VCU Rice Rivers Center

College of Humanities and Sciences

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Sarah Golding, Ph.D., (left) and Allison Johnson, Ph.D., talk with faculty during a Leaders for Inclusive Learning faculty development workshop

Allison Johnson, Ph.D., facilitates Leaders for Inclusive Learning program

July 13, 2022

The goal? Success for every student.

Person on dock speaking to people in kayaks on the water

Footprints on the James focus of VCU News Exposure article

July 5, 2022

Kayaks. Campfires. Microscopes. Students soaked up knowledge of the James River’s natural history and biodiversity over five adventure-filled weeks.

Overhead picture of Rice River Center, looking over wetlands, field station, and lake.

VPM PBS highlights Rice Rivers Center and the benefits of dam removal

Sept. 3, 2025

From dam removal to a thriving wetland, Kimages Creek is now teeming with life. Dr. Ed Crawford of VCU's Rice Rivers Center told the story on VPM PBS's Virginia Home Grown - and showed how wetlands shape our ecosystems and future.

Student measures the depth of the water table near groundwater wells at the Rice River Center.

Field station of dreams

Aug. 22, 2025

For 25 years, VCU Rice Rivers Center has been students’ portal to the natural world, playing host to research, restoration and life-changing experiential learning.

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.

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.

Picture of Dr. Rob Tombes smiling in a suit

Dr. Rob Tombes Retires - Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Life Sciences

Dec. 1, 2025

For more than 30 years, whenever the conversation turned into building stronger academic programs, supporting young scientists, or advancing interdisciplinary research, one name reliably surfaced: Dr Robert (Rob) Tombes. This fall, the VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability celebrates his retirement and the legacy of leadership he leaves behind.

Todd Janeski sits beside a body of water holding an oyster shell

Todd Janeski to serve on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Aug. 18, 2025

His three-year term as a NOAA MAFMC appointee began August 14.

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.

Amelia Johnson and Rice Rivers Center director Greg Garman stand next to an educational sign

Amelia Johnson shares her work on Rice Rivers Center’s educational sign as part of VCU Library Community Zoom.

Feb. 28, 2025

Johnson’s Girl Scout Gold Award project captures attention outside of center visitors.

Two women stand on a pier with binoculars, looking to the sky trying to find birds

Rice Rivers Center part of annual Christmas Bird Count

Jan. 23, 2025

VCU alumna Alyssa Spasic leads the volunteer group

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.