Meet Rachael Robnett, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Women's Research Institute of Nevada. Across both roles, Rachael engages in research, education, and outreach related to gender. Her scholarly interests surrounding gender range from contemporary “hot topics,” such as the #tradwife movement, to more traditional areas of research, including understanding women’s experiences in male-dominated professions. She has been with UNLV for 13 years.

What is your favorite thing about working at UNLV?

My colleagues! I get to work with the best people at WRIN and in the psychology department.

What inspires or empowers you?

I am inspired by anyone who goes “all in” in domains that are important to them such as their career, hobbies, or family life.

What issues are women facing today that you want to help solve, and how are you helping to solve them?

Women in leadership positions continue to face subtle and overt challenges that are multifaceted in nature. This is particularly the case for women who aspire to high levels of leadership in corporations or U.S. politics. At WRIN, we seek to combat these challenges by training the next generation of women leaders through the NEW Leadership training program, which allows women at NSHE institutions to obtain training in leadership fundamentals at no personal cost. 

What life lessons have shifted your perspective in recent years?

I became a mom to my daughter five years ago. Seeing the world through her eyes reminds me to slow down and appreciate the small things in life. I have a tendency to be very task-oriented, but sometimes it’s important to pause and watch a line of ants running along the street or have a spontaneous dance party during dinner.

Tell us about a woman who has been a mentor to you.

I am an associate editor at several academic journals that focus on gender, and I have learned a tremendous amount from the women who serve as editors at these journals. They have taught me a number of skills, which range from providing tough feedback to dealing with disgruntled authors who disagree with the editorial decision-making.

Who is an unsung hero at UNLV?

It’s hard to pick someone specific! But I do think the administrative staff and teaching-intensive faculty should receive more credit and praise for their outstanding efforts.

Any advice for young women starting their careers on campus?

Branch out beyond your unit. Develop professional relationships and friendships across campus. It’s a big campus, and it’s helpful and illuminating to learn what’s going on outside of your specific unit.

You’re stuck between meetings with 30 minutes on campus — what do you do?

Boring but honest answer: I would catch up on email! 

What did you do the last time you took time off?

Do weekends count? I used to work on the weekends, but now that I have a young daughter, I avoid working on the weekends except under really unusual circumstances. I love doing activities with her like art projects, baking, sports, and visits to the park. 

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I am an avid endurance athlete. I have completed an Ironman (Ironwoman?) triathlon, which consists of a 2.4 mile swim / 112 mile bike ride / 26 mile run. I have competed all over the U.S. and even qualified for a race in New Zealand in 2024.

What trait do you most like about yourself?

My determination and optimism. 

If you could master one thing, what would it be?

There are so many answers I could provide! Professionally, I’d like to master the statistical package R. Personally, I would love to return to  my roots as a Spanish major and regain fluency in Spanish