Sarah Elizabeth Richards

About Sarah Elizabeth Richards

I tell stories about science – from the awe-inspiring discoveries to the less-covered work that ushers in quieter revolutions. I chronicle how science changes people’s lives and whether they have access to life-saving drugs and medical devices. I’ve been fulfilling this mission for nearly two decades in a rapidly changing industry when clear questioning science writing is needed more than ever. I’m constantly collecting string and connecting dots to come up with good ideas, tease out tensions and find the right perspectives to include, whether from experts or “real people” driven by an innate human need: To share our stories. I strive to deliver punchy interesting copy that makes complex medical and scientific concepts easy to understand and adds a tender touch regarding people’s emotional experiences. I also help others tell their own stories through opinion pieces and speeches as an editorial consultant. I bring coaching skills to help people articulate what they want to say, identify powerful personal details and frame persuasive calls to action in the immigration and pharmaceutical spaces.(Note: I keep strict boundaries between my work as a journalist and consultant.) I frequently speak about the social impact of scientific advances and have appeared on MSNBC, PBS Newshour, BBC World Service, NPR and Marketplace. I have also moderated panels and interviews at BIO, SXSW and HLTH.

Experience

1. Thought Leadership Consultant

   Bristol Myers Squibb

   Jan 2021 — Present

   Write and edit \"Our Talent, Our Leadership\" quarterly series for Major Markets and Intercontinental divisions featuring employees\' leadership journeys and efforts to make BMS medicines more accessible globally. Ghostwrite executives\' opinion pieces and social media posts on healthcare equity, diversity and inclusion and women\'s representation in the life sciences and biotech industries.

Education

• Columbia University

  School of International and Public Affairs (dual degree with Graduate School of Journalism), Masters of International Affairs

  1998 — 2001

• Columbia University - Graduate School of Journalism

  Master of Science (MS)

  1998 — 2001

• University of California, Berkeley

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Cultural Anthropology/ Rhetoric

  1988 — 1993