Faculty Research News

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.

An 18-month, $150,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation will support a new Indigenous Humanities Lab in VCU’s Humanities Research Center. (File photo)

Mellon Foundation grant will support launch of Indigenous Humanities Lab at VCU

April 21, 2025

Through a partnership of the Humanities Research Center and the College of Humanities and Sciences, Cristina Stanciu and Catherine Ingrassia are expanding the university’s focus on Native programs.

Brian Fuglestad, Ph.D., is the recipient of the 2024 Young Investigator Award, given each year to a future leader in the field of analytical chemistry. (Contributed photo)

Chemistry professor Brian Fuglestad honored with rising star award from drugmaker Eli Lilly

April 16, 2025

His lab is exploring the analysis of proteins tied to a number of diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.

During a semester of educational leave from VCU, Laura Middlebrooks, Ph.D., took thousands of photos and videos of public art throughout Spain. (Contributed photo)

Connecting art, protest and local history, professor Laura Middlebrooks steps outside the classroom to make an impact inside it

April 8, 2025

A fall research trip to Spain is yielding more ideas to further integrate language instruction, public art and student engagement.

Jarrod Reisweber (third from left) shakes hands with Sen. Tim Kaine during a visit to Washington, D.C., to showcase The Retreat, a VR program to address mental health and substance use disorders in veterans. They are joined by (from left) Mark Lambert, Dale DeJarnette, Ginna Lambert and Raquel Reisweber. (Photo by Carly Katz)

VCU inventor gives lawmakers a look at the virtual reality treatment that is serving veterans’ mental health

April 4, 2025

To help combat addiction, Jarrod Reisweber’s high-tech, self-directed therapy extends the impact of professional care.

VCU researcher Mariam Alkazemi tracked the evolution of an Egyptian social media group between two periods of protest. (Getty Images)

VCU researcher finds insights into social media, activism and journalism by exploring unrest in Egypt

March 31, 2025

A Facebook group’s transition points to how 2010s expectations for social media didn’t materialize, the Robertson School’s Mariam Alkazemi says.