Elham Pourtaher

Elham Pourtaher is the Senior Research & Program Manager at the AI & Society Research Center at the University at Albany. She holds a PhD in Sociology from UAlbany.

Prior to her current role, Elham was the Chief of Correctional Program Research at the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and an evaluation expert at the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) AIDS Institute. At NYSDOH, she led the evaluation of access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) for incarcerated individuals across New York State.

With a background spanning academia and public administration, she brings a wealth of experience in engaging stakeholders from diverse disciplines and sectors. Her work bridges research, evaluation and implementation — driven by a commitment to equity, public service and informed innovation.