Graduate Student News

Study reveals how interpersonal trauma can influence whether college students form romantic relationships

Dec. 14, 2021

The study found that those exposed to interpersonal trauma before coming to college were more likely to be in a romantic relationship during college. Those exposed to trauma during college were less likely to be in a relationship.

History students uncover the personal stories of Virginians killed in the Vietnam War

Dec. 10, 2021

The project was done in partnership with the Virginia War Memorial as part of its work to gather information about the 1,303 Virginians listed on the memorial’s Shrine of Memory.

A VCU Life Sciences doctoral student is working with the Virginia League of Conservation Voters to build a voter education guide ahead of Virginia's June 8 primary, and will continue working with the league this summer to create a nonpartisan voter guide for the November general election (Getty Images)

Putting science on the ballot

June 2, 2021

Doctoral student Kayla Mathes studies forest ecology and is raising awareness of climate change ahead of Virginia's 2021 elections through her work with the Virginia League of Conservation Voters.

A new study led by VCU researchers finds that students who have been exposed to interpersonal trauma prior to college consume more alcohol than those without interpersonal trauma exposure. But romantic relationships mitigate these effects of trauma on a student’s drinking behavior. (Getty Images)

Romantic relationships mitigate effects of trauma on alcohol use among college students

April 22, 2021

A new study led by VCU researchers shows students exposed to interpersonal trauma prior to college are more likely to engage in risky alcohol use — but effects can be mitigated through romantic relationships.

VCU students walk through the Monroe Park Campus on the first day of classes in August 2018. A new study by researchers identifies factors that drive student drop-out rates. Among them: Involvement in student organizations, living on campus and greater social support are associated with a lower likelihood of dropping out of college. (Allen Jones, University Marketing)

Involvement in student organizations, living on campus early in college reduce odds of dropping out

March 24, 2021

A new study by VCU researchers also finds that depressive symptoms, antisocial behaviors, exposure to stressful events and substance use increase the risk.