William Hardaway, instructional designer, Innovation and Digital Excellence for Academic Success, was featured on the California State University website for teaching faculty across the California State University system how to use institutional data, human-centered design and equity-mindedness to inform teaching practices.

More than 500 faculty members across 17 CSUs have now taken the course, fostering more inclusive, equitable learning environments that support all students’ success.

Dr. Rafael Lemus, associate professor, Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, published the book Atlas de [otro] México, a monograph on place, fiction and spatial imagination in Mexican literature.

Dr. Felipe Mercado, assistant professor, Department of Social Work Education, recently completed his certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies at Naropa University. The program is focused on trauma-informed care, integration strategies, harm reduction and ethical applications in mental health. Less than 5,000 professionals worldwide currently hold this certification.

In addition, Mercado will be a speaker at the 2nd Annual Central California Psychedelic Summit 2025, Feb. 15-16 at Fresno's Tower Theater, which will bring together experts and practitioners for keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops on topics such as psychedelic therapy innovations, harm reduction strategies, cultural perspectives and policy advocacy.

Of the opportunity, Mercado said, “I feel incredibly blessed to engage in meaningful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and wisdom holders dedicated to advancing well-being, research, and the future of mental health care.”