Advocate Aurora Research Institute has selected Mercedes Robaina, MBA, to fill the newly created position of director of academic research.
Ms. Robaina will oversee the Research Institute’s Academic Research Support Core, which consists of biostatisticians, epidemiologists, research associates, program managers and other team members supporting academic (investigator-initiated) research, as well as the Research Institute’s Research Authorization and Protocol Review (RAPR) function. In her role, Ms. Robaina will partner with the vice president of academic research and strategic partnerships, as well as scientific and research center directors and independent scientists to further advance and execute the Research Institute’s academic research strategy, and optimize financial and operational performance.
“With her background in research operations and administration, Mercedes is well-suited to lead our newly restructured academic research division as we continue to build our academic research team and align our research enterprise with Advocate Aurora Health’s strengths and strategic priorities,” said Denise Angst, PhD, RN, vice president of academic research and strategic partnerships.
Ms. Robaina comes to Advocate Aurora after nearly 17 years at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, where she served in multiple director roles within Moffitt’s research institute. She is currently completing her doctorate in education, specializing in applied learning sciences, from the University of Miami, and has master’s degrees in business administration and international relations. She is also a Certified Research Administrator.
“I am excited to join what is already an impressive research team,” Ms. Robaina said, “and I look forward to applying my years of experience in research and business operations to help grow our research portfolio, forge new research partnerships and, ultimately, better help our patients.”
Ms. Robaina will begin her new role with the Research Institute on Monday, Nov. 8.
To learn more about Advocate Aurora’s research, visit aurora.org/research.
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