VCU College of Health Professions

• Launching Excellence in Virtual Reality (LEVR) Center
• Motor Control Lab
• The Novel Environments for Reducing Disability & Dysfunction (NERDD) Lab
• Sensorimotor Performance and Rehabilitation Engineering Lab (SPRE lab)
• Sensory Processing and Stress Evaluation Lab
• Brain Health Lab
• Ageism and Elderhood Lab
• Abuse in Later Life Lab
• Virginia Center on Aging

Explore CHP Research. View faculty publications and grants by department.

• Gerontology
• Health Administration
• Medical Laboratory Sciences
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Patient Counseling
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Radiation Sciences
• Rehabilitation Counseling
• Virginia Center on Aging

The Social Health Connector (SoHeCo) Tool Data Analysis (9/11/2024 - 7/31/2025)
Principal Investigator: Gigi Amateau, MS, PhD
Funding Agency: Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

VCU, through its Department of Gerontology, will conduct a data analysis of The Social Health Connector (SoHeCo) Tool Data. The analytic procedures could include a reliability analysis, a Factor Analysis, and/or thematic analysis for open-ended questions. The SoHeCo is a tool created to measure social isolation experienced by people living with disabilities, veterans, older adults, and caregivers. The SoHeCo Tool, which contains both open- and closed-ended questions, may be completed by the person experiencing isolation or by a caregiver or other representative on their behalf. To ensure that the SoHeCo Tool measures social isolation accurately, consistently, and appropriately, validation of the tool is critical. 

IAG 407 Appendix Y: Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment Funds Project Applications Partnership (09/01/2024 - 06/30/2029)
Principal Investigator: Gigi Amateau, MS, PhD
Funding Agency: Virginia Department of Medical Assistance

VCU shall partner with DMAS in drafting a series of project applications to CMS for use of CMP Reinvestment Funds including the following:

1. The creation of evidence-based courses, each with multiple units, with options appropriate for any levels or positions of nursing facility staff with varying levels of knowledge and experiences.
2. Curriculum topics shall be made available to nursing facilities

Developing a palliative care pathway: An Innovative standard of care for people living with dementia and their care team (7/1/2023 - 6/30/2026)
Principal Investigator: Jenny Inker, MBA, MS, PhD, LALFA
Funding Agency: Riverside Center for Excellence in Aging and Lifelong Health

VCU will provide data evaluation to support the work of the Project, including analysis, and dissemination of research data related to the Project.

VCU Richmond Brain Health Collaborative (09/01/21 - 08/31/25)
Principal Investigator: Faika Zanjani, PhD
Funding Agency: Administration for Community Living/DHHS

This study proposes to improve ADRD care access to low income, majority African American/Black older adults, through working in the Richmond, VA area (RVA), where integrated ADRD care system enhancements are needed. To address RVA ADRD health equity, at the Virginia Commonwealth University Health (VCUH) we aim to improve ADRD care and prevention through implementing an ADRD: navigator, prevention lifestyle coaching, and caregiver support services. 

Measuring the Impact of the Value Flower and Unobserved Heterogeneity on the Cost Effectiveness and Use of Novel Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (6/15/23 - 5/31/28)
Principal Investigator: Adam Atherly, PhD
Funding Agency: National Institute on Aging/NIH DHHS

This project will use a combination of Markov models, stated preference data and econometric models of treatment take-up to calculate the costs, benefits, societal value and health equity impacts of novel treatments or Alzheimer disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias.

Central Virginia VA health Care System (CVHCS) McGuire VA Medical (11/01/23 - 12/31/24)
Principal Investigator: Laura McClelland, PhD
Funding Agency: McGuire VA Medical Center

The purpose of this contract is to improve employee engagement and instilling the values of kindness and compassion at Central Virginia VA Health Care (CVHCS) System, and support any resulting research projects. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Department of Health Administration will benefit from this assignment by gaining a better understanding of how to support health care employees in the current health care environment.

