Fall 2007

According to Custom

Student Traditions at Virginia

As revered as the University's traditions are, some change with the times and others fade away entirely. Here's a look at just a few.

Anatomy of a Mystery

The Jefferson-Hemings controversy in the post-DNA era

Following a DNA study in 1998, many scholars believe that Thomas Jefferson likely fathered children by slave Sally Hemings. For others, the genetic findings deepen the mystery.

Explaining the World

Professor Lou Bloomfield demystifies the physics of everyday life

Lou Bloomfield, who teaches the popular introductory physics course "How Things Work," explains the science behind objects that students see every day.

Murder, She Writes

From New York crime fighter to New York Times best seller

Linda Fairstein (Law ’72) earned the nickname "Hell on Heels" during her 25 years as chief prosecutor for Manhattan's Sex Crimes Unit. Having helped reform a judicial system myopic about violence towards women, she's turned her talents to crime fiction.

University Digest

You Can’t Keep a Good Spire Down

Roaming Through Rome

Getting Out of a Jam

Worsening traffic on Virginia roads demands high-tech solutions. The Smart Travel Lab uses advanced computer models to develop them.

Bookmarked: Help Determine the University’s Future

Setting the Record Straight

Q&A with Michael Gibson

Verbatim

All Things Small and Beautiful

Miller Center Kicks off National Debate Series

Help for a Degraded River

Engineering and architecture students collaborate to design the Learning Barge, a floating classroom meant to teach schoolchildren in Hampton Roads about ecology on the Elizabeth River.