Joanna Kempner

Dr. Joanna Kempner, Associate Professor of Sociology at Rutgers, writes, researches, and teaches at the intersections of science, medicine, and inequality. Kempner is internationally known for her research on overlooked problems in health and illness, giving voice to those without power and challenging how medicine talks about, understands, and makes policies for those it serves. As the premier expert on the social impact of headache diseases, she is a sought-after speaker and is often featured in policy debates and media discussions about pain. Her research has been extensively covered by major national media outlets, such as NPR, TheWashington Post, Associated Press, Science, the Guardian, and ThePhiladelphia Inquirer. She was featured alongside Joan Didion and Siri Hustvedt in the award-winning 2017 documentary Out of My Head.