• Skilled at behavioral research and telling stories with data. • Over 25 years of experience (in U.S. and internationally) in public health research and communications. • Doctoral degree in Health and Social Behavior from the Harvard School of Public Health; post-doctoral European Certificate in Pharmaceutical Medicine from the University of Basel (Switzerland).• Creative and strategic leadership experience in tobacco harm reduction and smoking cessation. Examples: developed the QuitAssist program for Philip Morris USA. Conducted behavioral studies on underserved populations (such as incarcerated persons, and older adults) for FDA CTP regulatory submissions. • Leadership positions in academia and the for-profit sector. Developed and funded innovative, successful programs and businesses from scratch. Managed people and budgets. Co-founded a Massachusetts General Hospital health communications research and outreach center, with concurrent psychiatry faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School. Brought in 7-figure grants.• Published qualitative/quantitative research in major social science and medical journals. • Use a variety of print and electronic media to explain complex health information and change attitudes and behaviors. From op-eds and issue briefs, to engaging presentations of research for the public, to continuing education for physicians. • Conference presentations from DC to Dubai to Austria to South Korea; U.S. and international media interviews.• Write regularly for Tobacco Reporter on public health and regulatory topics: https://tobaccoreporter.com/2023/07/08/cheryl-olson/• Author and editor of popular and academic books, including Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games and What Parents Can Do (Simon & Schuster). Ghostwriter of multiple celebrity health books. Specialties: Using media to change behavior and improve health. Explaining research (and why it matters) to everyday people and policymakers. Designing qualitative studies and surveysSmoking prevention/cessation and tobacco harm reduction. Crafting research narratives for regulatory submissions.Scientific engagement.Evaluating health behavior change programs. Promoting mental health and reducing the stigma of mental illness. Media effects research, including risks and benefits of video games. Media training for academics/researchers.Examples at: https://www.drcherylolson.com
Listed skills include Parent Education, Program Evaluation, Public Speaking, Media Production, and 19 others.
