The Fresno State Police Department would like to recognize its newest police officer, Cipriano Pineda. Officer Pineda was recently honored at the Madera Police Department’s Awards Ceremony for his heroic efforts in the capture and arrest of a homicide suspect. Prior to joining Fresno State Police, Officer Pineda served with the Madera Police Department.

In March 2025, the City of Madera was shaken by the homicide of an employee while working at a local Walgreens. Officer Pineda was one of the responding officers who contacted and arrested the suspect.

“We are proud of Officer Pineda’s efforts in response to such a tragic incident,” said Chief of Police Anthony T. Martinez. “We are excited that he has chosen Fresno State and are proud to welcome him to our family.”

Dr. Marie Gilbert, director of the Central California Center for Excellence in Nursing in the College of Health and Human Services, received the Presidential Citation Award from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. The award was presented to Gilbert Jan. 10 through 14, during the society’s International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare in San Antonio, Texas.

The honor recognizes Gilbert’s long-standing commitment to the organization, including three years on the Board of Directors, as well as her leadership in the Advancing Simulation Careers & Empowering Next-Generation Development mentorship program, which cultivates and provides mentorship to early-career simulationists from across the globe.

The Society for Simulation in Healthcare is a global, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of health care simulation to improve patient safety, outcomes and professional education worldwide. Gilbert has nearly 20 years of experience in health care simulation, ranging from hospital-based education to academia.

Dr. Jorge E. Pesantez, assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Geomatics Engineering, presented his research "Using an Agent-Based Model Simulation to Determine the Effectiveness of Gamification as Conservation Strategies for Shifting Peak Water Demands" at the UC Davis College of Engineering's Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Showcase on Jan. 27.

Dr. Tania Pacheco-Werner, executive director at the Central Valley Health Policy Institute, was reappointed to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, where she has served since 2020.