FRESNO STATE — Once again, Fresno State has broken its research funding record. This time, receiving an impressive $78.3 million in grants and contracts during the 2023-24 school year. Thus, marking a 10.8% increase over the previous year. In addition, this is the sixth consecutive year in a row that the university has broken its own funding record. These funds are helping to support research, internships, mentorship programs, and new equipment for students and faculty.
Key Grants Fuel Research Growth
To begin, one of the key grants went to Dr. Cory Brooks and his team in the biochemistry department. Thanks to a $242,073 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), they were able to get a new surface plasmon resonance instrument platform. Dr. Brooks, who has been teaching at Fresno State since 2013, explained that this tool allows researchers to study protein interactions. Consequently, being very important for many fields, including biotechnology.
Before receiving this grant, Brooks had to work with other universities that had this specialized equipment. Now, with this new tool on campus, Fresno State can do this type of research on its own. Therefore, this change opens up more opportunities for students and staff.
Impact on Students & Learning
Fresno State’s record breaking research funding supports new opportunities for student learning and campus innovation.
In addition, this new equipment will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students. According to Dr. Brooks, the ability to train students to use this tool is a big advantage.
“It’s a skill that will really help them if they want to work in biotech,” he said.
Students will be able to gain practical experience. In turn, making them more competitive when applying for jobs after graduation.
More Grants Supporting Key Projects
On top of Dr. Brooks’ grant, Fresno State received multiple other major awards. For example, the university secured $5 million from the Mellon Foundation. This grant was given to create internships for humanities students. Thus, allowing students to put what they’ve learned in the classroom to practice in real-world settings.
Another notable grant was a $200,000 Andrew Carnegie Fellowship awarded to political science professor Dr. Lisa Bryant. Bryant will use this funding to continue her research on political polarization.
Fresno State’s Expanding Research
Next, Fresno State’s growing research reputation was recognized in 2022 when it earned an R2 designation as a “Doctoral University – High Research Activity” from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Therefore, this designation highlights the university’s increasing role in research and innovation. Not only within the California State University system, but on a larger scale as well.
Looking Toward the Future
Lastly, Dr. Joy J. Goto, interim dean of the Division of Research and Graduate Studies, expressed her excitement about Fresno State’s recent issues.
“Our faculty, staff, and students are doing amazing work, and this record-breaking funding reflects our commitment to making a difference in academics and society,” she said.
With these new funds Fresno State is becoming a leader in research and innovation. As a result, paving the way for even more success in the future.
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