Sarah Mandell earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science from Florida State University in 2008. After earning her degree, she landed a job in public policy with the Society for Research in Child Development in Washington, D.C. In this role, she tracked legislation and monitored social policies affecting children and families, keeping abreast nearly 6,000 behavioral scientists about the changing climate. She also managed a science & technology policy fellowship program, with 10 Fellows annually, that places postdoctoral scholars in Congress and the Administration for an immersion experience. Today, Sarah serves as the Director of Public Policy and Strategic Partnerships for the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
She is charged with increasing the understanding of bioengineering among policymakers and the public through a variety of educational programs: bringing legislative aids to Members of Congress to tour research labs at the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, facilitating science briefings for federal lawmakers, and establishing and directing a 2-day public policy institute for engineering students interested in policy careers. She also helps researchers engage with their federal lawmakers on the importance of federal funding for science. Her experience and training afforded by Florida State University helped her to carve out a unique path at the intersection of research and policy. Nearly every field needs people who are dedicated and passionate about social change and policies for the betterment of society. Using the lens of biomedical engineering, Sarah is helping the public trust in science. For current sociology students considering their career opportunities after graduation, she advises that you not discount your skills and narrow your search to include only “typical” social science careers. After all, “The world is your oyster,” said William Shakespeare, the social scientist.