House, specifically the 2013 transportation bill and 2018 Medicaid expansion. His decision to retire was not the result of the recent events surrounding Virginia’s top three officials, Toscano said in his announcement. According to Larry Sabato, Center of Politics director and professor of politics, the recent scandals

involving Gov. Ralph Northam (D-Va.), Attorney General Mark Herring (D-Va.) and Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (D-Va.) could result in a low Democratic turnout at the Nov. 5 elections. “Before the three top Democrats became embroiled in scandals, I would have said the Democrats were the favorites to take over at least one house, maybe both houses, of the General Assembly,” Sabato said. “But Northam, Fairfax and Herring have become weights around the necks of Democratic nominees for the state legislature. Their travails may depress Democratic turnout in an already low-turnout election.”

Jefferson School hosts forum on race, city planning and affordable housing The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center was overflowing Friday evening with Charlottesville residents for a forum on race, city planning and affordable housing in the city. Prior to the event, Jefferson School director Dr. Andrea Douglas described the deadly white supremacist rallies in Aug. 2017 as a critical catalyst for the recent rise in conversation surrounding the City’s history of racially charged land use policies, housing injustice and the region’s affordable housing crisis. The forum kicked off with a series of presentations highlighting research on the University and City’s complicated history of race and city planning. Presenters included independent journalist Jordy Yager, third-year College student Caris Adel, fourth-year College student Brian Cameron and Abundant Life Ministries — a local ministry

centered around holistic outreach to families in the Prospect neighborhood — board member Matthew Gillikin, who presented on behalf of planning commissioner Lyle Solla-Yates. Yager opened his research on the history of racial covenants and Cameron closing with a look at the University’s history of urban renewal and the current dynamic between on Grounds and off Grounds housing. Presenters shared findings on everything ranging from the history of the City’s comprehensive plan — the guiding document for future land use and planning — to eminent domain to the influence of Harland Bartholomew, an urban planner who manipulated racially charged land use codes in Charlottesville in 1956.

COURTESY JEFFERSON SCHOOL AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER

Presenters discussed the history of Charlottesville land use.

Gender-neutral housing application creates challenges

CD STAFF | THE CAVALIER DAILY

Students say they face obstacles when applying to live in open housing.

Several students who applied for open housing — the gender inclusive on-Grounds housing option at U.Va. — faced numerous challenges when applying for housing for the 2019-2020 school year. Housing and Residence Life has offered an open housing option for upperclass students since the 2015-2016 academic year in which individuals can request a roommate independent of one’s gender identity. However, the option is currently only offered at certain upperclassmen apartment complexes and graduate student housing units — including Bice, Copeley, Faulkner, Lambeth and Brandon Avenue residences.

“Open housing policies will remain inadequate until the option is extended to First Years,” said Alex Cintron, a fourth-year College student and Student Council president. “Student Council this semester, with the appointment of our new Diversity Engagement Chair, is seeking to jumpstart those conversations again and make it a priority in the last weeks of this term.” According to Associate Dean of Students Andy Petters, no rooms are set aside in first-year dormitories for open housing, and the entire process is run through the same application portal as the regulation housing application.

www.cavalierdaily.com • NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Interim election expenditure report released University Board of Elections estimates election to cost under $1500 total Caroline Meyer | Senior Writer The University Board of Elections released its 2019 Candidate Interim Expenditure Report Friday. The estimated total that will be spent by the 100 candidates for the 2019 election is $1492.66, which is 55 percent of the $2690 candidates actually spent last year on elections. Voting for Student Council elections will take place online from Feb. 26 to March 1. “[A decrease in total projected] might be a possibility because the elections have not been as highly contested this year as they have in the past few years,” Alex SmithScales, fourth-year College student and UBE chair, said in an interview with The Cavalier Daily. “Additionally a lot of campaign materials are moving to be primarily — if not all — digital. They can create one graphic and post it on Facebook and buy a boost rather than printing out fliers.” The average projected expense is $15.39 per candidate, though 86 students running for positions such as Architecture Student Council Treasurer, Engineering Student Council Representative and Nursing School Council President project to spend no money on their campaign. For Student Council’s presidential election, first-year Curry student Arabella Lee projected a budget totalling $90. She indicated that an additional $10 will come from her personal budget and that at this time she has not received any donations. Another presidential candidate — third-year College student Ellie Brasacchio — projected a total budget of approximately $52. Though she indicated she has not accepted donations, she did not specify where the funds will come

from as she estimates $0 will be from her personal budget. Brasacchio is campaigning with Shefalika Prasad — second-year College student and candidate for Student Council Vice President for Organizations — as well as Taylor Overton — third-year Batten student and candidate for Student Council Vice President for Administration. All three candidates are expected to spend approximately $52 each for their combined effort, and none indicated that they will be using donations. First-year College Student Zach Steele is campaigning for second-year vice president and has projected to spend $200 — the most of all candidates. He estimates that $100 will come from personal funds and that he also will not be accepting donations. He did not indicate what he will spend his funds on. Only two students indicated on the interim report that campaign funds had been donated to them, and both reported that the donations were from UBE. Second-year College student Matthew Foreman received a $20 grant for his Student Council College of Arts & Sciences Representative campaign and thirdyear McIntire student John Grencer received $50 grant to which he will reimburse to UBE for his Commerce Council President campaign. In order to receive a grant, students were required to have filled out a form detailing how much money they were requesting and for what purposes by Feb. 1. The process of receiving grants from the UBE and donors was ongoing during the time in which the interim expenditure report was due so the statistics available reflect the candidate’s preliminary estimates. A final expenditure report will be available to the

public March 8. “I applied for the UBE grant program, and I got approved for the full $90,” Lee said in an interview with The Cavalier Daily. “I don’t really plan to accept donations ... I don’t want money to be a factor of my campaign. I want it to be focused on my platform instead.” Last year, 13 endorsing student organizations signed a petition to limit candidate spending to less than $250 for students running for the presidential position. These organizations included the Black Student Alliance, University Democrats and College Republicans, who all pledged to not endorse a candidate who spent over the limit during the campaigning period. This came after the 2017 Student Council election in which Student Council presidential candidate Kelsey Kilgore initially estimated she would $2490 on her campaign. That year, candidates indicated that they would collectively spend approximately $6800, which more than doubled the previous year’s total of almost $3000. A final expenditure report for all candidates indicated that only $3343.64 was spent in 2017. No organizations have expressed concern over campaign expenditures this year. As with previous year, the UBE will not impose a limit on candidates’ spending as it infringes on free speech laws. “Since U.Va. is a state school and given the way that students self gov-

MADDY SITA | THE CAVALIER DAILY

ern, since UBE is a special status organization, we are technically doing a service for the University and acting as agents of the state,” SmithScales said. “Spending limits would be a free speech violation, so we cannot impose any spending limits.”

THE CAVALIER DAILY

NEWS • www.cavalierdaily.com

Arabella Lee First Year Curry School of Education

Ellie Brassachio Third Year College of Arts and Sciences

Why do you want to be Student Council President?

I want to be Student Council president because I feel like it is the time for us to move in...the direction of cultural unity. It’s been a little bit more...than a year since the events of 8/11 and 8/12... I read an article where there were events leading up to those two days as well and I feel like I know that different organizations have been working to combat racism, and I know The [Cavalier] Daily has written a lot of articles about it, but I feel like there are not enough...actions, direct, definite actions taken towards racism in general to combat it. I feel like it’s just words, comforting words, and very promising attention nationally... but nothing’s changing, nothing’s moving … I feel like this now is the time to have someone stand up, bring the students toward the direction of cultural unity.

I want to be Student Council president so I can make this University more accessible for every student. When I came to U.Va. my first year, I quickly realized how the chips were stacked against marginalized communities at U.Va., especially first generation and low income students, which is a community that I belong to. I found my place in Student Council my first year advocating for these issues, especially for low income, first generation students. I think as Student Council president, I can help bring those issues to the forefront. I think Student Government is at its best when it’s helping people that need it the most, and I think the Student Council president can take these issues of marginalized communities and first generation, low income students to the highest level the University administration.

What experiences at U.Va. have informed your decision to run for president, and how have these experiences prepared you to lead Student Council?

The first event I heard of since coming to Grounds was when we were having a dorm meeting with my RA...and one of my dormmates...spoke up and said that she was approached by a group of guys and she was asked how much would it cost to have sex with her — and she’s a Latina, so I found that very, very strange … U.Va. has this pristine image … unless you are an insider, so you know more of what’s going on. After that, there was an incident where the RA found a bad message written on the wall. After that would be the Beta Bridge … I’m a more of an action-oriented person … Every time I’ve noticed that it’s only emails comforting and saying, ‘we won’t tolerate this, we won’t tolerate that, we will condemn racism, hateful messages and stuff.’ I feel like it’s not enough. It’s not enough to take actions. I have a course of action that I will take if I’m elected. There is a plan that I have set in place for me to implement immediately once I get elected.

In my first year, I remember feeling a lot different than my peers because I was a low income, first generation student. I remember being in Elzinga’s ECON 2010 class and him saying ‘I probably taught a lot of your parents,’ and knowing he didn’t teach mine because my parents didn’t go to college. I remember watching sorority rush my first year and not being able to participate because I couldn’t pay for dues. From then on, I knew that I wanted to make a difference at U.Va. I didn’t exactly know the best way to do that, so I started with just getting involved in Student Council. My first year, I was elected as representative for the College of Arts and Sciences, and then I started to find my place in my second year when I was in a focus group of first generation students … My second year I ran for Treasurer representing the body which position that I hold right now … I’ve been involved in various important decisions on the Student Council executive board and I feel that has given me leadership skills and the information of Student Council as it works internally and externally to be able to run it efficiently.

