News

VCU students in the Wilderness and Wildlife course spotted 92 species of birds during a five-day trip in the South Carolina low country this spring. (Contributed photo)

VCU students embrace the call of the wild

June 16, 2025

Two recent environmental studies courses reflect how hands-on learning – sometimes far from campus – is at the heart of the new School of Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The rise of bedbugs matches up closely with the rise of human cities, according to new research. (Getty Images)

When did bedbugs become a common nighttime nuisance? VCU expert Brian Verrelli has an answer

May 30, 2025

The closer quarters of city living helped the pest population take off around 13,000 years ago, he and his research colleagues have found.

A group of students in chairs are watching presenters at a podium in front of a big screen on a wall

Research Symposium returns to Rice Rivers Center

May 19, 2025

The event was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A frog and six newly-hatched chickadees share a bird box

Interspecies roommates gain seven more

May 7, 2025

Newly-hatched Chickadees make the nesting box a full house.

Group of Ph.D. students standing on a stairs for a group photo

Integrative Life Sciences Research Showcase features doctoral student research

May 5, 2025

The annual presentation and poster session is part of VCU Research Weeks

Uncommon Hero - Dr. Matt Balazik

VCU's "UNCOMMON Heroes" series features Matt Balazik, Ph.D.

April 17, 2025

Balazik helps restore the Atlantic sturgeon population in the James River, but also influences international conservation strategies.

Frogs and six chickadee eggs share a birdbox

The cost of housing goes interspecies: Skyrocketing rents bring biodiverse tenants

April 17, 2025

One nesting spot is the home to more than just feathered residents.

Three people standing for a photo

BNFOthon immerses students into the world of bioinformatics for an up-close look into the future of science and technology

April 15, 2025

Student hackers completed 13 team projects within 24 hours for the VCU annual event.

VCU undergraduate student Kaylynn Breland spent last summer break studying American kestrels in Highland County. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

America’s smallest falcon captures the interest and insight of undergraduate researcher Kaylynn Breland

April 15, 2025

The environmental studies student embraces field work that has taken her straight into the nest.

Prepared meals that haven’t been consumed are being distributed to the new Ram Fridges, which serve food-insecure students on campus. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Dining Services has a full menu of projects focused on sustainability

April 9, 2025

From simple composting to high-tech tracking of food waste and reusable containers, VCU’s meal team is refining its operational recipe.