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Department of Chemical & Life Science Engineering

Chemical and life science engineering is a diverse engineering field involved in the development of chemicals, biochemical and biologics in a variety of applications including polymers, nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, clean fuels, environmental protection and medicine.

Researchers and students in the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering apply their talents to projects in a variety of areas including departmental focal areas of pharmaceutical engineering, stem cell engineering, nanotechnology and materials science.

Independent and interdisciplinary efforts within the department take place across different academic units and shared facilities. State-of-the-art facilities such as the Nanomaterials Characterization Center, the Center for High Performance Computing, the Center for the Study of Biological Complexity and the Massey Cancer Center provide modern equipment and technical expertise. Our collaborative ties with faculty in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and forensics have led to multidisciplinary research projects.

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Recent News

Undergraduates apply knowledge to real-world questions during VCU Engineering summer research program

This summer, several students took part in VCU Engineering’s National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) curriculum.

Student wins award for nuclear reactor safety research

Caleb King, a third-year student in the College of Engineering, is studying accident tolerant fuels as part of research to help contain or stop a full nuclear reactor meltdown.

Researchers explore alternate delivery method for potential Alzheimer’s treatment

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Engineering and School of Pharmacy are working toward a proof of concept for a nose-to-brain delivery system of insulin to treat Alzheimer’s patients.

VCU Engineering students to benefit from newly endowed scholarship

After years of working together to create internships and a scholarship for Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Engineering students, the 7x24 Exchange’s Central Virginia Chapter recently deepened its relationship with the College of Engineering by creating the 7x24 Central Virginia Scholarship, an endowed scholarship to benefit students in perpetuity.

‘GenCyber’ bootcamp aimed at building next generation of cybersecurity pros

Hosted by the VCU College of Engineering and Cybersecurity Center, the week-long bootcamp welcomed middle and high school students from across Richmond at no cost to participants.

‘STARS’ Camp students explore real-world STEM projects to develop deeper understanding of Richmond neighborhoods

Two summer camps created by the VCU College of Engineering outreach program gave Richmond City students the opportunity to engage in hands-on, community-focused STEM learning during the summer months.

Richmond-Petersburg region, collaborating as the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, secures $111 million over three months for U.S. based manufacturing of essential medicine

Alliance for Building Better Medicine, a coalition of public and private sector stakeholders in the Richmond-Petersburg region, and Governor Glenn Youngkin yesterday honored National Essential Medicine Shortage Awareness Day by announcing $111 Million has been invested by federal, state, local, and private supporters over the past three months to accelerate the development of the advanced pharmaceutical and manufacturing cluster emerging in Central Virginia.

Richmond-Petersburg regional coalition, including VCU, awarded $53 million in Build Back Better Regional Challenge

Virginia Commonwealth University, will receive nearly $53 million as one of 21 winners of the national Build Back Better Regional Challenge.

Richmond-Petersburg region is a winner of the national Build Back Better Regional Challenge

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced that public and private sector stakeholders in the Richmond-Petersburg region, working together as the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, will receive $52,942,702 as a winner of the national Build Back Better Regional Challenge.

Research office creates new institutes, centers to enrich VCU innovation, scholarship and creativity

As Virginia Commonwealth University rises to meet societal challenges, new research centers selected for their transdisciplinary nature are expanding a campus environment rich in research, scholarship and creativity.

Bank of America Digital ID project interns apply engineering expertise to real-world challenges

Student interns have an opportunity to work with Bank of America to help create a mobile application offering financial education and career planning tools specifically for college students.

VCU Engineering welcomes new faculty

Five new faculty members join the VCU College of Engineering this year. They bring expertise in software development and engineering, biomanufacturing nanomaterials, bone health and more, along with interesting side hobbies. Meet our newest faculty members.

Research team aims to enhance security of medical devices

A team of Virginia Commonwealth University researchers has received support from the National Science Foundation for a project that aims to increase the security of internet-connected medical devices.

Illuminating data: VCU Engineering students learn how photonics make data centers possible

Each year, Nathaniel Kinsey, Ph.D. supports the event through Fiber Friday, a lecture series and discussion about optics, photonics and the roles they play within a data center.

Dean’s Early Research Initiative Develops Next Generation of Engineers

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows also have an opportunity to develop their mentorship skills by serving as advisors to help these high school juniors develop as engineers throughout their senior year.

NIH awards $3M to VCU to develop researchers in women’s health

The prestigious grant to the VCU Institute for Women’s Health will build on VCU’s national reputation as a leader in women’s health.

Engineering student is gaining real-world experience through a SMART scholarship

Sekai Clayton, a rising senior, is serving a summer internship with the Department of Defense.

Two new VCU Engineering students named DoD SMART scholars

Several students at Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Engineering have received this prestigious distinction, including Madeline Bataille and Tristan Norrgard.

Researchers Receive Grant to Uncover Earliest Signs of Heart Vessel Damage in Pre-Menopausal Women Treated for Breast Cancer

Identifying first signs of heart vessel changes in young breast cancer patients receiving estrogen-deprivation therapy may lead to strategies to prevent heart disease risk.

