Meet Dr. Sarah M. Axelson
Educator, Facilitator, and Founder of Beyond the Lecture
Dr. Sarah M. Axelson, DrPH, MSW is a nationally respected educator, facilitator, and curriculum designer with over 20 years of experience building high-impact learning experiences - from classrooms to federal agencies to nonprofit organizations. She has trained thousands of students and professionals across sectors, helping them move beyond passive learning and into practices that actually stick. Whether she’s leading a university bootcamp or facilitating a government training, Dr. Axelson brings deep expertise in the science of how adults learn — and how to design teaching that works.
As a Lecturer at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University, she earned top student evaluations, faculty awards, and waitlisted classrooms, with learners consistently naming her one of the most impactful instructors of their academic careers. She also led the design and rollout of cross-agency professional development for staff from over 150 government and community-based organizations — making complex concepts accessible, engaging, and applicable.
Dr. Axelson holds a Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) from The George Washington University, as well as a Master’s in Social Work and a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill.
When she’s not facilitating or building new tools for educators, you’ll find her walking her dog Maddie, testing out new learning products, or dreaming up the next evolution of Beyond the Lecture.
What Others Say
“Dr. Sarah Axelson is one of the most highly evaluated, beloved instructors among our undergraduate faculty. Her classes are always full (typically with a lengthy waitlist) and students regularly identify her as both an all-time favorite instructor and one who sparked their passion for public health. Sarah’s impact on the lives and education of our students cannot be understated.”
“Sarah’s commitment and dedication to excellence in teaching is reflected in her students’ high esteem and appreciation of their experience in her classroom. Sarah’s students grow and become better human beings as a result of her innovative teaching techniques and learning activities.”