Undergraduate Student News

Winfred Walker. “It is important to understand that you have the power to choose your own path in life.” (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Winfred Walker is an advocate for racial equity at VCU and better representation in comics

Dec. 7, 2021

The College of Humanities and Sciences student aims to help create a more racially just society through his work in the community and his research.

Heather James. Her path to a VCU degree included hospital stays and multiple organ transplants. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: After overcoming steep health challenges, Heather James now inspires others

Dec. 6, 2021

Her eight-year journey to a VCU degree was full of obstacles — including multiple organ transplants. Now, the public relations student aspires to a career in the field of organ donation advocacy.

Luci Harris. “The immigration system is incredibly complicated and can be very traumatic for the individuals who go through it,” she said. “I hope to be able to use my Spanish skills and cultural competencies to make that process an easier one for immigrants in Virginia.” (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Luci Harris hopes to help immigrants navigate the U.S. immigration system

Dec. 2, 2021

A summer internship helped solidify her decision to pursue a law degree after graduation “so that I can help individuals feel recognized and heard.”

After interning at the Greater Richmond Partnership last spring and summer, Fatima Osborne landed a full-time job opportunity with the organization this fall. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Fatima Osborne is using a love of storytelling to bring business to Richmond

Nov. 30, 2021

The mass communications student and intern-turned-administrative coordinator at the Greater Richmond Partnership enjoys working in social media and ‘letting people be heard.’

VCU Afghan Student Organization officers: Rida Jamal (left), Sadef Osmanzai (back), Waris Bahrami (right) and Yasameen Anwari (front). (Tom Kojcsich, University Marketing)

Mobilizing to help Afghans in need

Nov. 22, 2021

Responding to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, VCU students and graduates of Afghan descent are raising money, donating supplies, assisting refugees and providing information in a chaotic time.

Turner's undergraduate experiences include time as a research intern at the National Institutes of Health. (Allen Jones, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Triniti Turner is driven by a passion for research and forensic science

Nov. 19, 2021

The graduating student’s experiences include time in a forensic molecular biology lab and as a research intern at the National Institutes of Health.

An injury cut short Shae Gavit's military career. Now she hopes to help veterans, active-duty military and military families struggling with substance and alcohol abuse. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Former Marine wants to help veterans who suffer from addiction

Nov. 18, 2021

Though an injury cut short her military career, Shae Gavit wants to carry out the oath she took to serve others.

Kameron Jones. “If I didn’t have my grandmother, who was so integrated in the tribe and grew up on the land, I wouldn’t know about my culture,” she said. “I am trying to learn more about not only my grandmother but also further back in our history.” (Tom Kojcsich, University Marketing)

Biology student Kameron Jones seeks to connect with fellow Indigenous students and serve Native American communities

Nov. 5, 2021

An aspiring doctor and descendant of the Meherrin Indian Tribe, Jones is learning more about her history, and seeking opportunities to help create a better future.

Biology student Anubhav Thapaliya in Erich Damm's wet lab. (Maggie Nguyen)

From red cell development to cultural preservation, VCU’s Baldacci scholars continue to further their studies

Oct. 25, 2021

The grant program, created by a gift from alum David Baldacci and his wife, Michelle, provides students with funds to pursue experiential learning opportunities.

Hezha Barzani stands outside of his office at the Atlantic Council in Washington.

Hezha Barzani, a VCU senior, has a unique perspective on the Afghanistan withdrawal

Oct. 14, 2021

His family fled the Kurdistan region of Iraq in 1996. Their refugee experience was executed in an efficient manner thanks to Operation Pacific Haven.