School of Life Sciences and Sustainability

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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.

Three students standing on dock in front of the Rice Rivers Center

What inspires a student to turn curiosity about the environment into campus-wide change? For Environmental Studies major Yelena Sanyer, it started with a walk to Belle Isle.

Sept. 8, 2025

What inspires a student to turn curiosity about the environment into campus-wide change? For Environmental Studies major Yelena Sanyer, it started with a walk to Belle Isle.

Overhead picture of Rice River Center, looking over wetlands, field station, and lake.

VPM PBS highlights Rice Rivers Center and the benefits of dam removal

Sept. 3, 2025

From dam removal to a thriving wetland, Kimages Creek is now teeming with life. Dr. Ed Crawford of VCU's Rice Rivers Center told the story on VPM PBS's Virginia Home Grown - and showed how wetlands shape our ecosystems and future.

Student measures the depth of the water table near groundwater wells at the Rice River Center.

Field station of dreams

Aug. 22, 2025

For 25 years, VCU Rice Rivers Center has been students’ portal to the natural world, playing host to research, restoration and life-changing experiential learning.

Biology graduate student Kyleigh Johnson takes a sample at Swan Lake. (Thomas Kojcsich/Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU research in action: Finding answers in the algae in Richmond’s lakes

Aug. 22, 2025

Researchers wade into the fluorescent blooms of summer, which threaten human health and the region’s waterways.

Ella Balasa sits on stage having a conversation with other panel members

Alumni Q+A: Ella Balasa (B.S. ’14) is a voice for fellow patients

Aug. 21, 2025

Balasa’s interest in biology put her on a path to better understanding her chronic disease and helping others navigate their treatments.

Outdoor practitioners from across the country recently participated in a river safety course held at the VCU Rice Rivers Center, where they learned a range of hands-on skills. (James Vonesh, School of Life Sciences and Sustainability)

VCU hosts national safety workshop for river field studies

Aug. 20, 2025

The Rice Rivers Center welcomed educators from eight states, highlighting its leadership in navigating field research and risk.