We hope you enjoy this series where we meet and get to know employees from across campus. Would you like to be featured? Contact us at campusnews@csufresno.edu.

Name: Laura Ramos
Title: Director
Department: California Water Institute
Academic Degree(s): B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in International Business, Fresno State

How long have you worked at Fresno State?
Since October of 2001 at the Center for Irrigation Technology and the California Water Institute.

Are you a Valley native?
I am. I grew up in Chowchilla and went to the "big city" for college and stayed in Fresno. My family is in Madera, Easton and Chowchilla.

Are you a Bulldog family with generations of Bulldog graduates or current students?
I am first-generation college graduate, and I have a nephew coming in the fall.

Do you have a campus mentor or someone who has helped you in your career?
My two mentors are no longer on campus but David Zoldoske and Thomas Esqueda made a huge impact in my career. They continue to help me when I call.

Tell us about your department and what people may not know about it.
The California Water Institute works on all aspect of California water issues. We work with faculty, staff and students to do research to find solutions to California water challenges that have a global impact.

What people might not know is that water impacts four major categories and there are hundreds of areas. Most people think when I say "water," I am going to tell them to turn off the faucet when they brush their teeth. Conservation is a portion of what we do, but it’s only a small percentage of the puzzle. The four major categories are: small communities, urban areas, ag, and environment.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?
Reaching the director title. It validates that others believe in me to make our center a successful one and help our university make an impact in California water issues.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why?
Everything. We work on issues that impact all Californians.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job?
The first time I moderated a conference panel that took place at the Satellite Student Union. Thank you, Susan Pheasant, for that opportunity. My legs were shaking because I was so nervous. Now I am pretty comfortable with it.

What is your favorite quote or saying?
"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with," - Jim Rhon. I try to be selective as much as I can.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
I used to train and race triathlons, but since I started an MBA, there is no spare time, it all goes to studying and/or doing homework.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
I am the eldest of seven girls. I have no brothers. And currently have 15 nieces and nephews that I adore.

Is there something else you would like to share that was not asked?
I love learning new things constantly.

Working on excel spreadsheets is a hobby and makes me giddy and excited when I am able to analyze data easily. If I get stuck, I call my dear friend Aimee Jacobson in the Data Analytics Department.

I have an amazing team that is dedicated to the success of the center. I couldn't do what I do without every single one of them.