News

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.

Serpentine forests damaged by Hurricane Maria, like this one in Puerto Rico’s Isabela region, recovered faster than expected after the storm. (contributed photo)

Puerto Rico’s forests recovered in unexpected ways post-Hurricane Maria, VCU research finds

April 29, 2026

Biology professor Catherine Hulshof studies extreme environments, like Puerto Rico’s forests, to find out how they may react as the climate changes.

Harrish Ganesh learned that he had been admitted to medical school at Cornell University while standing outside Cabell Library. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2026: In hopes of sharing more good karma, Harrish Ganesh heads to medical school

April 22, 2026

Ganesh, a biology and bioinformatics major, worked as an EMT and founded a nonprofit during his time at VCU. Cornell University is next.

Biology and sociology alum’s advocacy work on campus inspires leadership career at Vegan Action

April 21, 2026

Krissi Vandenberg (B.S.’96, M.S.’07) found a way to help animals by pairing her education with her work in community activism

After transferring to VCU in 2023, Ruby Stewart dove right away into the university’s Outdoor Adventure Program. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2026: Ruby Stewart is navigating her dream path in outdoor leadership

April 16, 2026

The environmental studies major has led trips near and far through the VCU Outdoor Adventure Program.

VCU students shared their research with some of the thousands of attendees at this week’s National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Richmond. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Meet seven of the nearly 500 VCU students who presented their research this week at a prestigious conference

April 16, 2026

Undergrads from a range of disciplines explain their research, what attracted them to it and what participating in the National Conference on Undergraduate Research meant to them.

Tomika Ferguson, associate dean of student affairs and community engagement in the School of Education; Cristina Stanciu, director of the Humanities Research Center; Ashley Shoell-Gonzalez, program service coordinator for the Ryan White Program; John Jones, assistant professor in the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability; VCU President Michael Rao; Aarushi Khanna, a student in the School of Nursing; and Christopher Brooks, professor in the School of World Studies, at this week’s PACME ceremony. (Skip Rowland)

This year's PACME honorees are committed to the success of the VCU community

April 14, 2026

Tomika Ferguson of the School of Education earned the capstone award of the program, which recognizes contributions among students, faculty and staff that support cross-cultural relations and a welcoming environment.