VCU Engineering welcomes Interim Dean Gary C. Tepper, Ph.D.

As of July 1, 2022, Gary C. Tepper, Ph.D. assumes the role of interim dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering. He succeeds former dean Barbara D. Boyan, Ph.D., who has been named executive director of the VCU College of Engineering’s Institute for Engineering and Medicine.

Jennifer Rivers named assistant dean of student affairs

Rivers will work closely with student services, career services and the academic departments to implement policies, programming, events and services that support student needs, their academic success and retention.

VCU receives $1 million grant to increase minority Ph.D. STEM students

The funding is designed to guide students through the early years of a doctoral program when many drop out.

Faculty members receive promotions and tenure 2022

Please join us in congratulating faculty members who have received academic promotions and/or tenure.

Innovation Gateway supports six new projects with the Commercialization Fund

Funding helps VCU faculty innovators move their research closer to the marketplace.

Additional financial aid, new buildings, cancer research funding and more

Newly approved two-year state budget provides VCU with a ‘historic level of funding.’

Quenching pharma’s thirst for more targeted aerosol drug delivery systems

As a Minnesota biotech company chases life-saving applications for their research, two VCU professors press forward on their work to use aerosols — tiny particles released into the airways — to deliver advanced drugs to those in need.

VCU Engineering’s Jayasimha Atulasimha, Ph.D., honored with two engineering distinctions

Atulasimha recently received two notable distinctions: the Richmond Joint Engineering Council (RJEC) Engineer of the Year for 2021 and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 2021 Adaptive Structures and Material Systems (ASMS) Active and Multifunctional Materials Outstanding Contribution Award.

New testbeds at VCU College of Engineering boost the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative’s capabilities in securing NextG, medical devices and smart cities

The testbeds were developed under the leadership of Erdem Topsakal, Ph.D., director of the CCI Central Virginia regional node and professor and chair of VCU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Building a sustainable urban park – from the ground up

How a class of VCU students’ research – on soil to vegetation and everything in between – is laying the groundwork for the Science Museum of Virginia to develop the sustainable green space of the future.

Inspired to design: Student follows mechanical engineering passion and becomes DoD SMART Scholar

Isaac Asimov and inventors like Henry Ford are inspirations for Lars Axberg, a mechanical engineering sophomore who recently received the Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship.

Her combined passion for people and robots leads to a graduate research fellowship

She believed the combination of both her passions - robotics and biomedical engineering - could lead to solutions that supplement thinly stretched health care workers while also reducing medical errors.

Supporting the next generation of chemical engineers at the VCU College of Engineering

A specialized engineering course taught by water treatment experts.

Engineering students showcase elegant solutions to real-world problems at Capstone Design Expo

One team of biomedical engineering students creates a prototype of a childproof handgun safety mechanism to help curb accidental injuries and deaths.

Undergraduate co-founds, leads nonprofit to give U.S. voters easier access to info on local candidates’ campaign finances

Now building an app for her nonprofit, Erika Misseri credits a VCU course that ‘changed her life’ for encouraging her to pursue research

Computer science major helps create app for underserved population

The app will help caregivers of children with Down syndrome keep track of medical records, appointments and more.

How do bones change in outer space? This chemistry major is doing research to find out

Lovell Abraham’s hard work earned him a VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program fellowship and an award in last fall’s undergraduate poster symposium.

VCU chapter of National Academy of Inventors inducts eight faculty researchers

The university’s research enterprise is growing stronger because of a ‘culture of collaboration’ that benefits people and changes lives, said VCU President Michael Rao.

High School Programming Contest concludes in victory

VCU Engineering’s Department of Computer Science hosted high school students from across Virginia for its High School Programming Contest.

Engineering’s Annual Capstone Design Expo set for April 29

The annual event will be held Friday, April 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the VCU Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St. Awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m. The expo is free and open to the public.

Nuclear Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University

Nuclear engineering at the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering is a landmark program for the state, region and nation.

The Dreams to Reality Incubator: open for business

At Virginia Commonwealth University, the Dreams to Reality Incubator (D2Ri) is the place where students, faculty and local businesses work to develop partnerships for introducing new products to market.

VCU College of Engineering programs rising in rankings

Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering graduate programs among top ranked.

VCU College of Engineering Dean Barbara Boyan named Distinguished Scientist by American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research

Barbara D. Boyan, Ph.D., the Alice T. and William H. Goodwin, Jr. Dean of the VCU College of Engineering has received the Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) for 2022.

From programming to production

Richmond students release music album based on computer code.

Q&A with Patrick Martin, Ph.D.

5 Questions, 5 Answers, 5 Minutes – Featuring Patrick J. Martin, Ph.D., Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Advanced materials for missions to the Moon — and beyond

Ibrahim Guven, Ph.D., is part of a collaboration that will help NASA meet its goal of sending a manned mission to Mars in coming years.

Largest publicly shared gift for liver research in U.S. history to transform liver care at VCU

A historic $104 million gift will support VCU’s new Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health in its efforts to stop, prevent and reverse liver disease.

