Sara teaches in the areas of design, illustration, photojournalism and leadership.

As director of Poynter’s new EyeTrack study of newspaper and online news design, Sara recently launched a test of reading habits in four U.S. cities. The study is designed to help journalists engage readers and viewers with the best possible forms for storytelling. Sara encourages visual journalists to find their voice in the newsroom and to think beyond traditional job descriptions for ways to contribute their ideas, passions and abilities.

One of her favorite projects here at Poynter is a six-week long program for recent college grads from around the world. As the students fine-tune their skills in design, photography, graphics and reporting, they’re asked to think about new ideas for collaboration and ethical decision-making. Prior to Poynter, Sara was AME for visuals at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, a multi-edition newspaper which operates a 24-hour cable television station; presentation director at the Wichita Eagle; and design director, magazine editor, illustrator and book designer at other posts.

She has received awards from the Society for News Design and various other organizations. Sara has been Juror for the SND annual competition; board member of SND and the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Recent work has taken her into the newsrooms of the Toronto Star, The Miami Herald, The Columbus Dispatch and The Orlando Sentinel.

Sara has a B.A. in journalism and graphic design from Wichita State University and an M.A. in illustration from Syracuse University.