VCU College of Humanities and Sciences

06/02/2026

We kicked off our first session of CHS Summer Camp yesterday! Sixteen middle schoolers are joining us this week for "3D Print the Past: Virginia's Digital Heritage Adventure," an anthropology camp, where they will learn about cultural preservation -- what it is, why it's important, and how to tell stories about the past. On the first day, campers spent time digging in the dirt, discussing weird objects, and practicing 3D scanning. This morning, we headed to Hollywood Cemetery where we took a tour with Doug, our amazing guide from the Valentine Museum, and scanned grave markers. Couldn't ask for better weather or better kids! The Valentine

05/28/2026

We love seeing videos like this. Shout out our The Robertson School of Communication Class of 2026! 🙌

05/28/2026

👏👏 Congratulations to Dr. Simonelli!

Congratulations to Dr. Andrea Simonelli, recipient of a competitive research grant from the VCU Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) Fund!

05/28/2026

Graduating this spring, Stephen Tivenan earned his Ph.D. in systems modeling and analysis from the Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research. His work has focused on arid and semi-arid climates across Africa, identifying patterns in massive sets of seasonal data and exploring the risks of desertification.

Tivenan initially intended to pursue a doctorate in physics. However, he felt pulled toward environmental advocacy and applied to VCU’s program in 2020.

“I wanted to find my passion, which was the environment, and thought VCU provided a great opportunity for that,” he said. “I looked at the research being done here with ecological systems, math and biology, and there was just a natural connection.”

Read more. https://bit.ly/49qQRtT

With his Ph.D. in systems modeling and analysis, he seeks greater precision and pattern identification in examining our evolving environment.

05/27/2026

Join us for the second webinar in our series, The Legacy of 1776. Led by Ryan K. Smith of VCU Department of History, this session will explore “From Nature’s God” to “Divine Providence”: Faith and the Founding of the United States.

The discussion will examine the diversity of religious groups in the colonies, the beliefs of key founders and the documents that shaped both religious freedom and national identity.

🗓️ Monday, June 1
⏰ 4–5 p.m. on Zoom

Scan the QR code or register here: bit.ly/4tUKHcR

05/26/2026

We are deeply saddened to share the loss of Mrs. Inger Rice, philanthropist and visionary.

“She believed the natural world deserved to be cared for, studied and cherished, and she saw the forests, rivers and wetlands of the Rice Rivers Center as something more than a research site but as a place of healing and reflection,” says Chris Gough, Ph.D.

Read more about her legacy here.

The Richmond-based philanthropist’s initial gift of 342 acres along the James River has bolstered life sciences education at VCU.

05/21/2026

Zora Weir-Gertzog, a biology and communication arts major, recently earned two bachelor’s degrees.

“VCU was one of the few universities that had both a medical school and an art school attached, so I knew I wanted to go somewhere that had strong arts and strong sciences,” says Weir-Gertzog.

Learn how this recent graduate was able to "Embrace The And" and earn two degrees. https://bit.ly/4tMoNbI

At VCU, her two degrees, independent project and broad collaborations reflect longtime creativity and motivation.

05/18/2026

Greg Garman, associate professor in the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, was recently featured in the latest article by Richmond Magazine.

The article, "Barging In," discusses the controversial decision to dredge Powell Creek, a tributary of the James River near the James River National Wildlife Refuge.

Click to read now. https://bit.ly/4uj0PGb

Plans to dredge a tributary stir up trouble in Prince George.

05/14/2026

Jessica Trisko Darden, associate professor of Political Science, was recently featured in a new Al Jazeera documentary. "All Hail the Military" examines militarism and its impacts in contemporary society.

Featured in the "The Fighter" segment, Trisko Darden shares her expert insight on how and why women go to war, and the nature of women's participation in contemporary conflicts.

Watch here.

A series exploring the systems of power that sustain militarism and the profound impact they have on us all.

05/13/2026

What if we said one of the best parts of graduation is seeing all of your grad cap designs? 👀

Share your favs in the comments below! We know you have one. 😉