My platform being unique from years prior is that it’s based on the timing and the cause — the cause is cultural unity — that’s my motivation for running for Student Council president, and I wanted to be in a position where I can take action because I have actions that I want to take. I can’t really follow through with those actions in any other positions, and I really feel like now is a perfect time. We’re at the end of the healing period after those events, and it’s where someone has to take charge and direct students towards one cause — one very direct established cause, and that’s for cultural unity — like actually speak out and not just speak out with empty words. Implement actions as well plans.

I think what makes my platform unique is it has a renewed focus and financial accessibility, so on the presidential cabinet portion of the platform, it has a new committee focused on financial accessibility. That includes things like discounted meal plans for the low-income students free menstrual hygiene, free open textbooks and things like that. I think I have a different perspective on things than [Student Council President] Alex [Cintron] does, and I think that another thing is that I can build upon the really good things that Alex has done, specifically with working to make the American Studies program a department and all the free menstrual hygiene initiatives. I think in years prior, we built a really good platform for the next University leaders or Student Council leaders to build upon those things.

First goal would be implementing my agenda. I have a course of action I want to take, that is including working together with organizations as well to bring a project — a very big project you guys — I don’t want to give up that much, but I have it all written down, drawn out, planned, looked at it from very all, all perspectives. All it takes is just establishing communication, seeing what the other organizations think about it and then working together to implement it by the end of summer. It’s going to last throughout the whole school year, so it’s something very big. We have to get through all the planning with the organizations by the end of summer and then that project is going to be implemented throughout the year and it’s a lot about putting...the spotlight, putting the groups into the spotlight individually, but within a good amount of time.

The first goal that I would like to achieve is to have all of the representative positions filled. In my time as Chair of the representative body I found that it is very difficult to get a lot of positions filled — specifically for graduate students because a lot of their elections are different. But I think in order to be a very representative student government, we need to make sure that we have representatives from all different schools across U.Va. I think as Student Council president, it will be a lot easier for me to facilitate relationships with different presidents from graduate schools so that we can make sure that not only we’re filling those positions now, but in the future we can consistently begin to fill those positions.

Why do you want to be Student Council President?

RILEY WALSH | THE CAVALIER DAILY

www.cavalierdaily.com • NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

STUDENT COUNCIL CANDIDATES Do you feel like the University administration is doing enough to address the living wage for all contracted and non-contracted employees?

Do you believe gender-neutral housing or open housing should be open to all students, including those in firstyear dorms?

Do you think that the University administration has effectively addressed issues of racial inequality and discrimination at the University and in the greater Charlottesville community since the white supremacist demonstrations of Aug. 11 and 12?

Do you think the University needs to make additional efforts to create more spaces on grounds for multicultural students?

School

Candidate

Do you feel like the current Student Council is allocating funds to CIO’s equitably?

BATT

Asha Chadha

Yes

Ally Kammerman

Yes

Aneesha Goodala

Yes

Brooke Norton

Yes

Hunter Wagenaar

Yes

Ilyas Saltani

Yes

Isabella Liu

Yes

Matthew Foreman

Yes

Omar Metwally

Yes

Seth Miller

Yes

Christina Ngo

Yes

George Maris

Yes

John Troup

Yes

Jeremiah Thomas

Yes

CLAS

NURS

SCPS

SEAS

Did not respond: Mehdy Elouassi, Harley Robertson, James Reed, Shivani Saboo, Zane Alpher and John Irvine

THE CAVALIER DAILY

NEWS • www.cavalierdaily.com

HONOR COMMITTEE CANDIDATES Do you believe it is the Honor Committee’s Do you plan to invest time Do you think Honor should Do you think the Honor Will you support the reresponsibility to rectify in further translations of Committee is making a retain the single sanction lease of more information the imbalance in reporting the Honor Constitution large enough effort in terms policy? on Honor case statistics? rates for Asian American and Bylaws? of outreach and education? students and international students?

School

Candidate

ARCH

Caroline Grant

Yes

Alexandra Blake

Yes

Harper North

Yes

Stearns Swetnam

Yes

Alex Spratley

Yes

Derrick Wang

Yes

Lillie Lyon

Yes

Mary Beth Barksdale

Yes

Omar Metwally

Yes

COMM

Lucy Krasker

Yes

CURR*

Al Ahmed

Yes

MED

Peyton Terry

Yes

NURS

Jaelen Guerrant

Yes

George Maris

Yes

Lucian Mirra

Yes

Sally Greenberg

Yes

Kelechi Nwanevu

Yes

BATT

CLAS

SCPS

SEAS

*Indicates Graduate School

Did not respond: Jack Staub

www.cavalierdaily.com • NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

UJC CANDIDATES Do you support the proposed referendum to refine the statute of limitations for complaint resubmissions?

Do you believe the UJC is doing enough to make itself more representative of the student population?

Do you believe UJC currently receives sufficient funding?

Do you feel UJC has consistently defended accused students’ rights throughout the judicial process, operating without precedent?

School

Candidate

Do you support the proposed referendum to modernize the language of the UJC constitution?

ARCH

Jackson Key

Yes

Mark Felice

Yes

Chirag Kulkarni

Yes

Christian Smith

Yes

Gabby Cox

Yes

Omar Metwally

Yes

Patrick Maresco

Yes

Shannon Cason

Yes

CLAS

COMM Mahathi Kambham CURR

Kennedy Radix

Yes

CURR*

Al Ahmed

Yes

NURS

Joria Le

Yes

*Indicates graduate school

Did not respond: Lindsey Sweet, Camille Cooper and Justin Robinson

LIFE

THE CAVALIER DAILY

Body Positive Team spreads healthy mindsets Pushing back against mainstream beauty ideals and stigmas through events and campaigns Cady Rombach | Feature Writer

ARIANA GUERANMAYEH | THE CAVALIER DAILY

The Body Positive Team of the Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center holds various outreach activities and programs in order to help spread a healthy ideal of body image throughout the University.

What does the perfect body look like? How is this idea shaped in the first place and why? These are some of the questions that the Body Positive Team of the Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center look to tackle through their work on Grounds. Originally founded to focus on eating disorders, the Body Positive Team has now been in operation for over 10 years. Today, the team holds various group sessions, outreach activities and other preventative measures in order to help spread a healthy ideal of body image throughout the University. One example of such a program is the Body Project, an evidence-based approach to changing stigmas surrounding body image. The Body Project began with the National Eating Disorder Association and has been replicated at the University. “All the research … it's the gold standard of effective eating disorders prevention,” Body Positive Team Coordinator Amy Chestnutt said. “I spoke to … the researchers, and we sort of adapted it for U.Va., and we've been doing it ever since.” Consisting of two sessions, the Body Project is designed for undergraduate University students

who identify as women to talk about the idea of an “appearance ideal” and its origin. “Appearance ideal” is a thin female figure, which according to Chesnutt, really only comprises about five percent of the population. “If I said to you, ‘What's the perfect woman look like?’ you could probably name it to me within two minutes,” Chestnutt said. “Everybody's like that … our culture has taught us that specific ideal in lots of different ways.” Chestnutt said Body Project sessions discuss this ideal and who profits from it in small group settings of 6 to 12 women. She mentioned the costs associated with pursuing this ideal as more than just monetary, even tracing its roots to art by Botticelli and famed model Twiggy. In comparison to this construct, Chestnutt said, the Body Project focuses on the so-called “healthy ideal” and how it varies from person to person. “[The healthy ideal] looks different for everyone,” Chestnutt said. “With the healthy ideal, there's no list [of ideal traits] because ... if everybody is doing [things like adequate exercise and healthy eating] to maximize their health and longevity, we're all going to look different.”

Additionally, Chestnutt said the sessions offer ways to combat stigmas, such as avoiding fat shaming language and employing a “see something, say something” model that is common in health education. Some Body Project sessions are held publicly, but some are closed sessions with certain groups like sororities. These meetings employ intervention tactics laid out by the NEDA’s Body Project in a group setting focused on discussion. “We know that with four hours of the intervention, it … significantly reduces risk factors associated with eating disorders,” Chestnutt said. “Some interventions can take a lot more work, and they don't have nearly the impact.” The Body Positive Team has a group of interns trained to facilitate the Body Project. Jasmin Li, second-year College student and intern, noted a time she felt she saw results beyond the team’s prized data. In October 2018, the Body Positive Team held Body Positivi-tea, a brunch to discuss body image with food, tea and open conversation. Held during Family Weekend, Li said some family guests provided a new perspec-

tive on the contribution of age to body image. “The parents would be like, ‘Oh, I'm concerned about my youth and my wrinkles,’” Li said. “We never really realized that ... seeing everyone else in the room also kind of acknowledge that [concerns about aging can impact body image] … was very eye opening.” Linea Fuller, third-year College student and intern, also noted the common recognition and acceptance Body Positive programs can offer. “It’s good to see … [everyone] kind of ... has the same insecurities, but we don't really talk about them,” Fuller said. “So I think to put them out there and discuss and break them down and learn how to deal with them — I think that's a really cool thing to do.” Interns on the Body Positive team are involved for a variety of reasons, but many of them share a passion to carry this work into their careers. Jessica Meyers, second-year College student and intern, plans to center her career around this type of social advocacy. “I don't know exactly what I want it to look like yet, but I want my work within policy to

focus on social equity and social justice and creating a path forward for policy change,” Meyers said. The Body Positive team also works with other organizations on Grounds to facilitate certain public events. As a member of the U.Va. Coalition on Eating Disorders and Exercise Concerns, the Body Positive Team holds events to raise awareness for these issues. Perfect Illusions and Celebrate Every Body Week are two events for which the Body Positive Team has collaborated with the Coalition, Intramural-Recreational Sports and University Dining. Perfect Illusions — an open mic night to share eating and exercise concerns — was held on Nov. 13. This year, Celebrate Every Body Week will be held from Feb. 25 to March 1 and will include a jeans giveaway, a screening of the film “Fattitude” and other body-centered activities such as free fitness classes.

www.cavalierdaily.com • LIFE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

