VCU researchers' impact
VCU receives $6 million from Department of Defense to study treatment for long-term concussion symptoms
James Burch, Ph.D., a professor in VCU’s School of Public Health, and William Walker, M.D., a professor in the School of Medicine, received a $6 million grant from the Department of Defense for a four-year study, named HERO (HRV Biofeedback for Enhancing Autonomic Resilience and mTBI Outcomes), focused on treating ongoing symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), or concussion. The research will specifically evaluate the effectiveness of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback for veterans and service members who suffer from issues like poor sleep, fatigue, dizziness and trouble with memory or concentration after a concussion.
NEUROSCIENCE, PAIN, ADDICTION, AND MENTAL HEALTH
VCU student research
How I found my research: Josselyn Valenzuela helps pregnant mothers navigate depression
Josselyn Valenzuela, a graduate student in the VCU School of Social Work, serves as the bilingual research coordinator for the Mindful Moms Study, which studies the impact of mindfulness activities and social connectedness with people who are experiencing depression while pregnant.
Based in the School of Nursing, Valenzuela focuses on the Spanish-speaking participants in the study. Valenzuela first started working for the study as a research assistant when she was still an undergraduate in the School of Social Work. Valenzuela eventually earned her bachelor’s degree in May and remained at VCU to pursue a master’s degree in clinical social work.
Research Weeks 2025
Throughout the month of April, we showcase the groundbreaking work of our researchers and celebrate the breadth of VCU’s research enterprise through a series of events hosted by schools and departments across all three of schools and departments across all three of the university’s campuses: this is VCU Research Weeks.
This year, we welcomed distinguished speakers from across the nation, who shared their expertise and insights on a range of research topics. From AI and Data Science to the evolutionary and cognitive roots of human social behavior, VCU Research Weeks offered over 50 events across campus.
