Her area of research is focused on oncology health care aimed at identifying and alleviating symptoms that affect functional ability and quality of life in individuals receiving intensive cancer therapy or other life-limiting or chronic illnesses. Dr. Hacker is a cadre member of the Health Outcomes Committee for the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation; she is the Vice-Chair for the Institutional Review Board, and has served on multiple scientific review panels. In 2012, Dr. Hacker was the inaugural recipient of the Teaching Scholar/Leader Fellowship Award which prepares expert teachers for academic leadership positions. She was also UIC’s 2012 Teaching Recognition Program awardee and is an appointed member of UIC's Council for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.