Shriver Center Employee Spotlight: Sarabeth Broder-Fingert, MD, MPH
As part of our Employee Spotlight series, Sarabeth Broder-Fingert, MD, MPH recently sat down with us to discuss her professional responsibilities at the Shriver Center, and what makes the Shriver Center such a special place to work.
Q: How long have you worked at the Shriver Center?
A: I started in July of 2021
Q: What is your current job title?
A: Associate Director for Research
Q: What does that entail?
A: I conduct my own research on early autism diagnosis and treatment, and also help others at the Shriver Center conduct their research. In addition, I help think about our research goals across the center, where to focus our resources and energy trying to grow the research we conduct, and how to make sure everything we do is conducted with an equitable, community-focused approach.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about that job?
A: I love supporting others in their research, particularly when I get to witness the direct impact of that work on children and families.
Q: Are you currently working on any research or projects that you would like to discuss?
A: One project I am really excited about is a study called “RISE” (Reciprocal Imitation and Social Engagement). RISE is an NIH-funded multisite network) studying Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT) a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) for early social communication delay. The study is embedded in the Part C Early Intervention system across these four states. You can find out more at https://www.riseresearchnetwork.com.
Q: Do you have any additional responsibilities at Shriver?
A: Not yet!
Q: Why is working at the Shriver Center meaningful to you?
A: It is an amazing group of smart, passionate, dedicated people who are working to make the world a better place – I feel so lucky!
Q: What are some of your passions and interests away from Shriver?
A: In my personal life, I spend a lot of time with my family. I coach my 8-year old in soccer in Newton, with three practices and one game per week it keeps me pretty busy! My wife coaches my 6-year old twins in soccer, my 8-year old in softball, and all three kids in hockey. I also spend time at my gym, CrossFit Newton, where I recently won the “most pained face” competition!