News

Anthropology and biology major manages humanitarian work at home and abroad

June 29, 2026

Isra’a Nour (B.S.’15) serves as a project manager at Open Society Foundations, a nonprofit organization focused on human rights, equity, and justice, where she supports advocacy work.

As both an undergraduate and dental student, Sara Khraibut formed close relationships at VCU and grew as a person and clinician.(School of Dentistry)

Periodontist Sara Khraibut returns to Kuwait after 11 years, 2 degrees and 1 residency at VCU

June 24, 2026

Khraibut, who will work for the Ministry of Health in her home country, said VCU has ‘helped shape me into the person I am today.’

John Jones, who is pictured stocking a Ram Fridge, is the principal investigator for a $1.04 million grant to launch a coordinated initiative to reduce food waste across VCU and VCU Health. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

New initiative to reduce food waste, increase composting at VCU and VCU Health

June 18, 2026

The Food Rescue and Composting initiative aims to reduce an estimated more than 120,000 pounds of food waste.

Since the creation of his Wikipedia account in 2007, VCU professor Peter Uetz has made more than 6,000 edits – enough to put him in the top 0.1% of users. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

This VCU professor’s extracurricular gig? Wikipedia editor

June 11, 2026

School of Life Sciences professor Peter Uetz, Ph.D., uses the online encyclopedia as a teaching tool, both inside the classroom and out.

Driven by Purpose: How One VCU Student Is Bridging Science and Healthcare Access

June 2, 2026

Inspired by personal experience and a passion for equity, Sakethram Ramakrishnan is pursuing research, medicine and policy to ensure innovation reaches those who need it most.

Philanthropist Inger Rice stands in front of the lodge named in her honor at the Rice Rivers Center in 2017. (File photo)

Inger Rice, whose vision and support helped establish the VCU Rice Rivers Center, dies at 96

May 22, 2026

The Richmond-based philanthropist’s initial gift of 342 acres along the James River has bolstered life sciences education at VCU.

Evolution may alter or improve the long-term effectiveness of nature-based solutions for urban resilience, new VCU research finds. (Getty Images)

VCU researcher examines nature-based solutions for changing cities – by taking evolution into account

May 14, 2026

Evolutionary geneticist Brian Verrelli usually studies the past. Now, he’s looking to the future as cities adapt to climate change.

Zora Weir-Gertzog, who graduated this month with majors in both biology and communication arts, is an accomplished medical illustrator. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2026: Aspiring medical illustrator Zora Weir-Gertzog is drawn to art and science

May 10, 2026

At VCU, her two degrees, independent project and broad collaborations reflect longtime creativity and motivation.

VCU Native Plant-Pollinator Biodiversity Project Connects Community and Conservation

May 6, 2026

The VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability’s Native Plant–Pollinator Biodiversity Project sold out all 30 student-grown garden kits at the Maymont Herbs Galore sale, helping expand pollinator-friendly habitats across Richmond while supporting ongoing citizen science research.

Six faculty members named 2025–26 Shift Labs Faculty Fellow Awardees

May 4, 2026

The Office of Innovation and Strategic Design initiative highlights creative and entrepreneurial educators who are shaping VCU and beyond.