[Ucrfacultyandstaff] Adriana Romero-Olivares

[UCR Provost]

Dear UC Riverside Community,

I write to share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Adriana
Romero-Olivares, Assistant Professor in the Department of Evolution,
Ecology and Organismal Biology, who died on April 28, 2026.

This is an especially difficult time for the CNAS community and for our
campus, as we mourn multiple losses.

Dr. Romero-Olivares joined UC Riverside on January 1 and was just beginning
what promised to be an impactful career in research, teaching, and
mentorship. Though her time with us was far too brief, she quickly made a
meaningful impression on colleagues and students alike.

A soil microbiologist and expert in microbial ecology, Dr. Romero-Olivares
was dedicated to understanding how fungi respond and adapt to changing
environmental conditions, particularly in desert ecosystems of the American
Southwest. Her work aimed to help address some of the most pressing
challenges of our time, including the impacts of global warming. She was
also deeply committed to expanding access to higher education and was known
for her generosity, warmth, and advocacy.

Dr. Romero-Olivares earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California and her Ph.D. from UC Irvine. She
previously served on the faculty at New Mexico State University before
joining UC Riverside.

“This is a devastating loss to the research community at UC Riverside,”
said Morris Maduro, CNAS Divisional Dean of Life Sciences. “Dr.
Romero-Olivares had just joined our campus earlier this year after five
years as an assistant professor at New Mexico State University. Her
research in soil microbiology—exploring how fungi respond and adapt to a
changing environment—was already contributing to and strengthening the work
of our college. She quickly felt at home in Riverside’s desert climate, and
we feel the loss of one of our own, even in such a short time.”

Those who wish to learn more about Dr. Romero-Olivares’ life and
contributions may read a more detailed tribute here.
<https://cnas.ucr.edu/news/2026/05/04/remembering-adriana-romero-olivares-scientist-educator-and-advocate>

We recognize that this loss is especially painful for her family, friends,
students, and colleagues in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and
Organismal Biology. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and
loved her, especially her husband, Dr. Jovani Catalan-Dibene, and their two
young children.

Sincerely,

Liz



*Elizabeth Watkins, PhD*

*Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor*

*Professor of History*

University of California, Riverside

951.827.1129 | Elizabeth.Watkins at UCR.edu
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