Undergraduate Student News

Grayson Jacey is interested in the scientific and engineering side of medicine, especially how drugs are developed and made. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How I found my research: Grayson Jacey seeks to help make important medicines more accessible

April 21, 2026

The junior, who says ‘there is always something new to learn,’ has engaged in research projects at VCU, in private industry and in India and Germany.

After transferring to VCU in 2023, Ruby Stewart dove right away into the university’s Outdoor Adventure Program. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2026: Ruby Stewart is navigating her dream path in outdoor leadership

April 16, 2026

The environmental studies major has led trips near and far through the VCU Outdoor Adventure Program.

VCU students shared their research with some of the thousands of attendees at this week’s National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Richmond. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Meet seven of the nearly 500 VCU students who presented their research this week at a prestigious conference

April 16, 2026

Undergrads from a range of disciplines explain their research, what attracted them to it and what participating in the National Conference on Undergraduate Research meant to them.

Saif Alotaibi, a biology major, has embraced the wealth of research opportunities that VCU offers for undergraduates. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

World@VCU: Saif Alotaibi from Kuwait

April 9, 2026

‘You can do research as an undergraduate at VCU. You get so lost because of how many opportunities there are.’

Rohit Paradkar, a junior majoring in bioinformatics, is VCU’s 19th Goldwater Scholar in the past 20 years. (Contributed image)

VCU undergraduate selected for prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

April 8, 2026

Rohit Paradkar, a junior in the Honors College, is studying bioinformatics and researching cancer treatment.

At VCU, Manuella Escobar said, “I have taken on every opportunity, endeavor and project I stumbled upon to grow as a professional and as a human being.” (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How I found my research: Manuella Escobar dives deep into the Latino college experience

April 1, 2026

Escobar, a Colombia native, gravitated to her line of study when her classmates’ questions about her cultural background transitioned from ‘Narcos’ and drug cartels to Bad Bunny, J Balvin and Latin music.

From left: Brian Alves, Alexis Washington, VCU men’s basketball coach Phil Martelli Jr., Marcus Leary, Ben Rekosh and Andrew Thompson take a break in the media room in Greenville, South Carolina during the Rams' recent NCAA Tournament run. (Courtesy photo)

With Martelli’s praise at NCAA Tournament, student journalists get a bounce

March 31, 2026

And they return the compliment as national attention follows the Rams and the young reporters.

William Thomas has dived into research while at VCU, including researching sickle cell disease – a condition that he has himself. (Jonathan Haff, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2026: William Thomas explores biology, medicine and his own disease

March 27, 2026

Sickle cell disease interrupted his freshman year, but the experience inspired him to join a VCU lab focused on the condition.

Naaima Zaharah, a psychology major, has learned to “appreciate the intellectual complexity of research and the collaborative nature of scientific discovery” while at VCU. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How I found my research: Naaima Zaharah examines genetic vulnerabilities in alcohol use disorder

March 27, 2026

The psychology major said that research is ‘an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to explore questions you genuinely care about.’

Amaria Ford “has consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication, initiative and excellence. She excels at every task she does,” according to a faculty mentor. (Contributed image)

Class of 2026: Amaria Ford connects biology, psychology and youth development

March 24, 2026

She has been a standout in undergraduate research, supporting the Empower Youth Lab led by Chelsea Williams.