How exercise became my favorite type of self-care It’s not always bad to run away from your problems Josie Sydnor | Life Columnist About a month ago, I told my friend that I’d run a half marathon with her. She ran one last year when we were first-years, and we agreed that training together would make it more fun. This was a bold move considering I was struggling to run for more than 30 minutes at the time, and running 13.1 miles seemed unthinkable –– even when I was in my best shape. Equally bold, I began telling others so they’d hold me accountable to show up on race day. I said yes with a small knot of dread in my stomach and hoped the sign-up fee wouldn’t be wasted money. Although I ran throughout high school, I broke the habit after coming to college and hardly ran my first year. It’s easy to remain consistent with workouts with a coach watching your back, but no one batted an eye when I skipped the

gym for a few weeks … or months. I stopped running because I didn’t prioritize it. If I had an extra hour after a long day, I would want to spend it napping instead of running. If my schedule was packed with reading and assignment deadlines, why would I take the extra time to run? This logic failed once I realized how running made me more alert during the day — making studying more effective and eliminating the need for the nap. More importantly, it also dramatically reduced my stress levels. When I asked a graduating fourth-year about her best piece of advice for incoming first-years, she said to create a consistent workout schedule. Not only for physical health — though that’s important — but for mental health too. I ran in high school for the fun of com-

peting with friends, but in college I run to stay physically and mentally healthy. I don’t know enough about meditation to say if it’s similar to the effect of running, but I imagine there’s several parallels. After the first mile, my thoughts fall away, and my mind goes nearly blank. My focus shifts from stressed thoughts to putting one foot in front of the other, steadying my breathing and not smacking into anyone on the sidewalk. Some people like to run in silence, but I prefer listening to a carefully curated playlist. The combination of high energy beats with empowering lyrics for an hour can shift my mood from lousy to upbeat, and I finish feeling tough and strong. The music replaces my thoughts until I reach the most difficult por-

tions of the run –– like some of the nasty, gradual uphill climbs. During these moments, I still only think, “You can do this, you can do this, you can do this.” I might feel worn out at the end, but my mind always feels at its most energetic. It’s pretty powerful to engage in concentrated positive thinking for an hour straight — you can’t finish the run if you lack the confidence or are tearing yourself down. I never thought I’d prioritize exercise as much as studying, but I now will squeeze in runs even if my work is incomplete. I’ve found I work much better afterwards anyway, especially once I’ve cleared my head. I’m definitely guilty of wanting to look more in shape, but after a long day, I’m only motivated to lace up my shoes for the runner’s high.

I pass on that fourth-year’s guidance to others when I’ve been asked for advice, but I understand that running isn’t for everyone. Her point was to prioritize selfcare, even at the expense of things that may seem more important at the time, like studying. Prioritizing self-care you enjoy allows it to become routine, which ultimately makes it more beneficial. The half marathon is about a month away, and I’ve stuck to my training schedule so far. I’m not one to back down from a goal, especially if others know about it. I’ve now told you as well — feel free to call me out if you don’t see me at the starting line next month.

Brunch on the Corner: It’s a tough choice Between these six options, there really is something for everyone Lindsay Smith | Food Columnist When the weekend rolls around, University students like to sleep in and kick back. But when awoken at 11 a.m. by a growling stomach or a hungry friend, there is only one option — brunch. The Corner is chock-full of great breakfast and brunch locations, so it can be difficult to decide where to go for that morning meal. Since each place has its own merit and its own unique things to offer, sometimes the only way to pick a place is to take a walk down the Corner and see what piques your interest. Bodo’s Bagels is the first stop, located right at the beginning of the Corner. No one can ever surpass Bodo’s when it comes to circular boiled dough balls loaded with cream cheese. This spot is great for casual — and hungover — mornings when a formal sit-down breakfast is just a little too much, but sitting down in a booth with a bagel and a friend is just right. Their ridiculously low prices — just $2.50 for a bagel and cream cheese — pair perfectly with next door neighbor Starbucks’ ridiculously inflated ones, which works out because most people prefer to pair Starbucks coffee with their Bodo’s meals. If you’re searching for a vitamin infusion instead of a caffeine high, however, Bodo’s orange juice is a delicious and slepton choice.

Moving down the Corner, you can find The Pigeon Hole. They offer incredible sit down brunch at a reasonable price, and their classic pancakes, eggs and bacon-style menu always works for me — although personally, I tend to avoid their home fries. To read more about The Pigeon Hole brunch, check out this review. If heavy food is not your jam, fruit-filled smoothies can be found at Corner Juice. With cute indoor seating and a little patio as well, Corner Juice is be a great place to meet friends for a mid-morning snack. For more information on Corner Juice, check out yet another review of it. If you’re not into the health scene, keep walking past Corner Juice, and you’ll hit Trinity Irish Pub. Costing around $10, their weekend brunch is open until 2 p.m. They offer brunch drinks, including an intriguing sounding “Brunch Punch,” which I have sadly not had the opportunity to sample. About a block farther down, another smoothie bar offers chairs hung from the ceiling that you can sit and swing in while waiting for your brunch-time bowl. Juice Laundry even offers little juice shots to wake you up after a long night out. If you feel sick after losing one too many games of slap cup, their citrus fire shot will definitely relieve some

LINDSAY SMITH | THE CAVALIER DAILY

The Pigeon Hole on the Corner serves brunch options like First Flight.

of your congestion. A warning for the ladies — wear waterproof mascara if you try their citrus fire juice because it’s so spicy it will almost certainly make you cry. The final stop on the Corner that merits inclusion in this brunch tour is Fig, located just past Boylan Heights. With hearty Southern-style brunch options and a warm interior environment, their brunch is potentially my personal favorite. With items costing around

$12, this is my go-to choice when my family visits — and can pick up the tab. They offer something for everyone, ranging from the classic Big Fig, which is stocked with eggs, bacon and home fries, to the simple Mediterranean Omelet which is perfect for those of you trying to do brunch on a diet. They even offer Oreo Pancakes — yes, they put Oreos inside of pancakes — which is a perfect dish for a cheat day.

The Corner is not the only place to get brunch in Charlottesville, but it is the easiest for most University students. But having so many options in just a three-block stretch can make it difficult to choose a place to eat. With at least the six great spots mentioned above offering that delicious morning meal, why not do brunch every day of the week?

THE CAVALIER DAILY

LIFE • www.cavalierdaily.com

The top 10 people you’ll meet in your 8 a.m. discussion Hopefully, you can’t relate to any of them

Ben Rosenthal | Top 10 Writer

The sleepwalker You know the one. He walks into the room wearing flannel pajama pants and an expression that tells you exactly how he feels about classes that take attendance. He will come, he will sit and he will be well-behaved — but his eyes will shut the second after he signs his name on the attendance sheet. One day, you will look over at him, as the T.A. is handing back exams, and notice that he scored three points higher than you. It will be the worst day of your life.

2. 3.

ANGELA CHEN | THE CAVALIER DAILY

The online shopper

He has 15 tabs open, and none of them are Collab. You’re actually more curious about him than the topic of the class itself — his Amazon cart is more interesting than political theory. Why is he looking at Keurig machines again? He was looking at them last week and the weeks before — is he constantly breaking Keurigs? Is he too afraid to even buy one? Based on the amount of money he spent on shoes yesterday, you find that doubtful.

The note taker

You really want to like her. She’s just a normal, friendly girl — her name is Sasha, she is a member of the club soccer team and she’s really excited about the new Avengers movie — but she found a way to ruin your blossoming friendship. She took notes during discussion. Notes. During. Discussion. Listen Sasha, this isn’t lecture! We aren’t learning anything new! We covered strict liability two weeks ago! It’s fine that you need a refresher on the topic, but when I see you taking notes, it makes me feel lazy, inconsiderate and unprepared. I know you’re worried about the midterm, Matt, but try worrying about my feelings.

4. 5.

The literal note taker

This is Chuck. You don’t know much about him. Maybe he’s excited for the new Avengers movie. Maybe not. He doesn’t say much. The only time he’s ever talked to you, in fact, was when he missed that lecture on Tuesday. He said he’d really appreciate it if you send him your notes. You’re happy to oblige — because why not — and he’s happy to reciprocate the favor sometime, but you’re not really sure you want his notes. You’re not really sure he ever takes them. Some favors are best left unreturned.

The one in five

A close relative of the “literal note taker,” this person is even more elusive — but somehow more prepared than anyone else in the class. She shows up to roughly one out of every five discussions, and you’ve seen her maybe once or twice in lecture — total. Yet, whenever she chooses to attend, she always has the right answer. You hate her out of jealousy but respect her as a human being.

6. 7.

The comedic relief

This guy might be kind of funny at 9 a.m. He’d probably be hilarious at noon. But Jackson, it is 8 a.m. The sun has barely risen and you’re already answering questions in your Kevin Hart impression? I mean, it’s spot on, but none of us have had any caffeine yet, and it’s kind of problematic.

The one who’s actually trying

This one is the worst. In a room of 15 first-years, taking a gen-ed class for a subject they’ll never even think about again, she stands alone. She is a fourthyear, she is majoring in this field and, worst of all, she has the audacity to try and generate interesting discussions. You heard me — she wants to foster intellectual debate in a classroom setting in order to challenge your thinking and help you reconsider the subject matter from a different perspective. Who does she think she is? You haven’t even had your coffee yet!

The wannabe philosopher . 8

A near-cousin of the “one who’s actually trying,” the “wannabe philosopher” is differentiated by the fact that he has no idea what he is talking about. Only, he thinks he does. You can tell by the tone of his voice that he thinks he’s the second coming of Aristotle — the rest of the class, however, is less convinced. Big words and big egos don’t automaticallymake you smart, Will, no matter how much you want them to.

The clock-checker

This girl is your best friend in the class. You might not know her major, her home state or her hobbies, but you are aligned through a common interest — checking the clock every other minute. You don’t even know her name — you think it might be Kate, but she looks more like a Rebecca — but you can feel the chemistry. It’s palpable. You will never talk to her again the second the semester ends, but you’ll never forget the time you spent with — who was it? Sarah?

