News

Emma Cummings processes a bird as part of her responsibilities during an internship at Assateague Island National Seashore off the coast of Maryland. (National Park Service)

Recent VCU grad Emma Cummings is bonding, and banding, with the birds

July 24, 2025

In Yellowstone this season, the National Park Service staffer is powered by a lifelong interest in nature and avian ecology lessons from the Rice Rivers Center.

Mariam Topchyan

Mariam Topchyan receives 2024-2025 Outstanding Thesis Award

July 21, 2025

The VCU Graduate School honored Topchyan in the category of Life Sciences.

A day of field work in Highland County, Virginia

Notes from the Field: Abby Bressette

July 9, 2025

Video documents avian research conducted in Highland County, Virginia.

Chris Gough, Ph.D.

Chris Gough appointed executive director of the VCU Rice Rivers Center

July 1, 2025

Gough is a biology professor and graduate program director in the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability.

American kestrels ready to fledge

Notes from the Field: A look at Summer@Rice research projects

June 24, 2025

Interns highlight their research in their own words.

A group of faculty and students watch a presentation during the Rice Rivers Center Research Symposium at the Walter L. Rice Education Building.

Research Symposium returns to Rice Rivers Center

May 19, 2025

The event was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A frog and six newly-hatched chickadees share a bird box

Interspecies roommates gain seven more

May 7, 2025

Newly-hatched Chickadees make the nesting box a full house.

Group of Ph.D. students standing on a stairs for a group photo

Integrative Life Sciences Research Showcase features doctoral student research

May 5, 2025

The annual presentation and poster session is part of VCU Research Weeks

Frogs and six chickadee eggs share a birdbox

The cost of housing goes interspecies: Skyrocketing rents bring biodiverse tenants.

April 17, 2025

One nesting spot is the home to more than just feathered residents.

Uncommon Hero - Dr. Matt Balazik

VCU's "UNCOMMON Heroes" series features Matt Balazik, Ph.D.

April 17, 2025

Balazik helps restore the Atlantic sturgeon population in the James River, but also influences international conservation strategies.