Science is a search for evidence, but science communication is a search for meaning.
Storytelling makes science meaningful.
Studies show that storytelling helps people to absorb, recall, and connect with new information. Many institutions now encourage scientists to use storytelling to communicate science. However, few resources offer practical training on how to translate science into compelling stories.
In search of better ways to communicate my own scientific research, I began collaborating with industry artists to learn how to craft compelling stories. Drawing inspiration from these experiences, I created content to help practitioners and educators in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) engage any audience with technical content through effective and meaningful storytelling. I have been offering this training through interactive workshops, coaching, and presentations for over eight years.
I currently operate as Founder & Principal of Science Through Story, LLC, on my own time. In my day job, I am a Senior Associate in Strategic Philanthropy at the Milken Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank. Serving its Environmental and Social Innovation portfolio as a global climate specialist, I help to build climate and environmental philanthropic initiatives. I also recently served as Vice President, Scientific Communications, and Director of Scientific Storytelling at Weber Shandwick, an award-winning global integrative communications agency.
My clients gain:
Practical tools to improve any form of communication.
Strategic communications planning and insights.
Preparation to collaborate effectively with other communicators (journalists, artists, marketers, etc.).
Sara ElShafie discusses science storytelling with participants at a workshop held for the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting in San Francisco, CA, January 2018. Photo courtesy of Helina Chin.
Let’s make science meaningful together!
Welcome message from Dr. Sara ElShafie, Founder & Principal, Science Through Story, LLC
“Sara is a pioneer in scaling meaningful science communication. By harnessing the power of storytelling… she is helping science communicators tap into resources and techniques that few have ever considered.”
“This workshop was truly inspirational and beyond helpful. It was the first time in three years that I felt like I was finally finding the human and relatable point of view for my science story.”
A workshop held for the Western Society of Naturalists in Monterey, CA, in November 2016. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Hofmeister.
“Thank you for showing us the foundations of storytelling... There was clear depth to your knowledge and skills, and you shared them in a way that was very useful and thought-provoking. I really appreciated the opportunities to practice and play around with the ideas you presented to make them more relatable and memorable afterwards.”
Selected past Clients
Want to get updates on workshops and events available to the public?
What’s New
Interested in finding and applying for nonacademic jobs?
Join me for a workshop on identifying transferable skills from STEMM training!
Wednesday, November 20
8:00-9:00 PM ET (U.S.)
No registration necessary. All are welcome!
This recorded presentation from a recent workshop can also help you get started!
Want to learn about careers and transferable skills in paleontology?
Watch my guest interview on the YouTube show Dr. Neurosaurus!
How can we use storytelling in technical writing?
If you’re interested in reptiles, body size evolution, or storytelling in the form of a scientific paper, you can check out my new publication in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE - open access (no charge)!