Out of this world: VCU Engineering researcher sends chemical engineering experiments to International Space Station Feb. 19

James Ferri, Ph.D., professor and vice chair in VCU’s Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, is part of an international team of researchers collaborating with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) to send fluid science experiments to the International Space Station (ISS).

Years after VCU Engineering student Karl Linn died in combat, his legacy endures

A mechanical engineering student, Lance Cpl. Karl Linn planned to return to VCU Engineering after his tour of duty with the United States Marine Corps. Unfortunately he never made it back. A scholarship in Linn's name honors the legacy of this inquisitive, duty-bound American hero.

20 VCU Engineering faculty among world’s most-cited researchers in 2021, according to Stanford University study

VCU Engineering faculty are among the world's most-cited researchers.

VCU’s online master’s in mechanical and nuclear engineering ranked one of best values in nation

VCU Engineering’s online master’s program in mechanical and nuclear engineering is one of the best values for online education in the nation according to Best Value Schools (BVS). BVS is an online resource that ranks university programs according to quality, affordability and return on investment.

VCU Engineering continues to break records in enrollment, degrees awarded

According to the university’s Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support, VCU’s College of Engineering continues to see steady growth in enrollment and graduation rates — even breaking its own records in some of these arenas.

Expanding cloud access: Dean Barbara D. Boyan, Ph.D., in Richmond Times-Dispatch

“State-wide initiatives are underway to bring advanced cloud computing to all Virginians and sectors of the economy, but we must do more," said Dean Barbara Boyan, Ph.D. ibelown a recent letter to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Unfolding history: VCU students contribute to massive Holocaust research project

VCU Engineering staff member and history graduate student Kendall Sargent is contributing research to a U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum project seeking to better understand what Americans knew about the Holocaust from reading local newspapers.

VCU Engineering researcher named faculty director of the High Performance Research Computing Core facility

Alberto Cano, Ph.D., named faculty director of VCU's High Performance Research Computing Core facility.

Biomedical engineering researcher seeks to shed light on how groups of cells determine how and where they are going

Priscilla Hwang, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical engineering, has received an NSF CAREER Award for her investigations into the function of leader cells

NRC funds VCU Engineering team’s advanced materials investigations for improved reactor safety

The NRC has funded a VCU College of Engineering research team led by Jessika Rojas, Ph.D., to investigate the behavior of a set of nuclear materials, with the aim of improving the safety and performance of the U.S. nuclear power fleet.

Probing spaceflight conditions to help solve age-related musculoskeletal decline

Michael Friedman, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in VCU’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, is conducting experiments to discover genetic factors that may determine how bone and muscle tissues deteriorate in the low-gravity conditions of spaceflight.

VCU achieves record national research ranking

The National Science Foundation, which tracks federally funded research expenditures, has announced that VCU ranks #58 of 415 public research universities, up from #65 last year.

Bennett Ward, Ph.D., inducted into elite body of U.S. inventors

Bennett C. Ward, Ph.D., has invented the technologies behind a world of products including surgical devices, inkjet printers, at-home pregnancy tests and air fresheners

VCU Commercialization Fund awards support to four VCU Engineering innovators

VCU Engineering leads the university in the latest round of VCU Commercialization Fund awards, receiving four of the six awards given

VCU Engineering: Our first quarter century

We’re celebrating our 25th birthday this year with grateful appreciation to those who envisioned this college and brought it to life.

VIDEO: Milos Manic, Ph.D., discusses cybersecurity threats — and ways to disable them

Sharon Bowes, anchor and producer of NewsPoint360, interviews Milos Manic, Ph.D., IEEE Fellow, professor of computer science and director of VCU’s Cybersecurity Center.

B. Frank Gupton, Ph.D., discusses a redesign of pharmaceutical manufacturing

Sharon Bowes, anchor and producer of NewsPoint360, interviews B. Frank Gupton, Ph.D., CEO of VCU Engineering’s Medicines for All Institute, co-founder of Phlow Corp. and the college’s Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. Chair in pharmaceutical engineering.

Catching up with VCU Engineering’s first graduates: The Class of 2000

Meet Shahab Siddiqui, Ph.D., a member of VCU Engineering's first graduating class. "Some of my family members joked back then that 'VCU opened an engineering school for you,' as I was a new immigrant to the U.S. and looking for electrical engineering programs in Virginia," he recalled.

International workshop aims to counter nuclear proliferation finance in Africa

Mechanical and nuclear engineering assistant professor Braden Goddard, Ph.D., hosted an international workshop on countering finance activities for the illegal manufacture, acquisition or use of nuclear weapons. The program was presented in collaboration with VCU’s School of Business, and with support from the Argonne National Laboratory. It brought together scholars from the U.S., Angola, Mozambique and South Africa.

Computer science professor named president-elect of IEEE society

The members of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Industrial Electronics Society (IES) have elected Milos Manic, Ph.D., IEEE Fellow, as its new president-elect effective Jan. 1, 2022. Manic was elected from a slate of five candidates spanning four continents.

