Undergraduate Student News

Physics major Jazlyn Lopez Silva spent her summer learning how to manufacture and 3D print a new material for biomedical devices. (Jake Burns, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Undergraduate researcher Jazlyn Lopez Silva targets better medical implants

Aug. 14, 2026

The physics major is developing a 3D-printed, conductive polymer in the lab of VCU nanoscientist Daeha Joung.

Five questions with health, physical education, and exercise science major Maya Cureton

Aug. 13, 2026

Cureton wants to take a holistic approach to her health science career

Five questions with health, physical education, and exercise science major Madelyn Strom

Aug. 13, 2026

The May 2026 graduate shared her experience in the HPEX program

Environmental studies major Cree Taylor (left) spent her summer flying in planes, working in the field and learning to code through NASA’s Student Airborne Research Program. (Contributed photo)

NASA summer program helped Cree Taylor soar – and land on her academic focus

Aug. 10, 2026

The agency’s Student Airborne Research Program encouraged the self-identified ‘dabbler’ to home in on research with a personal connection.

VCU environmental studies major Jasmine Cuellar turned her passion for birds into a multi-year research project. (VCU Social Media staff, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Jasmine Cuellar spends summer with the songbirds

Aug. 4, 2026

Along the James River and its system of nesting boxes, the VCU environmental studies student is researching how temperature affects prothonotary warbler nestlings.

Mary Carson sets up a game camera for collecting behavior and diet data outside a focal box. (Contributed image)

Internship amid falcons takes Mary Carson’s research to new heights

July 23, 2026

Working at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania is a natural fit for the biology and environmental studies major who is part of VCU’s Avian Ecology Lab.

Alex Pola said his best experiences in Paris have been spur of the moment or come from the people he has met – not by studying social media as a guide. (Contributed photo)

Postcard From … Alex Pola in France

July 7, 2026

We caught up with the VCU mass communications major for a quick report on his study abroad experience.

In her role as co-executive director of VCU Votes, VCU senior Roqia Ali’s goal is to meet her peers where they are as she spreads the word about civic engagement. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Family journey inspires Roqia Ali’s passion for civic engagement

June 2, 2026

The VCU Votes leader champions democracy and doesn’t take it for granted.

Neha Veeramalla, a psychology major and business minor, participated in a host of experiential learning opportunities while at VCU, including several research projects. (Contributed image)

Class of 2026: Neha Veeramalla keeps psychology and mentorship at front of mind

May 19, 2026

Veeramalla’s well-rounded undergraduate research experience included studies related to substance use, spinal cord injury patients, and pregnant and postpartum women.

Zora Weir-Gertzog, who graduated this month with majors in both biology and communication arts, is an accomplished medical illustrator. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2026: Aspiring medical illustrator Zora Weir-Gertzog is drawn to art and science

May 10, 2026

At VCU, her two degrees, independent project and broad collaborations reflect longtime creativity and motivation.