Newsroom

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.

A batch of new fast-track opportunities this fall will allow academically qualified VCU students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from numerous areas of study in as few as five years. (Tom Kojcsich, University Marketing)

VCU launching 20 new accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree opportunities

April 19, 2021

The accelerated programs across the university will save students time and money.

E-cigarettes with a cigarette-like level of nicotine are effective in reducing smoking, according to a new study led by researchers at VCU and Penn State College of Medicine. (Getty Images)

E-cigarettes with a cigarette-like level of nicotine are effective in reducing smoking and exposure to carcinogen, study finds

April 12, 2021

The study provides important information for smokers who may be trying to use e-cigarettes as a means to cut down on their smoking habit.

VCU student Kevin Armas Rodas, seen here visiting the Casa Alitas Welcome Center in Tucson, Arizona, was one of several students who completed virtual service learning hours with the refugee center this past year. (Courtesy photo)

Helping the Hispanic community in the midst of the pandemic

April 5, 2021

Students in the VCU service-learning course Hispanic Immigrants in the U.S. are continuing to make a difference.

A podcast by VCU students, “When Time Slows Down,” is one of 10 finalists in the NPR Student Podcast Challenge: College Edition. Winners will be featured in segments on “Morning Edition” or “All Things Considered.” (Max Schlickenmeyer, University Marketing)

Podcast by VCU students on graffiti-covered Confederate monuments named a finalist in NPR national contest

April 2, 2021

The podcast, “When Time Slows Down,” is one of 10 finalists in the NPR Student Podcast Challenge: College Edition. Winners will be featured in segments on “Morning Edition” or “All Things Considered.”

A new study by VCU researchers investigates a key question: Will the U.S. population support donating part of its COVID-19 vaccine stockpile to less prosperous countries? (Getty Images)

Will the U.S. public support donating COVID-19 vaccines to low- and middle-income countries?

March 31, 2021

A new study led by VCU researchers surveyed 788 people. Among its findings: Older people were less likely to support donating vaccines, as were Republicans.

Raven Witherspoon began thinking about a career in science during her sophomore year of high school when she read “A Brief History of Time,” by Stephen Hawking, and Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos." The books "felt over my head at the time," she said. "But I was interested in it." (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Raven Witherspoon is pursuing a career in physics to help improve the world

March 29, 2021

The VCU Honors College student hopes to help reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world and “transfer those materials into peaceful uses like civil nuclear energy.”

Conspiracy theories have always been a part of American discourse. The present challenge is their pervasiveness. (Getty Images)

Conspiracy theories are dividing us. How do we talk about them?

March 26, 2021

Social media groups are allowing people to form strong communities around shared beliefs — even if they aren’t true. To discuss this with loved ones requires a careful approach.