CSC Newsletter June 2026
Check out the Contemplative Sciences Center’s June 2026 Newsletter with sections on Encouraging a Deeper Sense of Purpose, Connecting in Different Ways, Citizen Leader Fellows, Research, Dalai Lama Fellows, and more.
CSC News
View the full list of all our newsletters in the archive.
Cav Daily: The Contemplative Sciences Center Reports Successful Academic Year
Cavalier Daily published an article celebrating the achievements of the Contemplative Sciences Center of its first academic year since the grand opening. The article discusses the events and milestones that occurred over the year, along with quotes from students and staff.
Meditation & Environments Study
Join a Fall 2026 meditation program at the Contemplative Commons studying the link between meditation and environment. Must be 18-24 years old and have little to no meditation experience.
CIRCL Laboratory Technician
The Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia is seeking a Laboratory Technician for its CIRCL, Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab. This position will be approximately 25-35-hours per week, in-person in Charlottesville, VA. The Laboratory Technician will assist the research team with the management of equipment, software, and data for several studies in the collaboratory.
CIRCL Laboratory Coordinator
The Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia is seeking a Laboratory Coordinator for its CIRCL, Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab. This position will be approximately 25-35 hours per week, in-person in Charlottesville, VA. The Laboratory Coordinator will assist with the implementation and management of studies in the collaboratory. The Laboratory Coordinator will have opportunities to learn interdisciplinary research methods in practice, be part of a dynamic team of collaborative researchers dedicated to studying contemplative practices and contribute to multi-author publications produced by the lab.
UVA Sustainability: Meet this Green Building - Contemplative Commons
The UVA Sustainability blog highlights the Contemplative Commons' unique sustainability features: Use of natural materials including Heart Pine floors; water management; and biophillic design, and more. Read the article here.
Cav Daily: Virginia Interfaith Coalition Dinner Brings Religious Unity in a Time of Tension
The Cavelier Daily posted an article on the interfaith dinner held in the Contemplative Commons studio 1B. The dinner was a collaboration betwene the Contemplative Sciences Center and the Virginia Interfaith Coalition. It brought together over 100 people of various faiths and backgrounds for a night of food, music and conversation.
Metropolis Feature: This UVA Campus Building Asks Students to Slow Down
Read the Metropolis feature on the Contemplative Commons entitled “This UVA Campus Building Asks Students to Slow Down.” Sam Lubell’s article, in the architectural magazine, explores how the architecture firm Aidlin Darling Design created the Contemplative Commons, as “a cross-disciplinary hub where calm, clarit
Commons Receives Commendation by the Civic Trust Awards
The Contemplative Commons received the distinction of Highly Commended by the Civic Trust Awards, which recognizes outstanding architecture, planning and design in the built environment. According to the Civic Trust Awards feature, “The Contemplative Commons at the University of Virginia is a measured and deeply thoughtful intervention that uses architecture and landscape to create space for reflection, wellbeing and shared experience within an active academic setting.”
Student Employment Opportunities at UVA's Contemplative Sciences Center
The Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) at the University of Virginia is seeking motivated and passionate undergraduate and graduate students to join our team for the summer 2026 and / or the 2026-2027 academic year.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to CSC’s mission of advancing student flourishing, interdisciplinary research, and innovative programs that integrate contemplative practices into academic and community life. The student experience is at the core of our work, and your perspectives will directly help shape our programs and effectiveness on Grounds.
(These positions are not currently open. Check back in Spring 2027 for openings!)
CSC Newsletter March 2026
Check out the Contemplative Sciences Center's March 2026 newsletter (Opens in new window).
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UVA Today: UVA retreat helps students redefine happiness
UVAToday covers the Student Happiness Retreat, a collaboration between UVA’s Department of Student Health and Wellness and the Contemplative Sciences Center, facilitated by Kelly Crace and Katie Smith.
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From South Dakota to France, UVA students put their studies into practice
Julianna Mollica, a PhD Graduate Research Assistant with the Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) and doctoral candidate in UVA’s Constructed Environment program, studies how architecture and neuroscience intersect to influence mental health.
Sleep, Dreams, and Virtual Reality
The CSC research team seeks adults aged 18-70 to participate in a study exploring contemplative experiences in Virtual Reality (VR), sleep health, and cognitive flexibility.
Architectural Record Features Contemplative Commons: Mind and Matter
Architectural Record featured the Contemplative Commons in their health and wellness issue, published in January, 2026.
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CSC Newsletter December 2025
Check out the Contemplative Sciences Center's 2025 year-end newsletter.
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Viriginia Public Radio: UVA immerses visitors in a world of sound and light
“It was wonderful. It was like being in a whole other dimension of peace and serenity and connected to whence we came and maybe to whence we return," Jill Lord, a visitor to NINFEO says.
‘Body, space and memory’: Capoeira comes to Grounds
UVA Today highlighted introduction to Capoeira, held on Nov 11, 2015 at the Contemplative Sciences Center. This event was co-sponsored by the Department of African American and African Studies, Carter G. Woodson Institute, and the Contemplative Sciences Center.
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C-VILLE WEEKLY: Acclaimed artist Wolfgang Buttress designs a community treasure
C-VILLE Weekly recently reviewed Wolfgang Buttress’ immersive art installation NINFEO which resides in the Contemplative Commons—together with its sister exhibition at Les Yeux du Monde gallery in Charlottesville.
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CSC Newsletter October 2025
Featured in the October newsletter (archived PDF): "The Active Series: Finding Breath and Movement," by student worker, Malaika Rehman; SENSEmaking Symposium Dazzles; Upcoming Events, and more. Subscribe here.
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NBC29: Contemplative Commons first of its kind, architects say
"We really wanted to create a building that people could thrive in." These are the words of the Contemplative Commons’ principle architect Kent Chiang in Channel 29’s story on the uniqueness of one of UVA’s newest buildings that provides a peaceful sanctuary for students, faculty, and community members.
Rolling Stone: Contemplative Sciences Center Featured
Rolling Stone published an article by Contemplative Sciences Center student intern, Jack Korngold who is currently attending high school in New York City.
UVA Taps CSC for Story on Attention: Trouble focusing? These UVA experts can help
The Contemplative Science Center's Michael Sheehy discusses ways to guard our attention. “Let’s remember our attention is a precious human resource. If we treat our attention as something we need to guard, to protect, and we direct it toward what we want to pay attention to, that resource is strengthened and becomes more abundant,” Sheehy said.
CSC Newsletter August 2025
As UVA's Fall 2025 semester begins, view CSC's events and programming in the August August 2025 newsletter (archived PDF). Subscribe here.
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WVIR News: Kids come together at “Elements of Peace”
The Elements of Peace Summer Program offered youth (ages 11-15) an immersion retreat rooted in mindfulness, creative expression, and deep connection with nature. Campers expressed how the retreat gave them a sense of belonging and deepened self-awareness.