Inaugural Seminar Series Welcomes APHA President Dr. Nandi Marshall
The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences kicked off a new seminar series this fall, holding its first event on Thursday, September 17th. The seminar series is part of the department’s developing strategic plan, and aims to foster connections and share knowledge both within and without the department. The inaugural event featured guest speaker Nandi […]
VCU launches interdisciplinary Center for Gun Violence Research
By Olivia Trani for VCU News Based in the School of Public Health, the center will unite expertise across VCU to advance the science of gun violence prevention and translate evidence into strategies that save lives. The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Public Health has established the Center for Gun Violence Research to advance the […]
Dr. Jessica LaRose named Theresa A. Thomas Memorial Chair in Cancer Prevention and Control
Jessica LaRose, Ph.D., F.S.B.M., was awarded the endowed chair this month by Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is professor and chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in VCU’s School of Public Health and holds several lead roles in cancer prevention and control-related initiatives at Massey. LaRose was instrumental to Massey and VCU […]
New grant awarded for Cancer Health Engagement and Action Research Center
VCU’s Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center has received a new, $1.65 million grant from the American Cancer Society to establish the Cancer Health Engagement and Action Research (CHEAR) Center. This Center will aim to reduce cancer disparities across central, southern, and eastern Virginia, and is led by Massey Director Dr. Monica Baskin. The initial project for […]
An Award-Worthy Mentor: how Dra. Dina García’s mentoring philosophy shapes her impact
Dra. Dina García has many roles within the department, school, and university. She is a scientist, with a program of research focused on uncovering the underlying causes and mechanisms of oral health inequities. She is an activist, working in partnership with communities to make meaningful change. She is an educator, committed to equity-driven, student-centered pedagogy […]
Dr. Jessica LaRose co-leads new $2.7 million Worta McCaskill-Stevens K12 grant from the NIH
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center was recently awarded a $2.7 million Worta McCaskill-Stevens K12 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The five-year grant will allow Massey to mentor promising, multidisciplinary, early-stage clinical investigators in the conception, development, and implementation of innovative cancer prevention and control studies designed to optimize participation by cancer survivors […]
Dr. Jessica LaRose receives WISDM award
Jessica LaRose, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, received the School of Public Health’s 2026 Professional Achievement Award at VCU’s Women in Science, Dentistry, and Medicine Annual Leadership Conference this April. This award honors her achievements in leadership, scholarship, and mentorship in service to her department and the School […]
Dra. Dina García Awarded Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor
During this year’s promotion and tenure cycle, Dina García, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed., was promoted to associate professor with tenure. García joined the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in 2018 as an assistant professor. In this role, she directs the Kalpulli Research Group and teaches graduate courses on community-based participatory research, health disparities, and social justice. In 2024, she […]
Virginia Public Health Summit on Cancer
On June 2nd, members of SBS joined public health experts and community members from across Virginia to discuss how public health collaboration and coordination can help to improve cancer prevention, screening, and care. Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S., assistant professor and director of Catchment Area Data Analytics at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center helped launch this […]
Dr. Katherine Tossas Wins Community Engagement Award
VCU’s Division of Community Engagement held a ceremony honoring nominees for outstanding work in community engagement on Thursday, May 14th. Award categories included faculty, students, and community partners. SBS assistant professor Katherine Y. Tossas, PhD, MS was honored with the Excellence in Community Engaged Research award. Excellence in Community Engaged Research Katherine Y. Tossas, PhD, […]
