The Wayne State University College of Nursing is pleased to announce that Dr. Robert Ploutz-Snyder will join the College as Associate Dean for Research. 

In this role, he will lead the College’s research initiatives by providing guidance on strategic priorities, cultivating research development and ensuring that all research activities align with the University’s overarching goals. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ploutz-Snyder to our leadership team,” said Ramona Benkert, PhD, ANP-BC, FAANP, Dean of the College of Nursing. “His broad research background and passion for collaboration will strengthen our capacity to conduct impactful research that improves community health locally and beyond.” 

Dr. Ploutz-Snyder brings a strong foundation in experimental psychology, biostatistics and translational health research, which will bolster the College’s commitment to innovative, community-focused nursing science. 

He earned a BA in Psychology from Ohio State University, an MA in Sociology–Social Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and MS and PhD degrees in Experimental Psychology from Ohio University. He is also a certified Accredited Professional Statistician (PStat®) through the American Statistical Association. 

His academic career began at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, where he progressed from assistant professor to associate professor with tenure in Medicine.  

He then spent eight years as a biostatistician at NASA’s Human Research Program, working through a multi-university consortium appointment (USRA). Following his tenure at NASA, Dr. Ploutz-Snyder returned to academia in 2016 as a Research Professor. 

Prior to joining Wayne State, Dr. Ploutz-Snyder served as Assistant Dean for Research & Scholarship at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, where he also directed its Applied Biostatistics Laboratory (ABL). 

Dr. Ploutz-Snyder will officially begin his appointment at the College of Nursing on Monday, April 14.