Research Scientist, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Co-Director, Laboratory of Perinatal Research (LPR)
Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Research Focus
Dr. Ackerman has published more than 22 articles and book chapters, and is gaining national recognition in the field of perinatal biology. A strong proponent of team-based science, Dr. Ackerman has ongoing collaborations with investigators locally and nationally. Dr. Ackerman serves as a co-investigator on a NIH-funded project to study cellular repair mechanisms in the placenta, and has established promising partnerships with members of the Ohio State Center for Microbial Interface Biology to study intrauterine transmission of HIV-1 and Listeria monocytogenes. Dr. Ackerman has a long-standing working relationship with Dr. Douglas Kniss, and has contributed to defining the molecular mechanisms that underlie infectious and inflammation-associated preterm birth. More recently, with Dr. Kniss, other LPR members, and a team from Ohio State’s Mathematical Biosciences Institute, the group has discovered a novel role for the protein myoferlin in cell invasion and motility, which unearthed an exciting new area of research applicable to cancer biology, wound healing and placental implantation.
Education
- Fellowship: Laboratory of Perinatal Research at The Ohio State University
- Residency: Riverside Methodist Hospital
- Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Awards and Recognition
- National Research Service Award funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award (K08) through NICHD
- Named "Outstanding Reviewer" by the editorial board of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Excellence in Teaching Award, 2010
Professional and Scientific Organizations
- Perinatal Research Society
- Society for Gynecologic Investigation
- International Federation of Placental Associations