10.

JACOB DEAN AND TYRA KREHBIEL | THE CAVALIER DAILY

You, who woke up on time

You are awesome. You are special. You are amazing. Your parents warned you it was a terrible idea. Your friends told you you’d never make it to a single discussion. Your own grandmother laughed in your face when you broke the news to her. But you — you amazing, awesome and special person — made it to discussion. You walked 20 minutes, through the blistering cold — before you even had the chance to caffeinate yourself — to get to your discussion. You may not know it yet, but you are a hero.

SPORTS After a 2-2 start to the season, the Virginia men’s lacrosse team is set to visit No. 14 Syracuse on Saturday for its ACC opener. Before the Cavaliers attempt to navigate their rigorous ACC schedule, let’s take a look at some of the important Virginia storylines that have emerged so far this season. Virginia has been tested early and often There is no denying that Virginia has faced an extremely difficult schedule to start the 2019 season. Each of the four teams Virginia has played so far are either ranked or receiving votes in the most recent coaches and media polls. Those four teams – No. 1 Loyola, Lehigh, No. 13 High Point and Princeton – have an outstanding combined record of 9-5. In light of Virginia’s tough early-season schedule, the Cavaliers’ 2-2 record is a solid start to the year. The Cavaliers’ victories against teams like Lehigh and Princeton as well as their narrow loss to High Point prove that Virginia can compete with some of the best teams in the country. While Virginia may have been able to post a better record with an easier schedule, a difficult opening slate may actually be a blessing in disguise for the team. Last season, the Cavaliers were 4-0 after only facing one ranked team before their ACC opener, but ended up going 1-3 in ACC play before falling in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. As the Cavaliers already have multiple games against strong opponents under their belt, the team will hope to be better prepared for future ranked showdowns. With all five ACC men’s lacrosse teams currently ranked, Virginia’s quality experience could prove invaluable. Michael Kraus has struggled with consistency in the first few games Going into this season, junior attackman Michael Kraus was expected to be Virginia’s star goalscorer and leader on offense. Last year, Kraus led the Cavaliers in points, goals and assists with 83, 44 and 39, respectively, en route to earning Inside Lacrosse All-American and All-ACC honors. In stark contrast to 2018, Kraus’s inconsistent production has been a major challenge for the Cavaliers this season. Even though Kraus is still second on the team in points, his fourgoal performance against unranked Lehigh provided nearly half of his 14 points. In Virginia’s other three games, Kraus produced a total of just three goals, though he also did contribute six assists. Kraus’ individual struggles severely weakens the Virginia attack, especially in situations when the team needs someone to step up and make a big play. Without Kraus as their reliable go-to scorer, the Cavaliers have suf-

www.cavalierdaily.com • SPORTS

Key storylines for Virginia men’s lacrosse With ACC play starting this weekend, here’s what to keep an eye on Vignesh Mulay | Senior Associate fered periods of stagnant play. In 2018, Coach Lars Tiffany emphasized Kraus’ “signature hard-charging style” and ability to create “offense for himself and his teammates by drawing attention from multiple defenders.” Virginia will need that dynamic version of Kraus every game to compete with ACC powerhouses like No. 6 Duke and No. 17 Notre Dame. Matt Moore is shattering all expectations in his new position One of the most interesting developments this season for Virginia men’s lacrosse has been sophomore Matt Moore’s transition between midfielder and attackman. Playing in midfield last year, Moore recorded 19 goals and 15 assists in 17 games. This year, after replacing Class of 2018 alumnus Mike D’Amario on the frontline, Moore already has nine goals and 10 assists in just four games, leading the team with 19 points. Moore’s unique combination of physicality and quickness makes him a versatile threat who can put pressure on a defense in a number of ways. The 2018 ACC Freshman of the Year can either use his elusive dodging to tear through opposing defenses or his big 6-foot-2 frame to overpower defenders, making him difficult to stop. Amongst other things, Moore’s ability to perform at a high level against elite competition is what makes him such a valuable player for the Cavaliers. Against top-ranked Loyola, Moore scored three much-needed goals in a game where Virginia’s other starting attackmen combined for just two. If Moore can continue his strong goalscoring form, teams will struggle to slow down a Virginia attack that suddenly has a plethora of offensive playmakers. Virginia’s defense is led by a couple of unlikely heroes In addition to Moore, a number of other Cavaliers have played surprisingly well this season, especially on the defensive side. For instance, junior defenseman Jared Conners has taken a big step forward this year. After recording 10 caused turnovers over the course of the entire 2018 season, Conners has already surpassed that mark in just four games this season. In fact, Conners’ 11 caused turnovers is one of the highest marks in the country. He has also picked up 14 ground balls, tied for second-most on the team. “[Conners] is becoming one of the program’s best cover defensemen, utilizing his disruptive approaches, long reach and unforeseen strength,” Tiffany said in praise last year. In addition to Conners, freshman defenseman Cade Saustad — a former five-star recruit and Under Armour All-American — has made an immediate impact for the Cavaliers as a firstyear starter.

Saustad’s aggressive playstyle helps the Cavaliers press opponents and push the pace in transition. The Dallas native is one of the team leaders in ground balls with 13 and still has four years to develop his game even further. Both Conners and Saustad are fiercely competitive defensemen and both add size and strength to Virginia’s backline. More recently, freshman goalkeeper Patrick Burkinshaw has emerged as a capable shot stopper in cage for the Cavaliers. After earning his first career start last Saturday against Princeton, Burkinshaw saved 24 shots, including six in the fourth quarter. In his collegiate debut, Burkinshaw set a Virginia freshman record and tied for the most single-game saves in the country this season. If Burkinshaw can continue to play at a high level, the Cavaliers will be difficult to beat going forward. Coach Lars Tiffany loves analogies Of the many statistics concerning Virginia’s season so far, one little-known fact has failed to get the

attention it deserves. Only four games into the season, Tiffany has already used three analogies to compare Virginia men’s lacrosse to other sports. The trend first started after Virginia’s home opener, when Tiffany likened pressuring the quarterback in football to Virginia’s aggressive riding. “We tell our attackmen that they are the defensive frontline of a football team, you got to get pressure,” Tiffany said. “If we can get pressure with three or four rushing the passer then we don't have to implement a 10-man [ride] and we can cause turnovers.” Tiffany expanded his football analogy by discussing how the midfield and attack must work together for a successful ride. “We tell [Kraus, Laviano and Moore] you don't have to make the sack, just force a bad pass or an interception because our safeties, our middies, they're ready to jump on errant passes,” Tiffany said about the team’s riding philosophy. He then drew parallels between the

lacrosse team and Virginia men’s basketball’s stifling packline defense. “What I liked is we got a few Tony Bennett-like shot clock violations [against Lehigh],” Tiffany said in reference to the Virginia basketball coach’s emphasis on suffocating ball pressure. Tiffany’s use of analogies, however, wasn’t an isolated incident. After Virginia’s very next game — a heartbreaking loss to High Point — Tiffany made yet another analogy, this time involving baseball. “I just told my team that we took some home run swings, when we can only score one goal at a time,” Tiffany said, referring to the Cavaliers’ reckless shooting. “This isn't baseball with grand slams.” In his third year as the head coach of Virginia men’s lacrosse, Tiffany often offers unique insight through his analogies. With several months still left in the 2019 season including games against elite ACC competition, it will be interesting to see how many more analogies Tiffany has up his sleeves.

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SPORTS • www.cavalierdaily.com

Softball finishes Tennessee Classic 1-3 Cavaliers sit with a record of 5-8 after tournament Caroline Lund | Associate Writer The Virginia softball team (58) played four games in Knoxville, Tenn., as part of the Tennessee Classic over the weekend. The Cavaliers went 1-3 in the tournament, losing to Kansas and twice to No. 7 Tennessee but defeating Bradley. Virginia was initially scheduled to face Louisville and Tennessee State as well, but rain forced several schedule changes to the tournament, which caused Tennessee State to withdraw and the Cavaliers’ game against Louisville to be canceled. Game one: Virginia - 2, Kansas -5 Senior pitcher Allyson Frei started on the mound against Kansas (3-10) Sunday, holding the Jayhawks to no hits in the first three innings. In the fourth, however, Frei gave up a walk that lead to three runs crossing the plate on three hits, two walks and an error. Kansas junior pitcher Brynn Minor pitched four scoreless innings for the Jayhawks but gave up one run to Virginia freshman infielder Abigail Barber with a solo shot over the right field fence in the bottom of the fifth. This is following her first career home run last weekend against Northern Kentucky. The Cavaliers came up empty the rest of the inning and didn’t score again until the seventh. The Jayhawks added two more runs in the seventh, giving them a four run lead going into the final half inning. Senior pitcher Erika Osherow walked in the seventh to start the inning and freshman catcher, and infielder Donna Friedman followed up to put Osherow in scoring position with a single to the right side. Barber reached first on an infielder’s choice to second base, advancing Osherow to third. Junior infielder Ashlee Davis came up with a second RBI for the Cavaliers, grounding out to shortstop

COURTESY VIRGINIA ATHLETICS

Virginia softball lost to Tennessee twice in the Tennessee Classic, lost to Kansas and beat Bradley for the Cavaliers’ sole win of the weekend.

and scoring Osherow. Virginia ended the game with two in scoring position. Kansas’ Minor went 2-4 at the plate and pitched all seven innings against Virginia, her first complete game of the season. She allowed Virginia just four hits and held the Cavaliers to a single run in the seventh, striking out the final batter with the bases loaded. Game two: Virginia - 1, Tennessee - 11 Virginia faced No. 7 Tennessee (11-2) Sunday, allowing 11 runs and producing just two hits. Osherow gave up a single to Tennessee freshman outfielder Amanda Ayala to start a five run rally for the Lady Vols in the bot-

COURTESY VIRGINIA ATHLETICS

The Cavaliers pitchers allowed just two runs against Bradley.

