Student Research News

Naaima Zaharah, a psychology major, has learned to “appreciate the intellectual complexity of research and the collaborative nature of scientific discovery” while at VCU. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How I found my research: Naaima Zaharah examines genetic vulnerabilities in alcohol use disorder

March 27, 2026

The psychology major said that research is ‘an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to explore questions you genuinely care about.’

Pablo Lopez-Bustamante will earn a Ph.D. in integrative life sciences from VCU in May. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2026: Pablo Lopez-Bustamante spreads seeds of knowledge

March 26, 2026

Earning his Ph.D., the tropical ecologist has worked with Catherine Hulshof’s Biodiversity Research Lab to enhance tree and forest data from the Americas and the Caribbean.

Amaria Ford “has consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication, initiative and excellence. She excels at every task she does,” according to a faculty mentor. (Contributed image)

Class of 2026: Amaria Ford connects biology, psychology and youth development

March 24, 2026

She has been a standout in undergraduate research, supporting the Empower Youth Lab led by Chelsea Williams.

Sanjana Gupta, an Honors College student, is participating in a variety of activities at VCU, including being a member of the Medical Journal Club, volunteering at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, serving as a tutor and working as marketing co-lead for TEDxVCU. (Development and Alumni Relations)

Scholarship feeds student’s passion for medicine

March 17, 2026

Sanjana Gupta, an aspiring pediatrician, is benefiting from the VCUAA Endowed Honors Scholarship.

Valerie Shcherbakova graduated this past December with her undergraduate degree in health, physical education and exercise science, with a concentration in exercise science. (Contributed image)

How I found my research: Dance leads the way for Valerie Shcherbakova

Jan. 22, 2026

The recent exercise sciences graduate sees movement and global health care as ideal partners.

Shruti Shrivastava is pictured dressed in the Oxford Sub Fusc, the traditional academic attire required at Oxford University. Shrivastava is in front of Oxford's Sheldonian Theatre and Bodleian Library. (Contributed image)

How I found my research: Shruti Shrivastava’s interest in evolutionary biology takes her to Oxford

Jan. 5, 2026

Shrivastava is studying how biological diversity might change over time due to the effects of climate change.

Of working in two research labs, Liam Babcock, a VCU senior, said, “It’s exciting to see ideas become reality, especially knowing that my work could one day restore quality of life to people who need it.” (Jonathan Mehring, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How I found my research: Liam Babcock savors the challenges and lessons of discovery

Oct. 28, 2025

The biology major is working in research labs investigating therapeutics on the MCV Campus.

Arjun (left) and Akash Jagdeesh, senior biology majors at VCU, work as emergency medical technicians for the Richmond Ambulance Authority. (Jonathan Mehring, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU twins are a double-dose of health care service as EMTs and researchers

Oct. 27, 2025

Akash and Arjun Jagdeesh connect campus, community and cancer insights along the Honors College path toward medical school.

The student team documenting the trees across VCU’s Monroe Park and MCV campuses include Margaret Pletcher, Declan O'Donnell, Daniella Asnicar and Kaleb Rezac. (Contributed image)

How many trees are on VCU’s campuses?

Oct. 2, 2025

Student interns with the Rice Rivers Center are counting trees, and the comprehensive inventory could highlight the environmental and financial impact of the urban forest.

The Summer@Rice group at the North Lookout on Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania, home of the longest-running raptor hawk migration count in the world. (Contributed photo)

Students’ summer field research gets a payoff in the fall

Sept. 11, 2025

Summer@Rice program hosted by VCU’s Rice Rivers Center offers experiential ecology that carries into the new semester – and it comes with a stipend.