I work at the intersection of science and storytelling to make content exciting and accessible for all.

 

Sara J. ElShafie, Ph.D.

Founder & Principal

Science Through Story, LLC

I am a science storytelling coach and a global change biologist dedicated to engaging diverse audiences with complex topics through effective and meaningful storytelling. My approach draws from my experiences as a scientist, communicator, educator, trainer, facilitator, entrepreneur, and agency executive.

For over seven years, I have provided strategic communications content, insights, planning, and facilitation; workshops and presentations; narrative coaching; and workshop design training. ​I have served clients ranging from students to executives, nonprofits to large corporations, and government labs to theme parks.

I currently operate as the Founder & Principal of Science Through Story, LLC, on my own time. I also serve full-time as Senior Associate in Environmental Philanthropy with MI Philanthropy, helping to direct philanthropic funds to maximize impact in environmental and sustainability initiatives. Recently, I served as Vice President, Scientific Communications, and Director of Scientific Storytelling at Weber Shandwick, an award-winning global integrative communications agency. I also continue to collaborate on science outreach projects with a wide variety of artists. I am now based in Washington D.C.

I completed a Ph.D. in Integrative Biology with the Museum of Paleontology at the University of California, Berkeley. My doctoral research investigated climate change impacts on animal communities over time. I also have an M.S. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and a B.A. in Biological Sciences from the University of Chicago.

I have also trained with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, the National Communicating Science Conference (ComSciCon 2017), The Story Collider, Bay Area Theater Sports, and Randy Olson’s Story Circles.

Would you like to learn more about my work?