News

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.’

Latino Virginia oral history project to get wider audience

March 26, 2026

VCU weekend symposium will offer a preview ahead of a broader launch in the fall.

Pablo Lopez-Bustamante will earn a Ph.D. in integrative life sciences from VCU in May. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2026: Pablo Lopez-Bustamante spreads seeds of knowledge

March 26, 2026

Earning his Ph.D., the tropical ecologist has worked with Catherine Hulshof’s Biodiversity Research Lab to enhance tree and forest data from the Americas and the Caribbean.

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.

In her latest book, “The Accused,” VCU author Jessica Trisko Darden examines the wide range of women accused of participating in Nazi-era crimes. (Contributed images)

VCU author’s new book sheds light on Nazi women and war crimes

March 24, 2026

In ‘The Accused,’ political science professor Jessica Trisko Darden puts gender, power and justice into context.

Varsha Penumalee, a VCU biology major, serves on the Active Minds national student advisory committee, helping chapters on other campuses expand mental health advocacy. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU undergraduate honored for mental health advocacy with a national reach

March 18, 2026

Through Active Minds and NAMI, Varsha Penumalee has made a mark far beyond campus, driven by a belief that mental health should be accessible, culturally responsive and grounded.

Sanjana Gupta, an Honors College student, is participating in a variety of activities at VCU, including being a member of the Medical Journal Club, volunteering at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, serving as a tutor and working as marketing co-lead for TEDxVCU. (Development and Alumni Relations)

Scholarship feeds student’s passion for medicine

March 17, 2026

Sanjana Gupta, an aspiring pediatrician, is benefiting from the VCUAA Endowed Honors Scholarship.