Catching up with VCU Engineering’s first graduates: The Class of 2000

In these two interviews, class of 2000 alumni Mia Sanchez de Lozada, D.D.S., and Robbie Staples, PE, reflect on the earliest years of VCU Engineering

Here to serve

Veteran and mechanical and nuclear engineering major Jake Davenport is working to help military students make the transition from active duty to college. He is also creating opportunities to help Afghan refugees.

Catching up with VCU Engineering’s first graduates: The Class of 2000

We caught up with members of VCU Engineering's very first graduating class to find out what they remember about the earliest days of the college. Meet Robert Snodgrass, PE, Class of 2000.

Honoring veterans

Hear from some of VCU Engineering’s staff members who have served and their reflections on how their military experience influenced their current role in the college

HealthHacks results

At the sixth annual HealthHacks, innovators reimagine the medical education field.

Explore & Tour

VCU Engineering hosted more than 200 families, community partners, volunteers, faculty and staff at Explore & Tour, a STEM-discovery event.

Engineering names DEI coordinator

Keara Chambers M.P.A, a coordinator in Engineering’s Office of Government and Community Outreach, has been named the college’s diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator.

Research right now

A glance at some of the latest research projects at VCU, including VCU Engineering projects to improve air quality, save coral populations and expand availability of a potential COVID drug.

Visit from Indian delegation sets stage for collaboration, exchange

A daylong visit to Virginia Commonwealth University by two delegates from the Indian embassy in Washington could open doors for educational exchanges and partnerships between VCU students and staff and their counterparts abroad.

VCU’s Medicines for All Institute drives down production costs of molnupiravir, the first investigational pill to treat COVID-19

The Medicines for All Institute (M4ALL) in the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has developed low-cost manufacturing processes for molnupiravir, the first investigational pill to treat COVID-19.

‘This is close to home for me’

Veteran and mechanical engineering major Jake Davenport and other VCU student veterans started a campaign to assist Afghan refugees being temporarily housed at Fort Lee and Fort Pickett. “This is close to home for me,” Davenport said. “These people don’t have a lot to begin with. We want to give them a good U.S. welcome and show them what it’s like to be American.”

Alumni Profiles: Isaac Rodriguez, Ph.D. (M.S.’10; Ph.D.’13)

VCU Engineering’s pioneering work in tissue engineering drew Isaac Rodriguez, Ph.D., to the college for his master’s and Ph.D. He has developed a product that leverages Manuka honey to promote wound healing and, in 2015, co-founded the medical device company SweetBio. We recently caught up with him for a chat.

In honor of Ada Lovelace Day...

In honor of Ada Lovelace Day, we caught up with VCU Engineering’s female computer science faculty members to ask their advice for other women in computing.

Building a better face mask

Highly contagious new COVID-19 strains call for better masks. Wei-Ning Wang, Ph.D., is working to meet this need with a mask design that uses chemical reactions and electrical charges to kill microbes including the coronavirus particle.

RamHacks results!

The eighth annual RamHacks was held virtually on September 25-26, 2021 and hosted by VCU’s computer science department and students. Participants had 24 hours to create solutions for problems presented by industry sponsors Parsons, CoStar, Bank of America, CarMax, OutSystems and CiperTech.

U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger announces pharmaceutical readiness legislation at VCU’s College of Engineering

U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger spoke at the VCU College of Engineering to announce the introduction of legislation to create a strategic national stockpile of key ingredients used in essential generic medicines and to incentivize domestic manufacturing of these ingredients.

What’s new at VCU for 2021-22

As you return to campus (or keep an eye on things from afar if you’re still working or studying from home) here are some new faces, programs, resources, buildings and more to know about.

Disabling COVID’s ‘key’

As COVID-19 mutates to become more contagious, Michael Peters, Ph.D., is accelerating efforts to disable the “spikes” that give the coronavirus particle its familiar shape — and its power to prey on cells.

Navigating the nanoscale

For more than a decade, VCU’s Nanomaterials Core Characterization Facility has been helping researchers navigate the nanoscale, a world that is almost indescribably small.

From VCU Engineering to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Miguel Toro, Ph.D., came from Colombia to earn his doctorate in mechanical and nuclear engineering at the VCU College of Engineering. His adviser was associate professor Jessika Rojas, Ph.D.

Using data-driven machine learning to combat the opioid crisis

How can machine learning help stop the opioid epidemic? It begins with gathering enough large-scale data to develop predictive treatment policies that can be supported across communities in a targeted approach.

NIH-funded modern “white cane” brings navigation assistance to the 21st century

Robotic cane with 3D camera can accurately guide user to chosen location, avoiding obstacles

Candid Campus 2021

As students returned to Richmond for the first day of classes, VCU News caught up with them to find out what they were most excited about and what they missed the most.

Introducing: VCU Engineering Connections

VCU Engineering has launched VCU Engineering Connections, the new official mentorship platform for the VCU College of Engineering.

VCU’s strategic research plan aims to shape a bold new era

The plan will guide the university’s efforts to enrich the human experience, achieve a just and equitable society, optimize health, and support sustainable energy and environments.

