Sara Ackerman

Sara Ackerman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), where she serves as Director of Bioethics and Regulatory Support at the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI). Her research explores how emerging medical technologies like genomics and AI influence patient experiences, caregiver dynamics, and community health outcomes.

• Education: BA in Psychology (Smith College, 1987), MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education (UNC-Chapel Hill, 2000), PhD in Medical Anthropology (UNC-Chapel Hill, 2009)

Her empirical ethics work combines qualitative methods and public engagement, with a focus on genomic sequencing, social determinants of health, and digital equity. Recent studies examine prenatal exome testing comprehension, social risk screening in health centers, and caregiver-provider dynamics post-transplant.

Key publication trends include:

• Genomic testing utility across diverse populations
• Ethical frameworks for community-based service access
• Digital health equity solutions
• Qualitative policy analyses in genetic research

Scientific accolades:

• 2014 Department of Medicine Quality and Safety Innovation Award
• 2013 Diana Forsythe Award (Medical Informatics)
• 2000 UNC Kerr Memorial Award for Community Activism
• 1999 UNC Lucy Morgan Leadership Award

Ackerman leads multidisciplinary collaborations in UCSF CTSI and contributes to clinical-genomic research ethics frameworks.