Fresno State received a record amount of grants and contract awards during the 2015-2016 fiscal year. The Division of Research and Graduate Studies reported secured 317 awards for a total of $42,053,280 by the close of the fiscal year, June 30.
“This milestone is a testament to the hard work of our campus faculty, staff and administration,” said Dr. James Marshall, dean of research and graduate studies. “Their collective commitment to the greater good is reflected in the outcomes of these grants and contracts and contributes directly to enhancing student success and improving the quality of life in our community and beyond.”
Marshall said the awards include federally funded research activities that engage faculty and students in addressing needs in biomedicine, agriculture and the environment. The funding also supports projects helping students adjust to college, research addressing water use and drought, as well as training for social workers, teachers, administrators and other leaders serving the San Joaquin Valley.
Among the University’s eight colleges, the College of Health and Human Services topped the list, securing more than $17 million in grants and contracts to support initiatives like social work education, nursing and the Central Valley Health Policy Institute.
Other highlights this year included 28 awards to the Center for Irrigation Technology totaling $4.79 million to advance water and energy efficiency research. The Division of Student Affairs secured 17 awards totaling $3.96 million to support student success programs like Upward Bound for low-income, first-generation students, the College Assistance Migrant Program and the Renaissance Scholars program, assisting college students formerly in foster care.
Campus traffic operations were supported by a $2.26 million grant for the San Joaquin Valley Transit Electrification Project, a combined $1.33 million was awarded to support biology research and the Kremen School of Education and Human Development secured a total of $1.84 million for the Wayfinders program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
As a unit of Academic Affairs, the Division of Research and Graduate Studies works to advance research and external funding by assisting faculty, students and staff in securing grants and direct research support.
