Department of Chemistry

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Thomas, Colleen, Mary Reilly and Todd Cecil each majored in chemistry as undergraduates at various schools before doctoral paths diverged between medicine and analytical chemistry at VCU. (Contributed photo)

Meet ‘The Doctors Cecil’ – 1 family, 2 generations, 4 VCU doctoral degrees

March 9, 2026

40 years ago, Todd and Mary Cecil came to VCU, and kids Thomas and Colleen have made it a family affair.

Xuewei Wang, an associate professor of chemistry, created a portable, at-home calcium monitoring device for people living with hypoparathyroidism, or hypopara. (Christopher Kendall, Kelley & Co.)

At-home calcium testing device could have wide-ranging impact in health care

March 3, 2026

The invention from VCU chemistry professor Xuewei Wang is being evaluated for the marketplace, and the applications could extend to multiple biomarkers.

a professor teaching a large class full of students who are taking notes

Come join our team and work with us in the VCU Chemistry Department

Feb. 20, 2026

The VCU Chemistry Department invites applications for a non-tenure track position (renewable) at the Assistant Professor level in general chemistry and organic chemistry.biochemistry to begin in August 2026.

VCU researcher Matthew C.T. Hartman and his team are fighting cancer at the molecular level as part of their work in chemical biology. (Contributed photo)

VCU researcher using $2M in new grants to explore cancer chemical biology

Jan. 22, 2026

The lab of Matthew Hartman is working toward molecules that could help drugs target disease-linked proteins.

Clinton McFeely stands in front of a research poster hanging up on a bulletin board

Clinton McFeely, Ph.D. (B.S. ’14, B.S. ’17, Ph.D. ’22) experiments at the molecular level in search of new treatments

Oct. 22, 2025

The Departments of Physics and Chemistry alumnus found his niche in theoretical science, experimenting in VCU’s labs to prepare for his professional career.

A group of people in blue uniforms pose for a photo inside a lab; a person in the center of the group holds a flat item with four lit candles

Alumni Q+A: Devleena Samanta, Ph.D. (M.S. ’12) is guiding the next generation of nanoscientists

Sept. 15, 2025

The Department of Chemistry alumna utilizes her experiences at VCU to guide her own students in her lab at the University of Texas at Austin.

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.

aerial view of v.c.u. campus

Dr. Collinson was one of five VCU researchers who were inducted last week into the university chapter of the National Academy of Inventors.

Sept. 8, 2025

Five VCU faculty researchers inducted into National Academy of Inventors

At Faculty Convocation, President Michael Rao, Ph.D., said VCU faculty’s embrace of interdisciplinary inquiry and cross-departmental solutions creates an environment that supports their work as researchers, practitioners – and especially as educators. (Jonathan Mehring, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

43rd annual Faculty Convocation celebrates seven VCU educators and researchers

Aug. 21, 2025

Honorees represent the School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Humanities and Sciences, and University College.

Fabio Gomes

Congratulations to Dr. Fabio Gomes, for being selected to receive the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award, Oak Ridge Associated Universities.

Aug. 18, 2025

The awards recognize faculty members for their work in any of five science and technology disciplines: engineering and applied science; life sciences; mathematics and computer science; physical sciences; and policy, management or education. Oakland University’s award funds research project in the policy, management or education discipline area.