Following a national search, Dr. Jason Bush has been appointed Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs. I am confident that Dr. Bush will bring both strategic vision and effective execution to further elevate Fresno State’s research profile for faculty and students.

Dr. Bush brings an outstanding record of research, teaching, mentorship and leadership to this role. He became the interim AVP of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) in January 2025 after serving as associate dean of the College of Science and Mathematics and chair of the Department of Biology. An NIH-funded cancer researcher, Dr. Bush has mentored more than 30 master’s students and over 80 undergraduate students through his research programs. He has served as principal investigator and co-principal investigator on federal and state-funded projects totaling more than $5 million, advancing both scientific discovery and student success.

In addition to his campus leadership, Dr. Bush has served as adjunct faculty with the UCSF School of Medicine’s Fresno Medical Education and Research Program. In 2013, he was appointed by the Governor of California to the Carcinogen Identification Committee (Proposition 65). He earned his B.Sc. in genetics, M.Sc. in zoology, and Ph.D. in experimental medicine from the University of British Columbia and completed postdoctoral training at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute.

In his role as associate vice president of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Dr. Bush will work closely with the Chancellor’s Office and systemwide leadership in research to advance institutional research priorities. He will also chair the University Patent Board and play a key role in expanding our externally sponsored portfolio while increasing opportunities for faculty and student engagement in research.

Dr. Bush brings a deep understanding of Fresno State’s mission and a strong commitment to supporting our faculty, staff and students. I am confident he will provide much needed leadership as we continue to grow and strengthen our research enterprise.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Bush on his new role.