Graduate Student News

Kay Coghill’s Ph.D. dissertation explores digital violence and misogynoir, the unique discrimination that Black women experience. (Contributed photo)

Through research and activism, VCU doctoral student explores gender, race, violence and culture – and wins American Society of Criminology award

Feb. 1, 2024

In their studies, in front of a classroom and in digital work, Kay Coghill sheds light on misogynoir and helps survivors of sexual violence.

Nicholas George said it was rewarding to serve as an expert at a prestigious conference about John Milton “on behalf of all people with disabilities like me.” (Photo by Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Nicholas George felt like a failure as a child, but now he’s an internationally credentialed expert on John Milton

Jan. 8, 2024

George, who has autism and epilepsy, built on his love of reading to earn an M.A. in English at VCU and to join fellow Milton experts from around the world at a conference in Toronto.

Kristen Stewart, a doctoral student at VCU, is exploring how masculinity has been defined through fashion, which sends her down “all kinds of interesting rabbit holes in American history.” (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU doctoral student Kristen Stewart is intrigued by the historical influence of men’s clothing

Dec. 18, 2023

Former curator at the Valentine is exploring masculinity, power and gender bias in clothing from early America.

During his time as a graduate student at VCU, Nick Driver has had three internships at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Nick Driver changed his tune and, with three VCU degrees, is now shooting for the stars

Dec. 14, 2023

With a Ph.D. in nanoscience, he is bringing his lifelong love of astronomy to NASA projects.

Jennifer Weggen, a doctoral student at VCU, served for 12 years in the Navy. (Contributed photo)

Navy veteran and VCU doctoral student Jennifer Weggen is serving her military colleagues on many fronts

Nov. 8, 2023

Her research focus on PTSD, traumatic brain injury and heart health, and her work with student and alumni military groups, reflect a longstanding passion with family roots.

3-D printed cilia sensors have the potential to be used in a number of industries, ranging from prosthetics to manufacturing. (Photo by Jeff Kelley)

3D-printed hairs: Ph.D. candidate, professor developing tiny sensors to detect flow and environmental changes

Oct. 20, 2023

Uses could include surgical robots that better detect minute changes in pressure or temperature, industrial machines that measure air or water flow, a robot that reads braille, or debris detection on a highly sensitive camera lens.

Gary Garbett, who works in VCU Technology Services, said that being named a Fulbright Specialist "opens up possibilities for me." (Contributed photo)

VCU communications professional Gary Garbett is named a Fulbright Specialist

Sept. 27, 2023

He will bring his creative talents and Technology Services experience to international projects.

Biomedical engineering student Karah Moore has been a member of the lab of Rebecca Heise, Ph.D., for the past three years, researching cellular activity in diseased lungs. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU awarded $3 million from the NIH to continue research training of students underrepresented in the sciences

Sept. 21, 2023

Two renewed grants, which support undergraduate and graduate students in pursuing biomedical and behavioral research, highlight VCU’s national standing.

VCU welcomed thousands of new students at the start of the academic year, from first-year undergradates to professional students.

Welcome to the Ramily

Sept. 13, 2023

Get to know a few of this year’s roughly 8,000 new students who add to VCU’s diverse and expansive community.

From surf, turf and sky, NASA and VCU’s Rice Rivers Center deliver an immersive summer experience for undergraduates

June 29, 2023

In its inaugural session on the East Coast, the environmental research program taps VCU expertise and facilities to give 22 students from across the nation a hands-on role in high-level work.