1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Pace Center will host an American Red Cross blood drive at 700 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Shannon O'Neill at admin@thepacecenter.com or (804) 658-4064.

3 p.m.

The Science Hub, VCU Writing Center and VCU Libraries will host a workshop in Room 201E, the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. Learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). A discussion led by VCU Libraries will follow. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Student Government Association Presidential Debates will be held this afternoon in the SGA Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Anyone is welcome to attend. The debates and speeches will also be livestreamed on the group's instagram @vcusga

For more information, contact Student Government Association at sga@vcu.edu.

6 p.m.

Interested in learning more about the refugee experience? STAR's "Jeopardy" Night will feature Refugee Trivia in Richmond Salon III (second floor), University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. All who attend will have the opportunity to learn more about the struggles many refugees face on their journeys reaching and settling in the United States. At "Jeopardy" Night, compete for prizes and enjoy free catering from CAVA.

For more information, contact Students Together Assisting Refugees @ VCU at staratvcu@gmail.com.

7 p.m.

VCU’s department of Political Science, the Commonwealth International Relations Organization and Eta Lambda Sigma will hold a free screening of "2000 Meters to Andriivka," a documentary about the war in Ukraine. The screening will be in the theater of the VCU Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Margot Moser at polistaff@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/VCUPOLI/rsvp_boot?id=1945057.

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Hub Club: A Mental Wellness Circle holds meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. March 24: Managing Seasonal Depression, This meeting, at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, is in collaboration with Massey Cancer and Comprehensive Center.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Preparing for interviews is a critical step toward achieving your professional goals, whether you are pursuing roles in academia, industry or the public sector. This session via Zoom will provide a high-level overview of essential interview mechanics, helping you understand common formats and the unspoken expectations of hiring managers. Virginia Damron from VCU Career Services will facilitate this session.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942901.

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join Rams in Recovery and MCV campus schools for a lecture series highlighting health care professionals in recovery. Hear real stories, gain new perspectives and help reduce stigma in health care spaces. Bruce Overton, DDS, and Kanyon Keeney, DDS, will speak. The session will be in Room 442, Lyons Dental Building, 520 N. 12th St.

For more information, contact Tom Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Learn about funded opportunities for postgraduate study in the U.S., UK, Ireland, China and at Stanford University, as well as how the National Scholarship Office can support you throughout the application process. The meeting will be in-person (701 W. Grace St., Suite 1200) and online. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/zy1UeGxW1xKQPvmW7.

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Do you have questions about résumés and cover letters, or how to find an internship? Come chat with a Career Services Peer Career Adviser (PCA) at the Science Hub, Room 201, STEM building, 817 W. Franklin St. PCAs will be ready to review documents and answer questions. This is also a great time to ask about the VCU Internship Funding Program, which provides undergraduate students with up to $5,000 in funding to support summer internships. Register in advance to reserve your spot at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/GEPZ2uZWtHs4cQPq5.

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Election informational session: must attend to run for positions. The VCU Graduate and Professional Student Senate is the graduate/professional branch of the VCU Student Government Association. It consists of an executive board, senate, judiciary and university committee representatives. These members represent the graduate/professional student body at all levels of administration while also enacting initiatives and addressing issues to improve the student experience at VCU. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7257445893?omn=82234467656 Register for the cirtual session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Graduate and Professional Student Senate at gpss@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945247.

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

The VCU Music Strings Area will perform in the James W. Black Music Center, 1015 Grove Ave. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at music@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/strings-area-recital-5/.

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 at 6 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Develop the necessary tools to write your best statement by taking a look at examples of strong, successful personal statements, as well as less successful ones. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 at 7 p.m.

VCU Music’s Guitar Studio will perform at the W. E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at music@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/guitar-studio-concert/.

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 at 7 p.m.

Join the Emergency Medicine Club for its biggest undertaking of the year, the Mock Mass Casualty Incident (MCI). The organization will be simulating a large-scale emergency in which students will be engaged in using their medical skills to triage patients. The exercise will take place in Room 2100, Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave. The sponsor is Abhishek R. Kulkarni.

