Faculty Research News

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.

Adam Ewing, Ph.D., will spend the year in residence in North Carolina, joining more than 30 other scholars as he works on his new book, a history of popular pan-Africanism in the 20th century. (Contributed photo)

African American studies professor Adam Ewing earns National Humanities Center fellowship

May 19, 2025

He will spend the upcoming academic year working on his book about 20th-century pan-Africanism.

Julio Alvarez, Ph.D., an associate professor in VCU’s Department of Chemistry, aims to identify mechanisms that could have contributed to the emergence of the Last Universal Common Ancestor. (Photo by the College of Humanities and Sciences)

VCU chemistry professor Julio Alvarez receives grant to further explore the origins of life on Earth

May 8, 2025

His research lab is targeting the Last Universal Common Ancestor, which would connect 4 billion years of history.