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An injury cut short Shae Gavit's military career. Now she hopes to help veterans, active-duty military and military families struggling with substance and alcohol abuse. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Former Marine wants to help veterans who suffer from addiction

Nov. 18, 2021

Though an injury cut short her military career, Shae Gavit wants to carry out the oath she took to serve others.

A VCU-led study of students in seven countries early in the pandemic finds that college students were more likely to practice social distancing if they believed two things: that it would protect against COVID-19 and that it was an action they could easily carry out. (Getty Images)

To persuade college students to practice social distancing, scaring them into action isn’t enough

Nov. 9, 2021

A VCU-led study of students in 7 countries early in the pandemic finds that effective messages emphasized that social distancing would protect against COVID-19 and that it was something people could easily do.

Charlotte Wincott holding an award from the Hollywood Women’s International Film Festival. (Courtesy of Charlotte Wincott)

Filmmaker, storyteller, neuroscientist: Charlotte Wincott’s latest project is a reflection of her many skills

Nov. 8, 2021

In “The Issue with Elvis,” the VCU grad’s many talents are on full display, as she weaves together a story about people, science and mental health in a way few others can.

A fMRI image of the MPFC brain region that is blunted for intimate partner aggression, as compared to aggression against close friends and strangers.

Study discovers unique brain signature of intimate partner aggression

Oct. 14, 2021

VCU researchers used fMRI technology to observe the brain activity of romantic partners experiencing intimate partner aggression in real time.

The CDC has awarded a $6 million grant to two VCU researchers who will co-lead a project to identify strategies that prevent and decrease rates of youth violence in Richmond. (File photo, University Marketing)

CDC awards $6M grant to VCU to address youth violence in Richmond and beyond

Sept. 29, 2021

The grant is one of only five awarded nationally and designates VCU as one of the CDC’s Youth Violence Prevention Centers.

In 2020, more than 5,100 people under age 18 were shot and more than 1,300 were killed in the U.S. (Getty Images)

NIH awards $2M to study VCU program focused on reducing youth violence amid surge in gun injuries and death

Sept. 23, 2021

The program, Bridging the Gap, provides violently injured patients with a brief hospital-based intervention that aims to prevent retaliatory violence.

In “The Child Code,” VCU professor Danielle Dick explains how each child is uniquely coded with predispositions that affect their fearfulness, impulsivity, happiness, propensity for throwing tantrums and all other aspects of their personality.

How understanding your child’s unique nature can make you a more effective parent

Sept. 9, 2021

VCU professor Danielle Dick’s new book, ‘The Child Code,’ helps parents adapt their parenting strategies to fit how their child is wired.

The Student Veterans Association at VCU has been accepting donations to help Afghan refugees being temporarily housed at Fort Lee and Fort Pickett. (Courtesy photo)

‘This is close to home for me’: Student veterans collect donations to aid Afghan refugees in Virginia

Sept. 8, 2021

Supplies from the ongoing campaign support refugees at Fort Lee and Fort Pickett.

In "Finding Her Voice," authors Faye Belgrave, Angela Ivy Belgrave and Angela Patton aim to help Black girls find the strength and confidence to speak up, be heard and assert themselves. (Getty Images)

New book aims to help Black girls navigate predominantly white spaces, microaggressions

Sept. 2, 2021

The book, “Finding Her Voice: How Black Girls in White Spaces Can Speak Up and Live Their Truth,” is co-authored by VCU professor Faye Belgrave.

African Americans have the highest rates of tobacco-related cancer of any racial or ethnic group in the country. (Getty Images)

Massey researchers awarded $1.3M to examine impacts of e-cigarette flavor regulations on African American menthol smokers

Aug. 31, 2021

The research aims to find out whether having e-cigarette flavors available — particularly menthol — increases uptake of e-cigarettes and reduces menthol cigarette use.