For more information, contact Arjun Modi at emc.vcu@gmail.com.

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The VCU Jazz Junior and Senior recitals will take place at Révéler, 3108 W. Cary St., on Tuesday, March 24 and Tuesday, April 7. These performances are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at music@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/vcu-jazz-junior-senior-recitals-at-reveler/.

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon

Free kidney health screening event with simple tests and education at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Learn about kidney health and connect with resources to support your well-being.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at 25th at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Rollator Repair Clinic at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Free rollator (four-wheeled walker) safety checks and basic repairs, including: tightening brakes, adjusting handles and replacing worn nuts/bolts. Some part replacements (wheels, seats) may be available.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 at 10 a.m.

The VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Learn more about AI and explore how it can be an innovative tool if used properly. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join the College of Humanities and Sciences for Coffee with the Dean. These are informal opportunities for faculty, staff and students to chat with Dean Catherine Ingrassia, Ph.D., while enjoying a cup of coffee and/or hot chocolate. The event will be in the outside patio of the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU's Office of First and Second Year Experiences and the Office of Student Advocacy will host the Spring 2026 Registration One-Stop Shop, a new event designed to make it easier to access support. The event will allow participants to connect directly with campus offices and receive services in real time, whether that’s getting help with a hold, asking questions or even visiting a Ram Pantry pop-up. The event will be in the Virginia Rooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Lillie Crawford at crawfordl2@vcu.edu or (703) 282-7795 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945268.

Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Zach Blas is an artist, filmmaker and writer whose practice contends with computational technologies, their industries and the powers that constitute and animate them. This presentation – both in-person (Lecture Hall, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave.) and on Zoom – is part of the annual Creative Inquiries series presented by The Workshop at VCU Libraries. The series showcases experts whose work intersects research methodologies and the creative process and technology. Additional support for 2026 is from the Humanities Research Center, the Media + AI Initiative at VCU and the AI Futures Lab. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ryan Larson at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2025-2026/creative-inquiries-2026.html.

Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn strategies and activities to destress from the busy semester. Participate in destress activities and socialize with other graduate students in the group exercise room at Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. A presentation from 2:30-3 p.m. will be led by RecWell graduate assistants on strategies to destress. Activities to lessen stress will be featured and takeaway snack bags will be available.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1944331.

Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 at 3 p.m.

The Emerging Researchers Academy and VCU Libraries will present a workshop via Zoom. Participants will learn how to create a Zotero account, import citations and PDFs, organize references and generate in-text citations and bibliographies. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., will host a study hall open to all students. Come at 4:30 p.m. for trivia, then stay for study hall 5-7 p.m. A meal will be provided at 7-8 p.m. Study time will resume 8-10 p.m.

For more information, contact Kayla Phu at phukn2@vcu.edu or (757) 202-9371 or visit https://groupme.com/join_group/113186780/W6pMFDmH.

Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Messed up your March Madness bracket? Not to fret. We're all about second chances here at Bioethics 4 Students. Join us to participate in our very own bioethics-based March Madness, hosted by officers Sanjana Gupta and Esha Jhawar. Bring your friends and join us for some fiery ethical debates – and cast your votes to determine who will make it to the final four (no money on the line, of course). Plus, free pizza and drinks will be available. The session will be in Room 2125, Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 at 6 p.m.

VCU's Department of Political Science will host an evening with Joan Wodiska, professional lobbyist and bipartisan adviser to governors, state legislators, state policy staff and c-level executives, and Hollie Sue Mann, Ph.D., to discuss careers in policy, government and public service. This conversation will pull back the curtain on how careers are built in state and local government, lobbying and the nonprofit sector – and what it really takes to break in. Students will gain practical strategies, hear real-world stories and learn how to translate their interests into meaningful, career-ready pathways. The session will be in Room 2107, Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Hollie Sue Mann at mannhs2@vcu.edu or (919) 357-8942.

Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center, GEO and ELP will host a workshop in Room 3127, 912 W. Grace St. Develop the ability to find, read, evaluate and incorporate academic sources into your work. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, along with the College of Health Professions, will host a free, immersive, day-long event showcasing educational research and initiatives from the entire MCV campus. The keynote speaker, Tasha Wyatt, Ph.D., from the Uniformed Services University, will present "Still Standing, Quietly Decaying: How Professional Legitimacy in HPE Creates Trainee Harm." The session will be held in Rooms 7-200A/205B and the lobby of the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 1201 E. Marshall St.

For more information, contact Jody Hedstrom at hedstromj@vcu.edu or visit https://hses.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 at 11 a.m.

Join the DC Gay Men's Chorus and Richmond Allied Voices at the Ram Horns plaza, 907 Floyd Ave., for Out Loud and In Harmony. The event is part of a yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Gay Alliance of Students, VCU’s first LGBTQ+ student organization. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Josh Leidy at leidyjw@vcu.edu or visit https://give.vcu.edu/schools/VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity/events/out-loud-in-harmony.

Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 at noon

The VCU Writing Center and Campus Learning Center will host a workshop via Zoom. The workshop will serve as a guide to finding, reading, evaluating and incorporating academic sources into your work. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU Convergence will hold an informational webinar for its Convergence Planning Grants via Zoom. Convergence will award planning grants of up to $10,000 for projects in transdisciplinary research, interdisciplinary curriculum, or transformative/experiential learning. For more information on the Planning Grants, see the RFP at https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/media/provost-academics/ConvergenceSeedAward2025(1).pdf Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tim Luckritz Marquis at convergence@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/40pR5g0QRxmypNPUKr6HMw#/registration.

Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The VCU Office of Health Initiatives and the Graduate Medical Education R.E.A.C.H.(Respect, Engagement, Accessibility, Connection and Health) Committee invite you to join an interactive panel. Guest speakers from the Office of Government Relations will break down the state legislative process and highlight key issues from the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session impacting the VCU Health System – from workforce challenges to evolving health policy. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at ohiconnect@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/JLVxV2PyyJh5iLTb9.

Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The VCU Music Clarinet Studio will perform at the W. E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at music@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/clarinet-studio-recital-3/.

Friday, Mar. 27, 2026 at 3 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Learn to feel comfortable with the process of paraphrasing in academic writing. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Saturday, Mar. 28, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a Migration Studies Research Symposium – a day of dialogue, research and discovery at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Register at the following URL to review all the sessions. Breakfast and lunch will be served. The end of the symposium will include a tour of "We the People," a new exhibit about immigrant communities. Free and open to all. Contact Andrea Wight (following email address) or Ellie Musgrave (musgraveec@vcu.edu) for more information.

For more information, contact Andrea Wight or Ellie Musgrave at wighta@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/migration-studies-research-symposium.html.

Monday, Mar. 30, 2026 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Join a virtual informational session to learn more about Demo Day Spring 2026. We’ll walk through pitch categories, application tips and what to expect, with time for Q&A to help you take the next step with confidence. The event will be hosted by VCU's da Vinci Center and SHIFT Retail Lab.

For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/demo-day/.

Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Join VCU's Global Education Office for its third Globe Speakers Series. This series features professionals who bring a global perspective through their lived, studied or professional experiences across cultures. Each event includes a talk followed by an open Q&A with students, designed to inspire leadership, intercultural agility and career-ready skills valuable across all disciplines. This event's speaker will be Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Dean of the School of Medicine and interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Register at https://bit.ly/JoinVCUGlobe The event will be in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Lunch will be served; register now to reserve your spot. VCU GEO will raffle two $500 study abroad vouchers for attendees who check-in who are registered for VCU Globe. This event is part of VCU Globe, its reimagined global learning and leadership program, which connects international and domestic students to each other, to the campus and to the broader local/global community. Open to all VCU students.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1943008.

Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Enjoy a meaningful and interactive Seder with Jewish Life at VCU, 1003 Grove Ave. An RSVP is required. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rabbi Lessoff at Rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/Passover.

Thursday, Apr. 2, 2026 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Enjoy a meaningful and interactive Seder with Jewish Life at VCU, 1003 Grove Ave. An RSVP is required. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rabbi Lessoff at Rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/Passover.

Saturday, Apr. 4, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

VCU's Office of Admissions is seeking student volunteers for the university's upcoming Preview Day for Admitted Students. Volunteers will assist with greeting and directing guests around campus. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kevin-Allen Harris, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, at harriskv2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/LtZEEooKJcJiSATe.

Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2026 at 11 a.m.

The Public Health Student Association is hosting a speed networking event to bring together faculty and students with shared research interests. Faculty can meet motivated students eager to support ongoing projects, while students can find possible mentors to guide their academic and research journeys. This event, on the 12th floor at One Capital Square, 830 E. Main St., is designed to spark meaningful connections and promote collaboration across VCU. Interested in participating as a mentor or mentee? Fill out the form at the following URL by Wednesday, March 25.

For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScE531pqmivgqvircE3KNiAVff8hkhlIBJwrf6ksS3IUTKSUw/viewform.

Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026 at noon

Jesse Senechal, Ph.D., will explore a Richmond-based partnership supporting multilingual youth through collaborative, community-rooted research at a virtual division session of Commmunity Engagement via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2vmjIHdAct5Ht1e82XWr2pbVQ6MzLTg8G497vk9t_DOtGOg/viewform?usp=header.

Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Participate in the 20th annual Women's Health Research Day, a celebration and promotion of research activities in women’s health at VCU, presented by the Institute for Women's Health. This year’s symposium, “Midlife Matters: Integrating Menopause Research, Innovation and Impact,” begins at 1 p.m. and will be followed by a poster session and reception from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St. Abstract submissions from all fields incorporating elements of women’s health and/or sex and gender differences will be accepted at the following URL by 5 p.m. Friday, April 10. Awards will be presented for outstanding posters in Basic Science, Clinical/Translational Science, and Community Science, as well as monetary awards for the Early Career Investigator Award and the Building Bridges in Interdisciplinary Women’s Health Research Award. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Molly Hyer at molly.hyer@vcuhealth.org or visit https://womenshealth.vcu.edu/.

VCU Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell) announces the Aquatic Center at the Cary Street Gym will close for a renovation project beginning Friday, April 17. The anticipated reopening is mid‑September. During this closure, the Aquatic Center will undergo several major facility improvements, including replacement of the existing HVAC system, draining and re-plastering of the pools, resurfacing of the pool deck, removal of the slide, replacement of the starting platforms and installation of a new lighting system. Questions: Email recwell@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Josh Skillman at skillmanj2@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/.

Have you interviewed for or accepted an off-campus summer internship, but are worried about the costs? Apply for VCU's Internship Funding Program. Attend the virtual informational session. For quotes from those who have previously participated in the program and to register, apply by Tuesday, March 31 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeanette Hickl at jwhickl@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/internshipfundingprogram.

Please share with your community partners: The Division of Community Engagement announces the 2026 Seed Grant funding initiative for the VCU Health Hub and the Mary and Frances Youth Center. Both centers offer 10 seed grants at $2,000 each for local, nonprofit community organizations and programs. Register at the following URL for information sessions.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://healthhub.vcu.edu/working/grants/.

Brandcenter Advertising graduate students are casting for a 30-second spec commercial for Hike Hopped Seltzer. The spot is a campy, '80s-inspired convenience store ad featuring a werewolf on the hunt for a seltzer. Roles include a werewolf (lead), cashier and “Grandma” cameo with a small dog. See full details, character descriptions and how to submit at the following URL.

