Her research interests are in the behavior of health promotion and prevention, and health disparities. Her most current research project focused on interpersonal trauma history, trauma-related psychological distress, and cervical cancer screening behavior. Additional research interests are in the use of complementary alternative medicine and the health needs of women who are incarcerated in Michigan jails. Dr. Ackerson has a collaborative research relationship with Dr. Lisa Stines Doane, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at Cleveland State University, Psychology Department.