Faculty Research News

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.

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.

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.

VCU students walk through the Monroe Park Campus on the first day of classes in August 2018. A new study by researchers identifies factors that drive student drop-out rates. Among them: Involvement in student organizations, living on campus and greater social support are associated with a lower likelihood of dropping out of college. (Allen Jones, University Marketing)

Involvement in student organizations, living on campus early in college reduce odds of dropping out

March 24, 2021

A new study by VCU researchers also finds that depressive symptoms, antisocial behaviors, exposure to stressful events and substance use increase the risk.

A vial of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. (Kevin Morley, University Relations)

How to fight misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines

March 3, 2021

A VCU expert in media and health explains how to talk with friends and family members who are hesitant about getting vaccinated.

Carolyn Eastman's "The Strange Genius of Mr. O" tells the story of the rise and fall of James Ogilvie, whose oratory performances made him a household name in America’s founding era. (Eastman photo by Allison Bell)

‘The Strange Genius of Mr. O’ reveals the story of America’s first forgotten celebrity

Feb. 9, 2021

The book by VCU history professor Carolyn Eastman dives into performances, eccentricities, scandals and narcissism — and the nature of fame in America’s founding era.

Hani El-Kaderi, left, and M. Samy El-Shall are recipients of awards from Virginia Section of the American Chemical Society.

Two professors honored for their contributions to the field of chemistry, research

Feb. 5, 2021

Two faculty members in the VCU Department of Chemistry in the College of Humanities and Sciences will receive awards from the Virginia Section of the American Chemical Society.