Undergraduate Student News

Bo Belotti was drawn to VCU because of its emphasis on diversity and inclusion, its strong political science program, its proximity to state government and Richmond's highly engaged activist community. (Contributed photo

Class of 2022: Bo Belotti trained as an activist scholar while pursuing change at the local and state levels

Dec. 7, 2022

Belotti, a political science major, organized protests, developed and advocated for policies, worked on electoral campaigns and strengthened his skill set, all in hopes of making a difference.

Evan Hirsh, a graduating homeland security and emergency preparedness major in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU and political science major in the College of Humanities and Sciences, credits his professors for helping him find his passion. (David Slipher, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU)

Class of 2022: Public service, impact guide Evan Hirsh’s focus on intelligence analysis

Nov. 29, 2022

Internships with the Henrico County Police Division, Virginia State Police and Defense Intelligence Agency have prepared Hirsh, graduating with degrees from the Wilder School and College of Humanities and Sciences, to launch a career in intelligence.

Sabrina Sims has thrived in opportunities to conduct forensic science work through both the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the East Marshall Street Well Project. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2022: Sabrina Sims follows in the footsteps of TV hero ‘Bones’

Nov. 28, 2022

Forensic science major, a Navy veteran and former PI and correctional officer, studies ancestral remains from the East Marshall Street Well Project to help determine ancestry.

Shawn Williams has been involved in a variety of service-oriented efforts. "I want to build a better world," they said. (Tom Kojcsich, University Marketing)

Class of 2022: Helping others is a passion for graduating senior Shawn Williams

Nov. 21, 2022

Williams’ work focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion, and they have been involved in campus leadership and service.

Sydney Wardrett (Allen Jones, University Marketing)

‘A setback … just sets the tone for a greater comeback’

Nov. 17, 2022

Freshman year did not go as planned for English major Sydney Wardrett, but with help from her professors and an academic coach, she made a mental shift and got back on track.

Emely Mendez-Ralda, Anita Nadal and Jacqueline Romero at ¡Virginia Fiesta! at the Science Museum of Virginia. (Contributed photo)

Students share their experiences at Hispanic Heritage Month community festival

Oct. 18, 2022

Jacqueline Romero and Emely Mendez-Ralda take part in ¡Virginia Fiesta! at the Science Museum of Virginia.

Last month new students marched down the streets during Spirit Walk, an annual tradition at the start of the school year. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Unlimited spirit

Sept. 15, 2022

More than 5,000 new Rams arrived on campus last month. We talked to eight of them to get their unique perspectives and plans for their time at VCU.

Rhea Tammireddi received support from the VCU Internship Funding Program. (Tom Kojcsich, University Marketing)

VCU student spends summer researching new HIV treatment

Sept. 9, 2022

Through internship program, Rhea Tammireddi was able to pursue her interest in virology.

Abigail Andrade conducted research this summer at the Institute of Immunology at the Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein’s hospital in Kiel, Germany. (Contributed photo)

Student’s internship in Germany brings valuable research experience

Aug. 10, 2022

Abigail Andrade, a senior, worked with students as part of a study to find new ways to diagnose and treat autoimmune diseases.

Avani Venkatesh, a member of the Honors College, is a rising senior majoring in international studies. She has plans to attend medical school. (Contributed photo)

Avani Venkatesh gives back through internship with The Giving Square

Aug. 5, 2022

One of the senior’s primary roles at the internship, supported by the VCU Internship Funding Program, is helping the organization develop an intergenerational fellowship.