Adam W. Akerman, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He serves as Director of Research for the Department of Surgery and as Director and Principal Investigator of the UNC Cardiovascular Research Laboratory.
Dr. Akerman leads a translational research program focused on the diagnosis and treatment of complex disease processes, with particular emphasis on thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm pathology. His work integrates biology, extracellular matrix remodeling, nucleic acid–based assays, therapeutic delivery platforms, and clinically relevant animal models.
As Principal Investigator, Dr. Akerman directs the laboratory’s scientific strategy, experimental design, quality control, data interpretation, and translational development. He also oversees personnel, infrastructure, collaborative research programs, manuscripts, presentations, and funding initiatives.
In addition to his laboratory leadership, Dr. Akerman supports departmental research strategy, budgeting, regulatory planning, and grant development. His work aims to reduce diagnostic error, improve access to high-quality care, and translate rigorous science into measurable clinical impact.
