Dr. Jessica Townsend Graybeal, assistant professor, Department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education, served as a plenary speaker at the International Congress on Animal Reproduction in Obihiro, Japan.

Her talk was titled “Intergenerational and Transgenerational Epigenetic Mechanisms Shaping Livestock Production and Reproduction,” and over 1,000 people from all over the world were in attendance.

Her research has focused on pregnancy-related genetic research in cattle, and sperm DNA methylation, embryo transcriptomics, and seminal plasma miRNAs and proteomics in sheep. Her current work aims to translate these discoveries into practical strategies that improve reproductive efficiency, animal health and the sustainability of livestock production.

The second-year dairy science faculty member teaches classes at the campus dairy and helps oversee its operation while serving as a faculty advisor for the campus dairy science club and dairy challenge team.

Dr. Nupur Hajela, associate professor, Department of Physical Therapy, was recognized as an International Physiotherapy Icon by PhysioTimes, honored for pioneering technology-enabled rehabilitation and advancing global access through digital health innovation.

Dr. Larissa Mercado-Lopez, chair, Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, was featured on a panel at the National Association of Hispanic Journalists with CSU Board of Trustees Chair Diego Arambula and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzalez to discuss how the CSU is working to reduce systemic barriers, provide culturally responsive support and improve outcomes for all students

Dr. Yaomingxin Lu, assistant professor, Department of Mathematics, was awarded a Robert Noyce Research Experiences in STEM Settings grant from the National Science Foundation. The grant will provide $749,000 over five years for a mathematics research professional development program for pre-service secondary mathematics teachers from the San Joaquin Valley.

Participating teachers will work with Fresno State faculty mentors on frontier mathematics research during a six-week summer program and throughout the following academic year. The goals of the program include deepening teachers’ knowledge of mathematics research, helping teachers create research-based teaching materials and improving mathematics and STEM learning experiences for high school students.

Dr. Felipe Mercado, professor, College of Health and Human Services, was selected a 2026 International Latino Book Awards finalist in the Best Reference Book category for "Rethinking Education Together: How the Wise-Compassionate Framework Transforms Student Success." The book introduces Mercado’s Wise-Compassionate Framework, a practical and human-centered vision for helping schools strengthen the relationships, conditions and systems that allow students to flourish. Raised in Sanger and now residing in Fresno, Mercado draws on his lifelong connection to the Central Valley in advancing a broader rethinking of student success.