Student Research News

The Graduate Research Symposium and Exhibit and the Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity are centerpiece events for VCU Research Weeks every year, highlighting the work of student researchers. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

From smoking to scenic rivers, VCU students spotlight their insight at research symposiums

May 2, 2023

Graduate and undergraduate researchers showcase their creativity and welcome the feedback.

As part of her research project under mentor Chelsea Williams, Ph.D. (right), Vanessa Olazabal (left) honed her presentation skills and traveled to Salt Lake City to present her findings at a conference. (Allen Jones, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU summer program gave psychology major Vanessa Olazabal a GREAT research subject: fellow Rams

April 24, 2023

She explored links among Latine students’ ethnic-racial identity, relationships, the pandemic and how alcohol use and anxiety were affected.

Sierra Tutwiler is a recipient of an NSF fellowship that will help support her pursuit of a Ph.D. at VCU. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Sierra Tutwiler puts her energy into energy

April 24, 2023

First-generation college grad, a double major in physics and mechanical engineering, directs her passion for science and research into power.

Andy Shar, left, and Daeha Joung, Ph.D., center, inspect the flexible 3D printing ink Andy has developed that conducts electricity, which will allow researchers in their lab and other scientists to make wearable devices and eSkin technologies that empower patients to better monitor and take charge of their health. (Allen Jones, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Biology major Andy Shar discovers 3D printable ink that ‘everyone was looking for,’ physics professor says

April 20, 2023

Daeha Joung, Ph.D., supports his sophomore research mentee’s independence and success, which now includes published research.

Gabriella Daire, a junior at VCU, has been selected as a recipient of the Goldwater Scholarship. (Contributed photo)

VCU undergraduate earns Goldwater Scholarship, a highly sought-after honor for students in STEM fields

April 19, 2023

As a Goldwater Scholar, biology researcher and Richmond native Gabriella Daire pursues her interest in space medicine.

Olive Blackstone is graduating with a 3.9 GPA and is double majoring in criminal justice and psychology. (Photo by Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: With a mind on crime, Olive Blackstone pursues justice and understanding

April 18, 2023

Blackstone has explored criminal justice and psychology at VCU, both in and out of the classroom.

Four VCU students, three alumni selected for prestigious NSF grant

April 14, 2023

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program provides three years of financial support to help exceptional graduate students advance their studies in STEM-based disciplines.

Emma Geisler served as an honors fellow with the Humanities Research Center. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Emma Geisler finds her footing with an interdisciplinary approach and a new interest in research

April 7, 2023

Geisler, an interdisciplinary studies major, hopes to continue to study public health with a focus on immigration after graduation.

Danielle Ansong, a first-generation Ghanaian American, chose to attend VCU because of its diversity and the sterling reputation of its School of Medicine. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Danielle Ansong pursues longtime interest in medicine with research and volunteer work

March 1, 2023

Ansong, a VCU junior and president of the African Student Union, volunteers as an EMT and greeter and helps with the Simple Sunflower program.

Emily Pitts, a sophomore anthropology major, paints a 3-D-printed replica of the JB55 Connecticut "vampire" skull. (Brian McNeill, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

19th-century ‘Connecticut vampire’ receives forensic facial reconstruction with help from VCU researchers

Jan. 3, 2023

VCU team from Virtual Curation Laboratory provides 3-D digital model of skull of man who died in the 1830s and then received unusual burial.