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An encounter halfway around the world brings spotlight onto Ph.D. student

When students interact with Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao, it's typically in various administrative buildings on campus, at sporting events or at other university gatherings. But Hannah Loh Yun Lei, a student in the College of Health Professions Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences program, met him halfway around the globe in Singapore.

Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao, his wife Monica Rao and Ph.D. student Hannah Loh meeting at Singapore Institute of Technology  Photo courtesy of Hannah LohVirginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao, his wife Monica Rao and Ph.D. student Hannah Loh meeting at Singapore Institute of Technology  Photo courtesy of Hannah Loh

Class of 2026: Sydney Hilovsky takes occupational therapy to the pool for children with autism

Hilovsky has been pursuing two doctoral degrees in the College of Health Professions, and her aquatic therapy project already has had real-world impact. (VCU News)

Syndey HilovskySyndey Hilovsky

Collaboration in action. Impact by design.

When we created the Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences, our goal was clear: Prepare scholars who move research into practice, policy and communities. This issue reflects that mission in action.

PhD student presenting poster as audience member points to discuss presentationPhD student presenting poster as audience member points to discuss presentation

Program ethics instructor Calvin Bradley earns doctorate in conflict analysis and resolution studies

Calvin Bradley Jr., Ph.D., an ethics instructor in the VCU College of Health Professions’ Ph.D. Program in Health Related Sciences, recently completed his own doctoral degree. This accomplishment further strengthens the interdisciplinary perspective he brings to the program.

Calvin Bradley JrCalvin Bradley Jr

Prescribing connection: Ph.D. student researches power of community for dementia patients

While dementia care largely focuses on medical interventions, social isolation remains an overlooked factor shaping quality of life for patients and their loved ones. Cathleen “Cate” Hawks, a student in the VCU College of Health Professions’ Ph.D. Program in Health Related Sciences, hopes her doctoral research, aided by a large private donation, will change that.

Headshot of Cate HawksHeadshot of Cate Hawks

Ph.D. graduate’s research fuels surgical smoke legislation nationwide

Nearly 20 years after her doctoral studies, a VCU graduate’s dissertation continues to influence life-changing state laws — and might soon make waves at the federal level.

Kay Ball, Ph.D., RNKay Ball, Ph.D., RN

Ph.D. program guides Hawley in raising national voice in problem gambling

When Carolyn Hawley, Ph.D., first wrote a grant proposal on youth gambling, she didn’t expect it to define her career.

Carolyn HawleyCarolyn Hawley

Ph.D. research project aims for oral health equity for Virginians with developmental disabilities

For many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a visit to the dentist can be overwhelming – sometimes impossible. Now, a new $200,000 grant is positioning Virginia Commonwealth University to help change that.

City of Richmond on the James RiverCity of Richmond on the James River
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