Raised on a dairy farm in Northeast Indiana, Sarah Sipe developed a strong work ethic early in life and a deep appreciation for community and care. Her academic journey led her to Taylor University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, followed by a Master’s in Experimental Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Sarah’s interest in child development research first took root during a transformative undergraduate trip to Nepal, where she partnered with an organization providing family-based homes
for orphaned and abandoned children. That experience, paired with her work as an ABA therapist supporting young autistic children, solidified her passion for research that directly benefits families and improves lives. In March 2018, Sarah joined the Autism Center and has since coordinated several major research efforts, including the Sense to Know study and most recently the STAR study. A standout milestone in her career was earning her Certified Clinical Research Professional credential in 2023—a testament to her dedication and growing expertise in the field. Sarah finds deep meaning in her work at the Autism Center, especially the Center’s unique ability to combine cutting-edge research with direct service to families. She values the opportunity to contribute to accessible diagnostic evaluations and interventions, and she treasures the strong sense of community among her colleagues.
Outside of work, Sarah recently got engaged and enjoys traveling with her fiancé—often to catch Duke basketball games or run half marathons. Their adventures are usually accompanied by their two beloved dogs, Shepherd and Ninfa. If you see Sarah around the Center or cheering on the Blue Devils, be sure to congratulate her on her recent engagement and thank her for the many ways she helps move our mission forward.