By Vincent Lim
María Aranda, one of the nation’s leading experts in the study of adults living with medical, functional and psychiatric illnesses, has been appointed the executive director of the USC Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging. Named for the late Rep. Edward R. Roybal, the institute’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for older adults and persons aging with disabilities through research, innovation and advocacy.
“It’s an honor to lead an institute founded by one of the great political and public health leaders of our time,” said Aranda, an associate professor with joint appointments at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. “We will continue to honor the Roybal legacy by engaging in scientific discoveries that have direct and timely benefits to older adults and their families facing such challenges as depression, memory loss, chronic medical conditions, poverty and stress due to family caregiving.”
“I have great confidence in María Aranda’s capacity to lead the USC Roybal Institute and implement the vision of research and community engagement inspired by the late Rep. Edward R. Roybal’s life and leadership,” said Marilyn L. Flynn, dean of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. “She is nationally recognized for her expertise, locally admired for the quality of her community relationships, and deeply respected by her peers at USC. I look forward to a period of exceptional accomplishment.”
Aranda, who began her new position in January of this year, takes over from William Vega, an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine who served as executive director of the institute from 2010 to 2017. Vega is now an emeritus professor at USC.