NCCS Elevate Ambassador Kimberly Richardson Launches Educational Program to Pair Scientists with Cancer Survivors

“Survivors Advising Scientists Educational Program” is a model developed by Richardson while she participated in the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship’s ELEVATE Ambassador Program. Having little knowledge of cancer before being diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer eight years ago, Richardson has since been transformed into a research advocate, learning anything she can about the disease. She wants to share her wisdom, along with scientists’ expertise, to create initiatives that foster meaningful collaborations between survivors and researchers.

The program consists of nine eight to 12 minute video vignettes that are presented in a language that can be easily understood. Topics range from scientific hypotheses and its components; experimental and confounding variables; experimental errors; types of clinical studies; and how to read a scientific poster. The goal, Gordon said, is to create more content, especially as it relates to cancer treatment and health disparities.