Penn State CTSI director inducted as Fellow of ACTS in inaugural cohort
The director of the Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) has earned national recognition. Jennifer Kraschnewski, MD, MPH, was named a 2026 Fellow of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS), a non-profit membership association of translational scientists from the nation’s leading academic medical centers. ACTS honored its Fellows during the Translational Science 2026 conference. Penn State CTSI is part of Penn State College of Medicine. Kraschnewski was recognized for her leadership and contributions to clinical and translational 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.
“It is a tremendous privilege to be recognized alongside such dedicated colleagues in the translational science community,” Kraschnewski said. “For me, this fellowship highlights the importance of the work our Penn State CTSI team does every day to ensure that scientific advancements directly benefit the everyday lives of Pennsylvanians, especially those in our rural and underserved communities who are too often left behind. Bridging that gap is my passion, and I am grateful to be part of a community that shares this vision.”
“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,” said ACTS President Allan R Brasier, MD. “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.”
Kraschnewski is a clinician-investigator and faculty member at the College of Medicine, where she serves as director of the NIH-funded Penn State CTSI. The CTSI advances clinical and translational science through collaboration and team science across scientific fields, an infrastructure of research excellence and data-driven decision-making, strong partnerships, and educational opportunities for a diverse and expanding clinical and translational science workforce. The CTSI’s vision is to serve as the cornerstone of clinical and translational science throughout Penn State, with an emphasis on promoting rural health and health equity.
Kraschnewski’s research is funded by the NIH, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA). She has disseminated her research in over 170 national/international presentations and 155 peer-reviewed publications. Additionally, Kraschnewski serves as director of Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) at Penn State, a collaborative, case-based education model that helps health professionals and community members exchange expertise, gain confidence and solve real-world challenges together. Since launching, Penn State’s Project ECHO team has completed nearly 90 educational series for over 5,000 participants.
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Penn State CTSI connects translational scientists and community partners to improve healthy living and health outcomes by supporting research infrastructure through funding, training and education, community engagement, and collaborative programs across Penn State University and the Commonwealth. Through its programs and resources, CTSI empowers researchers, clinicians, and students to accelerate research discoveries.
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.
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