Welcome Jose Johnson!

Please join us in welcoming Jose Johnson, HEARD Research Associate, to the UCSF Division of Geriatrics!

Jose started his new role this morning and will be supporting the HEARD (Hospice Equity for People Impacted by Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias) Study led by Dr. Krista Harrison. Jose earned his Master of Science degree in Global Health Sciences from UCSF. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Global Information and Social Enterprise Studies from UC Santa Cruz, and an Associate of Arts degree in Health Science from Cabrillo College.

In his recent role as a Research Volunteer with the Food Insecurity & Health Group at ZSFG/UCSF, Jose collaborated with a research team on qualitative data analysis and verification, ensuring the accuracy of Spanish to English translations in qualitative transcripts. He also gained professional development through mentorship and contributed to academic publications. Prior to this role, Jose was a Biology Tutor and STEM Mentor at Cabrillo College, where he provided over 400 hours of direct support to Allied Health students in Microbiology and developed supplemental course materials and instructional content.

Jose is passionate about improving health outcomes for underserved communities. His experience as a Youth Initiative Coordinator for the Gravity Water Youth Initiative and as a Program Coordinator for the Family Nurturing Program in Guatemala City demonstrates his commitment to community engagement and education. In these roles, he developed educational campaign toolkits, facilitated communication with families, and implemented community-based education programs.

Jose has a wealth of experience in working with diverse populations and possesses valuable skills in data analysis, project management, and bilingual communication. As a Research Associate, Jose will work closely with the Dr. Harrison and her team on multiple projects related to improving care and policy for older adults with serious illness. He will be involved in all stages of the research process to generate evidence that will inform policy recommendations. His responsibilities will include community outreach and engagement, supporting the Community Advisory Board (CAB), creating and refining recruitment and data collection materials, recruiting participants, conducting interviews, tracking project inputs, organizing study data, making project-related purchases, generating policy briefs, conceptualizing and writing manuscripts, creating newsletters, assisting in grant applications, and performing other operational and administrative tasks.

Jose will also support the UCSF Pepper Center Vulnerable Aging Research Core (VARC), assisting faculty Pepper Scholars and their staff with various activities, including consultations and trainings related to evidence-based policy recommendations for older adults. His role will involve sharing resources and best practices documentation with VARC and associated scholars.

Jose will report directly to Shira Rutman (Project Director) and will be based at our Mission Bay Office, cubicle # 8128. He can also be reached at [email protected]. We are so excited that Jose has joined our growing Division. Please help us welcome him to the team!