News

Sophie Laman is an Honors College student who graduated this month with a forensic science degree (biology concentration) and minors in chemistry, biology and pre-medicine. (Contributed photo)

Class of 2025: Sophie Laman aimed straight for VCU’s forensic science program

May 13, 2025

The Tennessee native will continue exploring crime investigation and medical research this summer.

Julio Alvarez, Ph.D., an associate professor in VCU’s Department of Chemistry, aims to identify mechanisms that could have contributed to the emergence of the Last Universal Common Ancestor. (Photo by the College of Humanities and Sciences)

VCU chemistry professor Julio Alvarez receives grant to further explore the origins of life on Earth

May 8, 2025

His research lab is targeting the Last Universal Common Ancestor, which would connect 4 billion years of history.

Merilyn Arikkat, who will graduate in May, is co-executive director of VCU Votes, a student-led, nonpartisan initiative. (Contributed photo)

Class of 2025: VCU Votes co-leader Merilyn Arikkat drives civic engagement among fellow students

April 28, 2025

The biology major and aspiring doctor is among national honorees for championing democracy.

Esha Sharma, an Honors College student, has participated in more than a half-dozen research projects as an undergraduate at VCU. (William Lineberry, Honors College)

Class of 2025: Esha Sharma finds harmony through humanities and hard science

April 21, 2025

From diverse research projects as an undergraduate, the aspiring ER physician embraced the link between anthropology and medicine.

Brian Fuglestad, Ph.D., is the recipient of the 2024 Young Investigator Award, given each year to a future leader in the field of analytical chemistry. (Contributed photo)

Chemistry professor Brian Fuglestad honored with rising star award from drugmaker Eli Lilly

April 16, 2025

His lab is exploring the analysis of proteins tied to a number of diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.

lab researchers loading biological samples into a lab spinner

Congratulations to Brian Fuglestad who was awarded a 2024 Young Investigator Award

March 25, 2025

This is the first Eli Lily ACACC Young Investigator Award given to a member of the VCU faculty

Mahmoud Kaid, who is from Egypt, conducts research at VCU focused on the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

World@VCU: Mahmoud Kaid from Egypt

Feb. 26, 2025

‘Watching both my boys grow here has added a whole new perspective to my work and life.’

Fosua Adu-Gyamfi is a senior biology major at VCU. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How I found my research: Fosua Adu-Gyamfi learns from undergrad experiences at both VCU and the National Cancer Institute

Feb. 17, 2025

The senior, who serves as a research assistant in a VCU lab studying alcohol use disorder, embraces research’s potential to improve the world ‘one question at a time.’

Sally Hunnicutt, who retired in September, speaks at the opening of the STEM Building in 2023. Hunnicutt played a role in the building’s conception and development. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Sally Hunnicutt retires after a career teaching students ‘how scientists see the world’

Feb. 10, 2025

Hunnicutt served in the Department of Chemistry for 26 years, earning a reputation for ‘creating that positive momentum in a student’s life that can change their life trajectory.’ Two spaces in the STEM Building bear her name.

Lauren Moncayo, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, is balancing her scientific education and passion for modeling (Photo by Arda Athman, School of Medicine)

From the lab to the runway: Ph.D. candidate finds confidence through research

Jan. 24, 2025

Graduate student Lauren Moncayo said pursuing a doctorate has made her reevaluate other goals she considered ‘out of reach,’ like becoming a model.