News

Spotted lanternflies are a large invasive species, and they lack natural enemies in North America. That means they can reach high densities that deplete nutrients at rates that weaken host plants. (Getty Images)

Have you spotted the spotted lanternfly? Here’s the scoop on this invasive species

Nov. 9, 2026

VCU’s Derek Johnson, a biologist and population ecologist, outlines the perils of a planthopper that has been on the move in the United States since it arrived in 2014 and carries massive environmental and economic risk

Five Questions with GSWS major Mychal Young

Nov. 4, 2026

Mychal Young serves on the GSWS student advisory board

Alum returns to campus to support local children

Nov. 4, 2026

Sharron McDaniel (B.A. ‘17, B.S.W.’17) serves as the program coordinator for the Mary and Frances Youth Center which creates youth programming and promotes community building

African American studies alum curates art exhibition with personal history

Nov. 4, 2026

Avery Brown-Renfro (B.A.’25) credits her AFAM coursework for inspiring her work in historical preservation

Trading places: Melanie Eckberg shifts from working in labs to writing about them

Nov. 4, 2026

Melanie Eckberg, Ph.D., (B.S.’13, B.S.’13) shares her passion for science in a communications role born from her enjoyment of explaining difficult concepts in courtrooms

Dual major Rose Detore balances mathematics and philosophy in pursuit of a career in medicine

Nov. 4, 2026

Detore plans to pursue continuing education and a career in the medical field following graduation

Catching up with former philosophy of law student and current assistant district attorney Raahim Zaidi

Nov. 4, 2026

Zaidi (B.S.’23) recently graduated from the College of William & Mary Law School and accepted an assistant district attorney position

Win, lose and draw conclusions: What the 2026 midterm election tells us

Nov. 4, 2026

Four VCU political analysts offer quick takes from Tuesday’s vote, and they will share insights and field questions at a Thursday evening panel discussion.

VCU professor Gregory Smithers' new book, “The Water Carriers,” is a history of Indigenous stewardship of rivers and riparian ecosystems. (Contributed photo)

VCU historian’s new book navigates a pillar of Cherokee history: Water in southern Appalachia

Nov. 4, 2026

In ‘The Water Carriers,’ history professor Gregory D. Smithers explores an overlooked but enduring element of Indigenous culture.

Sam Russell (left) makes a point during a recent class session of the Clash of Ideas course while Anderson Ritchie looks on. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

In this unique VCU class, students role-play their way into history

Oct. 30, 2026

The Honors College course Clash of Ideas embraces the style of a game and the leadership of classmates.