On the evening of October 10, 2025, UVA Engineering’s Thornton Society members gathered to celebrate the school’s Annual Achievement Awards at the Boar’s Head Resort during their annual dinner. Dean Jennifer West presented the awards to alumni, faculty and staff in recognition of their contributions to the school, the University, the engineering field and society.
The 2025 UVA Engineering Achievement Award winners included:
Distinguished Faculty Award: Robert J. Davis
Robert J. Davis, William Stansfield Calcott Professor of Engineering and Applied Science and a faculty member in the department of chemical engineering, is internationally recognized for his pioneering research in catalysis and reaction engineering. Over his 35-year career at UVA, he has published nearly 200 papers, delivered more than 170 invited lectures, and earned leading honors from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the North American Catalysis Society. He is a celebrated teacher whose lectures are known for their clarity and inspiration, and he has mentored more than 40 Ph.D. students, numerous postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty. His widely used textbook, Fundamentals of Chemical Reaction Engineering, reflects his deep commitment to education. Professor Davis has also provided extensive service to UVA and the profession, including leadership roles in academic societies and advisory boards worldwide. In recognition of his scholarship, mentorship, and service, he is honored with this year’s Distinguished Faculty Award.
Distinguished Service Award: Sherri Sullivan
Sherri Sullivan has dedicated over 25 years of service to the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the University of Virginia. As Senior Finance Generalist, she is recognized for her expertise in fiscal administration, budgeting, and financial systems. Sherri is a trusted advisor to faculty and colleagues across multiple departments, generously sharing her knowledge and mentoring others. She played a key role in guiding UVA through the transition to Workday, becoming a go-to resource for financial management. Her integrity, professionalism, and commitment to service excellence have left a lasting impact on the UVA community. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, she is honored with this year’s Distinguished Service Award.
Distinguished Alumni Career Award: Linwood A. Lacy, Jr.
Chip Lacy (B.S. Chemical Engineering, UVA, 1967; MBA, Darden, 1969) is recognized for his remarkable leadership and service. Over an illustrious career, he held top executive roles as CEO of Ingram Micro, Ingram Industries, and Micro Warehouse, and co-founded 4sure.com. He has also served as Director and Board Chair for major national and international corporations. At UVA, Chip and his wife Connie have been tireless champions of student experiential learning, establishing Lacy Hall and Lacy Lab as centers for student-driven, hands-on engineering education. Their support has expanded opportunities for students to design, build, and test innovations in real-world contexts. His vision, generosity, and enduring service to UVA exemplify the highest ideals of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Career Award.
Distinguished Alumni Engineering Award: Steve L. Huffman
Steve Huffman, (B.S., Computer Science, 2005) is recognized for his extraordinary achievements as co-founder and CEO of Reddit. Launched with his UVA roommate Alexis Ohanian through Y Combinator, Reddit quickly became the “front page of the Internet” and is now one of the most visited websites worldwide, going public in 2024. After co-founding the travel startup Hipmunk, Steve returned to Reddit as CEO in 2014, leading significant platform improvements and sustained global growth. His leadership has earned him recognition on Inc.’s 30 Under 30 and Forbes’ 40 Under 40 lists. Beyond his professional success, he supports philanthropic initiatives, mentors entrepreneurs, and serves on the Anti-Defamation League’s Tech Advisory Board. In recognition of his impact on technology, entrepreneurship, and society, he is honored with this year’s Distinguished Alumni Engineering Award.
Outstanding Young Engineering Graduate Award: Robert A. Golden
Robert Golden (Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, 2017) is recognized for his outstanding contributions to advanced coating technologies at Rolls-Royce. As a Technical Specialist in Materials, he leads the development of ceramic matrix composite coating systems and thermal barrier technologies, advancing efforts toward higher efficiency and net-zero carbon propulsion. He holds 13 U.S. patents and has authored multiple scientific publications, building on his highly impactful doctoral research. Dr. Golden also strengthens the UVA–Rolls-Royce partnership as University Technology Center Coordinator, managing collaborative research awards and mentoring graduate students. He continues to support UVA undergraduates through senior design projects that provide industry-relevant experience. In recognition of his professional achievements and commitment to education, he is honored with this year’s Outstanding Young Engineering Graduate Award.
Invention of the Year Award: Bryan W. Berger
Bryan Berger, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, is recognized for his groundbreaking work in antimicrobial biotechnology. His invention of “Antipathogenic Polypeptides,” issued as a patent in 2025, has led to the creation of novel biofungicides that address the urgent problem of fungicide resistance in agriculture while safeguarding human and environmental health. He is the founder of Lytos Technologies, a start-up that has secured significant federal and industry funding and is building a commercial production facility in Virginia. His innovations are advancing safe, sustainable solutions for crop protection and public health. Dr. Berger’s research has attracted national recognition, competitive grants, and industry partnerships that elevate UVA’s reputation in biotechnology and sustainability. For his pioneering contributions and their impact on science, society, and industry, he is honored with this year’s Invention of the Year Award.