Medicinal Chemistry News

A Class of 2026 graduating student in regalia looks off into the distance with pride and hope ahead of the Hooding and Diploma Ceremony in a large theater-style space.

Hooding and Diploma Ceremony speaker to VCU Pharmacy Class of 2026: 'Readiness is not a feeling. It's a decision.'

May 22, 2026

At Hooding & Diploma Ceremony, graduating Class of 2026 reflects on persistence, resilience and how vital it is to keep swimming.

Ally Thompson joins Dean K.C. Ogbonna to receive the Dean's Awards at the 2026 Graduate Awards Ceremony.

Students recognized for excellence at 2026 Graduate Student Awards Ceremony

May 8, 2026

"How do we sustain this journey to excellence through our careers?" asked keynote speaker Dr. Patricia Slattum. "Well, it requires keeping our attention on why we're doing it."

bharath villuri

Postdoctoral fellow Dr. Villuri featured in The Scientist

April 22, 2026

Bharath Villuri, Ph.D., shared insights about the translational potential of his work in the magazine's Postdoctoral Portrait series.

Ally Thompson smiles for a photo after her dissertation defense.

Dr. Thompson successfully defends dissertation

April 10, 2026

Ally Thompson, Ph.D., defended her dissertation this month and has earned her Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences with a concentration in medicinal chemistry.

bharath villuri

Bharath Villuri, Ph.D., accepted into NSF's I-Corps Customer Discovery Workshop

March 31, 2026

I-Corps and its workshops focus on translating academic research into commercialization opportunities.

the biotech one building at v.c.u.

Ph.D. students Ally Thompson and Albert Opare win 2026 J.D. Smith Award

March 31, 2026

The J.D. Smith Award is given annually to graduate students in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry with the most significant distinction in scholarship, research, teaching and service

the biotech one building at v.c.u.

Ph.D. student Grace Rilee earns F31 grant from NIDCR

March 31, 2026

Rilee is the second student in the history of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry to earn this prestigious award.

youzhong guo

Youzhong Guo, Ph.D., receives grant renewal from Bayer R&D

March 31, 2026

This project is just one of several examples of the collaboration that exists between our faculty and pharmaceutical industry partners.

two researchers wearing sterile lab covering making balm.

Why pursue a Pharm.D. concentration in pharmaceutical industry

March 21, 2026

How can our concentration in pharmaceutical industry set you up for success in your career? We’re glad you asked.

the biotech one building at v.c.u.

Department of Medicinal Chemistry names 2024-25 awardees

Feb. 15, 2026

The department named five students and postdoctoral fellows as winners of six awards.