For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zlM1NEJ5wdhEzSB4UqYaZxt1veS4NXBpfKmilWWJ26k/edit?usp=sharing.

Have you contributed to community-engaged scholarly work between 2024 and 2026? Whether it is a presentation, article, video or other work, we want to help showcase it. The Division of Community Engagement and VCU Libraries are partnering to feature your work on Scholars Compass. Apply through Thursday, April 30 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHSI7hPvD4hfbEXAXxoqyj_yErB1zWJs16MwDF4j0A6fOeew/viewform?usp=header.

The VCU Presidential Student Ambassadors (PSA) program is currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year. Interested undergraduate students are encouraged to apply at https://forms.gle/qrjk5TYKvVZvpk8d6. Learn more about the program at one of two PSA open house events this spring. A virtual open house will take place on Tuesday, March 31 at 4 p.m. and an in-person open house will take place on Friday, April 10 at 4 p.m. Registration is required: https://forms.gle/qrjk5TYKvVZvpk8d6. The deadline to sign up for one of the open house events is 5 p.m. Friday, March 27. Questions: Visit https://psambassadors.wixsite.com/vcupsa

For more information, contact Erin McClinton at psambassadors@vcu.edu or visit https://psambassadors.wixsite.com/vcupsa.

Full-time VCU undergraduates (18+) are invited to complete a 20-minute survey about barriers to academic success and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Participants who complete the survey may enter a raffle for a digital gift card.

For more information, contact Jess Geller at gellerj@vcu.edu or (561) 929-0220.

March marks National Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by individuals living with the long-term effects of brain injury and the continued need for innovative research to support their recovery. In recognition of this, the VCU HERO Study is currently enrolling veterans and active-duty service members to help researchers better understand how Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback may support recovery from persistent symptoms after concussion mild traumatic brain injury. The study involves noninvasive assessments and guided HRV biofeedback or educational sessions, conducted at the VCU Medical Center West Hospital, located at 1200 E. Broad St. Compensation is available for eligible participants. We are seeking individuals who meet the following criteria: You are a veteran or active-duty service member. (Civilians may become eligible in the future and can request placement on a wait list.) You experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) at least one year ago. You continue to experience ongoing symptoms from that injury (e.g., headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue). You live within driving distance of Richmond. If you or someone in your network may be eligible, contact our study team at the following telephonenumber or email address.

For more information, contact Urenna Orazulike at HEROStudy@vcu.edu or (804) 827-9692 or visit http://www.hero-study.org/.

Check out Redefining BMI — a research study designed specifically for 18-to-25 year-old women with overweight/obesity who want to create a healthier lifestyle. Visit the following URL to learn more and take a quick survey to see if you may be eligible for this VCU study.

For more information, contact Redefining BMI at bmiproject@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 20 and 24 with poor sleep quality. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of aerobic and resistance exercise on cardiovascular responses and vascular inflammation. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Questions: Contact the following email address.

For more information, contact Garrett Oehlert at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have PTSD or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of heat therapy (infrared sauna) on PTSD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.

VCU and the UVA Department of Pediatrics seeks young women to join a research study. If you are 14-30 years old and are low weight or have lost a lot of weight or exercise a lot and have irregular or absent menstrual periods, you may be eligible to join. Loss of menstrual periods from such causes is also called functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA). Girls and women with FHA are at risk for poor bone health and fracture because of many reasons, including having low levels of estrogen. We want to find out the best way to give two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, to improve bone health in young women with FHA. You will have four visits over 14 months that include: Physical examinations and questionnaires. Hormone, nutrition, eating habits, and exercise evaluation. DXA and HRpQCT scans to assess bone health. There are no costs to be part of the study. If you are interested in this study, please contact Andrea Marrs or Christine Burt Solorzano, M.D., at misralab@uvahealth.org. Compensation: Participants can receive up to $875 for finishing all study visits. Parking and travel costs are covered for up to $25 for each study visit. Contact: misralab@uvahealth.org

For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org.