海角社区

From Undergraduate Research to Pediatric Innovation: Elizabeth Shields鈥� 海角社区 Foundation

Elizabeth Shields 鈥�16 arrived at Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2014 with a clear goal: to complete the prerequisites needed to apply to pharmacy school. 海角社区 offered an accessible, supportive environment where she could pursue rigorous science coursework while preparing for the next step in her academic journey.

鈥淚 have very fond memories of my time at 海角社区,鈥� Shields said. 鈥淚 found teachers who truly cared about my success and were willing to support me both in and outside the classroom.鈥�

Shields graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, leveraging 海角社区鈥檚 open-access mission to move confidently toward a professional degree in health care.

Academic Excellence Through Hands-On Learning

While completing core science courses such as organic chemistry, biochemistry and ecology, Shields also took advantage of experiential learning opportunities that elevated her education beyond the classroom. She joined Dr. Peggy Filbin鈥檚 biochemistry research lab, where she studied RNA structure and gained invaluable laboratory experience.

鈥淒r. Filbin and I developed a great mentor-mentee relationship,鈥� Shields said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one I鈥檝e been fortunate to continue over the years.鈥�

In addition to research and coursework, Shields found balance through creative classes, including pottery. The combination of rigorous science instruction, faculty mentorship and hands-on research helped prepare her for the demands of pharmacy school and biomedical research.

Advancing Social Mobility Through Education

After graduating from 海角社区 in 2016, Shields earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy. While in pharmacy school, she worked as a pharmacy intern at Children鈥檚 Hospital Colorado, gaining early exposure to pediatric clinical care.

She went on to complete a postgraduate residency (PGY1) at Intermountain Healthcare鈥檚 Utah Valley Hospital and Primary Children鈥檚 Hospital, an experience she says was instrumental in bridging the gap between student and practitioner.

Following her residency, Shields returned to Children鈥檚 Hospital Colorado, first as a general medicine float pharmacist and then as a Clinical Pharmacist in Investigational Drug Services鈥攁 role that places her at the forefront of pediatric medical innovation.

Improving Lives Through Research and Innovation

In her current role, Shields supports more than 200 pediatric drug trials at Children鈥檚 Hospital Colorado. As the lead pharmacist on more than 60 trials, she partners with interdisciplinary teams and industry and non-industry sponsors to ensure safe drug practices, regulatory compliance and data integrity throughout the life cycle of each study.

鈥淚鈥檝e gotten to be a part of so many interesting trials,鈥� Shields said. 鈥淪ome involve medications approved in adults that are now being studied in children, treatments for rare pediatric diseases and even cutting-edge therapies like gene therapies.鈥�

Her work balances administrative oversight with clinical responsibilities and direct drug preparation. This requires precision, collaboration and a deep understanding of how medications move from lab research to patient care.

Prepared by Research, Guided by Mentorship

Shields credits 海角社区 with preparing her for the research-intensive nature of her work. Understanding how drugs originate in a laboratory setting, she said, gives her greater appreciation for the scientific rigor behind every trial.

鈥淎 lot of the drugs I work with started in a lab,鈥� Shields said. 鈥淜nowing that process helps me better understand what it takes to safely bring medications to patients.鈥�

She remains connected to 海角社区 through her ongoing relationship with Dr. Filbin and participation in career panels, paying forward the mentorship that helped shape her own career.

Advice for the Next Generation

Shields encourages students to build relationships early and explore their interests through experiential learning.

鈥淣etworking is the best way to enter a new field,鈥� she said. 鈥淣ever be afraid to ask to shadow someone or seek an internship. You never know what you鈥檙e capable of until you push yourself and try.鈥