tom of the first. Tennessee followed with two singles and a hit by pitch to put two runs on the board. With two outs, Tennessee’s freshman catcher Kaili Phillips hit to center field, scoring three runs. Tennessee brought in three more runs in the second to give them an 8-0 lead over Virginia. Sophomore shortstop Hayley Busby scored the only run for the Cavaliers, a solo shot off the scoreboard in left field in the third. Tennessee responded in the bottom of the inning with two more runs, both crossing the plate on wild pitches by senior pitcher and infielder Lacy Smith. Tennessee pitcher Matty Moss pitched a complete game and gave up just one run on two hits. The win over Virginia marks Tennessee’s fifth game in double digits this season and their record in Tennessee Classic games now sits at 50-6. The Lady Vols came up with eight hits and 10 walks in the game. Standing Out Busby finished 1-for-3 at the plate, hitting her first home run of the season to score the only run of the game. She also delivered on defense, coming up with a diving catch in the bottom of the third to end the inning with the bases loaded. Her average is .356 and slugging percentage sits at .644 for the season. Game three: Virginia - 3, Bradley - 2

Virginia managed a close 3-2 win over Bradley (5-9) Monday. The Cavaliers started strong in the first inning with a leadoff single by Busby, later driven in by a homer to left field by Smith. Bradley, however, responded in the second with a home run by junior catcher Kealia Wysocki. Wysocki finished the game 3-for-3, accounting for three of Bradley’s six hits. Bradley started the top of the third with two singles, but the Cavaliers turned two and Frei retired the last batter with runners in scoring position. Frei limited Bradley to three hits before she was replaced by freshman pitcher Aly Rayle in the top of the fourth. Freshman outfielder Bailey Winscott led off with a single to second base to start the bottom of the fifth. Winscott stole second and was driven in by a single to right field by Busby. Bradley responded, starting the sixth with a double by senior outfielder Gabby Stoner, advancing to third on a throwing error. A fly out to right field allowed Stoner to cross home on the throw. Wysocki later hit a double to right field but was left in scoring position to end the inning. The Braves were unable to tie the game up in the seventh, and Frei retired the side to clench the win for the Cavaliers. Frei had three strikeouts for the game, facing 13 batters in 64 pitches. Game four: Virginia - 2, Tennessee - 6

Virginia was taken down by Tennessee for a second time Monday. Tennessee pitchers junior Caylan Arnold and Moss combined to hold the Cavaliers to just four hits in seven innings. Both teams were quick to score in the first inning. Smith produced her second home run of the day, launching one down the left field line to put the Cavaliers on the board. In the bottom of the inning, Tennessee came up with three runs through a combination of singles and walks. Tennessee scored two more in the second inning, and a double and wild pitch in the fourth allowed the Lady Vols to add a final run. Barber hit a single in the sixth and took advantage of two fielding errors to cross home and give Virginia another run. The scored remained 6-2 through the seventh. Standing Out Smith came up with her fourth and fifth home runs of the season Monday, racking up three RBIs for the day. Smith currently leads the team in RBIs with 12 and slugging percentage with a mark of .786. Virginia is now 5-8 on the season and is set to play their first home game of the year at The Park on Thursday Feb. 28, against Rutgers at 5 p.m.

www.cavalierdaily.com • PUZZLES

WEEKLY CROSSWORD PUZZLE Dan Goff | Puzzle Master

PUZZLES

* THE SOLUTION TO THIS PUZZLE CAN BE FOUND IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Across 5 One way to describe Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper onstage at the Oscars

7 Classic rum cocktail 9 Dark fantasy AMC show starring Dominic Cooper 10 Pleasantly unreal quality

11 Director, writer of "Roma" 13 Sushi condiment 15 Two-word identifier that might be found on a canine collar, or around the neck of a military man 18 What a judge might say in response to an objection — or with "dialogue," a group on Grounds dedicated to discussing relevant issues

11 12 13

21 Ancient Roman coins

22 With "great," a type of bean that indicates a place 23 An untrained horse might be this 24 Container for lubricating liquid, usually with a long nozzle

20 21

Down 1 Thought process influenced by anxiety and fear, sometimes to the point of delusion

2 Infectious diseases common in America in the mid-1800s 3 Unknown, unpredictable factor — two words 4 Guy's prom outfit 6 ___ Speck — type of ham named for its place of origin 7 ___ address 8 Actor ___ Malek who won Best Actor in a leading role 12 Unicellular microorganisms 14 "I can't go, but I'll be there ___" — two words 16 Gwyneth Paltrow's relation to Stephen Spielberg 17 Set off, as a boat or rocket 18 Appearing deceitful or evasive 19 Not wide 20 With "Green ___," this year's inexplicable Best Picture winner

CORRECTIONS In the Feb. 21 issue of The Cavalier Daily, the article titled “U.Va Lab studies Alzheimer’s disease” misstated that the Kipnis Lab discovered the connection between the glymphatic system and neurodegenerative diseases. The Lab actually discovered the connection between the meningeal lymphatic system and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the article referred to Ph.D. Researcher Sandro Da Mesquita as Mesquita instead of Da Mesquita.

* SOLUTION FROM LAST ISSUE

G R O A T U E N D B A

I T G O

G L E E C L U B

S T C P U T R R A S N O W L

V L E S Y L E N D E E T T I S H H O E A B R A C O T C H A T I D O M W R D A Y Y

O N E H O R S E W I N D O W

O O P S I S I C O N E Y S E N S B D G E I N R C H I S K Y E E I V O R E O E E U V R E S

THE CAVALIER DAILY

LEAD EDITORIAL

Ellie Brasacchio for Student Council President

OPINION

Brasacchio has proven she has the skills and vision to help the University progress

tudents have a choice between two candidates running for Student Council President this year — third-year College student Ellie Brasacchio and first-year Curry student Arabella Lee. This decision is important, as the winner of the race will represent the entire undergraduate student body in the upcoming academic school year. After careful consideration and examination of the two candidates’ platforms, we have decided to endorse Ellie Brasacchio for Student Council President. Brasacchio is uniquely prepared for the role of StudCo President. She has been a representative since her first year and was re-elected to the position her second year. During her time in this position, she has served as chair of the Internal Affairs committee, where she worked to ensure there was no waste in the budget and wrote resolutions con-

cerning the March to Reclaim Our Grounds Demands following Aug. 11 and 12. Moreover, she was also chosen by her peers to be chair of the representative body twice, serving in this capacity since her second year. As chair, Brasacchio manages the representative body and has worked to crack down on absenteeism among StudCo representatives. These positions have given her the wealth of experience necessary to both build on her predecessor’s initiatives and begin working on her own. Specifically from current StudCo President Alex Cintron’s term, Brasacchio would like to continue lobbying the administration to fund the free-menstrual hygiene initiative which was rolled out last year. She would also like to continue the support Cintron offered minority student organizations during his administration by backing the

effort to make translated financial aid documents available to ease the process for non-English speaking parents. Brasacchio’s own platform also contains a number of ambitious policy goals. These include advocating the Board of Visitors to allow gender-neutral housing in all on-Grounds housing options and lobbying the City Council to pass an ordinance that would delay lease signing dates, which would give students more time to carefully consider their housing options. However, most prominent to us is her drive to make the University more accessible for low-income and first-generation students. As a first-generation student herself, Brasacchio understands the plight that many of these students face. During her time in StudCo, Brasacchio initiated the project to make a low-income resource handbook

available and is the Co-Chair of the AL1GN Conference, a conference for low-income students that is coming to the University this year. In addition, her platform includes several policies to make U.Va. more accessible, such as the creation of a Financial Accessibility Committee in StudCo and making discounted meal plans available for low-income students. These goals are ambitious, but Brasacchio’s background and experience makes us confident that she is the candidate most likely to bring about the transformational change that this University needs. While Lee's proposals come from a good place, we are skeptical of her ability to concretely implement her goals if she were to be elected. Her platform is one of cultural unity, where she believes that it is the role of StudCo to “build bridges” with groups around Grounds. This is a worthy goal.

However, given the wide range of issues tackled by StudCo, this position is not the right place to achieve her initiatives. Moreover, her lack of familiarity with the inner-workings of StudCo also concerns us, as managing the various aspects of the organization is an important job of being president. Given the importance of the role of StudCo President, we have faith in Brasacchio to carry out the role effectively. She has the experience and skills to move the University forward and has earned our wholehearted endorsement.

THE CAVALIER DAILY EDITORIAL BOARD is composed of the Executive Editor, the Editor-in-Chief, the two Opinion Editors and their Senior Associate. The board can be reached at eb@cavalierdaily.com.

THE CAVALIER DAILY THE CAVALIER DAILY The Cavalier Daily is a financially and editorially independent news organization staffed and managed entirely by students of the University of Virginia. The opinions expressed in The Cavalier Daily are not necessarily those of the students, faculty, staff or administration of the University of Virginia. Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the editorial board. Cartoons and columns represent the views of the authors. The managing board of The Cavalier Daily has sole authority over and responsibility for all content. No part of The Cavalier Daily or The Cavalier Daily online edition may be reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the editor-in-chief. The Cavalier Daily is published Thursdays in print and daily online at cavalierdaily. com. It is printed on at least 40 percent recycled paper. 2016 The Cavalier Daily Inc.

