VCU School of Public Health

09/02/2026

Each day, our faculty, staff, and students continue to impress us with their dedication to our vision: Every person. Every community. Healthy. 💛🖤

In our 2025–26 Annual Report, you’ll find inspiring stories, photos, and impactful examples of the incredible work accomplished throughout the past year.

We invite you to join in our celebration and take a look at the full report, linked in the comments below.

09/01/2026

Join us in celebrating another standout leader making waves at ! 💛🖤

When Ph.D. student Farnese Motto was just four years old traveling through West Africa, a simple question about environmental differences sparked a lifelong mission: "What can we do about that?"

Today, that drive has earned her national recognition. Farnese was recently selected as a This Is Public Health (TIPH) Ambassador for 2026–27 by the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health (ASPPH)—continuing a strong line of leadership representation for VCU following recent ambassadors Emily Edwards (M.P.H.’25) and Jocelyn Espinoza (M.P.H.’26).

With an M.P.H. from Johns Hopkins and a B.S. from Penn State, Farnese chose VCU Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences for her doctoral studies specifically to conduct authentic, community-engaged research. Her vision after graduation? Serving as a bridge between academia, local health agencies, and global NGOs to advance maternal health equity.

We are proud to watch student leaders like Motto shape the future of our field and represent our growing school across the nation.

👏 Drop a message of congratulations for Farnese in the comments below!

👇 Read the full story on her journey and post-graduation plans:

Farnese Motto, a Ph.D. student studying social and behavioral sciences, was accepted into the This Is Public Health (TIPH) Ambassador program for the academic year 2026-27.

08/31/2026

The Epi Forum Seminar Series continues tomorrow with Elizabeth Prom-Wormley, Ph.D., M.P.H., who will present, "Bridging Science and Society: Integrating Genetic Epidemiology Research with Community Perspectives."

Catch us at One Capitol Square at 12 p.m. Refreshments will be served!
Or join on Zoom: https://epidemiology.vcu.edu/seminar/

08/31/2026

On International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember loved ones we have lost, while also committing ourselves to protecting community members still at risk for overdose.

At and the VCU Center on Society and Health, our students, faculty, and staff are researching ways to create better substance use outcomes, in partnership with our communities.

08/28/2026

No matter how you move around our campus, we all play a role in traffic safety.

See how you can contribute to making VCU a safe place for all.

As a new academic year begins, the progress and the commitment are growing for safe travel on both campuses.

08/27/2026

Looking to fill in your fall wardrobe? We have the perfect items for you.

We have new polos, crewnecks, hoodies and tshirts.

Or grab a new water bottle, mug, notebook or tote bag to show your spirit all over campus.

Find the link to shop in the comments below ⬇️

08/26/2026

Happening today!

💰 Thinking about applying for a Wright Center Translational Science Pilot Award?
Start here. Join us for an informational webinar covering what prospective applicants need to know:
✅ Eligibility criteria
✅ The application process
✅ Funded research areas
✅ Example projects from past cycles
✅ Key information for prospective applicants

Our pilot awards are designed to generate the preliminary data and proof-of-concept that turn a promising idea into a fundable federal grant. In 2025, we awarded $100,000 across four interdisciplinary projects at $25,000 each — spanning cardiac digital twins, AI-assisted brain imaging, lung cancer diagnostics, and statewide health data infrastructure.

🗓️ When: August 26, 2026 │ 12:00 PM
📍 Where: Virtual via Zoom
🔗 Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yjet1DEvQ6ChwFG6DmvBDg #/registration

08/26/2026

Tell us, Rams, why do you show up as a student?

Community, connection, your future, peer support, fun...there are a million reasons .

Share yours via the link below.

08/24/2026

We're proud to share two more scholars completed the VCU-Bolashak program this summer. Ainash Khisamitova, M.D., and Aiganym Zhalgassova, R.N., M.P.H. will return to Kazakhstan with additional knowledge and expertise to improve public health in their communities.

Many congratulations to both scholars! 👏 🖤 💛

Learn more about the program and the ceremony in the comments below.

08/21/2026

New school year, new ways to advance your public health education!

Of the dozens of new degrees, certificates and minors offered this fall, six are offered by and our collaborators.

From robotics and AI to healthcare and business, the academic programs reflect the evolving workforce and promote experiential learning for students.