Jennifer A. Croker, PhD, was recognized as a 2026 Fellow of ACTS
The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), based at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and spanning an 11-institution Partner Network across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, is pleased to announce that Jennifer A. Croker, PhD, was recognized as a 2026 Fellow of ACTS. The Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS), a non-profit membership association of translational scientists from the nation’s leading academic medical centers, honored its Fellows at Translational Science 2026.
Croker serves as Senior Administrative Director of the CCTS and Associate Professor in the UAB Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology. Since joining the CCTS in 2014, she has played a central role in advancing research development strategies, strengthening clinical and translational science operations, and building collaborative programs across the CCTS Partner Network and the national CTSA Consortium.
Her work has included leadership in the development of an enterprise-wide COVID Biorepository & Data Registry, UAB’s designation as an ARPA-H Customer Experience Hub, scientific review processes for non-oncologic human subjects protocols, and research consent processes within the UAB Health System. Croker has also led or supported educational initiatives including Kaizen-Rigor, Reproducibility & Transparency, Kaizen-Grant Orienteering, ACTion Learning, RISE Leadership Development, and clinical research informatics programming designed to help research teams use large national data resources.
Nationally, Croker has served in key leadership roles within the CTSA Consortium, including Chair of the CTSA Administrators Consortium Committee and Co-Lead of the Translational Science Educational Resources Subcommittee. Her scholarship includes peer-reviewed publications on scientific review, adult learning strategies, translational thinking, research innovation, and team science, with several articles published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science. She has also contributed to ACTS Special Interest Groups focused on evaluation, informatics, research operations, workforce development, engagement, and team science.
This year, ACTS launched the Fellows of ACTS (FACTS) program. FACTS is a premier membership program for individuals who have made substantial contributions to and service within the clinical and translational science field. FACTS recognizes those who are an essential part of the clinical and translational community. This inaugural application process was rigorous and competitive, with 36 individuals selected from ACTS’ almost 6,000-person membership.
“The Fellows of ACTS program recognizes those whose impact on the clinical and translational space and the Association for Clinical and Translational Science is undeniable. The fellowship celebrates the work of the entire translational science community—from researchers to administrative staff. These fellows and their contributions truly embody the values and mission of ACTS for innovation, team science and community. We are pleased to celebrate their achievements and impact at Translational Science 2026,” said ACTS President Allan R. Brasier, MD.
About the Association for Clinical and Translational Science
The Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) uniquely provides an outstanding platform for enhancing education, research, and public policy related to clinical and translational science. ACTS members consist of leaders, investigators, and trainees from academic medical centers, government, industry, and philanthropy. ACTS focuses on four realms: research, education, advocacy, and mentoring. Additional information is available at the ACTS website at actscience.org.
About the Center for Clinical and Translational Science
Established in 2008, the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) advances clinical and translational research aimed at reducing the burden of cardiometabolic, vascular, and cancer-related diseases affecting the Deep South. As one of more than 60 Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) nationwide, the CCTS supports collaborative research that reaches across institutional boundaries. Its regional Partner Network includes 11 academic health centers, research institutes, and universities across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, providing a platform for researchers to work across disciplines, institutions, and communities to accelerate discovery and improve health.