about ipwr

Jennie Ward Robinson, Ph.D.

Executive Director
Institute for Public Health and Water Research
Chicago, IL, USA

Jennie Ward Robinson, Ph.D., is the founding Executive Director of the Institute for Water and Public Health Research (IPWR). She is also on faculty as Associate Professor at Texas A & M University in the School of Rural Public Health where she oversees international research projects focused on water and health outcomes for the Caribbean region. Her leadership experience includes over 15 years of progressively responsible performance in research program development and administration.

Dr. Ward Robinson, known for her systems approach, has spent her career in a variety of roles including organizational leadership, professional development, fund raising, recruitment, training and retention of staff. She is media savvy and well known for effective communication skills, including serving as the co-producer for an award winning PBS documentary. Dr. Ward Robinson's career includes working in private and public, for profit and non-profit organizations. Prior to undertaking responsibility for the development and leadership of IPWR, Dr. Ward Robinson served as the Director of Medical and Scientific Affairs of the Alzheimer's Association where she helped to build a vibrant minority-in-neuroscience research and publication agenda. This work continues and in currently embedded within various academic institutions supported by the current leadership of the Alzheimer's Association.

Dr. Ward Robinson received the Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Human Development with an emphasis in industrial engineering; the Master of Science degree from Kansas State University; and the Bachelor of Sciences degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where she has been recognized with a Distinguished Alumni Award for her long-time contributions to improving minority health.

Dr. Ward Robinson is a member of various boards including the Nature Conservancy - Illinois chapter where she continues to express and share her passion about scientific contributions to the improvement of the environment and to health of all people. She remains committed to supporting scholarly inquiry towards this goal.