On Record

Episode Notes In this episode of On Record, Professor Ran Zhao, a Chinese professor and director of U.Va. in Shanghai, highlights how the program empowers students to immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture with intensive instruction and fun opportunities to explore the city. After all, learning a language means experiencing its culture firsthand.

The Lorax Society is one of U.Va.'s many organizations with a focus on sustainability. The society’s mission is to preserve the natural biodiversity of Charlottesville. Maddie Foreman, the current president of the Lorax Society and second-year College student, discusses upcoming changes to the organization following the election of a new executive board, as well as her plans for new events and initiatives this semester.

Episode Notes Dr. Anne Rotich, Director of Undergraduate Programs in the Department of African American and African Studies, informs us about her J-term course, Swahili Cultures Then and Now, which takes the students across the globe to Kenya. Dr. Rotich discusses the new knowledge and informational experiences students gain through her course, traveling around Kenya, and how she provides opportunities for cultural immersion. She also analyzes the benefits of studying abroad and how students can most insightfully learn about other cultures.

Episode Notes The Peer Health Education program is made up of student Peer Health Educators, who work to empower other students to develop healthier habits. Evie Liu, current Outreach Coordinator of PHE and fourth-year college student, discusses the role of PHE in promoting a “community of care” in the student body and expands on the organization’s various initiatives.

Episode Notes Ahead of its Fall 2025 issue, V MAG co-editors-in-chief Rachel Mulvaney, fourth-year Batten student, and Kieran Warner, third-year Commerce student, give a deeper look into what it takes to lead an arts publication, the collaboration and creativity that shape each issue, and the inspiration behind the upcoming edition. This episode explores the importance of an arts magazine as a platform for students' voices and the artistic community it fosters on Grounds.

Episode Notes In this episode, Mona El Khafif, an Associate Professor of Architecture, explains biophilic design: the integration of nature into urban and architectural spaces. Through her work on the Biophilic Region Exhibition and her emphasis on the role of educational collaboration, she highlights the importance of shaping architecture and learning for an environmentally conscious future, even here in Charlottesville.

Episode Notes Co-president Armelle Worrel gives a behind-the-scenes look at UVA’s club pickleball team, highlighting the welcoming culture, national championship success, what it’s like to lead such a large team, and partnerships and sponsorships that help the program thrive. This episode explores what makes UVA pickleball a trailblazer and a vibrant part of student life on Grounds.

Episode Notes Parker Sims, president of Outdoors Club and fourth-year College student, discusses her presidency, the club's student self-governance and its diversity and sustainability. She highlights breaking down barriers to the outdoors and the importance of not only getting outside as a student, but doing so with a community, such as the Outdoors Club.