Student Research News

Esha Sharma, an Honors College student, has participated in more than a half-dozen research projects as an undergraduate at VCU. (William Lineberry, Honors College)

Class of 2025: Esha Sharma finds harmony through humanities and hard science

April 21, 2025

From diverse research projects as an undergraduate, the aspiring ER physician embraced the link between anthropology and medicine.

VCU undergraduate student Kaylynn Breland spent last summer break studying American kestrels in Highland County. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

America’s smallest falcon captures the interest and insight of undergraduate researcher Kaylynn Breland

April 15, 2025

The environmental studies student embraces field work that has taken her straight into the nest.

VCU undergraduate Brooklyn Griffin takes a 3D scan of a grave in Richmond’s Woodland Cemetery. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

One scan at a time, VCU researchers give life to history in Richmond’s Black cemeteries

April 11, 2025

With 3D scanning technology, the Virtual Curation Lab is documenting the deceased and giving descendants a chance to connect with their families’ pasts.

Abby Bressette said she has gained confidence in herself as a scientist through her undergraduate research experiences. (Contributed photo)

How I found my research: Abby Bressette seeks a richer understanding of the natural world

April 8, 2025

The environmental studies major and burgeoning birder has already participated in research projects tackling such topics as warblers, caterpillars, invasive species and coastal restoration through both VCU and the NSF.

VCU student Natasha Romero Moskala worked with Alex Keena, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, as a research assistant on the Guinier Project hosted by the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice at Harvard Law School. (Contributed photo)

A natural progression: VCU senior joins professor for Harvard research project into elections

March 7, 2025

Political science student Natasha Romero Moskala fills the role of research assistant alongside mentor Alex Keena.

Fosua Adu-Gyamfi is a senior biology major at VCU. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How I found my research: Fosua Adu-Gyamfi learns from undergrad experiences at both VCU and the National Cancer Institute

Feb. 17, 2025

The senior, who serves as a research assistant in a VCU lab studying alcohol use disorder, embraces research’s potential to improve the world ‘one question at a time.’

Phillip Glass, a physics graduate student, shows off pressure sensors on a glove, part of a suite of wearable prototypes to help patients with Parkinson’s disease. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

From fingers to toes, wearable and vibrating technology from VCU inventors could help Parkinson’s patients and others

Feb. 12, 2025

The flexible, lightweight glove and 3D-printed shoe sole might restore the brain-body feedback loop that mobility conditions can disrupt.

Aashka Patel was one of four VCU undergraduate student researchers to present their work as part of an inaugural showcase at the General Assembly Building. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Hoping to inspire change, VCU undergraduates highlight their research for Virginia lawmakers

Feb. 12, 2025

Three projects, which touched on health and the environment, were part of a statewide showcase Feb. 6 at Capitol Square during the annual General Assembly session.

Micah White, who is working toward his Ph.D. in counseling psychology, said, “I always try to approach my research by thinking about practicality, future impact and why anyone should care.” (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How I found my research: Micah White examines the intersection of social media and African American identity

Jan. 30, 2025

White, a VCU alum and counseling psychology Ph.D. student, is committed to conducting research that will make an impact beyond academia and benefit his community.

VCU students pursuing a new academic minor explored how the media cover AI – and how they often are framed together. (Getty Images)

As part of a new minor in practical AI, students explore its intersection with mass media

Jan. 7, 2025

Robertson School professor Joshua J. Smith’s class is developing a dataset that examines coverage of the technologies’ benefits, drawbacks – and the communications industry itself.