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www.cavalierdaily.com • OPINION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

UBE MUST IMPROVE STUDENT VOTER TURNOUT Student self-governance is only as effective as the student body allows it to be — last year only 18.8 percent of students voted in University-wide elections

oting plays a central role in the culture of the University. From the start of school to Election Day, students are bombarded by their eager peers with clipboards outside dining halls, the Corner and their dorms, asking “are you registered to vote on Grounds?” Other students work the partisan angle, knocking on doors and making phone calls for their candidate of choice. Students at the University overwhelmingly vote in federal, state and local elections. In 2016, 63.9 percent of University students voted in the presidential election, exceeding the national campus average of 50.4 percent. Despite the culture around voting at the University, students fail to vote in their most local elections — University-wide elections. However, in order to fully participate students must understand the functions of the institutions that represent them in order to have an incentive to vote. Student self-governance is one of those buzzwords thrown around by University administration, but what does it actually mean? According to U.Va.’s website, “the University wasn’t created just to educate. It was created to prepare a new generation and a new nation to govern and to lead — producing a culture that places responsibility, along with the power to change, directly in students' hands.” Aligning

with this culture, students take on leadership positions with great responsibility, ranging from carrying out honor sanctions to appropriating the Student Activities Fee. Through student self-governance, students assume tasks that are typically carried out by administrators at similar institutions. These “real life” experiences serve to prepare students for life after graduation — through leadership positions, students are poised to tackle challenging work

College Councils and University Judiciary Committee, the student body is largely in the dark about the roles of these organizations. They may occasionally receive emails or read articles about current events at the University — Honor’s bicentennial report or the weekly Student Council General Body Meeting — but that is the extent of the majority of students’ interaction with these organizations. When University-wide elections roll around in late

tives and student media groups, such as The Cavalier Daily, reporting on their initiatives. Although information about these organizations is readily available on many different platforms, the onus is on students to seek it out themselves. Relying on curious students does not produce an effective voting population — there must be an institutional mechanism to educate the student body on the importance of self-governance at the University.

Increasing student voter turnout begins with a collaboration between UBE, student leaders and University administration to increase student voter efficacy. situations, think critically and manage a myriad of tasks. After all, at the University “leadership is isn’t just an elective. It’s a way of life.” Even though leadership is often considered to be “the way of life” at the University, many students are unaware of the structure, functions and procedures of many of the student-led organizations that represent them. Starting with Orientation, first-years are immediately indoctrinated into the culture of student self-government without any formal introduction. Outside of the silos of Student Council, Honor Committee, Class and

February, it comes as no surprise less than 20 percent of students cast a ballot. It is impossible to expect students to have an opinion about elections for organizations which they know little to nothing about. Information about Student Council, Honor and UJC is readily available. With a quick Google search, the bylaws, constitutions, officers and meeting times of these organizations can be easily accessed. Moreover, the activities of Honor, UJC and Student Council are often updated on social media platforms with student members posting about upcoming meetings and initia-

To increase student voter turnout, students must become knowledgeable of the positions and institutions which they cast their ballot for. This burden of education should not rest solely on the student, but rather should be shared by the student, University Board of Elections and the University administration. Considering UBE oversees the First Year and Housing and Residence Life elections in the fall and the general University-wide elections in the spring, it should also be their duty to ensure an educated voting population. During the interim period between these elections, UBE should

provide the student population the tools to understand their ballot come February. An online module should be introduced, focusing on the duties of the offices elected in University-wide elections. Additionally, there should be more emails and a greater social media presence from UBE leading up to the election period. University-wide elections determine the future leaders of the University. These student leaders hold a great deal of power, representing the interests of the student body to the administration, media and general public. In order to accurately reflect the interests of the student body to these institutions, our leaders must be elected to office with more than 18 percent of the students turning out. In order to increase the number of students participating in the University’s election, there must be a concerted effort between UBE, student leaders and University administration to ensure students are educated enough to make an informed decision during elections.

MARY ALICE KUKOSKI is an Opinion Columnist for The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at opinion@cavalierdaily.com.

NEW SMOKING LAW MISINTERPRETS ADULT RESPONSIBILITY All Americans should receive all adult rights, privileges and responsibilities at 18, and the Virginia legislature’s recent actions are a step backwards

ov. Ralph Northam signed a bill this Thursday changing the legal age to buy all tobacco, nicotine and vaping products in Virginia from 18 to 21, with an exemption for those in active military service. This law makes Virginia the seventh state to raise the legal age to purchase such products in an attempt to curb teenage nicotine/tobacco addiction and abuse. However, attempts by state legislatures to induce responsible behavior by outlawing a practice among this age group creates a culture in which young adults are disrespected by the law and so learn to disrespect it. The tobacco prohibition is a symptom of a problem plaguing adults between ages 18 and 25 — the stunted, uncertain way in which the United States grants the rights and privileges of adulthood. In 47 states, the legal age at which a citizen becomes an adult in the eyes of the law is 18. At 18, people gain the right to sign legal documents on their own behalf and the ability to enlist in the military. The consistency in this law mirrors the 26th Amendment to the US Constitution, which established 18 as the voting age in 1971. In the 26th Amendment, both Congress and the states expressed their confidence that all Americans age 18 or

older are capable of making informed decisions that impact their futures and the futures of others. Despite this confidence, the actual rights and privileges of adulthood are granted arbitrarily. Though Americans can serve on a jury and in the military at 18, they cannot purchase alcohol, rent a car or check in to certain ho-

fact that the legal drinking age is 21, a national survey reported that almost 60 percent of college students ages 1822 drank alcohol within the last month. Illegal underage drinking is the norm, not the exception, demonstrating the culture of disrespect for the importance and power of the law that exists among young adults. This disrespect

based in an effort to protect public health, just as the increased legal drinking age was. The minimum legal drinking age was raised to 21 in the 1980s as a good-faith effort by organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving to decrease deaths due to drunk driving and other alcohol-related problems. Though intended to restrict more dan-

As a society, we should not neuter the meaning of adult responsibility by granting the rights of adulthood at different times. tels until they are 21. Considering an 18-year-old can buy a shotgun in most states, but not a beer, many legal age restrictions are not only arbitrary but unfair breaches of the responsibility bestowed by the 26th Amendment. Such restrictions leave 18 to 25 yearolds in a state of legal limbo, where they are expected to act with the full responsibility and culpability of an adult but not allowed to enjoy the privileges accompanying that same status. This is an unfair double standard. Rather than discouraging the dangerous behavior, this double standard merely teaches young adults disrespect for the law. For example, despite the

extends beyond the actual privilege banned, as in the way underage drinking begets a culture of fake IDs. Fake ID culture normalizes the commission of serious crimes like identity theft and forgery of government identification in pursuit of the commission of a less serious crime, and its prevalence underscores just how little respect young adults have for the law. There is no reason to assume that prohibitions on tobacco purchase for those under 21 would not create the same culture of disrespect. Legislators should not support laws that could reinforce this culture. The new tobacco prohibition is

gerous privileges to older, more mature adults, such laws place no guarantee that those subject to them will receive better information in the interim. While people continue to mature between ages 18 and 21 and throughout their lives, as a society, we have no compulsory mechanisms in place to ensure that these citizens — who finish public education at 18 — use this time to become better educated about safe use of substances such as tobacco, nicotine and alcohol. More important to the promotion of public safety is the creation of positive social norms that discourage dangerous practices such as drunk driving

and normalize safer practices like designated drivers. While the higher legal drinking age may save lives, some have argued that the legislative agenda of MADD constitutes only a small part of their success. Given that no state-mandated education occurs between ages 18 and 21, public health would be better served if the culture of disrespect for the law were dismantled and rights were granted evenly. As a society, we should not neuter the meaning of adult responsibility by granting the rights of adulthood at arbitrary times. Though we may find the safety consequences of tobacco usage, drinking and handgun ownership unsavory to consider, we must create a more consistent standard of responsibility for young people by granting all the rights and privileges of adulthood at 18 and forcing them to accept the consequences of their choices. The Virginia legislature’s choices last week are a step backwards from this ideal, and together, we must consider other steps to take to create a uniform legal standard of responsibility. KATHERINE VITI is a Viewpoint Writer for The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at opinion@cavalierdaily.com.

HUMOR There are are plenty of people that impatiently await spring, with its pleasant temperate days and return of green scenery. The University’s student body is not among them. As local and national weather outlets predict temperatures will continue to climb this March, students are voicing their annual lament — warm spring weather is simply not conducive to wearing Canada Goose jackets. The Canada-based clothing company has specialized in extreme “weather-tested” outerwear since 1957. Their parkas and similar garments first gained popularity among snowmobiliers and scientists for their respective — but equally cold — arctic expeditions. Now internationally known as makers of luxury winter-wear, Canada Goose jack-

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Students refuse to retire their Canada Goose jackets ets have become an increasingly common sighting in the Commonwealth — specifically across Grounds. While one might remark that such heavy-duty parkas are an unnecessary commodity south of the Mason-Dixon line, University students are actually ahead of the curve. Research shows that climate change trends will actually result in harsher winter weather, as demonstrated by the final-exam-cancelling snowfall of Dec. 9, 2018. Such forward-thinking innovation can only be expected from one of the best public universities in the United States. “Climate change definitely means higher snowfall and more extreme winter temperatures,” said Prof. Robert Tree of the Environmental Sciences department. “So yeah, I guess. I guess it’s smarter to buy warmer coats? It’s not really preventative or productive, though.” When the fall semester be-

comes inevitably chillier, students revel in unpacking their Canada Goose jackets. Sadly, all good things must eventually come to an end. The spring warm-up means that wearing down and fur-lined arctic expedition-quality parkas is virtually unfeasible — although many bravely try their hardest to prolong Canada Goose season. “I usually try to wear mine until about mid-April,” said one female third-year student. “It just gets so hard because I’ll start to sweat on my walk to central Grounds. I mean like, really sweat.” However, solutions are available to students who wish to wear their jackets into spring or even summer. “Sometimes I’ll bring one of those little towels to cool off and wipe the sweat away once I get to class. That really seems to help.” One of the biggest drawbacks to summertime, according to several students, is that there

simply isn’t any item of clothing that communicates social status in quite the same way. Canada Goose jackets — if you didn’t know — cost upwards of $800 and rarely go on sale. For many, having the trademark “Canada Goose, Arctic Project” patch on their shoulder is both a source of comfort and confidence. When temperatures rise, retiring the jacket can be an emotional decision. “It’s actually pretty rough for guys,” said a male third-year student. “Girls can wear jewelry or bracelets that are expensive, but for us, nothing really beats a Canada Goose jacket … nothing.” It’s worth noting the Canada Goose company has recently come under public scrutiny for their use of animal fur — specifically that of coyotes — and goose feathers. However, the company states all fur is “ethically sourced” from trappers in regions overpopulated by the critters and

never purchased from fur farms. We contacted one coyote, Phil, from the Saskatchewan province. Unfortunately, Phil was unable to reach us for comment as his left hind leg is currently caught in a snare trap, according to the Saskatchewan gossip news site saskwatch.com. Although May and finals week seem far away, remember to savor the appearance of passing parkas while it lasts. And to University students attempting to prolong #CanadaGooseSzn this spring, remember — drink lots of fluids and make sure to rest if feeling faint or short of breath.

