Sekai is a program director in the Clinical Research Branch in the Division of Extramural Research of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Her research includes health disparities, population health and disease management, health interventions, and natural products research. She is especially interested in finding solutions to metabolic and endocrinologic dysfunction, exploring the utility of natural products for mental health, and issues related to palliative care.

As a trained medical epidemiologist, Sekai worked for several years as a medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. During that time, she designed, conducted, monitored, and evaluated multiple programs and research studies focusing on tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and chronic diseases.

Sekai earned an undergraduate degree in biology at Swarthmore College, a master of public health from Johns Hopkins University, and a doctorate of medicine from the University of California, San Francisco. From 2004 to 2005, she served as a W.K. Kellogg Foundation health scholar, with a focus on health disparities. Sekai is board certified in family practice with over 20 years of clinical experience; she enjoys baking and kayaking.

* Title listed for identification purposes only; Sekai serves on the CHE Advisory Team in her personal capacity.