Joan Tupponce

1 month ago | news.vcu.edu | Joan Tupponce

Even before the autopsy, Sophie Laman had discovered what forensic scientists have known for years: The field “is really cool,” she said. Forensic science hadn’t been on Laman’s radar until her father, a physician, suggested it as a major at Virginia Commonwealth University. “I’ve always really liked the sciences.

1 month ago | news.vcu.edu | Joan Tupponce

In the long term, Kelci Straka-Mai hopes to curb potential mental health and substance use problems by talking to people about healthy relationships and teaching them mental health skills. Graduating with dual master’s degrees in public health and social work from Virginia Commonwealth University this month, she has witnessed how different environments impact the mental health of families and individuals.

1 month ago | news.vcu.edu | Joan Tupponce

Franchesca Claros-Chavez’s excitement was evident as models walked the runway during her first Latinx fashion show in the Commons this month. She and friend Lirio Vera Alva, both graduating seniors majoring in fashion design in Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts, wanted their looks to represent their heritage. And in the spirit of how VCU helped Claros-Chavez find her own style, she is now helping others find theirs.

1 month ago | richmondfamilymagazine.com | Joan Tupponce

There used to be a time when actress Illeana “Illy” Kirven would get nervous when a show opened, but that time has passed. The seasoned actress has been working in the theater professionally for more than 25 years with over 300 shows under her belt. She is currently appearing as Matron “Mama” Morton — a role she’s had since 2023 — in the touring production of Chicago, which will opens at Altria Theater on Friday and runs through May 11.

1 month ago | richmondfamilymagazine.com | Joan Tupponce

Trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube is frustrating for most people. But, not for Burkley Robertson. He was in kindergarten when he first solved the cube. “It took a week or two to learn how to solve it, and then when I memorized everything, it took about two minutes,” says Burkley, now 13 and a seventh grader at Moody Middle School. Shannon Wakefield, gifted lead teacher with Henrico County’s Central Office, oversaw morning clubs, including the Rubik’s Cube Club, when she taught at Greenwood Elementary.