Graduate Student News

MFA student Josh Galarza’s debut book has been named a finalist for this year’s National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. (Photo contributed by Josh Galarza)

‘The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky,’ by VCU student Josh Galarza, named National Book Award finalist

Oct. 1, 2024

Galarza’s debut novel is one of five finalists for the 2024 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.

MFA student Josh Galarza’s debut book has been longlisted for this year’s National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. (Photo contributed by Josh Galarza)

VCU creative writing student Josh Galarza’s debut novel longlisted for National Book Award for Young People’s Literature

Sept. 11, 2024

The finalists will be announced Oct. 1 by the National Book Foundation.

Josh Galarza, who is in his third year of the MFA in Creative Writing program at VCU, returned to adolescence for his debut novel, “The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky.” (Photo contributed by Josh Galarza)

In debut novel, VCU creative writing student Josh Galarza brings life to teen experience

July 23, 2024

The MFA candidate shares the inspiration for his young adult title and the lessons he has learned.

Graduation Scenes

May 15, 2024

Images from some of VCU’s many events celebrating the spring class of 2024.

Skye Thurston, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering and physics, was among the student researchers to feature their work at two recent poster symposiums. (Photo by Dina Weinstein, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Hundreds of posters reveal one compelling story of VCU student research

May 7, 2024

Undergraduate and graduate symposiums, part of annual VCU Research Weeks, highlight projects that touch on an array of disciplines, notable history and scientific potential.

Four current VCU students and two alums have received NSF Graduate Research Fellowships. (File photo)

Four VCU students and two recent alums selected for prestigious National Science Foundation funding

May 1, 2024

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports their advancement in STEM disciplines.

Ana Edwards, an assistant professor of African American studies at VCU, has been interviewing members of the Family Representative Council, including Joe Jones and others who have been connected with the work going back to 1994. (Contributed photo)

VCU students, faculty document oral history of the East Marshall Street Well Project

April 2, 2024

The Health Humanities Lab, a research lab at VCU’s Humanities Research Center, is conducting the project in collaboration with the Family Representative Council.

Tijana Simovic, a Ph.D. student at VCU, co-authored a recent study that shows young and regular users of e-cigarettes exhibit a reduced blood vessel function. (Photo courtesy of Paula Rodriguez Miguelez, Ph.D.)

Regular e-cigarette use could lead to premature vascular dysfunction, VCU study finds

March 5, 2024

As the devices grow in popularity, researchers warn that young adult users are showing reduced blood vessel function

Stephen Gibson, a Ph.D. candidate in the developmental psychology program at VCU, researches the long-term effects of online racism on the mental health of Black teens. (Contributed photo)

In mind, body and digital souls, VCU doctoral student examines racism through the lenses of adolescence and parenting

Feb. 15, 2024

Developmental psychology researcher Stephen Gibson explores the intersection of teen mental health, online experiences and parent-child communication.

Kay Coghill’s Ph.D. dissertation explores digital violence and misogynoir, the unique discrimination that Black women experience. (Contributed photo)

Through research and activism, VCU doctoral student explores gender, race, violence and culture – and wins American Society of Criminology award

Feb. 1, 2024

In their studies, in front of a classroom and in digital work, Kay Coghill sheds light on misogynoir and helps survivors of sexual violence.