Challenges accepted

VCU Engineering’s inaugural Sophomore NAE Challenge took place the week of Aug.10-14. With guidance from mentors, sophomores worked in teams and individually to design solutions to advance five of the NAE’s 14 game-changing goals for improving life on the planet.

From coding to CNBC

Computer science major Allie Martin hones technology and leadership skills in summer internship with broadcasting giant.

Making it [virtually] real

Virtual reality brings students into the invisible physics behind everyday processes.

Mechanical and nuclear engineering doctoral student’s research honored by ASME Journal of Biomechanical Engineering

An article first-authored by Johane Bracamonte Baran, a doctoral student in VCU’s Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, was named 2020 Editor’s Choice by the Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, a publication of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Photo Essay: They’ve got the beat(s)

Hip-hop rhythms meet computer coding at VCU Engineering's Battle of the Beats.

VCU Engineering professor to lead National Science Foundation’s Division of Undergraduate Education

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has appointed Rosalyn Hobson Hargraves, Ph.D., to be its director of the Division of Undergraduate Education.

In the hottest parts of the city, how polluted is the air?

Researchers to add local air pollution measurements to map of Richmond, Virginia.

VCU multidisciplinary researchers seek to improve early detection of aortic diseases

In a collaboration between VCU’s College of Engineering and School of Medicine, researchers are testing novel imaging methods to assess a patient’s risk of life-threatening dissection of the aorta.

Faculty member earns NRC funding

A $450,000 faculty development grant from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will fund the research program of Lane Carasik, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering.

Sana Hosseini, Ph.D., earns VCU’s 2021 Distinguished Dissertation Award

"I feel so lucky for the opportunity to work in a wonderful research group. I’m grateful for all the guidance and support from my mentors at VCU over the past couple of years. I’d especially like to thank my adviser, Dr. Laleh Golshahi, the director of the Respiratory Aerosol Research and Educational (RARE) laboratory. She and the RARE lab inspired my research throughout my Ph.D. studies."

Michael Mancini, Ph.D., to lead Engineering Capstone Senior Design

Michael Mancini, Ph.D., formerly the business development manager at VCU Innovation Gateway since 2017, is overseeing the VCU College of Engineering’s Capstone senior design program as its new director of project outreach.

In search of lost data

Nuclear engineering faculty member recreates missing data from watershed 1960s reactor experiments.

VCU’s International Engineering Student Scholarships awarded

The recipients of VCU’s International Engineering Student Scholarship represent all of the college’s engineering disciplines — and a world of backgrounds.

Researcher’s $2.1M grant renewal will further our understanding of how diseases develop

A Virginia Commonwealth University engineering professor has received a $2,093,541 grant renewal from the National Institutes of Health for his research into how mechanical forces regulate cellular processes, which is key to understanding the development and progression of disease.

VCU Engineering faculty members receive Presidential Research Quest Fund grants

Three Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering faculty members have received 2021 grants through the VCU Presidential Research Quest Fund (PeRQ).

VCU College of Engineering receives $1 million grant from Bank of America

Bank of America today announced it is making a $1 million anchor grant to Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) College of Engineering. The grant will support ongoing programs that expand access for students to pursue a technology education, engage thousands of K-12 students in engineering outreach experiences and increase teacher participation in professional development sessions.

National Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology and Education welcomes VCU Engineering as its 18th member

The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology and Education (NIPTE) is pleased to welcome Virginia Commonwealth University, through its College of Engineering, as its newest member.

New communications technology for smarter ‘smart warehouses’

Ruixin Niu, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is working to optimize communications systems for smart warehouses. He is the principal investigator on a project to design a distributed wireless system to enhance communications capabilities for smart warehouses’ industrial internet of things devices.

VCU Engineering faculty members receive VCU Community-engaged Research Grants

Two faculty members in VCU’s College of Engineering have received Community-engaged Research (CEnR) grants for 2021.

Associate professor of computer science receives funding for work to secure 3D printing

Irfan Ahmed, Ph.D., associate professor of computer science in the VCU College of Engineering, has received funding from the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) for research that will help safeguard additive manufacturing from cyberattacks.

Doctoral student receives 2021 Innovations in Nuclear Technology R&D Award

Dimitris Killinger (B.S.’15), a doctoral student in VCU’s Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, has received the 2021 Innovations in Nuclear Technology R&D Award.

Diversity organizations honor VCU Engineering alum for outstanding teaching

Ryan Green, Ph.D. (Ph.D.’19), who completed his doctorate in electrical and computer engineering at VCU in 2019, has been recognized for excellence in teaching at Mississippi State University (MSU).

For second year, associate professor of computer science named IEEE Access Outstanding Associate Editor

Alberto Cano, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Computer Science, has been honored as an IEEE Access Outstanding Associate Editor for 2020.

Computer science professor wins funding to help secure nuclear energy infrastructure

Milos Manic, Ph.D., has received $200,000 from the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to develop technologies to integrate and secure critical systems for nuclear power. Manic is a professor of computer science at VCU College of Engineering and director of the VCU Cybersecurity Center. He holds a joint appointment with the INL.

