Explore, Engage, Excel
What is REAL Research and Creative Inquiry at VCU?
At VCU, learning goes beyond the classroom. Through the Relevant, Experiential, and Applied Learning (REAL) initiative, undergraduates dive into hands-on research and creative inquiry with faculty working on everything from cancer detection to climate systems.
This is where curiosity fuels impact. Students explore bold ideas, engage in mentored investigations, think critically, communicate clearly, and contribute to real-world knowledge.
From forming questions to presenting discoveries, REAL empowers students to explore, experiment, and grow. It’s not just about answers, it’s about learning how to ask the right questions.
Every Ram's a Researcher
At VCU, undergraduates don’t just study discovery, they drive it. From your first year, you can join faculty-led projects that tackle real-world challenges, from cancer research to climate science. Build skills, explore big questions, and make an impact inside and outside the lab.
Students Talk Research
Three pairs of VCU undergraduates chat about their research projects, which cover a range of topics from oral hygiene education to a disappearing Chinese embroidery technique. Despite their differing interests, one thing ties them all together: for these students, research is about more than cracking a book or turning in a final paper – it’s about making a difference and connecting with people.
Aspiring Dentist Discovers a Passion for Ecology
Drashty Mody, a biology major on the pre‑dentistry track at VCU, initially hesitated when placed in a microbial ecology research lab—until she discovered surprising parallels between studying wetland ecosystems and oral microbial communities. What began as uncertainty transformed into fascination, as Mody embraced ecological research and learned how environmental dynamics shape both ecosystem and oral health communities.
Annual Research Symposiums
Each year, students are in the spotlight as they present their research at the annual Graduate Student Research Symposium Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research.
Celebrating Our Undergraduate Research Fellows
This year, VCU undergraduates and their faculty mentors were awarded funding from the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry to collaborate on research and creative projects throughout the summer and academic year.
Thank you to our campus partners for supporting student discovery—and congratulations to our Fellows and their dedicated mentors!
Preparing for Undergraduate Research
Before undertaking an undergraduate research project, there are a few steps you should take:
We're Here to Help
Not sure where to start on your undergraduate research endeavours? Schedule an advising meeting with us to explore research opportunities.
Identify your interests and uncover what excites you.
- Is there something you feel passionate enough about to explore?
- What are your favorite courses?
- Have you had a class assignment or paper that you can expand upon?
- What previous experience or skills do you have that can be useful in research?
Research and creative inquiry happens in every department at VCU, from the School of the Arts to the Department of History to the School of Medicine. There’s more than one way to get involved:
- Team up with a faculty mentor and apply for funding to support your research.
- Join a paid research program focused on specific topics or career paths.
- Take a course that builds research skills through hands-on learning.
- Explore national research opportunities across disciplines
Faculty mentors are a key part of your research journey. Here’s how to connect with them thoughtfully and professionally:
- Start by exploring faculty research: Visit department websites or use the Explore VCU Research tool to find faculty whose work aligns with your interests. Look for topics that spark your curiosity.
- Do your homework: Once you've found someone whose work interests you, read their bio and recent publications. Be ready to explain why their research stands out to you and prepare a few thoughtful questions.
- Reach out respectfully: Email is a great first step. Use a polite, professional tone. Address them as Dr. or Professor, introduce yourself, and share what draws you to their research. Avoid sending the same message to multiple people. Make sure to include:
- Your year of study (freshman, sophomore, etc.)
- Your major
- A brief summary of your background, which indicates any research-related courses you have taken, and any research experience you have already had.
- A statement that articulates why you want to participate in research with the specific faculty mentor you have identified. What is it about their area of research that appeals to you?
- Be thoughtful about your time: Most research experiences require a commitment of at least 8 to 10 hours per week. Before reaching out, think honestly about your availability and how research fits into your schedule.
- Show reliability: Faculty are looking for students who are prepared, curious, and dependable. Enthusiasm matters, but so does follow-through.
Don’t give up: If a professor isn’t able to work with you, they may refer you to someone else. Ask how you can prepare to be a strong candidate in the future.
Before you jump into a project, take a few key steps to prepare yourself for a successful and safe research experience.
