Research
The College of Humanities and Sciences develops and advances nationally recognized student and faculty scholarship, research and creative initiatives committed to addressing challenges in our urban Richmond community and beyond.
We aim to become a leader in integrating meaningful engagement with real-world challenges that support the development of global citizens.
Student Research
We have many faculty who are internationally recognized experts in their fields. In the College of Humanities and Sciences, we prioritize student engagement and interaction with faculty. We don't just want you to help with research, we want you to lead.
The diversity of our research means students can obtain hands-on experience in many different areas in order to find their passion. Many CHS faculty conduct community engaged research, which allows students the opportunity to conduct research that has a meaningful, positive impact on VCU and our Richmond community.
Faculty Research
Our faculty conduct research on an extraordinarily diverse set of topics, ranging from the understanding of the histories of Native American people, to addressing inequality and disparities in education, to climate change and the development of alternative and efficient energy sources.
CHS faculty regularly win a variety of prestigious awards, fellowships and scholarships, including Woodrow Wilson fellowships and Fulbright scholarships. They also hold some of the largest grants at VCU, including center grants from the Centers for Disease Control to prevent youth violence and from the Federal Drug Administration and National Institutes of Health to understand the health consequences of e-cigarettes and the impact of policies put in place to regulate them.
Student and Faculty Research in the News
April 8, 2025
How I found my research: Abby Bressette seeks a richer understanding of the natural world
The environmental studies major and burgeoning birder has already participated in research projects tackling such topics as warblers, caterpillars, invasive species and coastal restoration through both VCU and the NSF.
April 8, 2025
Connecting art, protest and local history, professor Laura Middlebrooks steps outside the classroom to make an impact inside it
A fall research trip to Spain is yielding more ideas to further integrate language instruction, public art and student engagement.