As a writer and science journalist, I am passionate about aging and how it is communicated through the media. I have written for major publications like Forbes and Salon, spanning various topics like technology, loneliness, brain health, and longevity disparities. My science communication journey has taken me from the lab to health policy to advocacy, which allowed me to tailor health information for various audiences. Whether creating scout reports on older adults for the New York Times Wirecutter, contributing an article about medical data for Philips Future Health Index, or producing a report on millennial caregivers for the Center for Healthcare Innovation, my goal is to increase public understanding in matters of health and science.
As a result of raising awareness of aging, I was named a TEDMED Research Scholar and Columbia University Age Boom Academy Fellow, and profiled in a cover story titled Female Science Communicators Spread The Word by Diversity in Action Magazine. I was also invited to speak at conferences and workshops like Fred Hutch during National Minority Health Month and Reclaiming STEM. More recently, I authored a chapter in Uncharted: How Scientists Navigate Their Own Health, Research, and Experiences of Bias, an anthology of stories from disabled scientists by Columbia University Press. I have an MPH in Community Health Science and Practice, Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, and BS in Bioinformatics with Research Honors.
Uncharted
People with disabilities are underrepresented in STEM fields, and all too often, they face isolation and ableism in academia. Uncharted is a collection of powerful first-person stories by current and former scientists with disabilities or chronic conditions. I authored a chapter in “UNCHARTED,” focusing on my experience living with non-diabetic hypoglycemia (NDH), a rare medical condition of low blood glucose in people without diabetes. UNCHARTED won the 2024 Choice Outstanding Academic Title. Order today from your favorite bookseller or online.
The Age Boom Academy is a forum that educates journalists about the complex health, social, and economic issues facing our aging population. A joint program of Columbia Journalism School and Columbia Aging Center, the main goal is to engage and train working media members in current science and policies related to longevity. The 2021 Age Boom Academy covered the causes and solutions of loneliness in aging. Sophie wrote an article for Forbes titled “Is there Hope For Our Loneliness Post Covid-19?“
Millennials and Dementia Caregivers
With the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) expected to impact 16 million persons by 2050, younger generations will increasingly assume caregiving responsibilities. The report titled Social and Financial Costs of Millennial Dementia Caregivers explored the economic impact of the shift to millennial caregivers and a higher rate of AD in minority groups. It also involves four clear calls to action and concludes with discussion strategies at the organizational- and system levels to support millennial caregivers.
Interviews With Longevity Innovators
In a series of interviews, 18 visionaries reveal exciting trends and insights regarding healthy longevity, sharing their vision for a better future. Sophie interviewed visionaries like Nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn, actor Alan Alda, businesswoman Arianna Huffington, and author Deepak Chopra. The series was published in collaboration with Forbes and Next Avenue and highlights discoveries in biomedical, behavioral, and psychosocial science and strategies to promote prevention and wellness for older adults today.
Sophie Okolo, MPH 