NC Medicaid 1115 Waiver Evaluation Implementation (07/01/21 - 12/31/26)
Principal Investigator: Paula Song, PhD
Funding Agency: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill / NC Department of Health and Human Services

The purpose of this study is to design of the qualitative components of the evaluation including the sampling frame and the qualitative strategy; contribute expertise in managed care to assist in refining research questions, hypotheses, and evaluation metrics; and conduct the interviews.

Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation 2024-2025 Scholarship Grant (8/1/24 - 7/30/25)
Principal Investigator: Melissa Jamerson, PhD, MLS(ASCP)
Funding Agency: Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation

The 2024-2025 CTF Scholarship Grant is being awarded to accredited institutions of post-secondary higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia to help finance tuition and other program related costs for students enrolled in medical laboratory science. 

Immunohematology Student Laboratory Session Funding (9/1/2024 - 8/30/2025)
Principal Investigator: Melissa Jamerson, PhD, MLS(ASCP)
Funding Agency: Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation

The purpose of this funding is to assist the MLS department with weekly blood banking laboratory sessions which are instrumental in training our students. Providing adequate training will result in students being better prepared to work in blood banking laboratories throughout Virginia. This will allow laboratories to spend less time training new hires and the sufficient training ensure MLS graduates are proficient in performing tests and interpreting results. This would lead to accurate testing and reporting of patient results throughout Virginia.

Association of Public Health Laboratories Contractual Agreement with Virginia Commonwealth - APHL 56300-250-911-24-18: Scholarships for Medical Laboratory Science Students (12/1/23 - 6/30/25)
Principal Investigator: Melissa Jamerson, PhD, MLS(ASCP)
Funding Agency: Association of Public Health Laboratories

The purpose of this contract is to distribute scholarship funds to selected students in the Medical Laboratory Science Graduate program. Development of scholarship programs for MLS graduate students enrolled in PHLS (Public Health Laboratory Sciences) concentration. Priority targets are the students in the under-served populations. Student selection criteria will include requirements to be employed at a public health laboratory or a participant in APHL Fellowship program after completing a degree. 

Nurse Anesthesia Traineeship (07/1/23 - 06/30/25)
Principal Investigator: Nicole Damico, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA
Funding Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration/DHHS

The proposed project and related activities will promote the achievement of all four goals of the NAT program:

1. increase the supply of qualified working CRNAs by providing traineeship support;
2. promote the achievement of diversifying the CRNA workforce;
3. provide opportunities to students the opportunity to participate in the anesthetic care of a diverse patient population;
4. expand distribution and access of CRNAs in underserved communities.

Creating an Open Education Resource regarding Crisis Resource Management for Nurse Anesthesia Students and Medical Students (07/01/21 - 06/30/25)
Principal Investigator: Jiale (Gary) Hu, PhD, RN, FAAN
Funding Agency: Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA)

The purpose of this contract is to create an open education resource regarding crisis resource management for nurse anesthesia students and medical students. Given that there is no OER regarding CRM in the settings of anesthesia or other clinical care, there is a need for a comprehensive and high-quality OER. The OER will replace the textbooks used in the departments of nurse anesthesia and anesthesiology at the VCU, ODU, and WVU.

Predictive ability of early somatosensory processing in preterm children on later motor development (05/01/23 - 4/30/28)
Principal Investigator: Virginia W. Chu, PhD, OTR/L
Funding Agency: National Institutes of Child  Health and Human  Development/NIH/DHSS

This study aims to investigate the predictive relationship between somatosensory processing deficits during early childhood in preterm children, and later motor development. Better understanding of the relationship between somatosensory deficits and motor development will allow us to identify children who experience these difficulties before they show significant motor delays and to develop tailored interventions for them.

