College of Humanities and Sciences

Alexander Lucas, Ph.D., most recently served in VCU’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of Public Health and the Pauley Heart Center in the Division of Cardiology. He has over 15 years of clinical experience in delivering physical activity and behavioral lifestyle programs to populations with chronic disease, and research experience examining the feasibility and efficacy of theory-based physical activity, exercise, and dietary interventions in several cancer populations at increased risk for developing secondary comorbidities and compromised quality of life. 

Q&A with Alexander Lucas

Where did you grow up? Can you tell us a little about your educational journey?

I grew up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. I studied for my undergraduate degree at the University of Stellenbosch in neighboring South Africa before moving to the United States in 2008 to pursue a master’s degree in health and exercise science at Wake Forest University. I then completed my Ph.D. at Ohio State University.

When did you first fall in love with your field of study? What made you decide to work in academia?

I played a lot of sports growing up in Southern Africa, mostly rugby and cricket, which meant I was very interested in sports science, which took me to Stellenbosch where I studied human movement and sports sciences with a second major in psychology. Understanding how and why people engage in exercise was always very interesting to me. I was then exposed to clinical research in patients with chronic disease during my master’s program in North Carolina. It was then that I knew this was what I wanted to do.

Can you explain the focus of your research?

I am most interested in understanding how and why people adopt and maintain exercise habits as a means of health promotion or recovery following illness. Behavioral skills training is critical to support these behaviors especially in the context of diminished functional capacity, chronic disease, and compromised quality of life. 

Can you talk a little about your teaching philosophy? What do you most like about teaching?

I have enjoyed watching students develop critical thinking skills that support them in creating new ways to solve challenging problems. Providing first a strong scientific foundation and then the opportunities to put their knowledge into action. 

What attracted you to VCU? What are you most excited about in regards to VCU and Richmond?

I have been at VCU for seven years, starting in the School of Medicine as a research instructor in 2018. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far, building meaningful collaborations and mentoring students across the university. My move to KHS is an amazing opportunity for me to continue to work at VCU in a setting more closely aligned with my interests and skills.

Can you tell us either a quirky fact about yourself or some of your hobbies?

I love spending time outdoors, camping and fishing, especially with my kids and close friends.