I first met Sharon on visits to Madison and at MAPOR in the early 1980s, and was struck by her innovative work analyzing the behaviors of science journalists, and applying models of uncertainty to public understanding of science. She had built a field of study from the ground up. I got to know her better when I joined the now-Life Sciences Communication faculty at UW a few years later, and her comradeship, generosity of spirit, scholarly dedication, and good humor were too valued to convey. Maybe above all I appreciated Sharon’s integrity and solid judgment, traits that led her to top administrative positions in SJMC, the UW Graduate School, and elsewhere. Her blending of excellence in teaching, research, and leadership was remarkable.

Garrett O’Keefe