CAROLINE CARUSO is a Humor Columnist at The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at humor@cavalierdaily.com.

The Academy Awards, live from Vietnam Walter Sharon | Cartoonist

A& E

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Fighting violence with empathy Powerful installation at the Fralin is striking and contemplative

ARTS AND

ENTERTAINMENT Visitors to the Fralin Museum of Art can hear the new installation from Pittsburgh-based artist Vanessa German before climbing the marble stairs to the second floor. A three-part exhibit accompanied by a 24-minute soundscape which plays on repeat, “sometimes.we.cannot.be.with.our.bodies.” — which opened Feb. 22 and is on display until July 7 — is the museum’s most visually and thematically impressive in recent memory. “I think she’s one of the most important artists at work in America today,” said Matthew McLendon, director and chief curator of the Fralin, in his opening remarks. An impressive crowd of 30 or so people had gathered on a rainy Saturday afternoon to hear McLendon speak before experiencing the exhibit for themselves. McLendon shared with the group his excitement about the new installation, which he described as “very different to anything … in the Fralin before.” The opportunity for German to bring her work in Charlottesville was a lucky one — McLendon described German’s career as having “a kind of meteoric trajectory just in the last year.” German’s success will be no surprise to visitors of “sometimes. we.cannot.be.with.our.bodies. ,” which begins with walls of powerful quotes, is followed by an impressive room of disembodied-head sculptures and ends with an immaculate procession of headless bodies, glitter and flowers. The exhibit builds upon itself — instead of providing referential texts on the walls or names of specific works, the spectator is asked to contemplate for

Robin Schwartzkopf | Arts and Entertainment Editor

ASHLEY BOTKIN | THE CAVALIER DAILY

Vanessa German’s installation, “sometimes.we.cannot.be.with.our.bodies.” is on display at the Fralin through July 7.

herself the multi-layered messaging of German’s work. “She calls herself a ‘citizen artist,’” McLendon said. “She speaks of art’s role and function of shedding light on society … she very much feels that is her role as the artist, to resurrect memory of those that have been lost.” “sometimes.we.cannot.be.with. our.bodies.” has multiple meanings, McLendon noted, and it deals with violence against people of color in the LGBTQ+ community, the dehumanization of victims of violence by the media and out-of-body expe-

riences caused by extensive trauma. But while the themes the exhibit tackles are heavy, disturbing and sad, the installation — particularly the final room — possesses a breathtaking beauty and joy. This combination was purposeful, McLendon told the crowd. “She deals with absolutely the most important issues facing our society today … she’s dealing very pointedly and poignantly with violence, particularly violence against people of color,” McLendon said. “But Vanessa always through her work reminds us … the only way we

MAX PATTEN | THE CAVALIER DAILY

The headless mannequins of German’s exhibit are intricately detailed and ornate with texture.

will get through and solve these societal problems is through empathy and love … there’s a positiveness to her ultimate message.” A queer woman of color herself, German’s identity and personal experiences are woven into this exhibit, which feels at once very intimate — between artist and visitor — and quite vast in its reach. Her voice is present in the installation during the soundscape as she hosts a staged call-in radio show, during which she provides listeners “music you can groove and grieve and reach up and cry to.” The combination of themes that are seemingly at odds with one another — violence, grief and trauma paired with empathy, love and wonder — challenges spectators to participate through thought and conversation. “I hope that you approach [the exhibit] with the solemnity it deserves,” McLendon said. “But remember that Vanessa’s ultimate hope is that you take away the importance of empathy and understanding and love to make it through and solve these … societal problems.” With much to contemplate about the exhibit and its themes, visitors will want to spend a good deal of time exploring the intricacies of the installation. The visual splendor of the final room — which is also where the audio presentation is meant to be best heard — is as rich in detail as it is in themes and questions. The headless bodies stand in various positions — motions of

pointing, reaching and running are present in the exhibit, despite the complete stillness of the mannequins — on a glittery-gold curtain which seems to fall from the top of the wall down onto the floor. Flowers, plants and patches of quilt adorn the curtain and the bodies, which are each distinct. Using different combinations of color, found objects and textiles, German has constructed faceless identities, each striking and intricate. “sometimes.we.cannot.be.with. our.bodies.” changes as the soundscape continues, meaning each visitor has a different experience of what they see based on what they hear and when they hear it. It’s the space-conscious design, combined with the content of the 24-minute track, which makes the exhibit an ambitious undertaking for the Fralin. “Vanessa is a great lover of museums and museum spaces and the power of museum spaces,” McLendon said. “This is a way of really emphasizing that you are in a space of power, in a space of display — you are in a special circumstance here, experiencing this work.” German’s work questions the power institutions hold, celebrates the bravery of constructing identity and reclaims the dehumanized victims of violence with empathy and love. It’s a massive undertaking and a sensitive topic — but “sometimes. we.cannot.be.with.our.bodies.” challenges the visitor to think, to mourn, to celebrate — and to act.

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Awards season red carpet fashion recap Some of the best, worst and downright absurd ensembles to hit awards shows this season Ananya Suram | Staff Writer As the 2018-2019 awards season drew to a close with the 91st annual Academy Awards, it seems only fitting to acknowledge one of the most overlooked aspects of the whole experience — the red carpet. The celebrities honored at these events put in almost as much work choosing their outfits as in portraying the characters that got them nominated. Thus, some of their efforts are lauded in a similar fashion below. Best Interpretation of an Animated Character The only image that came to mind as Cardi B walked the Grammys Red Carpet in vintage Mugler from 1995 was “reverse Ursula.” Although she should be commended for the unpredictability of her taste and the endurance she must have had to wear the piece all night, this dress sends one very specific message — “Ariel, give me your voice.” Perhaps the absence of the pearl headpiece, lavender gloves, waist corsage and belly button accent could have saved this look — but this assumption is still dubious at best.

Laura Harrier receives an honorable mention in this category for her outfit at the Academy Awards, a powder blue Louis Vuitton gown with embroidery that speaks to the fashion sense of Elsa from “Frozen” in the best possible way. Also of note, Spike Lee's tribute to Prince at the Oscars in a purple Ozwald Boateng suit was more reminiscent of Waluigi’s ultra-stylish look in the “Super Mario” franchise. Most Tasteful Use of Sequins “If Beale Street Could Talk” actress Regina King triumphed in an Alberta Ferretti gown in which she accepted the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress — Motion Picture. A structural masterpiece, this dress seamlessly incorporates rose sequins that mimic scales with rigid side paneling, accentuating King’s figure beautifully. If the detailing wasn’t enough, the concave neckline of the dress finishes the look with a statuesque flourish. Quite honestly, King should have saved this piece for the Oscars, where she wore a white Oscar de la Renta gown that was gorgeous, if a little boring.

Best Decades Day Outfit Saoirse Ronan stunned at the Golden Globes in a silver Gucci dress that screamed of two of the best trends in the history of fashion: chainmail and fringe. The delicate placement of the silver strands — complemented by the harsher lines created by the jewels — exudes luxury. Still, the deep V-neckline and the peaks of skin that emerge between the gaps of the dress promote a refined sex appeal that fits in perfectly with the Globes. This look was Prohibition-perfection and Iron Agechic all in one. The Only Mention of the SAG Awards While the Screen Actors Guild Awards tend to get neglected during the hubbub of the Golden Globes and the Grammys, Yara Shahidi's Fendi Couture ensemble deserves serious attention. The shimmer of the millennial pink catsuit paired with an ivory tulle overlay decked out with hundreds of Cartier crystals creates an ethereal effect. Additionally, the sharp shoe and play on a peter-pan collar

with embellishments fosters a level of sophistication that raises Shahidi to A-list status. Most Not-Naked Look “Crazy Rich Asians” has been hailed as an important moment of film history this year for being the first major studio film since “The Joy Luck Club” with a predominantly Asian cast. In accordance with the significance of the film, Constance Wu has also brought her A-game with her slew of outfits this season. While nude was on trend at the Golden Globes this year, no one managed to pull off the style quite like Wu in a custom Vera Wang gown consisting of a structured bodice and full tulle skirt, both in a champagne color. Yet, the highlight of this look wasn’t the dress itself so much as the accessories. The burnt orange bow secured around the waist of the gown elevates the color palette of the ensemble, and the Messika choker brings together the princess quality of the look. The Most Stuff To round out these awards, Billy Porter’s fashion game on the red car-

pet this season must be addressed. The “Pose” actor first dazzled at the Golden Globes in a custom grey suit with a hot pink cape designed by Randi Rahm. The embellishment on the jacket, if not to everyone’s taste, established a color scheme that paired perfectly with the outerwear attached to the garment. Meanwhile, the transparency of the dress shirt and the metallic glimmer of its collar leave no part of this outfit unadorned. It’s no wonder the piece took six months to make, according to an interview Rahm gave with The Hollywood Reporter. Of course, the breakout look for men’s fashion this season was the Christian Siriano tuxedo dress Porter debuted at the Academy Awards. The black velvet skirt already adds enough of a wow factor, but subtle details — an exaggerated bow tie and ruffled white sleeves — completed the ensemble, giving it the appearance of a period-piece costume.

