Newsroom

Puru Jena is a distinguished professor in the Department of Physics and director of the new Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment. (Photo by Clement Britt)

A ‘modern-day alchemist,’ VCU’s Puru Jena brings a longtime spirit of innovation to one of society’s top challenges

Sept. 11, 2023

With a half-century of impressive achievements, the renowned physicist and materials scientist is leading VCU’s new Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment.

Debbie Polo and Catherine Ingrassia at Faculty Convocation

Deborah Polo receives the Distinguished Teaching Award at Convocation

Sept. 7, 2023

Polo has taught at VCU since her undergrad days in the early 1980s, and has taught most introductory courses in the Department of Chemistry.

(From left to right) Curtis N. Sessler, M.D., School of Medicine; Anika L. Hines, Ph.D., School of Medicine, School of Population Health; Deborah L. Polo, College of Humanities and Sciences; Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D.; Emiola Oyefuga, Ph.D., School of Education; Martin K. Safo, Ph.D., School of Pharmacy; Evan M. Sisson, Pharm.D., School of Pharmacy; and Michael F. Miles, M.D., Ph.D., School of Medicine. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Excellence – and commitment – celebrated at VCU Faculty Convocation

Sept. 7, 2023

Seven educators and researchers are highlighted at 41st annual ceremony, where President Michael Rao links education and empathy.

Madison Cruz, a biology major, is working at VCU Health as a patient care technician, helping patients and getting hands-on experience. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

With talent ranging from the lab to the stage, VCU senior sees a future in medicine and mental health advocacy

Sept. 5, 2023

Madison Cruz has mixed research, patient care, volunteer work and even the Miss Virginia pageant in her undergraduate experience.

More than 10,000 students will take up to 70 courses each semester in VCU’s new STEM building on Franklin Street, starting this fall. (Photo by Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications.)

Take a video tour of VCU’s new STEM building on Franklin Street

Sept. 1, 2023

The College of Humanities and Sciences’ building dedicated to STEM will serve more than 10,000 students in up to 70 courses each semester.

Faculty Convocation will honor seven VCU educators and researchers for excellence

Aug. 31, 2023

Annual ceremony on Sept. 6 highlights teaching, scholarship and service.

Kai Frazier, who graduated from VCU with a bachelor’s degree in history, founded Kai XR, a metaverse platform for educating children. (Contributed photo)

VCU alum Kai Frazier brings the world to students through virtual field trips

Aug. 31, 2023

Combining her background in teaching and museum work, 2008 history graduate broadens access for youths to immerse themselves in life-changing learning.

“I would say to anybody who's thinking about [studying abroad] that they should look into it as soon as possible and start looking into scholarships and talk to the advisers, because they will make it happen,” Frances Burson said. (Contributed photo)

VCU senior found a French connection at study abroad fair

Aug. 30, 2023

Public relations major Frances Burson spent a month in Lyon this summer learning about international human rights through a different cultural lens.

Shiv Khanna, Ph.D., will retire in September as Commonwealth Professor and chair of the Department of Physics at VCU. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Physics professor Shiv Khanna retiring after 39 years at VCU and discoveries that have changed science

Aug. 25, 2023

Renowned for his groundbreaking work on superatoms, Khanna says teaching and inspiring students has been central to his legacy.

With funding from the Justice Department, Emanuele Alves, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Forensic Science, is developing a breathalyzer that can differentiate between THC and CBD, leading to fewer false-positive results for THC. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU forensic science professor hopes a better THC breathalyzer will increase road safety

Aug. 25, 2023

Emanuele Alves, Ph.D., is developing a device that could offer results within minutes and reduce false positives.