Featured News
Every day College of Health Professions students, alumni, faculty and staff do extraordinary things. Read more about our latest achievements below.
Chu earns tenure and a $25,000 community engagement grant
Virginia Chu, Ph.D., OTR/L, is celebrating a dual milestone: her promotion to tenured faculty and a grant from the VCU Division of Community Engagement.
PhD grad advances research on caregiver engagement in autism interventions
Lynne Hollaway, an occupational therapist and clinical instructor at the University of Central Arkansas, recently completed her doctoral degree through the VCU College of Health Professions’ Ph.D. Program in Health Related Sciences. Her research is already having a positive impact in the field of pediatric occupational therapy.
Reconfigured labs with cutting-edge technology enhance hands-on training
Radiation Sciences revamped its physical learning spaces by reassigning lab locations and introducing a high-tech VERT (Virtual Environment in Radiation Therapy) lab that enables students to simulate patient positioning and deliver radiation in a controlled, virtual setting. Enhanced features like a large 3D display and realistic treatment planning workstations ensure students graduate with real-world skills and confidence.
As gambling grows in Virginia, so does the need for support
In just a few short years, legalized gambling in Virginia has exploded, most notably with the opening of casinos across the state and booming online sports betting. However, are Virginians — and the state itself — truly prepared for the fallout that can follow when people slip from casual fun into problem gambling, with far more at stake?
OT Academy opens doors for aspiring clinicians
The annual five-day academy – presented by VCU’s Occupational Therapy Department – invites undergraduate students and recent graduates to explore careers in occupational therapy. The program also aims to help participants better understand the field, connect with peers and ultimately enroll in an OT graduate program.
Healing in the heart of displacement
Associate professor Waganesh “Waggy” Zeleke, Ph.D. conducted Fulbright-funded participatory action research in Ethiopian displacement camps, delivering culturally responsive trauma-healing interventions. Her work focuses on building resilience and empowering communities affected by conflict and forced migration.
CHP faculty member joins national leaders in D.C. to advance brain injury care
Rehabilitation Counseling associate professor Kelli Talley, Ph.D. joined national experts in Washington to shape the future of traumatic brain injury care. The group discussed new research, care models, and strategies to improve outcomes for patients nationwide.
Wilkins: Heart of a PT with vision of a hospital leader
Joe Wilkins is a three-time VCU graduate – two physical therapy degrees and a master's in health administration – who serves as president of St. Francis Medical Center in Chesterfield County. At the December 2024 Commencement, he and wife Tonya Parris-Wilkins received the Edward A. Wayne Medal, which celebrates alums who have made outstanding contributions to the university. Their support includes establishing the Parris-Wilkins Scholarship, which has supported 18 students in achieving their educational goals since 2012.
Paving the way for new therapies for inherited muscle disorders
Department of Physical Therapy assistant professor Michael Kiefer, DPT, Ph.D. is collaborating with the Center for Inherited Muscle Research to establish outcome measures critical for clinical trials in myotonic dystrophy. His work plays a key role in an ambitious international effort to validate new treatments for myotonic dystrophy, an inherited disorder that takes away muscle strength and movement.
Laboratory manager’s career comes full circle
Colin Thibodeau, M.S. (VCU ’23) serves as the office and laboratory manager for the Medical Laboratory Sciences department where he once trained, supporting students by preparing specimens, managing supplies and ensuring labs run smoothly on a daily basis.
