Dr. Melva Giles is a longtime APADS Board Member and currently serves as Research Chair, where she brings a wealth of wisdom, experience, and scholarly insight to the APADS community. With a distinguished career in higher education and nursing, she is especially valued for her deep understanding of dissertation research, academic inquiry, and the disciplined thinking required for meaningful scholarship. Over the years, her association with APADS has reflected both commitment and service, and she continues to offer thoughtful guidance to doctoral scholars and graduates navigating the research journey.

A retired nursing professor from Pierce College, Dr. Giles holds a Doctor of Education from Pepperdine University, a Master of Science in Nursing from California State University, Dominguez Hills, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Catonsville Community College. Her many honors include induction into Worldwide Lifetime Achievement (2017), nomination for the Ethel Witkin’s Research Award, and receipt of the Distinguished Scholarship Award, along with multiple recognitions from Marquis Who’s Who publications in nursing, education, human services, and American professional leadership. Dr. Giles is respected not only for her impressive accomplishments but also for the wisdom, encouragement, and scholarly perspective she shares so generously with others.