Student Research Opportunities

Opportunities and support for student-scholars at the undergraduate and graduate levels

Under the guidance of our dedicated faculty and with robust administrative support, students at the VCU School of Pharmacy have a supportive and productive environment for pursuing their research interests. We offer numerous paths to get involved in pharmacy research, including paid and volunteer research assistant positions, research practicums, independent research projects, interdisciplinary collaborations, clinical trials, mentorship programs and research fellowships.

If you're interested in participating in research, your first step is to explore our faculty's research areas. Discover the diverse areas being studied within our programs to find a perfect match for your interests.

Undergraduate Opportunities

• Find work study research assistantships and VCU and national research opportunities through the VCU Student Opportunity Center
• Use the federal work-study award program to get access to experiential learning opportunities in research through the VCU Work Study Research Assistant Program
• Through the Honors Summer Undergraduate Research Program, faculty mentors are paired with exceptional Honors students to conduct research

Graduate Opportunities

Research is a core part of our graduate programs, from our M.S. and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences to our Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Engineering. If you're interested in participating in research through our graduate programs, your first step is to explore our faculty's research areas.

Contribute to cutting-edge pharmaceutical innovations, advancements in drug development, clinical practices and health care outcomes. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from experienced faculty, our graduate students explore diverse research areas that advance their expertise and drive the future of pharmaceutical sciences.

Contact graduate studies program coordinator Geri Youngblood, Ph.D., at pharmsciadmit@vcu.edu for more information.

Pharm.D. Opportunities

Our Pharm.D. students can engage in research activities with faculty mentors. To find the right faculty mentor:

• Determine what you want to get out of the experience
• Explore our faculty's research areas and publications to learn about their work
• Be specific when asking a potential mentor if they're interested in mentoring you, and request an appointment to discuss expectations
• Don't be afraid to contact multiple faculty members

Interested in expanded opportunities for research? Explore our Pharm.D./Ph.D. dual degree program.