People

Katrina Abuabara, MD

Director, Participant Recruitment Program

M_Dermatology

Dr. Abuabara studies the impact of inflammatory skin disease on overall health and the role of the skin in the aging process. Her interdisciplinary scientific approach combines genomic, physiological, environmental, and psychosocial variables to understand patient outcomes over time. Her goal is to develop truly personalized interventions that address both the pathophysiological and sociocultural aspects of disease to improve the lives of patients.

Sara Ackerman, PhD, MPH

Director, Bioethics & Regulatory Engagement (BRE)

N_SBS Operations

Sara Ackerman, PhD, MPH, is a medical anthropologist, Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Director of Bioethics and Regulatory Support at UCSF’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute. Dr. Ackerman conducts empirical ethics research using qualitative
methods and public engagement to advance our understanding of how genomics, artificial intelligence and other emerging medical technologies shape the lived experience of patients, caregivers and communities.

Ifeyinwa Asiodu, PhD, RN, FAAN

Director, Research Action Group on Equity (RAGE)

N_FHCN-Operations

Ifeyinwa Asiodu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Health Care Nursing at University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing. As a researcher, registered nurse, and lactation consultant, her research is focused on the intersection of racism, systemic and structural barriers, life course perspective, and human milk and lactation. Dr. Asiodu uses a critical ethnographic lens to inform her work.

Rana Barar

Associate Director, Community Engagement, Impacting Policy by Accelerating Translation (IMPACT), Team Science, Research Action Group for Equity (RAGE), and SFBayCRN

M_CTSI

Rana is a public health senior leader with deep experience in community engagement, research and program management, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and equity and inclusion initiatives. She is a strategic thinker with strong communication, team building, and organizational skills. She strives to be an ally deeply committed to dismantling White Supremacy and challenging racist and patriarchal structures to create just workspaces.

Naomi Bardach, MD

Co-Director, K Grant Writing Workshop, Clinical & Translational Science Workforce Development

M_PEDS-GENERAL PEDIATRICS

Dr. Bardach is a Professor of Pediatrics and Policy in the Department of Pediatrics and the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies at the University of California San Francisco. She is Vice Chair of Health Services Research in the Department of Pediatrics. In recognition of her passion and capacity for mentoring, she received the UCSF Academic Senate Distinction in Mentoring Award for Associate Professors in 2020.