News

Faculty Convocation will honor seven VCU educators and researchers for excellence

Aug. 31, 2023

Annual ceremony on Sept. 6 highlights teaching, scholarship and service.

Rebecca Martin, Ph.D., a professor in the School of Medicine, is a co-founder of Pleros Therapeutics. Its leading product is a molecule drug that targets enzymes involved in allergy responses, specifically asthma. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

More than ever, startups at VCU are turning ideas into businesses

July 11, 2023

Where science meets commerce, TechTransfer and Ventures is helping inventors find an audience beyond campus.

The Blick Scholar award is a premier recognition for those junior faculty members who have been exceptionally successful in research. (File photo)

Five new Blick Scholars reflect how VCU junior faculty are making their mark in medical research

June 20, 2023

From longevity and neuroscience to asthma and health equity, these assistant professors are rising stars in their fields.

Rachael Flammia works with Yan Zhang, Ph.D., in his lab. Zhang is studying the development of a means to reverse the acute and chronic toxicity of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 30 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. (Photo: Tyler Trumbo, MCV Foundation)

Fighting fentanyl

May 17, 2023

VCU researchers are spearheading efforts to reverse the toxicity of the potent synthetic.

A VCU-led study has identified DNA markers already present in newborns that were associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. (Getty Images)

DNA methylation markers for increased risk of schizophrenia identified for first time in newborns

May 15, 2023

Research will continue to develop potential future clinical biomarkers that will allow early detection and intervention, according to one of the VCU investigators who led the research team.

Celebrating its 125th birthday, VCU School of Pharmacy hits its stride

April 19, 2023

Much has changed since 1898, but the pharmacy school’s mission remains focused on health and community.

Across VCU's campuses, instructors, researchers and clinicians have turned to VR for teaching, training and patient care. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Virtual VCU worlds used to train, teach and treat in the real one

April 4, 2023

How researchers and faculty are building virtual reality applications to face society’s grand challenges.

Qingguo Xu, D.Phil., associate professor of pharmaceutics and ophthalmology at VCU School of Pharmacy, (right) in the lab with Tuo Meng, Ph.D., (left) and Vineet Kulkarni. (School of Pharmacy)

Tiny nanoparticle could have big impact on patients receiving corneal transplants

March 23, 2023

In VCU-led studies, using nanoparticles to encapsulate eye medication decreased graft rejection while requiring fewer and smaller doses.

Qingguo Xu, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Pharmaceutics of the School of Pharmacy, was one of six recipients of the fall 2022 round of TechTransfer and Ventures’ Commercialization Fund Awards. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Drug delivery, new therapies, AI, VR: Array of VCU inventors receive Commercialization Fund awards

Feb. 28, 2023

Cholesterol drug may help treat eye disorders.

Kelechi C. Ogbanna, Pharm.D., was named dean of the VCU School of Pharmacy in December 2022. Prior to that, he had served as interim dean of the school and as associate dean of admissions and student services. (Jay Paul)

Kelechi C. Ogbonna on health, medicine and becoming the first African American dean of the VCU School of Pharmacy

Feb. 23, 2023

Ogbonna, who was named dean in December and joined the faculty in 2012, said “health care is at a pivotal juncture.” He said his efforts as dean will include “a hyperfocus” on student success.