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Division of Research and Graduate Studies

IMPORTANT ALERT: We've been informed of a fraudulent phishing scheme targeting the Fresno State community, masquerading as employment opportunities from the Research and Sponsored Programs. Please be aware that these communications are deceptive and not legitimate offers. If you receive one of these emails, please forward suspicious messages to the Technology Services – Information Security Team at reportphishing@csufresno.edu. Visit the Information Security page for information on recognizing phishing attempts and other suspicious communications.

About Us: RSP Mission Statement/Services Provided

Org Chart: Research and Sponsored Programs

Research and Sponsored Programs 

Joy J Goto

Joy J. Goto, Ph. D
Interim Dean, Division of Research and Graduate Studies
jgoto@csufresno.edu
559.278.0840

Dr. Joy J. Goto has served the campus community since 2007. She was the chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for the last five years and also served as the departmental graduate coordinator. She earned a B.S. in Chemistry from UC Davis and her Ph.D. in Chemistry from UCLA. She was a John Douglas French Foundation postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School and a Beckman Institute Research Fellow at the City of Hope prior to joining our campus.

The highlight of her time on our campus includes the collaborative endeavors with her outstanding fellow faculty and staff in her department. Her research on the role of a non-protein amino acid, beta-methyl amino L-alanine (BMAA) in model systems (fruit flies and neuronal cells) and its connection to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Parkinsonism dementia complex (ALS-PDC) has been supported by her many undergraduate and graduate students and faculty collaborations. She serves as the faculty coordinator for the Fresno State LSAMP and as the campus PI for the NSF CSU-LSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate grant for 12 STEM graduate students. Grants from the NIH, NSF, USDA, and CSU Chancellor’s Office support her research program and broader campus and CSU goals to enhance STEM teaching in the laboratory and active classroom, and research experiences for our students.

Portrait of Doug Carey similing

Doug Carey has served in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs in several roles since joining Fresno State in January 1999. After working as an administrative analyst for eight years, he served as a research administrator for the next 12 years and assisted the College of Arts and Humanities, Craig School of Business, Health and Human Services, Kremen School of Education and the Library with their grant development efforts. He was named director in July 2019. 

Doug currently manages the department’s social media efforts and has served on the coordinating committee for the Central California Research Symposium for the past 20 years. He began his career in higher education at San Jose State University, where he worked as a marketing and publications specialist in continuing education.

Doug holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mass Communication and Journalism from Fresno State. He earned the designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA) from the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) in 2017 and is an active member of the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA).

dcarey@csufresno.edu | 559.278.0964

Maral Kismetian

Maral Kismetian rejoined the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) in September 2019 after a year at Valley Children’s Healthcare as a Senior Grant Administrator.

At Fresno State, she was appointed as a Grants Administrator in 2015 after 9 years as the Grants and Research Analyst.  Maral joined RSP in September 2006 after five years at San Francisco State University (SFSU) as an Administrative Analyst in their RSP office. At SFSU, she was responsible for coordination of various grants projects, including NIMH’s Career Opportunities in Research Program, NCI’s U56 Comprehensive Cancer Partnership and the GEAR UP grant. Maral received her certification as a Certified Research Administrator (CRA) from the Research Administrators Certification Council in 2014.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA).

Pre-Award Assignments: Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Lyles College of Engineering, Provost's Office (CSU-Water, CWI), Administrative Services and Technology Services. 

mkismetian@mail.fresnostate.edu | 559.278.0911 | Office Hours

IMPORTANT ALERT: We've been informed of a fraudulent phishing scheme targeting the Fresno State community, masquerading as employment opportunities from the Research and Sponsored Programs. Please be aware that these communications are deceptive and not legitimate offers.

gaylesherwood

 

Gayle Sherwood joined the Division of Research and Graduate Studies in March 2016 after working for eight years as a public servant with the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno.  She was appointed as a Research Administrator after 2.5 years as our Grants and Research Analyst.

Gayle has extensive training and experience submitting grants to the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and many other federal, state and local sponsors. 

As a former operations supervisor, Gayle is also skilled in project management, staff development, operations management, software implementation and procedure writing. Gayle has a Bachelor's degree in Art and a Master's degree in Criminology.

