College of Humanities and Sciences

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Josly Pierre-Louis is planning a career in research and education with the help of a national fellowship from the Ford Foundation and the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. (Allen Jones, University Marketing)

‘It takes a village to succeed’: Student earns national scholarship to finish her Ph.D.

April 30, 2021

Josly Pierre-Louis’ parents immigrated to America from Haiti. Their daughter, a VCU grad, is the rising tide for all boats when it comes to her success in chemistry and health research.

Interviewing patients as part of her research has been particularly rewarding for Nayab Mughal, who wants to use her career to provide support to patients during some of their toughest moments. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Real research: Future nurse finds rewards in research’s potential to better understand others

April 27, 2021

Nayab Mughal has been involved in three studies, giving her the chance to learn how the pandemic has affected the experiences of both pregnant and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.

puru and tripti jena on a sunny oceanfront

The Jenas give to honor VCU’s impact on their family

April 26, 2021

Tripti Jena, M.D., and Purusottam “Puru” Jena, Ph.D., credit much of their family’s well-being to the careers and community they found when they joined Virginia Commonwealth University in 1980.

A new study led by VCU researchers finds that students who have been exposed to interpersonal trauma prior to college consume more alcohol than those without interpersonal trauma exposure. But romantic relationships mitigate these effects of trauma on a student’s drinking behavior. (Getty Images)

Romantic relationships mitigate effects of trauma on alcohol use among college students

April 22, 2021

A new study led by VCU researchers shows students exposed to interpersonal trauma prior to college are more likely to engage in risky alcohol use — but effects can be mitigated through romantic relationships.

A drone image of icebergs broken off from a glacier at Vatnajökull, Iceland. (Getty Images)

President Biden’s climate change pledge sets a global example, VCU expert says

April 22, 2021

Biology professor Chris Gough says Biden’s pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half is a move in the right direction, but solving climate change will take a global effort.

aerial view of v.c.u. campus

VCU professor and author Clint McCown inducted into Wake Forest Hall of Fame

April 22, 2021

Clint McCown, a professor in the Department of English in the College of Humanities and Sciences, was inducted into the Wake Forest University Hall of Fame on April 17.

Left: Plan of the City of New York from William Duncan’s 1793 city directory. (Digital Collections, New York Public Library) Right: Portrait of Alexander Anderson, c. 1815, by John Wesley Jarvis (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)

Here’s how New York City survived a deadly outbreak — in the 1790s

April 21, 2021

Through the eyes of front-line medical worker Alexander Anderson, a forthcoming book by VCU history professor Carolyn Eastman will explore how New York grappled with yellow fever epidemics.

Alex Trainham. Faculty in the Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research chose him as this year’s recipient of the Paul Minton Graduating Senior Award, which recognizes a student who has excelled both inside and outside the classroom. (Tom Kojcsich, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Alex Trainham excels inside and outside the classroom

April 20, 2021

Long fascinated with computers and audio engineering, Trainham was introduced to coding at VCU and will graduate next month with degrees in computer science and mathematical sciences.

Contemplative practices are designed to help people become aware of their surroundings and be more present. (Getty Images)

A VCU class on contemplative practices offers important lessons on how to be present

April 20, 2021

“Sociology of Contemplative Practices” draws on techniques from across the globe, and helps students calm their minds.

George Kahingo outside the Student Commons. He was born and raised in Kenya and the bracelet on his wrist is adorned with the colors of his native country's flag. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: George Kahingo helps his fellow students grow as leaders

April 19, 2021

Kahingo, a biology major, is a leadership involvement ambassador in the Division of Student Affairs, a role that connects him with dozens of student organizations and hundreds of peers across campus.