Undergraduate Student News

Undergraduates on the cusp of graduating (bottom row) take a look back at their 2019 selves (top row) and reflect on their time at VCU and who they are today. (Photos by Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

May 2023 graduates: then and now

May 4, 2023

We snapped their photos in fall 2019. Now these seniors are pausing to reflect on their VCU experience and how they’ve changed.

11 VCU students, recent alums and staff receive Fulbright awards for 2023-24

May 2, 2023

In earning one of the country’s top scholarships, they will spread out across the globe to teach English, conduct research, pursue creative projects and study for graduate degrees.

The Graduate Research Symposium and Exhibit and the Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity are centerpiece events for VCU Research Weeks every year, highlighting the work of student researchers. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

From smoking to scenic rivers, VCU students spotlight their insight at research symposiums

May 2, 2023

Graduate and undergraduate researchers showcase their creativity and welcome the feedback.

Tara Ram Mohan majored in computer science, operations research, and mathematical sciences at VCU. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: From the Fed to SpaceX, Tara Ram Mohan seeks ways of making an impact

April 28, 2023

Ram Mohan served four internships while at VCU, including one on the Starlink project that led to a full-time job after graduation.

Fraser Trotter works part-time at Velocity Comics on Broad Street and as a tutor in VCU’s Department of Philosophy. (Photo by Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications.)

Class of 2023: Fraser Trotter went back to college after dropping out years earlier. At VCU, he earned straight A’s and is headed to a top law school.

April 25, 2023

Trotter, a philosophy major, thought he’d missed his chance at a college degree but found success at Virginia Commonwealth University.

As part of her research project under mentor Chelsea Williams, Ph.D. (right), Vanessa Olazabal (left) honed her presentation skills and traveled to Salt Lake City to present her findings at a conference. (Allen Jones, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU summer program gave psychology major Vanessa Olazabal a GREAT research subject: fellow Rams

April 24, 2023

She explored links among Latine students’ ethnic-racial identity, relationships, the pandemic and how alcohol use and anxiety were affected.

Sierra Tutwiler is a recipient of an NSF fellowship that will help support her pursuit of a Ph.D. at VCU. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Sierra Tutwiler puts her energy into energy

April 24, 2023

First-generation college grad, a double major in physics and mechanical engineering, directs her passion for science and research into power.

Andy Shar, left, and Daeha Joung, Ph.D., center, inspect the flexible 3D printing ink Andy has developed that conducts electricity, which will allow researchers in their lab and other scientists to make wearable devices and eSkin technologies that empower patients to better monitor and take charge of their health. (Allen Jones, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Biology major Andy Shar discovers 3D printable ink that ‘everyone was looking for,’ physics professor says

April 20, 2023

Daeha Joung, Ph.D., supports his sophomore research mentee’s independence and success, which now includes published research.

Saniya Phillips founded the student group, Leadership for Women of Color, among many other efforts during her undergraduate experience at VCU. (Contributed photo)

Class of 2023: Saniyah Phillips finds her stage beyond the theater

April 20, 2023

Activism and community are central for political science major, who next will pursue a Master of Public Administration degree at VCU.

Gabriella Daire, a junior at VCU, has been selected as a recipient of the Goldwater Scholarship. (Contributed photo)

VCU undergraduate earns Goldwater Scholarship, a highly sought-after honor for students in STEM fields

April 19, 2023

As a Goldwater Scholar, biology researcher and Richmond native Gabriella Daire pursues her interest in space medicine.