Improving Access to Community-Based Occupations via a Rideshare Training Program (3/1/24 - 2/28/25)
Principal Investigator: Stacey Reynolds, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Funding Agency: Organization for Autism Research

This project will evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative training program which teaches and supports adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities how to access their communities safely using Rideshare services (e.g., Uber, Lyft). Our aims are to

1. conduct an effectiveness-implementation waitlist-controlled trial using our Safe Rideshare Program (SRP) and
2. evaluate the impact of the SRP on community engagement, social participation, and employment over a 3-month period.

Our long-term goal is for this training program to be implemented nationwide as a means of solving transportation barriers for the autistic population.  

Spiritual Care Services in Pediatric Hospitals and Cancer Centers (06/01/23 - 05/31/25)
Principal Investigator: Kelsey B. White, PhD, BCC
Funding Agency: Rush University

The study aims to describe how spiritual care services are structured in these hospitals and centers – such as department size, scope of services, clinical responsibilities, strategies for staff support, and how departments utilize standardized protocols.

Spiritual Care Services in Acute Care Hospitals (05/01/23 - 04/30/25)
Principal Investigator: Kelsey B. White, PhD, BCC
Funding Agency: Rush University

The study aims to describe how spiritual care services are structured in these hospitals and centers – such as department size, scope of services, clinical responsibilities, strategies for staff support, and how departments utilize standardized protocols. The study will begin with the development of a meaningful and purposeful sample of the most common type of hospitals: adult acute care hospitals.

Mainstreaming Spiritual Care in Healthcare Organizations: Supporting the Next Generation of Leaders (12/1/2023 - 06/30/2025)
Principal Investigator: Kelsey B. White, PhD, BCC
Funding Agency: Rush University

This project lays the groundwork required to eliminate the gap between research showing the importance of spiritual care and organizational practices. A recent Journal of the American Medical Association article, “Spirituality in Serious Illness and Health,” demonstrates the value of religion and spirituality in patient-centered care. This planning grant will enable a conversation among leaders in administration, clinical care, and spiritual care to develop a clear strategy and request for proposals that will incentivize the institutional investment or take-up required to mainstream spiritual care.

Optimizing gait rehabilitation for Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation (5/1/2023 - 4/30/2025)
Principal Investigator: Tanu Bhargava, PhD Student
Funding Agency: McGuire VA Medical Center

The primary aim of this study is to assess the efficacy for two forms of error manipulation intervention (error-augmentation or error-correction) targeting improved gait pattern symmetry for Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation (LLA). The secondary aim is to assess if the error-manipulation gait interventions have a signal of efficacy for improved secondary measures of physical function and disability for Veterans with non-traumatic LLA. 

General Movement Optimality Score as a Biomarker in Early Detection of Neurodevelopmental Disability in Extremely Preterm Infants (9/1/23 - 8/31/24)
Principal Investigator: Shaaron Brown, PT, DPT
Funding Agency: American Physical Therapy Association

This purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between term age optimality score and neurodevelopmental outcomes at three and 12 months of adjusted age by performing a secondary data analysis using videos and data from the SPEEDI intervention trial.

Exploring the impact of microprocessor-controlled knees on prosthesis awareness and overall health (07/01/22 - 06/30/25)
Principal Investigator: Benjamin J. Darter, PT, PhD
Funding Agency: Department of Defense

Prosthesis awareness represents the degree to which a person thinks about or pays attention to their prosthesis during activity. As no measure currently assesses this functional ability, our goal is to develop a measure of prosthesis awareness so clinicians can understand the walking ability of service members and Veterans with limb loss more completely. This measure of prosthesis awareness will consist of a brief set of questions appropriate for use as a survey in clinical care or in research studies.

Comparing the attentional demands and functional outcomes of pattern recognition and direct myoelectric control in people with transradial amputation (09/25/23 - 09/24/27)
Principal Investigator: Benjamin J. Darter, PT, PhD
Funding Agency: Department of Defense

The specific aims of this study are

• SA1: Evaluate the attentional demands and function associated with using an upper limb prosthesis operated by multi-site PRC relative to using the prosthesis operated by two-site DC;
• SA2: Identify demographic or health factors that predict response to PRC in order to determine which patients will be appropriate for and/or benefit most from the control strategy;
• SA3: Finalize development of a condition-specific, patient-report measure of upper limb prosthetic attention to supplement existing generic ratings of perceived attention that require co-administration of a performance-based functional test.

