News

It took a couple of years of bumping into each other and hanging out with friends for Patrick and Ashawnna Godette to realize they were a perfect fit despite their very different personalities. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Unbreakable bonds: Bit by bit, an unlikely pairing clicked into place

Feb. 13, 2026

Ashawnna and Patrick Godette Jr. — extrovert and introvert — started their journey with small moments.

Amanda and Steve Guilford, pictured with their daughter Emily, were dating other people when they met their sophomore year, but the timing was right when their paths crossed a second time a year later. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Unbreakable bonds: After great first impressions, they needed a second-chance meeting

Feb. 12, 2026

Steve and Amanda Guilford turned friendship into love, adventure and family in the past two decades.

Terry and Ed Dadez took the same chemistry class at VCU as freshmen and married four years later. Their 46-year marriage has been highlighted by two sons, numerous academic degrees and careers in nursing and education. (Contributed image)

Unbreakable bonds: An index card isn’t the most romantic prop, but persistence paid off

Feb. 12, 2026

Ed Dadez was smitten with wife-to-be Terry from the get-go in 1975; her thoughts, and eyes, were elsewhere.

Jonathan Moore and Joel Gill have long supported each other in their studies and their work – and have seven VCU degrees between them. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Unbreakable bonds: To the nth degrees, they’re a perfect Ram match

Feb. 11, 2026

Joel Gill and Jonathan Moore made a virtual connection in 2004, and many VCU diplomas have framed their journey.

Heather Caslin, Ph.D. (B.S.’12, M.S.’14, Ph.D.’18) trains the next generation of physiology students

Jan. 30, 2026

An alumna of both the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences and the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, Caslin’s career in teaching and research was inspired by her time on the Monroe Park campus.

Shruti Shrivastava is pictured dressed in the Oxford Sub Fusc, the traditional academic attire required at Oxford University. Shrivastava is in front of Oxford's Sheldonian Theatre and Bodleian Library. (Contributed image)

How I found my research: Shruti Shrivastava’s interest in evolutionary biology takes her to Oxford

Jan. 5, 2026

Shrivastava is studying how biological diversity might change over time due to the effects of climate change.

VCU’s research expenditures cross $500 million for first time, ranking 46th nationally for fiscal 2024

Dec. 29, 2025

The top 50 placement for the fourth straight year among public universities reflects the growing impact of VCU’s research and innovation enterprise.

VCU Sturgeon expert collaborates with Upper Mattaponi Tribe to expand tracking

Dec. 17, 2025

To monitor the prehistoric fish, Matt Balazik and the Virginia tribe are establishing a research program on the Mattaponi River. They've already made their first catch.

Dr. Rob Tombes Retires - Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Life Sciences

Dec. 1, 2025

For more than 30 years, whenever the conversation turned into building stronger academic programs, supporting young scientists, or advancing interdisciplinary research, one name reliably surfaced: Dr Robert (Rob) Tombes. This fall, the VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability celebrates his retirement and the legacy of leadership he leaves behind.

Of working in two research labs, Liam Babcock, a VCU senior, said, “It’s exciting to see ideas become reality, especially knowing that my work could one day restore quality of life to people who need it.” (Jonathan Mehring, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How I found my research: Liam Babcock savors the challenges and lessons of discovery

Oct. 28, 2025

The biology major is working in research labs investigating therapeutics on the MCV Campus.