News

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.

Arjun (left) and Akash Jagdeesh, senior biology majors at VCU, work as emergency medical technicians for the Richmond Ambulance Authority. (Jonathan Mehring, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU twins are a double-dose of health care service as EMTs and researchers

Oct. 27, 2025

Akash and Arjun Jagdeesh connect campus, community and cancer insights along the Honors College path toward medical school.

Andrew Alli, who became the superintendent of the James River Park System this year, graduated from VCU’s environmental studies program in 2011. (Photo by Max Posner)

Meet-a-Ram: Andrew Alli’s path to James River Park System leadership came through VCU

Oct. 10, 2025

The new superintendent (and blues musician) found formative experiences on campus.

VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability professor Chris Gough has been named the new executive director of the Rice Rivers Center, the university’s field station along the James River. (Photo by Megan May)

VCU ecologist Chris Gough named new Rice Rivers Center executive director

Oct. 8, 2025

As the field station marks its 25th anniversary, he shares three top goals as it expands its footprint.

The student team documenting the trees across VCU’s Monroe Park and MCV campuses include Margaret Pletcher, Declan O'Donnell, Daniella Asnicar and Kaleb Rezac. (Contributed image)

How many trees are on VCU’s campuses?

Oct. 2, 2025

Student interns with the Rice Rivers Center are counting trees, and the comprehensive inventory could highlight the environmental and financial impact of the urban forest.

The Summer@Rice group at the North Lookout on Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania, home of the longest-running raptor hawk migration count in the world. (Contributed photo)

Students’ summer field research gets a payoff in the fall

Sept. 11, 2025

Summer@Rice program hosted by VCU’s Rice Rivers Center offers experiential ecology that carries into the new semester – and it comes with a stipend.

VCU announces recipients of 2025 faculty awards for scholarship, teaching excellence

Sept. 10, 2025

Interim Provost Beverly J. Warren today announced 30 winners of VCU’s National/International Recognition Awards and 25 winners of the Excellence in Pedagogical Innovation Awards.