U.Va. Tradeswomen want to redefine women’s work Female professionals in the skilled trades host Toolbox Workshop for women, by women Kate Granruth | Arts and Entertainment Editor When the words “women’s work” appear together, the brain makes an instant connection to domestic housewivery. No matter how feminist and progressive a person claims to be, much of Western society has historically trained its citizens to make that correlation, at least at first. Changing the world’s understanding of work considered suitable for women is a big task — one activists and theorists have been tackling for years. From Simone de Beauvoir’s critique of women’s relegation to the home in her book “The Second Sex” to the laptop stickers reading “A woman’s place is in the House and Senate” which can be seen on the computers of many University students today, it’s clear the fight to normalize women working outside of the home is widespread. Here in Charlottesville, the fight was made clear at IX Art Park Feb. 24, where women from University Facilities Management and the University Facilities Management Apprenticeship Program hosted an introductory workshop to introduce women 16 years of age and older to the skilled trades of carpentry, masonry, plumbing and electrical work. The big selling point of this particular event? No boys allowed.

Of course, both men and women are allowed to apply into Apprenticeship Program, a four-year curriculum within Facilities Management that is designed to give hands-on experience, classroom instruction and technical education in the trades. But the Queens of DIY Toolbox Workshop was an intentional effort to recruit female applicants and generally empower women with the doit-yourself construction knowledge often considered to be exclusively for men. Catering the event to women proved effective. The small garage-space was packed with about 50 women, and the crowd buzzed excitedly over coffee, cider and donuts while they waited for the Tradeswomen to signal the start of the workshop. In the moments before the demonstrations began, one woman turned to another and expressed how glad she was an event like this was happening because she had always wanted to learn this kind of thing. The fact that this was exclusively for women is what drove her to register. “It’s not led by men,” she said to her friend. “So there’ll be no mansplaining involved.” Once safety glasses and cut-resistant gloves were distributed to the

participants, the Tradeswomen took to a small stage to introduce themselves and the impetus behind the workshop. Anne Lassere, a carpenter at the University, put their motivation in plain terms. “Many men out there have learned how to be handy from their fathers,” she said. “We propose that women can learn from their mothers.” The statement was met with cheers and applause, and she added, “‘Tradesman’ is typical, but we’re tradeswomen.” It’s clear that the typicality of the male tradesman is pervasive. “Women represent only 1.3 percent of the skilled trades in America,” Lassere said. She went on to describe people’s reactions to a female carpenter arriving on a job site, saying people are surprised “all the time” by her presence. “It’s always a surprise,” she said. “‘Oh, you don’t look like a carpenter,’ I get that a lot. But I take it as a matter of pride, and I take it in stride.” The two-hour long event flew by, with participants divided into groups and rotating between four stations dedicated respectively to plumbing, electrical work, masonry and carpentry. The overall vibe was conversational and encouraging, a welcoming introduction into a

RACHEL LIESENDAHL | THE CAVALIER DAILY

Carpenter Anne Lassere during a demonstration at the Queens of DIY Toolbox Workshop on Feb. 24.

world that’s been roped off to women for so long. The word “tradeswoman” is much more than just a descriptor for this group. It’s a symbol of unity and progress, boldly emblazoned on the back of the tee-shirts worn by the featured skilled-trade professionals. The name was adopted by women working in the trades at the Univer-

sity to create a sense of community and togetherness among women in such a male-dominated field. “We have a great group together, and we want to welcome more women into the trades because it’s so much fun,” Lassere said. “And having these kinds of skills for your whole life? No one can ever take that away from you.”

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U.Va. researcher maps biological structures Dr. Michael Wiener receives $1 million grant from the Keck Foundation to solve structures in living cells Zoe Ziff | Health & Science Editor

“A snail mail, regular mail letter was sent addressed to Mr. James Ryan … President of U.Va., and in this three page letter was a paper check for $1 million dollars,” said Michael Wiener, a researcher in the department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the School of Medicine. Early January, Wiener won a $1 million grant from the William M. Keck Foundation to use distances within a protein to map its structure. This new method promises to be cheaper, faster and easier than traditional techniques. Wiener was the University’s nominee for the Keck Foundation Grant in the Medical Science category. The press release announcing this award was published Feb. 15. If the new method proves effective, it could be utilized by the greater scientific community to study biological structures and aid in the development of pharmaceuticals. This grant spans over three years and is almost completely matched by the University. The Keck Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization based in Southern California and is famous to researchers for funding “high-risk, h i g h - re wa rd ”

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scientific projects. According to Joel Baumgart — the senior research program officer in the Office of the Vice President for Research — most research grants in the University are funded by federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health. However, these agencies tend to give money to research that already has a lot of preliminary data and is the next logical step in that researcher’s work. “[Wiener’s idea] is a little bit too risky for the canonical, federal funding agencies,” Baumgart said. “That's where the foundations like Keck come in. They look for the space between what the agencies will fund.” Although Wiener is the first researcher from the University’s School of Medicine to receive a Keck Foundation grant, in 2016 University biologist Eyleen O’Rourke was awarded $1.2 million from the same foundation. Baumgart credits some of these recent funding acquisitions to the expansion of the University’s corporate and foundations relations office. “What we learned is there's an ecosystem to research,” Baumgart said. “The idea alone, the

idea in a box or in a drawer, is not enough itself to carry the day. What you need is ... the foundations office.” A focus of Wiener’s research is preparing numerous, lower-resolution samples of proteins — rather than risky and time-consuming samples — to solve the shape of a molecule. Wiener explained that determining the shape of a molecule is like creating an image. One method is taking a picture of the the whole — which in the submicroscopic realm is expensive and often does not work — and another method is finding distances between the parts of the whole and using those distances to create an image. “Instead of one sample that has all the goodies, you make a large number of samples that will be much easier to make — and fast and cheap,” Wiener said. “Each one of them gives you a small bit of information which you can then assemble together to get the entire structure.” Other methods used to solve protein structures are x-ray crystallography, in which a crystallized protein sample is exposed to x-ray beams, as well as cryo-electron microscopy, which cools samples to extremely low temperatures and studies them with an electron microscope. Wiener’s proposed method — called serial solution scattering structure determination, or S4D — uses a large number of samples with chemical labels that are analyzed with x-rays and computational methods to determine the structure of a protein. This technique could also save time and resources needed to prepare samples for analysis. According to Brandon Goblirsch, a research associate in Wiener’s lab, when studying the structure of molecules, the majority of time spent in the lab is preparing samples. “S4D is really … targeting something that is a real bottleneck to structural biology and biological sciences,” Goblirsch said. “Just preparing samples, and doing it in a cost-effective and efficient way, frankly, [is] costly in terms of

reagents but also people’s time and career time.” Another aspect of S4D is the possibility of determining structures in a cell-like environment. Lukas Tamm, chairman of the Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics department in the University’s Medical School, explained that proteins, especially ones embedded in the membrane of a cell, are notoriously difficult to map because other components are attached to them. Once isolated for study, the protein is no longer in its natural system. “In the living cells, they’re in more of a natural environment,” Tamm said. “And so they have all kinds of other components bound to them that you would see in a living cell that you would perhaps purify away when you isolate them and put them in a crystal.” The next immediate steps for Wiener’s research are preparing the samples using small proteins called peptides and adding labeling agents to them. Sample preparation will occur in Wiener’s lab — in the University’s Fontaine Research Park — and in the next few months the researchers will take the labelled proteins to the Department of Energy’s National Synchrotron Light Source II, a facility in the Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York that houses beamlines that will analyze the sample and provide necessary data to evaluate Wiener’s method. Once Wiener’s research team obtains data points for their samples from NSLS-II, that data will be analyzed by Wiener’s collaborators — Ken Dill, a computational scientist from Stony Brook University, and Lei Wang, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, who will enable S4D to be used in living cells. “I will be doing the research for all three years of this grant,” Wiener said. “My collaborators … will start in year two. So essentially we're driving it forward to get results and certain core experiments done, which will then set the stage to dial in these other technological developments.” According to Goblirsch, Dill will take the experimental data obtained from NSLS-II and use it to reconstruct three-dimensional models of

proteins. “Molecules are three-dimensional — they move [and] breathe,” Goblirsch said. “Ultimately we want to know the three-dimensional architecture so one way is to … get lots of these distances, but then somebody has to develop software and the algorithms and the know-how to feed that into a three-dimensional model that takes advantage of all those distances.” According to Wiener, the chemical and technological techniques necessary for labeling these proteins in live cells will be a challenge to this project. “I would say that they are technological challenges, rather than conceptual challenges,” he said. The money from the grant will be used to buy scientific instrumentation and support scientists and technicians in his lab and in the labs of his collaborators. He plans to stay in contact with his collaborators through Skype and Collab. Baumgart explained that federal grants for research provide an additional 61 percent of the amount of each grant to the University to pay for general facilities, such as electricity and WiFi. Grants from foundations such as the Keck do not pay the extra 61 percent, and because of this, the University in the past tended not to encourage applications for foundation grants. However, Baumgart suggests that after obtaining a large grant from a foundation, more federal grants tend to follow. “Somebody who wins a Keck [is going to] get federal grants,” said Baumgart. Wiener has had this idea for solving protein structures for at least a decade. Long-term, he plans for this project to be a large part of his research focus for the rest of his career. “The driver for my going into research science has been the notion that science at its best is a creative endeavor,” Wiener said. “It's a craft. It's an art. It's my art.”

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Secrets are revealed when the African-American LeVay family gathers for the weekend. Brothers Kent and Flip brought their respective partners home— and soon the family and two newcomers butt heads over issues of race and privilege. (Mature Content)

18/19 SEASON

STICK FLY By Lydia Diamond February 28March 2 at 8pm March 2 at 2pm March 5-7 at 8pm ______________ Ruth Caplin Theatre Directed by Jennifer L. Nelson

434-924-3376 www.drama.virginia.edu

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