About Sheila (Burt) Lai

Chicago-based writer with expertise in journalism, grants and medical writing.

 こんにちは! Hello!

I am a Chicago-based writer with expertise in public relations, journalism and medical grant writing. I am currently a senior public information specialist for the American College of Surgeons and focus much of my efforts on disseminating cancer and trauma prevention research. Previously, I was the lead science writer for the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, where I supported the hospital’s researchers and clinicians in the writing and editing of grant proposals to federal agencies and private foundations.

Outside of work, I serve as chair of the Grants Committee for the National Association of Science Writers and previously served as Philanthropy Coordinator for JETAA Chicago. I am interested in ways storytelling can fuel social change and how human stories reveal the complexities of public policy and scientific research.

I received a Bachelor’s of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University and a Master’s of Arts in Science Writing from Johns Hopkins University. I also have certifications in medical writing and editing and Teaching English as a Foreign Language.