VCU Engineering student shares his hands-on learning experience at VCU

Starting this fall, all incoming undergraduates at Virginia Commonwealth University will be required to complete at least one Relevant, Experiential and Applied Learning experience before they graduate. But if you’re one of those students, before you start thinking, Ugh – not another requirement! – take a moment to consider what this will mean for you.

Introducing SHIFT Retail Lab at VCU

Shift Retail Lab at VCU is a multifunctional retail space where past and present VCU students can showcase their work to gain insights and test their products, services, and ideas with real world customers.

Ashley Bland: 2021 RPS Teacher of the Year

Ashley S. Bland, who was in the RTR Teacher Residency’s Cohort 5, earned her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the VCU School of Education in 2016. She was recently named Richmond Public Schools 2021 Teacher of the Year.

In memoriam: Dorothy Pauley, namesake, along with her husband, Stan, of VCU Health Pauley Heart Center

Philanthropist and alum Dorothy Pauley, a long-time member of the Medical College of Virginia Foundation board and a strong supporter of the Richmond arts community, has died. She was 91.

M.D.-Ph.D. student receives Canadian Doctoral Foreign Study Award

Steven Meas, a dual M.D.-Ph.D. student in biomedical engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University, will receive the prestigious Doctoral Foreign Study Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Faculty members receive promotions and tenure

Please join us in congratulating 15 faculty members who have received academic promotions and/or tenure. These appointments will take effect July 1, 2021.

Postdoctoral researcher receives award to conduct coral experiments in California

Liza Roger, Ph.D., has received a 2021 Early Career Training Program Award from the Coral Bleaching Research Coordination Network, an interdisciplinary program funded by the National Science Foundation.

Computer science research team gains international recognition for method that accurately predicts intrinsic disorder in proteins

A computer science research team from VCU Engineering won an international challenge for their novel method of predicting intrinsically disordered proteins.

Medicines for All Institute quickly pivots to COVID-19 treatments

The Medicines for All Institute (M4ALL) has been developing innovative, cost-effective processes for making drugs that fight HIV, malaria and tuberculosis since it was established at the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering in 2017.

They did it!

At VCU Engineering’s first in-person graduation since 2019, there were many cheers, a few tears and satisfaction at being able to mark the milestone together. Commencement exercises took place on May 16, in Richmond's historic Altria Theater.

VCU alum nominated to federal chemical safety agency board

President Joe Biden has nominated Sylvia E. Johnson, Ph.D. (M.S.’91) as one of three members of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB).

Class of 2021: Jordan Howard Thomas’ degree is a tribute to his grandfather 27 years in the making

In 1994, Howard Belton had just retired as an engineer at Chrysler in Michigan when his grandson, Jordan Howard Thomas, was born. The two became inseparable.

VCU Engineering establishes scholarship in memory of Cody Woodson

The College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University has established a scholarship in memory of Cody Woodson, a computer science major who died April 5.

Outstanding graduate students honored for research, teaching

Competition was fierce for VCU Engineering’s Outstanding Graduate Research award this year, with 16 nominees from all five of the college’s departments. Two winners were selected.

For patients with braces, flossing teeth is a pain. A VCU student’s invention could make it easier

Christina Gordon, a Virginia Commonwealth University dental student who dislikes flossing, invented a cleaning device for orthodontic patients who wear braces. Now her invention is one of five projects awarded funding to help it reach the commercial market.

Tiny particles, big impact.

When an aircraft traveling 3,000 mph hits even a tiny particle, the impact is significant. New research by Ibrahim Guven, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, will help determine just how significant those high-speed encounters can be.

Graduate School offerings help make it easier and more affordable to obtain an advanced degree

Students graduating with bachelor’s degrees are often vying for jobs with hundreds of other applicants. A global health crisis that disrupts the world economy like the COVID-19 pandemic only makes job hunting more competitive.

2021 Capstone Design winners celebrated, top honors announced

A virtual Capstone Design awards ceremony on April 30 celebrated excellence in student innovation at the VCU College of Engineering.

Class of 2021: Computer science student Max Safo immerses himself in technical topics

Max Safo used computers from a young age and always liked cars, so he initially thought he would study mechanical engineering in college, but he ended up veering away from that field because he was apprehensive about the math requirements.

Class of 2021: How the impossibility of college became a reality for Ashley Lawrence

In 2009, going to college seemed like a complete impossibility to Ashley Lawrence, who had just graduated from high school and was living on her own — with a puppy — and working full time in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Two VCU Engineering alums and one student researcher receive NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Two VCU Engineering alums, and one three-year undergraduate member of a VCU Engineering lab, have received recognition in the highly prestigious National Science Foundation’s (NSF’s) Graduate Research Fellowship Program. The program recognizes outstanding students pursuing research-based graduate degrees in the U.S. in disciplines supported by the NSF.

