Faculty Research News

New research by Baobao Song, Ph.D., finds that celebrity endorsements from South Korean boy band BTS and other celebrities can push their fans to take action. (Photo: AJEONG_JM, Wikimedia Commons)

Celebrity endorsements can drive advocacy by fans, VCU researcher finds

March 6, 2025

Examining the popular South Korean boy band BTS and their preferred causes, the study found three factors that shape the behavior of their devoted followers.

The rise or fall of utility-scale solar could dramatically change Virginia’s energy portfolio. (Getty Images)

VCU researchers assess land impacts of Virginia’s solar industry — now and in the future

March 3, 2025

Large-scale ‘solar farms’ currently occupy more than 30,000 acres as the state’s energy portfolio continues to evolve.

Jason Reed, Ph.D., and Youngman Oh, Ph.D., were named senior members of the National Academy of Inventors on Feb. 20.

Two VCU researchers named National Academy of Inventors senior members

Feb. 24, 2025

Youngman Oh and Jason Reed are honored for their innovative work in cancer therapy and DNA technology.

Shijun Zhang, Ph.D., a professor in the School of Pharmacy, is pioneering drug discovery research focused on an essential component of the immune system. (Christopher Kendall)

Alzheimer’s, antennas and AI are highlighted in VCU faculty research receiving new Commercialization Fund awards

Feb. 19, 2025

Five projects are selected in the latest round of funding that helps bring campus innovation to the marketplace.

School salad bars encourage kids to make healthier choices, according to new VCU research. (Getty Images)

School salad bars raise fruit intake among kids and benefit economically diverse schools, VCU researchers find

Feb. 13, 2025

Their latest study, centered on a Virginia school district, adds to evidence that salad bars are encouraging healthier dietary choices in the school cafeteria.

Daniel Morales, an assistant professor of history, examines the creation of transnational migratory networks across Mexico and the United States in the 20th century in his new book. (Photos contributed by Daniel Morales)

VCU author investigates U.S.-Mexico migration in the early 20th century – and its enduring legacy

Jan. 23, 2025

In his new book, history professor Daniel Morales examines how large-scale movement became rooted in both countries’ socioeconomic fabric.

Ka Un Lao, Ph.D., is the first recipient at VCU to receive CAREER award recognition from the NSF’s Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods Program. (Contributed image)

Chemist Ka Un Lao receives prestigious National Science Foundation honor for early career faculty

Jan. 22, 2025

The CAREER award recognizes his innovative research that could boost clean energy and other fields.

Fantasy Lozada has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor given by the federal government to those early in their careers. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU researcher Fantasy Lozada receives early career honor from U.S. government

Jan. 17, 2025

The psychology professor, who is exploring emotional development among African American youth, has been honored with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

A new study shows that students at schools with salad bars have healthier dietary intake compared with students at schools without. (Getty Images)

Salad bars in school cafeterias boost students’ dietary quality, new VCU study finds

Dec. 16, 2024

Researchers compared before-and-after photos of student lunches in a Virginia school district.

Outstanding Faculty Award recipients Fadi Salloum, Ph.D., a professor of physiology and biophysics, and Xuewei Wang, Ph.D., an associate professor of chemistry. (File photos)

Professors win state’s Outstanding Faculty Award

Dec. 16, 2024

Fadi N. Salloum, Ph.D., a professor in the School of Medicine, and Xuewei Wang, Ph.D., a chemistry professor in the College of Humanities and Sciences, are among 12 faculty members honored from across Virginia this year.