Laura Robles: Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Appointed to WAGS Executive Committee

Laura Robles, dean of graduate studies and research and professor of biology at California State University, Dominguez Hills, was recently appointed to the executive committee of the Western Association of Graduate Schools (WAGS) as a member-at-large for two years. She was designated for this honor at the organization’s annual conference, held March 7-9 in Denver, Colo. and hosted by the University of Denver.

The theme of this year’s meeting was “A Focus on Diversity and Inclusiveness,” which included presentations and discussions from panelists representing the California State University, the University of Denver, the University of Utah, the University of Montana, the University of Washington, New Mexico State University and the University of British Columbia. The meeting is attended by graduate deans and directors of recruitment and diversity from institutions throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Colorado and North Dakota.

WAGS is a regional association affiliated with the U.S. Council of Graduate Schools whose members include accredited institutions of higher education in the western United States and Canada that offer master’s and doctoral degrees.

Robles’ duties will include helping to select a theme and organize the program for next year’s conference in Las Cruces, New Mexico, hosted by New Mexico State University. She will also be participating in the selection of an outstanding thesis and other student awards.

Robles directs the National Institutes of Health Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS) Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) Program on the Dominguez Hills campus. She says, “The benefits [of membership in WAGS] are that we can make connections with other universities and learn about their institutions, hopefully to develop programs with them to benefit all of our students.”

- Joanie Harmon