Leland Ackerson

Leland Ackerson is an Associate Professor and Master of Public Health Coordinator at the Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell. His work bridges epidemiology, health communication, and policy analysis.

• Education: ScD in Social Epidemiology (Harvard 2007), MPH in Community Health Education (UMass Amherst 2000), BS in Health Science and Humanities (University of New England 1992)

Dr. Ackerson’s research focuses on social determinants of health, health inequities, and public opinion of health policies, with methodological expertise in multilevel modeling. Recent projects analyze the built environment’s role in health outcomes and communication strategies for marginalized populations.

His publications (2009-2022) span infectious disease epidemiology, health disparities, machine learning applications, and methodological challenges like Simpson’s paradox. Awards include multiple teaching honors (2011, 2013, 2019) from UMass Lowell.

• Excellence in Teaching Award (2011)
• Faculty Engagement and Service Learning Award (2013)
• Teacher of the Year Award (2019)

Dr. Ackerson has secured grants for community health assessments and online social networking interventions, collaborating with institutions like Lowell General Hospital and Harvard School of Public Health through his career.