Optimizing gait rehabilitation for Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation (05/01/23 - 04/30/25)
Principal Investigators: Benjamin J. Darter, PT, PhD
Funding Agency: McGuire VA Medical Center

The primary aim of this study is to assess the efficacy for two forms of error manipulation intervention (error-augmentation or error-correction) targeting improved gait pattern symmetry for Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation (LLA). The secondary aim is to assess if the error-manipulation gait interventions have a signal of efficacy for improved secondary measures of physical function and disability for Veterans with non-traumatic LLA. 

iTREAT - Improved Treatment using Advanced Technologies (07/1/23 - 06/30/25)
Principal Investigator: Peter Pidcoe, PT, DPT, PhD
Funding Agency: Commonwealth Health Research Board

The purpose of this proposal is to implement a non-intrusive, easily deployed, scalable system that uses wireless sensing to produce an accurate measure of therapeutic rehabilitation dose for patients who have suffered a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA or stroke). Since structured intensity plays a key role in recovery, the accurate assessment of rehabilitation dose is needed to infer its relationship to outcome and drive future practice patterns. This system will be deployed in three Richmond clinical sites to assess efficacy and validity.

Social Determinants and Timelines of Total Knee Replacement: A National Perspective (3/19/21 - 10/31/25)
Principal Investigator:  Daniel Riddle, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Funding Agency: Subaward w/ Northeastern University/ National Institutes of Health

This project efficiently uses a large national registry of total knee replacement (TKR) patients to estimate prevalence of premature use and appropriate use of TKR, and understand the social determinants affecting its utilization. In doing so, we aim to provide new insights that will be useful for ACOs and large health systems aiming to optimize timing of healthcare utilization for their members.

Optimizing gait rehabilitation for Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation (5/1/23 - 4/30/25)
Principal Investigator: Dan Syrett, PhD Student
Funding Agency: McGuire VA Medical Center

The primary aim of this study is to assess the efficacy for two forms of error manipulation intervention (error-augmentation or error-correction) targeting improved gait pattern symmetry for Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation (LLA). The secondary aim is to assess if the error-manipulation gait interventions have a signal of efficacy for improved secondary measures of physical function and disability for Veterans with non-traumatic LLA. 

Virtual Immersive Gaming to Optimize Recovery in Low Back Pain (11/01/18 - 11/30/24)
Principal Investigator: James Thomas, PT, PhD
Funding Agency: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/NIH/DHHS

Low back pain is the second most common reason for a visit to a physician, with direct medical costs exceeding $90 billion per year. A fundamental clinical problem in individuals with low back pain is the significant alteration in movement patterns that restrict lumbar spine motion. This is particularly true for patients with fear of re-injury with movement (i.e., kinesiophobia). Accordingly, we propose a novel approach that uses a whole body video game environment to improve spinal motion and decrease expectation of pain and harm. The use of a gaming environment is an innovative approach to address low back pain that can have a significant impact on public health by developing technology to improve treatment access and reduce long-term disability. 

Pathways for Authentic Teaching of Health Sciences (PATHS) (07/01/22 - 06/30/27)
Principal Investigator: Yonella Demars, PhD, RDMS (Ab, OB/Gyn, PS), RVT
Funding Agency: National Institutes of Health

Providing the education community and students with knowledge of the various health professions and multiple ways to reach these professions is a critical need of public health. In addition, an understanding of the various social impacts on health (Social Determinants of Health)  and use of data science tools modeled after Precision Health’s use of large data will inform teachers and students of how these tools may inform healthcare. PATHS will use a culturally relevant lens to develop curriculum materials and deliver professional development designed to support teachers and their students and will provide an array of supports for community-engaged projects such as health fairs.