Two VCU Engineering juniors awarded SMART Scholarships for 2021-22

Two VCU College of Engineering undergraduates have received Science, Math and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarships for 2021-22. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) established the highly competitive SMART Scholarship program to support the nation’s top science and engineering students.

Capstone 2021: Experience the innovation

Experience the innovative research and design projects that teams of VCU Engineering seniors have been working on for the past year — and see the winners announced in real-time.

Capstone Spotlight MULTI 601 - Computer Vision for Improved Global Sanitation

This project uses chemical and life science engineering concepts, plus innovative technology, to produce an app to help field operators characterize sludge at treatment plants for better process control and monitoring.

Capstone Spotlight MNE 521 - A Liquid Metal Loop for Advanced Energy Systems

This project offers a way to test the heat-transfer properties of liquid metal and investigate how loop design can capitalize on those properties for more efficient energy production.

Capstone Spotlight CS 303 - Honey Bee Language Dance Translator

The app includes a script to help users remotely operate a webcam to video record the hive. It also has a video processing component that tracks and clusters honey bee dances captured on video.

Class of 2021: Alex Trainham excels inside and outside the classroom

Before coming to Virginia Commonwealth University, Alex Trainham hadn’t really programmed before. In high school in Fredericksburg, Virginia, he was into computers and loved audio engineering — experimenting with beats, synthesizers and other music production tools — but it wasn’t until his mom mentioned a friend who codes that he began considering programming as a possible career.

VCU College of Engineering and partners develop plan to strengthen emerging business cluster

A coalition of regional economic development, private business and higher education leaders is mobilizing to build a global cluster of advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing, research and development in Richmond and Petersburg.

Fotis Sotiropoulos appointed VCU provost and vice president for academic affairs

Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao, Ph.D., today announced the appointment of Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., to the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Doctoral candidate featured by American Chemical Society

Doctoral candidate Katelyn Shell is presenting a talk for the Younger Chemist Committee of the American Chemical Society (ACS) on April 19.

Capstone Spotlight BME 104 - Patellar (Knee) Decompression Brace

This is an attachment that can fit onto existing ACL and knee braces that helps to very slightly lift the kneecap to reduce pain caused by bone-on-bone rubbing from the wearing away of cartilage in the knee.

In memoriam: Thomas Farrell, Dominion Energy CEO and former VCU board member

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., offered words of remembrance following the death of Dominion Energy CEO Thomas F. Farrell II. The 66-year-old Farrell died April 2 after battling cancer, his passing coming one day after he stepped down as executive board chairman at Dominion.

Navigating drug and device development

Every day, millions of people in health care, from oncologists to rehabilitation specialists to dentists, use the tools at their disposal to help patients get better.

Cody Woodson: Tireless mentor, steadfast friend, celebrated TA

Scores of students who made it through Computer Systems (CMSC 257), a challenging computer science course that is almost a rite-of-passage among VCU Engineering undergraduates, have him to thank.

Capstone Spotlight: ECE 414 – An Autonomous Sea Vehicle

This autonomous sea vehicle (ASV) can detect and track nearby objects and determine how far away those objects are.

Michael H. Peters, Ph.D., discusses COVID-19 variants

Sharon Bowes, anchor and producer of NewsPoint360, interviews Michael H. Peters, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering at VCU Engineering.

Meet VCU Engineering’s first Completion Grant awardee

Kiana Hutt, the first student to be awarded a VCU College of Engineering completion grant, is a senior studying mechanical engineering. She grew up in Dinwiddie, Virginia, with three step-sisters and one brother. Her mother and stepfather are military veterans.

Lift off! VCU Engineering students design and 3D-print cargo drone for national obstacle course competition

An unmanned aerial vehicle created by VCU Engineering students to deliver cargo recently competed against similar UAVs from around the country in the 2021 Innovative Additive Manufacturing 3D Challenge.

New master’s program incentives for Ram Engineers

To continue VCU’s commitment to prepare you for the job market, the university and College of Engineering want to make it easier for you to transition directly into a master’s program at VCU if that’s the right choice for you.

Pi Day of Giving surpasses fundraising goal

VCU Engineering and Tau Beta Pi raised $4,054 in this month’s Pi Day of Giving fundraising campaign to benefit the Completion Grant fund.

HealthHacks Spring 2021 teams tackle medical challenges

From improving a heart scanning procedure to reducing bed sores, dozens of students spent 30 hours over the weekend of March 27-28 creating, then presenting their solutions addressing current needs in diagnosis and patient care.

For VCU freshman Juan Jones, life is nothing short of a miracle

At 19, Juan Jones is a happy, healthy freshman in Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Engineering. A biomedical engineering major, Jones exercises, eats well and lives “a normal life.” He’s even planning to take up football again, a sport at which he excelled in high school.

Robot coding for everyone

From the Jetson’s maid, Rosie, to Star Wars’ R2-D2, images of robots are everywhere. But relatively few people have much direct interaction with robots. There are good reasons why.

