MAY 2021
Research and Sponsored Programs Update
CSU STUDENT RESEARCH COMPETITION
Kudos to our colleagues at Cal Poly Pomona, which hosted the 35th Annual CSU Student Research Competition virtually on April 30 and May 1. A total of 197 student projects by 230 CSU student delegates participated in the event, including six from Fresno State:

Oscar Duran, Geomatics Engineering (Faculty mentor: Yushin Ahn); Stephanie Gonzales and Rylie Hauge, Criminology (Jenna Kieckhaefer); Amy Conley, Educational Leadership (Juliet Wahleithner); Sitong Wu, Chemistry (Qiao-Hong Chen); and Hayley Kumagai, Mechanical Engineering (The Nguyen).
Said Dr. Jenna Kieckhaefer, Research Subcommittee Chair: “The committee is very proud of our six students’ efforts at the CSU Research Competition. While we sometimes have hundreds of students participate at the Central California Research Symposium (CCRS), the number of students that can participate in this competition is much smaller since all CSU campuses participate."

The CCRS and CSU Student Research Competition are each held annually to promote excellence in undergraduate and graduate scholarly research and creative activity. While we were pleased both events were able to be held virtually this year, we’re cautiously optimistic (and excited!) about the return of in-person presentations next year.
MAY 2021 MONTHLY AWARD REPORT
  • Hannah Ko (Physical Therapy) received a three-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (via Neuromuscular Dynamics) for her project, “A simple and quantitative clinical assessment of neuromuscular recovery after ACL injury.”

  • Oscar Vega (Mathematics) received Year 2 funding from NSF for his project, “BAMM!: Bolstering the Advancement of Masters in Mathematics.”

  • Student Support Services received five-year funding awards from USDE for both its regular and veterans' programs. 

  • Hovannes Kulhandjian and Hayssam El-Razouk (ECE) received a $378,002 grant from the U.S. Dept. of Defense for their project titled, “Secure Communications and Embedded Systems Laboratory at Fresno State.”

  • Emma Hughes (Criminology) received Year 3 funding ($45,646) from the Calif. Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation for CSU Project Rebound Outreach Program.

  • Cordie Qualle and Laura Ramos (CIT) received a $50,000 award from the Central Valley Community Foundation for Phase I of the SJV Water Collaborative Action Plan.

  • Masaki Uchida (Chemistry) received Year 3 funding from NSF for his project, “Nanomanufacturing of Protein Macromolecular Frameworks Through an Integrated Bioengineering and Computational Approach.”
UPCOMING FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
GRANT PROPOSAL CERTIFICATE RECIPIENTS
While we were unfortunately forced to modify and cancel several key events over the past year due to COVID-19, our Grant Proposal Certificate Program remained strong. Over 30 faculty/staff have completed the program since its launch four years ago, including four new recipients.

Each of the awardees participated in a number of workshops during the year and worked closely with their research administrator to submit an external grant proposal. Tenured and tenure track faculty, staff who serve as co-PI's, and other staff members who are active in grant development are all eligible.

Congratulations to our 2020-21 recipients: Varaxy Yi Borromeo (Educational Leadership), Susan Mirlohi (Public Health), Karey DeBardeleben (JCAST) and Maria Calahorra-Jimenez (Construction Management).
COMPLIANCE CORNER
  • Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program is offering a free online course titled “COVID-19: Back to Campus, Remote Contact Tracing, Participating in Vaccine Research, Insights for Higher Ed Leaders, and What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccine.” Access to this course will terminate on Oct. 1, 2021.

  • Do you have an ORCID iD? We encourage all faculty researchers to register with ORCID, which provides a persistent digital identifier (ORCID iD) that distinguishes you from every other researcher and supports automated linkages between you and your professional activities ensuring that your work is recognized.
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Dave Goorahoo (Plant Science) served as a mentor for Clovis North High School sophomore John Benedict Estrada, who was awarded $55,000 at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.


  • Congratulations to the 2020-21 Outstanding Advisor Award Recipients: Travis Cronin (Social Work Education), Dheeshana Jayasundara (Social Work Education), David Lent (Biology) and Sonya Pena (College of Social Sciences Advising Center).

  • Faculty spotlight on Thomas Holyoke (Political Science): “Teaching is what I am most passionate about because it is the primary way that I can make the world a better place.”

VIRTUAL EVENTS
  • Bridging Research and Education With Model ORganisms (BREWMOR) is hosting a 2-day workshop for anyone interested in incorporating hands-on research, including model organisms, into the undergraduate classroom. June 7 and 10. Free. Among the speakers: Joe Ross (Biology).


  • The Naval Opportunity Awareness Workshop (OAW) will be held virtually June 15-16, with information about naval priorities and research opportunities. Registration is free and closes May 30, or when all virtual seats are filled.

  • CSU NSF RUI Exemplars, presented by the CSU Dept. of Research/STEM-NET, Thurs., June 17, 10 a.m.-noon. Among the speakers: Nan Wang (Electrical and Computer Engineering Department).

  • Adobe Creative Cloud for Academic Writing: Online on Thurs., July 8, from 8-9:30 am and 10:30-noon. This introductory workshop will focus on how to produce a pleasing grant narrative that reduces reviewer fatigue. Register by July 2.
NEW APPOINTMENTS
Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval has been named as the University’s ninth president. “From providing world-class, transformational educational opportunities, to conducting cutting-edge research, Fresno State makes a profound impact on the entire Central Valley,” said Jiménez-Sandoval. “It is an honor to be chosen to lead this premier university.”

Congratulations also to Dr. Honora Chapman, who has been named dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, as well as Dr. Julie Olson-Buchanan, who was named dean of the Craig School of Business.
IN THE NEWS
  • Fresno State involved in national research project on mask adherence.

  • Samuel Lankford (Recreation Administration) was quoted on wellness tourism (The Business Journal).




  • Viticulture and Enology student research spotlight on Abelardo L. Rodriguez Cetto: "I chose this program because of the hands-on experience it offers."
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 orsp@csufresno.edu.

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.
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