Student Research News

In the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research, Alaina Holt demonstrates an analysis of e-liquids containing unlisted ingredients. (Photo by Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Alaina Holt’s research into vaping and THC-related products is helping keep the public safe

Dec. 4, 2023

Holt’s research mentor, Michelle Peace, said the doctoral student's tenacity, passion and positive energy have helped “make the magic happen” in the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research.

Jennifer Weggen, a doctoral student at VCU, served for 12 years in the Navy. (Contributed photo)

Navy veteran and VCU doctoral student Jennifer Weggen is serving her military colleagues on many fronts

Nov. 8, 2023

Her research focus on PTSD, traumatic brain injury and heart health, and her work with student and alumni military groups, reflect a longstanding passion with family roots.

Biomedical engineering student Karah Moore has been a member of the lab of Rebecca Heise, Ph.D., for the past three years, researching cellular activity in diseased lungs. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU awarded $3 million from the NIH to continue research training of students underrepresented in the sciences

Sept. 21, 2023

Two renewed grants, which support undergraduate and graduate students in pursuing biomedical and behavioral research, highlight VCU’s national standing.

Madison Cruz, a biology major, is working at VCU Health as a patient care technician, helping patients and getting hands-on experience. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

With talent ranging from the lab to the stage, VCU senior sees a future in medicine and mental health advocacy

Sept. 5, 2023

Madison Cruz has mixed research, patient care, volunteer work and even the Miss Virginia pageant in her undergraduate experience.

Ellie Bavuso is working to “gamify” a treatment that can help autistic individuals learn effective social behaviors. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Through undergraduate research program, student works to shift paradigm for disability inclusion in virtual reality research

Aug. 15, 2023

Ellie Bavuso, a biology major, is designing and developing a virtual reality game that's custom-made to support individuals with autism.

Christine George is working on nuclear nonproliferation as an intern for the National Nuclear Security Administration. (Contributed photo)

VCU student spends summer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory working on nuclear nonproliferation

Aug. 1, 2023

Internship with security agency lets Christine George combine policy and math backgrounds.

Varun Kodali is a second-year Honors College student studying biology and minoring in chemistry in the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences. (Contributed photo)

VCU award winners are Keeping it REAL in research, community engagement and global education

May 22, 2023

Projects that highlight relevant, experiential and applied learning touch on cancer treatment, youth exposure to science and cultural expansion.

For her Ph.D. in Media, Art, and Text dissertation at VCU, Allison Bennett Dyche, Ph.D., who graduates this month, focused on the lessons she learned in creating an Audio Storytelling & Podcasting course for college students - and how courses like hers would be a beneficial part of the curriculum for mass communication students nationwide. (Samuel Cooke, The Appalachian photographer, Appalachian State University)

Class of 2023: Allison Bennett Dyche found few resources on how to teach podcasting to college students. So she created her own.

May 11, 2023

Dyche, who is earning a Ph.D. in Media, Art and Text, is “at the forefront of a growing conversation about how universities can help prepare students for careers in this growing industry,” her dissertation director says.

Micah White has participated in The Warmth, a reading and writing intensive named for “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson, every summer since he transferred into VCU. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Psychology major and rising Ph.D. student Micah White sets his mind on healing and community

May 5, 2023

His path to VCU was framed by Mellon programs that support transfer students and research, and his path forward reflects a longtime commitment to helping others.

Faye Prichard, assistant professor in the Honors College and director of writing, (front) with students who presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. (Contributed photo)

At national conference, two dozen VCU undergraduates present research on sitcoms, science and more

May 3, 2023

The students, almost all of them in their first year at VCU, were featured at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.