Research

We develop and advance scholarship, research and initiatives to promote health, prevent disease and eradicate health disparities.

Our students and faculty research on an extraordinarily diverse set of topics, including patient safety, chronic illness, integrative health and self-management, interprofessional education, and biomarker discovery. They lead community-based health research initiatives, direct transdisciplinary research collaborations and spearhead nationwide multi-partner projects.

Their findings influence the future of health care delivery, patient care and nursing practices.

Office of Research, Scholarship and Innovation

The Office of Research, Scholarship and Innovation is dedicated to provide resources, opportunities and community for nurse scientists through:

  • Creating a collaborative, productive research and scholarship environment that fosters rapid discovery, dissemination and implementation
  • Providing innovative solutions that promote health, prevent disease and eradicate health disparities
  • Integrating research into the fabric of nursing education to stimulate curiosity, problem solving and discovery earlier in the nursing education process
  • Creating a culture of collaboration across specialties and priorities within the School of Nursing to prepare for a rapidly changing research environment

In addition to supporting nurse scientists with administrative resources, hosting workshops and facilitating mentoring opportunities for researchers, the office is home to the Biobehavioral Research Laboratory and the Langston Center for Innovation in Quality and Safety.

Research News

A pregnant woman sitting in a medical office holds ultrasound images of her baby while speaking with a healthcare professional who is taking notes on a clipboard.

July 7, 2025

VCU researchers have found a new tool to encourage pregnant women to seek treatment for substance abuse disorders

By building stronger bonds with their unborn baby, VCU researchers say ultrasounds can improve prenatal care and mitigate maternal mortality risks.

lathika mohanraj

June 25, 2025

Lathika Mohanraj, Ph.D., appointed co-director of Biobehavioral Research Lab

With a background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and nursing, Mohanraj brings expertise in laboratory research and patient care to her new role in the Biobehavioral Research Lab in the VCU School of Nursing.

A nurse checks a toddler's blood pressure while the child's caregiver stands nearby, smiling.

June 23, 2025

New study reveals unique long COVID symptoms for young children – what parents need to know

VCU researchers help develop resources to help families and health care providers spot subtle signs of long COVID in infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children.