v.c.u. students in a 1960s classroom reading the biography of malcolm x

Africana Studies Undergraduate Research Summit

The Africana Studies Undergraduate Research Summit is a day-long research summit focused on preparing students to become scholar activists engaged in hands-on, community oriented research.

The summit will include a poster session featuring student-led research projects, workshops and panel discussions on navigating higher education, and entertainment provided by DJ Lado and the Ramettes. 

At a Glance

April 3rd, 2026 
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
STEM Building, Room 112 || University Student Commons, Richmond Salons & Commonwealth Ballroom

Register for the Summit

Why Attend?

  • Engage with representatives of 11 graduate school programs.
  • Learn about the graduate school application process from students who are currently enrolled.
  • Enjoy food and live entertainment.

Sponsors

Questions? Please contact the department's administrative assistant, Christian Thompson, at thompsonc19@vcu.edu. 

Program Schedule

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Breakfast

9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Workshop: Writing a strong and effective personal statement w/ Prof. Adofo Ka-Re and Dr. Tiyacca Simms Jones

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Poster Session

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Grad Fair

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Luncheon and Keynote Address with Dr. Jasmine Abrams

2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Navigating the grad school process with students

3:45 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.

DJ, Food, and Entertainment