About Dr. Stephani Sutherland
I am a science communicator with a doctoral degree in Neuroscience, a wealth of experience, and a passion for sharing science. I have expertise in the field of pain research and chronic pain. I explain complex ideas in simple, customized language that my audience can easily engage with, whether they’re scientists, students, clinicians, patients, policy makers or the public. Through my work as a researcher, writer and journalist for over 20 years, I have built an extensive network and a trusted name in science communications.
Education
2001
Ph.D. Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Vollum Institute, laboratory of Edwin McCleskey, PhD.
Focus on electrophysiology of pain-sensing neurons
1995
B.A. Psychology, California State University, Fullerton,
Minor in English, Biology
2014
RYT-500 Viniyoga Foundations for Teaching & Yoga Therapy, American Viniyoga Institute
Experience
2021-present
Communications Director, Acute to Chronic Pain Signatures (A2CPS) Consortium; Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
A bold research initiative funded by NIH Common Fund and led by a national consortium to identify biomarkers and advance pain science. a2cps.org
2001-present
Freelance science journalist (print, online)
Scientific American, Knowable, New Scientist, inVisible, the Los Angeles Times, Pain Research Forum, RELIEF, BrainFacts.org, the Journal of Neuroscience, Wall & Melzack’s Textbook of Pain, 5th Edition.
2024-2025
Scientific Writer III
Office of Pain Policy & Planning (OPPP), National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH).
2002-2003
Associate Producer, Oregon Public Broadcasting: Rediscovering Biology: Molecular to Global Perspectives
includes video, print, and interactive online materials. Producer: Neurobiology; Genetics of Development; Evolution & Phylogenetics; Human Evolution; and Biodiversity.
Summer 2001
Los Angeles Times
Wrote science dailies and features for the News desk as an AAAS Mass Media Fellow
Teaching
2021-present
Pomona College, Claremont, CA Visiting Faculty
Neuro 341: Neuroscience of Pain Research – Writing Seminar
Psych 141: Human Neuroscience
Psych 180: Biological Basis of Psychopathology
2015-present
Soul of Yoga, Encinitas, CA, Faculty
Yoga Therapist Training in Anatomy and Physiology
2008-2010
Washington State University, Vancouver Adjunct Faculty
Academic Advisor: Student Health Professions; Biology, Neuroscience, Writing
1997-2000
Oregon Health & Science University
KIDS—Kids Interested in Discovering Science, Co-director. Outreach program in which graduate students brought hands-on science lessons to public middle and high schools.
Memberships & Awards
2023-present
Editorial Board Member, the Pain Research Forum, IASP
2024-2025
Member, Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee (IPRCC)
2023-present
Member, International & US Associations for the Study of Pain (IASP, USASP)
2001-present
Member, National Association of Science Writers (NASW)
2025-present
Member, Association of Healthcare Journalists (AHCJ)
2023-present
Member, Indigenous Journalists’ Association (IJA)
2016-present
Member, American Society for Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
2001
Board Member, Inland Valley Recovery Services, Upland, CA
2018-present
American Academy for the Advancement of Science (AAAS): Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship
1999
University Club Foundation Award for Educational Outreach, Portland, OR
2005-present
Member, Union of Concerned Scientists
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