Faculty Research News

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.

One thing Matt Balazik, Ph.D., has learned from a career studying Atlantic sturgeon is that there is always something new to discover. “Don’t think everything’s figured out,” he says. (Photo by Jamie Brunkow, James River Association)

He is bringing the Atlantic sturgeon back from the brink

Oct. 16, 2025

VCU conservation biologist Matt Balazik strengthens the future for a prehistoric fish – in the James River and around the world.

VCU professor R. Andrew Chesnut will play a key role in assembling a comprehensive overview of religious groups and individuals from Latin America. (File photo)

Andrew Chesnut selected as co-editor of religion encyclopedia

Sept. 29, 2025

The VCU professor and Catholicism scholar will shape the second edition of the ‘Encyclopedia of Latin American Religions.’

Heather Jones, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology, co-directs the Primary Care Psychology Training Collaborative. (Contributed photo)

VCU professor awarded two grants totaling $3.6M to help build the behavioral health workforce

Sept. 16, 2025

VCU’s Primary Care Psychology Training Collaborative serves both patients in need and future counselors.

A VCU researcher’s new study evaluates how different types of state legislatures can impact the effectiveness of women lawmakers. (Getty Images)

Are women better lawmakers than men? A nuanced yes, VCU researcher finds

Aug. 22, 2025

However, women serving on less professional state legislatures struggle to overcome lower-ranked committee assignments and entrenched sexism.

VCU will hold its 43rd annual Faculty Convocation on Aug. 20. (File photo)

Faculty Convocation will honor seven VCU educators and researchers

Aug. 18, 2025

The 43rd annual ceremony on Aug. 20 celebrates outstanding teaching, scholarship and service.

Ancient teeth discovered by VCU researcher Amy Rector and colleagues shed new light on humanity’s early roots. (contributed photo)

Ancient teeth lead VCU researcher to new human ancestor

Aug. 13, 2025

Working in Ethiopia, fossil finder Amy Rector helps add another branch to the ‘bushy tree’ that reflects our evolution.

Michelle Peace, Ph.D., wants consumers to be informed about what they are putting into their lungs when they use vaping and cannabis products. (Nathan Hanger, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Her mission: Clearing the air about the hidden danger in vapes

July 14, 2025

Mold? Nail polish remover? VCU forensic toxicologist Michelle Peace is unearthing what’s truly inside the unregulated products that are billed as alternatives to smoking.

The rise of bedbugs matches up closely with the rise of human cities, according to new research. (Getty Images)

When did bedbugs become a common nighttime nuisance? VCU expert Brian Verrelli has an answer

May 30, 2025

The closer quarters of city living helped the pest population take off around 13,000 years ago, he and his research colleagues have found.