Ciara Zachary

Ciara Zachary, MPH, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Her work focuses on health policy research and advocacy to enhance healthcare access for underserved populations, with expertise in Medicaid Transformation, Medicaid Expansion, and the Affordable Care Act. She also leads the Health Policy Concentration in the Master of Public Health Program.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, 2003
• Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2008
• PhD in Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 2012

Research Interests: Dr. Zachary’s research examines how health policies influence health equity and disparities. She has conducted policy analysis and program evaluations in diverse areas, including school-based behavioral health services, injury prevention among American Indian/Alaska Native communities, and initiatives to reduce high school noncompletion in low-resource areas. She emphasizes collaboration with grassroots and tribal organizations to address systemic inequities in healthcare access.

Advising & Grants: While specific grants or advising details are not listed, her advocacy and evaluation work underscores a commitment to translational research impacting policy and community health outcomes.