Faculty Research News

Religion and spirituality power annual lecture series from new VCU hub

Feb. 16, 2026

The Center for the Study of Global Religions and Spiritualities encourages a broader understanding of world culture.

Nostalgic pastimes – like looking at old photographs – can increase gratitude and overall well-being, according to new VCU research. (Getty Images)

If you want to feel gratitude in your life, embrace nostalgia, VCU research finds

Feb. 4, 2026

Wistful memories – from a reunion, a song or even a daydream – strengthen a sense of social connection, which drives thankfulness.

Cristina Stanciu, director of the Humanities Research Center at VCU, is a leader in Indigenous and multiethnic literary studies. (File photo)

Cristina Stanciu’s visiting professorship in France deepens VCU’s global humanities reach

Jan. 28, 2026

The director of the Humanities Research Center will spend a month at Université Bordeaux Montaigne.

VCU historian Brooke N. Newman’s new book reveals the untold truth behind the British royal family’s centuries-long involvement and investment in slavery. (Contributed photos)

Slavery was ‘foundational’ to the British monarchy, VCU author Brooke Newman reveals

Jan. 27, 2026

In her new book, ‘The Crown’s Silence,’ the history professor uses thousands of archival records to detail the royal ties to the transatlantic slave trade.

VCU researcher Matthew C.T. Hartman and his team are fighting cancer at the molecular level as part of their work in chemical biology. (Contributed photo)

VCU researcher using $2M in new grants to explore cancer chemical biology

Jan. 22, 2026

The lab of Matthew Hartman is working toward molecules that could help drugs target disease-linked proteins.

VCU’s research expenditures cross $500 million for first time, ranking 46th nationally for fiscal 2024

Dec. 29, 2025

The top 50 placement for the fourth straight year among public universities reflects the growing impact of VCU’s research and innovation enterprise.

At VCU, impactful innovation follows multiple paths

Dec. 19, 2025

Here is how researchers turn inventions into ventures — and why industry and government are taking notice.

To provide additional therapeutic support to patients struggling with addiction, Jarrod Reisweber, Psy.D. (left), developed a program where they can slip on a VR headset and enter a calming virtual space any time they need it. (Allen Jones, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

He is putting addiction therapy in the hands, and headsets, of patients

Nov. 20, 2025

Jarrod Reisweber’s self-directed virtual reality program extends the impact of professional care.

VCU biology major Selah Porter works with Carol Bourne, a patient in the Department of Kinesiology’s Renal Rehab program. (Photo by Jonathan Mehring, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU research in action: Offering a leg up to patients with chronic kidney disease

Nov. 7, 2025

Rooted in science, the exercise-based Renal Rehab program prepares vulnerable patients for kidney transplants and supports their ongoing recovery.

Michelle Peace, Ph.D., a professor of forensic science at VCU, works with a colleague in a forensic toxicology lab. (Nathan Hanger, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

The hidden dangers of vapes: VCU study reveals chemicals, risks and teen use

Oct. 30, 2025

Researcher Michelle Peace and her team examine nicotine, cannabinoids, ethanol and other ingredients in nearly 1,300 products from K-12 schools in Virginia.