Pre-Award Assignments: College of Science and Mathematics, College of Social Sciences, and College of Arts and Humanities. 

gasherwood@csufresno.edu | 559.278.0539

Judith Gagnebin

Judy joined the Division of Research and Graduate Studies in September of 2019. She has experience in grant writing, proposal development, project management and research methodology. 
 
Prior to coming to Fresno State, she supported grant efforts at the Marjaree Mason Center - a domestic violence community-based organization serving Fresno County. She has experience preparing proposals for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Justice, City of Fresno, County of Fresno, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and various private foundations. Judy obtained a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Criminology and a Master’s in Psychology (General/Experimental Option) from California State University, Fresno.
 
Pre-Award Assignments: Kremen School of Education and Human Development, Craig School of Business, College of Health and Human Services and the Fresno State Library. 

jgagnebin@mail.fresnostate.edu | 559.278.0863

Portrait of Blake Green wood smiling happily

Blake Greenwood joined the Division of Research and Graduate Studies in April 2023. Prior to joining the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, she supported grant efforts at Fresno State and UC Merced in their respective post-award units.

Pre-Award Assignments: Office of the President, Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED), LEAD California, Richter Center, Divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. 

bgreenwood@mail.fresnostate.edu | 559.278.0470 | Office Hours

Portrait of Sarah Chaffins smiling

Sarah joined the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs in April 2023 as the department’s Administrative Support Coordinator. She received a Bachelor's in Psychological Sciences from Cal State San Marcos, a Masters (M.Ed.) in Educational Psychology from University of Hawai’i, and a leadership certificate from Yale School of Management. 

Prior to joining Fresno State, Sarah was a manager at two separate children’s museums in which she coordinated both private and public events. She consults with a large non-profit organization to provide professional development services across the pacific region, including the Hawaiian Islands, the Marshall Islands, and American Samoa. Sarah enjoys utilizing her experience in office support, event coordination, and client relations to support our team. 

schaffins@mail.fresnostate.edu | 559-278-0856

 
 

Elena Perez

Elena joined the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs as a Pre-Award Assistant in November 2021. She is a transfer student from Fresno City College and is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development. Elena has previous experience working in Child Development, and enjoyed and appreciates the opportunities that she's had to work within the field. She is going to continue to explore the field as she completes her degree. 
 

elenaperez@mail.fresnostate.edu | 559.278.0840

A portrait of Amanda Oakley smiling

Amanda joined the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs as a Pre-Award Coordinator in March 2023. She previously worked as the Customer Service Coordinator/Accounting Technician III at the University. Amanda specializes in administrative support; with over 10 years of experience she enjoys using her skills to contribute to the team.

aoakley@mail.fresnostate.edu | 559.278.7803

Portrait of Harminder Mann smiling

Harminder joined the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs in June 2023. She previously worked for the Fresno County Department of Social Services in the Work Experience Unit. At Fresno State, she’s held the Administrative Support Coordinator role in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships and Criminology Department. Harminder enjoys using her office support experience to contribute to the team. 

She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Mass Communications & Journalism. In her free time, Harminder enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family. 

Mya Yepiz standing next to a park sign

Mya joined the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs in January 2024. Mya is currently in her second year and pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. After graduating she hopes to go into medical school to be able to work towards becoming an OB/GYN. 

Currently, she is a student coordinator at The Bulldog Pantry. A community pantry located in Fresno, whose mission is to end food insecurity in the community. She is passionate about being able to help others and hopes to be able to do so in the future through her career. 

In her free time, Mya enjoys crocheting, spending time with friends and family, and watching her favorite shows and movies. 

Alondra Gonzalez in a flower field

Alondra joined the ORSP Team in January 2024, and is a recent graduate from Riverdale High School, class of 2023. Alondra is currently a part of the Smittcamp Family Honors College, studying Pre-Health to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.

She aspires to become an RN, and later received her Doctorate in Nursing and be able to provide low cost health care to rural farming communities. 

During her free time, Alondra enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and exploring new scenery.

 

Jessica joined the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs in June 2023. She is a transfer student from Reedley Community College where she received an Associates in Psychology. At Fresno State, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology.

Currently, she is enrolled as a research intern in Dr. Alija Mujic’s laboratory on the Fresno State campus whose focus is on the evolutionary biology of mushrooms. She is passionate about the research process and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in the future.

In her free time, Jessica enjoys running, reading, mushroom hunting, and spending time with her dogs.