Dr. Sara A. Jahnke, PhD

President, Science to the Station

Dr. Sara Jahnke is one of the nation's leading authorities on firefighter and first responder health. With over a decade of groundbreaking research, she has dedicated her career to translating cutting-edge scientific findings into practical solutions that improve safety, wellness, resilience, and quality of life for emergency responders.

As President of Science to the Station, Dr. Jahnke leads a national alliance that bridges the gap between evidence-based research and frontline practice. She oversees strategic vision, program development, and nationwide partnerships—including the flagship Science to the Station "Nerdstock" conference—ensuring that scientific advances in cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, behavioral health, reproductive health, sleep, nutrition, and family resilience directly reach fire and EMS departments of all sizes.

Research & Leadership

As Senior Principal Investigator and Director of the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research at NDRI-USA, Dr. Jahnke has led over a dozen national studies as principal investigator and collaborated on dozens more, totaling more than $30 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, the Department of Defense, and leading health foundations. Her work has addressed critical health concerns including the health of female firefighters, behavioral health, injury risk, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and substance use. She has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications in medical literature.

Dr. Jahnke also serves as President of ResponderStrong, a groundbreaking national initiative providing innovative online mental health and wellness support tools to emergency responders nationwide.

Education & Credentials

  • PhD in Counseling Psychology (Health Emphasis), University of Missouri–Kansas City

  • MA in Counseling & Guidance, University of Missouri–Kansas City

  • Clinical Psychology Internship, University of Kansas School of Medicine

  • American Heart Association Fellowship in Epidemiology and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

  • Fellow, American College of Epidemiology

Awards & Recognition

  • Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award (2024)

  • IAFC President's Award for Excellence in Fire Service Research (2018)

  • Excellence in Research, Safety, Health & Survival Award, International Association of Fire Chiefs

  • 2019 Endowed Lecture, American College of Epidemiology

  • John Granito Award for Excellence in Firefighter Research (2016)

Board Service

Dr. Jahnke serves on the Board of Directors for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, National Volunteer Fire Council, NFPA Research Foundation, Center for Public Safety Education (CPSE), Missouri Cancer Trust, and Firefighter Cancer Support Network.