We believe in transparency and accountability in the content we publish on our website, social media channels and other platforms.
This page highlights the talented writers, reporters, editors, photographers, videographers and digital content experts who contribute to Fred Hutch’s content. Their expertise and dedication help us deliver accurate, engaging and meaningful stories to our audiences.
Fred Hutch Content Staff
David Patton
David Patton is senior director for content strategy at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. He spent nearly two decades as a digital journalist with Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal exploring how social media, video, podcasts and search engines could be used to extend the reach of a news story. He has since worked with organizations including Microsoft, Verizon and Vulcan on their brand storytelling.
Kristin Okinaka
Kristin Okinaka is managing editor at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. A former journalist, she reported for two weekly newspapers on Washington state’s Kitsap Peninsula and for (the now-shuttered) The Cambodia Daily. Prior to joining Fred Hutch in 2015, she also worked in clinical research at the Seattle VA Medical Center where she managed multiple studies.
John Kubalak
John Kubalak is a senior manager at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. He’s had an eclectic background as a writer (Parent Map magazine, EclecticDad.com), editor (Microsoft.com), teacher (School of Visual Concepts, UW Extension), project manager (every day), and digital strategist (every other day). He currently manages the Fred Hutch marketing multimedia team.
Bonnie Rochman
Bonnie Rochman is a senior editor and writer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. A former health and parenting writer for Time, she has written a popular science book about genetics, "The Gene Machine: How Genetic Technologies Are Changing the Way We Have Kids — and the Kids We Have."
Diane Mapes
Diane Mapes is a senior editor and writer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, who's written for NBC News, TODAY, CNN, MSN, Seattle Magazine and other publications. A breast cancer survivor and patient advocate.
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Sabrina Richards
Sabrina Richards, a senior editor and writer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, has written about scientific research and the environment for The Scientist and OnEarth Magazine. She has a PhD in immunology from the University of Washington, an MA in journalism and an advanced certificate from the Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program at New York University.
John Higgins
John Higgins, a staff writer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, was an education reporter at The Seattle Times and the Akron Beacon Journal. He was a Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT, where he studied the emerging science of teaching.
Robert Hood
Robert Hood, senior multimedia editor at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, is a longtime photojournalist who grew up in newspapers and most recently worked at NBC News Digital and msnbc.com, directing multimedia operations.
Stefan Muehleis
Stefan Muehleis, a videographer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, has created stories, videos and photos to support entertainment, research, patient care and education for Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, T-Online and CBS. He has a degree in visual communication and journalism from the college of applied science in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Contributors
Rachelle Pierce
Rachelle Pierce is a social media specialist at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. With a background in digital marketing and a passion for health communication, she specializes in creating engaging content that educates and informs. Previously, she managed social media for nonprofit organizations and individuals.
Connor O'Shaughnessy
Connor O’Shaughnessy is the senior social media manager at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. With a background in journalism and nonprofit communications, he produces multimedia content to deliver mission-driven stories tailored for various platforms and audiences.
Camila Matamala-Ost
Camila Matamala-Ost is a social media specialist at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. With a background in environmental science and botany, she uses her background in science to distil complex stories into succinct social media stories tailored to capture your attention and teach you something.
Laurie Fronek
Laurie Fronek is a writer and editor specializing in health and medicine. Based in Seattle, she has written for health care-industry clients, including clinics, hospitals, research institutions, insurers and publishers, around the country.
Nicole G. Boeck
Nicole G. Boeck (née Nazzaro) is a science writer based in Edmonds, WA. Her writing has appeared in Immunology and Cell Biology, Sky & Telescope, the New York Times and many other publications. She has a BA from Harvard University, an MJ in journalism from the University of California-Berkeley and a postbaccalaureate BS in biochemistry from the University of Washington. Nicole is a member of the National Association of Science Writers.
Maren Dale
Maren Dale is a health care writer and editor. Her keen interest in, and respect for, the medical community began early in life when her family relocated to Rochester, Minn., and she attended Mayo High School. She has interviewed more than 600 physicians, researchers and health care leaders, and has a sub-specialty writing for professional medical associations.
Jen Lyons
Jen Lyons is a Seattle-based writer and editor who works with nonprofit organizations and companies across the health care industry. Her clients include research hospitals, biopharma companies and medtech brands, pharmaceutical manufacturers and physician groups.
Drea Garvue
Drea Garvue is a senior specialist on the Internal Communications team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Previously she worked in communications supporting animal welfare and education in the Seattle area.
Shayla Ring
Shayla Ring is an integrated marketing and communications coordinator at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. With a background in political science and communications, her work aims to reduce disinformation and promote meaningful stories. Her previous roles have also been with mission-driven organizations across the Seattle area.
Nicole Na
Nicole Na is a writer on the Philanthropy team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. With a foundation in biology and experience in Fred Hutch labs, Nicole began her career in writing at conservation nonprofits before managing scientific publications at the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. These experiences ultimately led her to her current role, where she combines her passions for science and storytelling.
Alice Skipton
Alice Skipton is a writer on the Philanthropy team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. She has a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative nonfiction writing and has been a strategic communicator for over 20 years. She started her career at Casey Family Programs and she’s done extensive storytelling for other foundations and nonprofits both locally and nationally.
Matthew Halverson
Matthew Halverson is a senior writer on the Philanthropy team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center who worked for two decades as an editor and writer at city and regional magazines, including Seattle Met. His byline has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler and Southwest Airlines magazine.
Rachel Hart
Rachel Hart is a writer on the Philanthropy team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. She has extensive health communications experience, and prior to joining Fred Hutch held staff positions at Boston Children’s Hospital, the New England Journal of Medicine, Seattle Children’s and PATH.
Jamie Wecker
Jamie Wecker is a writer on the Philanthropy team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. She has a background in physics and studied science writing at Johns Hopkins University. Before starting her writing career at Swedish Foundation, she also worked in early childhood education and electrical sign fabrication.