Lane Carasik, Ph.D, receives 2020 Lewis F. Moody Award

Lane Carasik, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical and nuclear engineering at VCU Engineering and director of VCU’s High Performance Research Computing core facility, has been awarded the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 2020 Lewis F. Moody Award. Carasik is an expert in computational and experimental thermal hydraulics.

Thank you for your service

VCU’s annual Service Recognition Celebration was held March 23 to honor VCU and VCU Health employees who reached university employment milestones in 2020.

Incoming VCU Engineering students now have a chance to earn a credential in user-experience design

Before classes begin this fall, the College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University will offer its incoming first-year students the opportunity to earn an “Introduction to Design Thinking” credential from the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation.

Trees, redlining and urban heat: A planting project in Randolph goes beyond beautification

Armed with shovels, wheelbarrows and passion, volunteers from Virginia Commonwealth University spent the first warm, sunny day of 2021 planting trees in partnership with Amelia Street School in Richmond’s Randolph neighborhood last week. The work was designed to add outdoor learning space to the school and reduce summertime heat within the city.

Understanding variants of the coronavirus can offer clues about the next threats

Scientists are closely watching the emergence of variants of the coronavirus that may be more infectious. The spread of troubling variants in different parts of the world, including in the U.S., is happening as officials are racing to inject vaccines into the arms of adult populations.

Hot and cool: TekStyle, a startup by VCU Engineering students, wants to optimize your mask

TekStyle, a startup run by students in the College of Engineering at VCU, is designing a new facemask that protects the wearer in two ways.

Richmond Times-Dispatch op-ed by Virginia’s engineering deans: A united response during a pandemic

I write this on behalf of the deans of the following engineering schools in Virginia: Christopher Newport University, George Mason University, Hampton University, James Madison University, Liberty University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Sweet Briar College, the University of Virginia, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia State University and Virginia Tech.

Three biomedical engineering graduate students receive Koerner Family Foundation awards

Three Virginia Commonwealth University biomedical engineering graduate students have been selected to receive stipends from the Koerner Family Foundation.

Imagine a word and ... a device speaks?

For people with a complete loss of speech, such as patients with late-stage ALS, there are roadblocks between the signals being fired in their brain and the ability to voice their thoughts in words.

Carlos Castano, Ph.D., and Jennifer Puetzer, Ph.D., receive National Science Foundation CAREER awards

Carlos Castano, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, and Jennifer Puetzer, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, have received Faculty Early Development (CAREER) awards from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for 2021.

Why a green pyramid?

The ziggurat on top of West Hall has been illuminated with green lights Feb. 21-27 in honor of Engineers Week 2021.

Boyan, Donahue named Orthopaedic Research Society fellows

Barbara D. Boyan, Ph.D., the Alice T. and William H. Goodwin, Jr. Dean of the college, and Henry J. Donahue, Ph.D., the Alice T. and William H. Goodwin, Jr. Distinguished Chair and chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, were recognized for this honor on Feb. 15 at the ORS virtual annual meeting.

Biomedical engineering faculty researcher receives NIH grant

Jennifer Puetzer, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has won a grant from a multi-institutional resource center funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

VCU researchers lead projects selected for $1 million in funding from the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative

Three research projects led by principal investigators from the College of Engineering at VCU and one from VCU School of the Arts have been selected to receive funding from the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI).

College of Engineering at VCU offers new Ph.D. in computer science

VCU Engineering will offer a new doctoral program in computer science. This program reflects the Department of Computer Science’s robust growth in research funding and scholarship. It follows new doctoral programs in pharmaceutical engineering (a joint program with the School of Pharmacy) and chemical and life science engineering.

Computer science professor develops new methods to protect wind and solar power grids from cyber attacks

Renewable power sources have potential to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint, but the massive size of wind and solar power grids presents its own set of cybersecurity challenges.

The College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University opens new Engineering Research Building

The College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University officially opened its Engineering Research Building (ERB) today, marking a major milestone in the college’s growth in research and workforce development programs. The four-story, 133,000-square-foot facility significantly expands the college’s laboratory capacity for advanced research. It also supports economic development initiatives and hands-on engineering education.

VCU Engineering-led team receives FDA funding to develop new methods for evaluating the performance of generic nasal sprays for children

Laleh Golshahi, Ph.D., an assistant professor in VCU’s Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, is leading a multidisciplinary team that received a $1.6 million, three-year contract from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop physical and computer-based models to evaluate the performance of generic and brand-name nasal spray medications used by children.

Computer science professor to receive elite biomedical engineering honor

Cang Ye, Ph.D., has been selected for induction as a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), an elite group that comprises the top two percent of medical and biological engineers nationally.

American Nuclear Society poster award winner

Ryan McGuire, poster Award winner during the American Nuclear Society 2020 Winter Meeting

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VCU Engineering to celebrate grand opening of Engineering Research Building Feb. 3

For more than two years, Richmond has been watching VCU College of Engineering’s newest building take shape. Now it’s time to take a peek inside.

Electrical and computer engineering chair co-edits book on medical applications of antenna and sensor technologies

Erdem Topsakal, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is co-editor of “Antenna and Sensor Technologies in Modern Medical Applications."

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