An official website of the United States government
Dr. Aklin has more than 21 years of scientific, strategic, and executive leadership experience at NIH, with a career dedicated to advancing biomedical research, strengthening scientific organizations, and accelerating the translation of evidence into improved health. Prior to assuming her current roles at NINR, Dr. Aklin served as the NINR Deputy Director beginning in September 2023. She additionally served as Acting Associate Deputy Director of NIH from December 2021 to September 2023 and was also a senior advisor within the Immediate Office of the Director (IMOD), where she advised NIH leadership on complex scientific and organizational priorities, enterprise strategy, and high-impact initiatives supporting the effective operation of IMOD. She also previously served as the Chief of Staff at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
At the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Dr. Aklin led programs that expanded research capacity and strengthened the biomedical workforce by supporting the development of emerging neuroscience research programs at universities and medical schools. Prior to her work at NINDS, she managed and advanced the fear and anxiety research portfolio at the National Institute of Mental Health. She came to NIH in 2004 as an American Association for the Advancement of Sciences Science and Technology Policy Fellow to work on activities related to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.
Dr. Aklin is a licensed clinical psychologist whose expertise spans behavioral, translational, and implantation science. She earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a B.A. in business administration and psychology from the University of Richmond.