- Complete required training: All students participating in research must complete the free, Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training. Visit the CITI Training website, create a profile using your VCU email, and select “Virginia Commonwealth University” as your institution. From the list of modules, choose “General RCR.” This training introduces the ethical foundations of responsible research and is required for most research experiences at VCU.
- Learn the language of research: Start reading academic publications in your area of interest. Ask your advisor or mentor for recommendations on what to read and where to find it. Getting familiar with current work in your field will help you better understand the research landscape and ask stronger questions.
- Ask about additional training: Depending on your project, you may need lab safety certification, data security training, or other preparation. Talk with your faculty mentor to find out what’s required and how to complete it.
- Planning to work with human participants? Getting involved in research at VCU is both exciting and complex—especially when working with human participants, also known as Human Subjects Research (HSR). These projects involve people or their private information and must follow ethical guidelines and federal regulations to protect both participants and researchers. To get started, watch the short videos below that introduce the basics:
- What is an Institutional Review Board (IRB)? (7 min)
- What is Human Subjects Research (HSR)? (5 min)
- What is the ethical and regulatory framework for HSR? (9 min)
- You can also review our additional resources document for more in-depth guidance.
Still have questions? Reach out to a Human Subjects Research Educator at urop@vcu.edu.
Once you're ready, it's time to take action—and think about what comes next.
- Apply with purpose: Submit your application, research proposal, or course registration with clear goals and a strong sense of why the opportunity excites you.
- Ask for feedback: Share your materials with your faculty mentor or advisor to make sure you're putting your best foot forward.
- Share your work: Present your research at a showcase, conference, or classroom event to build confidence and connect with others.
- Look ahead: Think about what you learned, what surprised you, and how your experience could shape your next steps.
- Stay connected: Keep in touch with your mentor, continue exploring new questions, or help others get involved.
Showcase Your Research
From poster presentations and travel grants to faculty nominations and journal publications, VCU offers multiple ways for undergraduates to share their research and creative projects with real-world audiences.
The Office of Undergraduate Research Opportunities provides support for undergraduates who present their research at regional, national and international research conferences and symposia. Participation at these conferences is an important opportunity for you to communicate your research to others in your field, network with undergraduate researchers and faculty, and expand your understanding of your field of research. To be eligible for a travel grant, you must present your research in either a poster or oral presentation, your name must appear in the conference abstract or proceedings, and VCU and the Office of Undergraduate Research Opportunities must be acknowledged.
Showcase your research or creative project at VCU’s signature undergraduate research event. Held each spring as part of Research Weeks, the VCU Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity brings together over 300 student presenters from across disciplines.
This is your chance to present your work to peers, faculty, family, and the broader community—whether it's a completed project, a class paper, or research in progress. The event also celebrates VCU Launch awardees and UROP Faculty Mentors of the Year.
Abstracts due: March 21, 2025
Submit your name, major, faculty mentor, project title, and a short description.
Symposium date: April 24, 2025
Choose one presentation session: 10–11:30 a.m. | 12–1:30 p.m. | 2–3:30 p.m.
Free poster printing is available for accepted students. Poster workshops will be offered February through March. View poster design tutorials and templates.
Questions? Email urop@vcu.edu
Are you a VCU undergraduate student who is currently conducting research under an awesome faculty member at VCU? Do you know a professor or faculty member who goes above and beyond to create research opportunities for undergraduate students? If so, nominate them for a UROP Faculty Mentorship Award so we can acknowledge their contributions!
The VCU Launch Awards recognize outstanding research posters created by freshman and sophomores who exhibit remarkable rigor and vision in their research. VCU Launch is an Honors College and UROP initiative to increase undergraduate research at the early stages of students’ academic careers. The Launch Award links students to research opportunities such as conferences, publications, internships, grants, and fellowships by working in conjunction with UROP, Auctus: VCU’s Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity, and the National Scholarship Office.
Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity is student-run and peer-reviewed. Auctus accepts submissions from VCU undergraduates in all disciplines. The journal welcomes submissions of research articles, technical papers, expository articles and works of creative scholarship including visual art, music, creative writing, film and multi-media projects.
By giving students a public forum for expressing their intellectual pursuits, Auctus promotes increased student engagement in research and creative scholarship while also fostering a scholarly community of emerging creators and researchers.