JULY 2020
Research and Sponsored Programs Update
RESEARCH RAMP-UP GUIDANCE
While we’re all eager to resume regular research activity, the health and safety of the entire Fresno State community remains our first and foremost concern. With that in mind, the University’s Research Task Force has issued a Phased Ramp-up Plan for Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities that covers both on-campus and off-campus sites.

The ramp-up and continuation of RSCA projects during each of the phases will be gradual to ensure health and safety for the entire campus community. Until the campus returns to normal operation, all RSCA projects that can be done remotely must continue to be done remotely. All RSCA leaders and project personnel will be required to complete several steps outlined in the guidelines prior to resuming research activities.

The task force has issued the guidelines in a phased approach to optimize the following:

• Health and safety of Fresno State personnel and the community
• Continuity of essential research and creative activities
• Re-initiation of other research and creative activities as quickly as feasible within the public health and safety guidelines.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation with the new guidelines and commitment to safety during this time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
JULY 2020 MONTHLY AWARD REPORT
Avery Culbertson (Agricultural Leadership) received a $46,750 grant from USDA for the 2020 Ag Discovery Program, which was held virtually this year.

Marie Gilbert and Nisha Nair (Nursing) received two-year funding for two Song-Brown Registered Nurse programs from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD).

Sonet Van Zyl (VERC) received a five-year, $75,000 grant from Allied Grape Growers to provide rapid, accurate, and cost effective testing of grape composition for industry and research samples.

Rajee Amarasinghe (Mathematics) received a three-year grant in partnership with three community partners from the California Education Learning Lab for the “On-Ramp to STEM” project, which aims to transform the culture of learning in math classrooms.

Marianne Jackson and J.P. Moschella (Psychology) received a continuation grant from the Central Unified School District for the development, implementation and evaluation of positive behavioral interventions.

The Nguyen (Mechanical Engineering) received a $15,519 grant from the Central California Food Bank to provide a viable produce sort line.
UPCOMING FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
NSF GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Graduate students in STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees are encouraged to apply for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program .

The five-year program includes three years of financial support including an annual stipend of $34,000 and a cost of education allowance to the institution. Application deadlines are in October 2020.

Faculty who have received a GRFP award are invited to join our mentoring pool. Please let us know if you would be interested in assisting students with their applications by emailing us at [email protected] .
TWEET OF THE MONTH
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS
Jason Bush (Biology) and his work with the Carcinogen Identification Committee was featured in the latest issue of Fresno State Magazine.

Aly Tawfik (Civil Engineering) was quoted in a GVWire.com article regarding a study addressing air flow and providing safe public transportation.

Nancy Akhavan and Nichole Walsh (Educational Leadership) had their journal article on “Cognitive Apprenticeship Learning Approach in K-8 Writing Instruction” published in the Journal of Education and Learning.

Shahab Tayeb (Electrical and Computer Engineering) presented on Cybersecurity in the Age of Autonomous and Connected Vehicles as part of LCOE’s “Tech Talks” series.

Balaji Sethuramasamyraja (Industrial Technology) received the Nicolas Salgo-Noren Excellence in Teaching Award for his innovative teaching, research and outreach activities.

Cristina Herrera (Chicano and Latin American Studies) announced the release of her new book, “ ChicaNerds in Chicana Young Adult Literature ,” published by Routledge Books.
COMPLIANCE CORNER
Fresno State’s Controlled Substances Policy ( APM 526 ) provides researchers with the knowledge and guidance needed to comply with applicable regulations associated with the use of controlled substances and precursor chemicals in their teaching and research.

Individuals who intend to use controlled substances in their instruction or research activities must submit an application to the University Committee on the Use of Controlled Substances for review and approval, after obtaining any necessary departmental and college approvals. The receiving, storage and disposal of controlled substances is under the supervision of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and Risk Management (EHS/RM). 

Fresno State’s Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS) has issued guidance regarding ethical practices for the continuation of research involving human subjects during campus and community efforts to limit exposure to the coronavirus.

IN THE NEWS
Welcome: Dr. Denise Seabert has been named dean of the College of Health and Human Services while Dr. Randy Yerrick was named dean of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.

Congrats to Fresno State’s recent Gilman International Scholars : Atziri Barboza Gonzalez, Rogelio Garcia, Dymond Lowe, Emily Serrato and Jaskaran Singh.


Lisa Bryant (Political Science) presented her research on working mothers in Congress at the Congressional Moms In The House caucus, moderated by the Center for American Women and Politics.

Please don't hesitate to contact the grants administrator for your college/unit as you explore potential funding opportunities. Also, be sure to share with us important news or updates on your research, scholarly, or creative activities. Include  NEWSLETTER  in the subject line and send details to  [email protected]

This newsletter is compiled and published by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Part of the Division of Research and Graduate Studies , RSP helps faculty and staff apply for and secure external grant funds.
Share This Email:
California State University, Fresno
Research and Sponsored Programs
5241 N. Maple Avenue, M/S TA53 Fresno, CA 93740
P: 559.278.0840
F: 559-278-4658