Sarah Clinton, Ph.D.

Sarah Clinton, Ph.D., serves as associate vice president for planning and strategy for Virginia Tech’s Office of Health Sciences and Technology, operating from the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in expanding the university’s biomedical and health sciences initiatives by supporting faculty development, strategic planning, and interdisciplinary collaborations, including the partnership with Children’s National. Clinton also co-directs the Integrated Health Sciences and Research program, an immersive undergraduate experience that combines biomedical coursework with hands-on research and clinical exposure, preparing students for careers in health and science fields.

A neuroscientist by training, Clinton’s research has focused on understanding how stress impacts brain development and mental health, particularly in relation to depression and anxiety. She joined Virginia Tech in 2016 as one of the founding faculty members of the School of Neuroscience, contributing to its growth from six to 23 faculty members and expanding the undergraduate program from 30 to more than 800 majors. Clinton’s career reflects a commitment to integrating scientific research with educational innovation and institutional advancement.