DBHDS Peer Recovery Project 2021-2025 (10/25/21 - 01/31/25)
Principal Investigator: Denise R Hall, MS, LPC, NCC, CRC
Funding Agency: Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

The purpose of this contract is to provide trainings in a virtual setting, via Zoom, to Virginia's peer workforce assigned as participants within the Recovery Leadership Academy (RLA).

Virginia Partnership for Gaming & Gambling Services (4/1/24 - 3/31/25)
Principal Investigator: Carolyn E. Hawley, PhD, CRC
Funding Agency: Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

VCU in partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services partner to support accessible and inclusive evidence-based patient-centered care for Virginians for the treatment of those experiencing problem gaming and gambling.

Rehabilitation Counseling Long-Term Training through Distance Learning or On-Campus Options, Including Telerehabilitation Expertise (10/01/20 - 09/30/25)
Principal Investigator:  Christine A. Reid, PhD, CRC
Funding Agency: Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services/Department of Education

The primary goal of this proposed long-term training project is to recruit and provide high quality training to people who have great potential and who seek careers as vocational rehabilitation counselors working for state VR agencies. The distance learning, asynchronous format is designed to maximize the potential for students who are geographically dispersed to gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to work in the state vocational rehabilitation agencies. 

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Long-Term Training (10/01/19 - 09/30/24)
Principal Investigator: Christine A. Reid, PhD, CRC
Funding Agency: Department of Education

The primary goal of this project is to recruit and train people seeking to become qualified rehabilitation counselors ready to work in state vocational rehabilitation agencies.  Recruitment will focus on underserved areas of the country where local programs are not available; training will be available either on-campus or through distance learning, using a combination of online and intensive on-campus coursework.

Long-Term Training - Mental Illness (10/01/19 - 09/30/24)
Principal Investigator: Christopher C. Wagner, PhD, LCP, CRC
Funding Agency: Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services/Department of Education

The primary goal of the project is to provide high-quality graduate training to students committed to working as state VR agency counselors specializing in mental illness.

HEAR: Helping Elders Access Resources (09/01/22 - 08/31/25)
Principal Investigator: Sarah Marrs, PhD
Funding Agency: Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Goal 1 of this project is to mitigate challenges and barriers to reporting elder abuse. Goal 2 of the project is to develop, market, and disseminate an interactive resource mapping toolkit for use by practitioners, older adults, and caregivers of older adults and adults living with disabilities who seek to link themselves or others to systems of care.

Virginia Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (VSTOP) (01/01/22 - 12/31/25)
Principal Investigator: Courtney O'Hara, MS
Funding Agency: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice

The overall purpose of the project is to work with criminal justice agencies, victim services, aging and legal services programs, and allied professionals to collaboratively address the unique needs of women aged 50 and older who are victims of family abuse. This is done by increasing awareness, promoting specialized services, providing technical assistance, disseminating information, and providing training on abuse dynamics, collaboration and developing, implementing and maintaining an effective coordinated community response.

Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) (07/01/24 - 06/30/29)
Principal Investigator: Bert Leland Waters, PhD
Funding Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration/DHHS

The purpose of this proposed Virginia Geriatric Education Center (VGEC) GWEP project is to improve health outcomes across Virginia for older adults by developing a healthcare workforce that maximizes patient and family engagement, integrating geriatrics and primary care, and demonstrating measurable impact. 

Greater Richmond Elder Justice Shelter Initiative (09/01/2024 - 06/30/2026)
Principal Investigator: Sarah Marrs, PhD
Funding Agency: Administration for Community Living (ACL)

The Virginia Center on Aging (VCoA), in partnership with Senior Connections, Homeward, and Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), will establish, pilot, and evaluate an innovative elder shelter model serving the greater Richmond region. This model will address emergency and transitional housing needs while incorporating wrap-around services for older adults ages 60+, including those with disabilities, who have experienced abuse, neglect, and exploitation