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A new study by VCU researchers finds that behaviors directly under our control — such as diet, how physically active or sedentary we are, and how much time we spend watching TV, reading, on the internet, and on social media — are associated with sleep health across the lifespan. (Getty Images)

Want better sleep? Less fast food and screen time, and more physical activity may be key.

June 22, 2021

A new study led by VCU researchers sheds light on lifestyle factors associated with healthy and unhealthy sleep.

New research from Mount Holyoke College and Virginia Commonwealth University finds that people with a history of adverse childhood experiences were more likely to bear a heavier burden during the pandemic’s initial surge. (Getty Images)

What was COVID-19’s impact on mental health, well-being and substance use early in the pandemic?

June 2, 2021

Research shows that those with a history of adverse childhood experiences were more likely to bear a heavier burden during the pandemic’s initial surge.

The development of an accurate teacher-report measure would support schools’ efforts to implement evidence-based programs for children at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders in elementary schools. (Getty Images)

$2M grant to support programs for elementary school students at risk of social, behavioral, and emotional problems

May 28, 2021

The award, from the Institute of Education Sciences, will fund a four-year project co-led by researchers from VCU and the University of Minnesota.

Joseph Porter taught "tens of thousands of VCU students" in a nearly five-decade career at the university. (Julia Rendleman, University Marketing)

Joseph Porter, a ‘dedicated scientist’ and psychology professor, retires after 46 years

May 19, 2021

He built his first lab at VCU with his own hands and taught thousands of students at the university. And his research broke ground in the understanding of antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs.

Michael Southam-Gerow in the Department of Psychology at VCU, says it’s perfectly normal to experience stress as society opens back up, and he offers a few strategies anyone can use to help manage it. (Getty Images)

The transition out of COVID may be stressful, too

May 17, 2021

We might experience stress and anxiety as society gradually opens back up and we reemerge from our bubbles. VCU psychology professor Michael Southam-Gerow says there are ways to cope.

Alexia Brown hopes to use her education to launch a career that will allow her to make a far-reaching impact on as many people as possible. “There’s so much work to do,” Brown said. “I have to do my part to leave this world a better place.” (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Alexia Brown is on a mission to learn – and make the world a better place

May 6, 2021

“I want something that’s going to make me want to get up in the morning, no matter how exhausted I am, with an energy that says, ‘I gotta go. I gotta go do my work.’ … There’s so much work to do.”

Fantasy Lozada, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, received an NSF CAREER award to investigate how African American youth develop emotion regulatory flexibility, which can protect against racism. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

VCU professor to explore ‘emotional code switching’ among African American youth

May 5, 2021

Psychology professor Fantasy Lozada received an NSF CAREER award to study emotion regulatory flexibility among African American youth, which helps them to protect against racism.

Carlos David Jimenez Morales is set to become the first graduate of VCU’s Graduate Certificate in Health Care Innovation program. (Tom Kojcsich, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Problem solver Carlos David Jimenez Morales wants to make an impact on health care

May 5, 2021

Later this month, he will become the first graduate of VCU’s Graduate Certificate in Health Care Innovation program.

Interviewing patients as part of her research has been particularly rewarding for Nayab Mughal, who wants to use her career to provide support to patients during some of their toughest moments. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Real research: Future nurse finds rewards in research’s potential to better understand others

April 27, 2021

Nayab Mughal has been involved in three studies, giving her the chance to learn how the pandemic has affected the experiences of both pregnant and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.

A new study led by VCU researchers finds that students who have been exposed to interpersonal trauma prior to college consume more alcohol than those without interpersonal trauma exposure. But romantic relationships mitigate these effects of trauma on a student’s drinking behavior. (Getty Images)

Romantic relationships mitigate effects of trauma on alcohol use among college students

April 22, 2021

A new study led by VCU researchers shows students exposed to interpersonal trauma prior to college are more likely to engage in risky alcohol use — but effects can be mitigated through romantic relationships.