DHSc Student, Shay Webb, Bridging Research and Advocacy
Name: Shay Webb
Program: Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)
Undergraduate Institution: University of North Carolina Wilmington
Where are you currently employed? Merck
Title: Emerging Talent Rotation Associate
Attending Campbell has been one of the best decisions I have made in my college journey, and I am proud to be part of such a supportive and inspiring community.
What is your current position and what do you do? How are you making a positive impact?
As a clinical researcher, I have spent more than five years working across the clinical research industry, gaining experience at organizations such as Merck, ICON, and PPD. I am currently an Emerging Talent Rotation Associate at Merck, where I engage with trial sites, support feasibility assessments, and collaborate with stakeholders across clinical trial functions. My rotation provides me the unique opportunity to experience roles such as a clinical trial coordinator, clinical data manager, and clinical scientist/study manager. Additionally, I have experience as a Medical Writer at ICON and as an Associate Medical Writer at ThermoFisher Scientific, where I translated complex clinic trials protocols into patient-friendly documents.
Throughout my journey, CPHS has provided me with a strong support system of professionals at various levels, from professors to fellow students, which has helped me grow in my industry and as a leader overall. I am proud to serve as the diversity lead for my team, ensuring that early talent employees are well-equipped with knowledge on diversity efforts across the industry. I am also actively involved in the CPHS DEI Committee and Phi Kappa Phi, where I continue to advocate for diversity and contribute to the health and wellness of patients through health literacy.
Reasons why prospective students should choose Campbell over other Graduate and Professional Schools?
Campbell University provides an abundance of resources, from dedicated professors who genuinely invest in their students’ success to unique opportunities that may not be as accessible in a larger setting. It is a place where ambition is nurtured, and dreams are made possible. Campbell has given me the space to pursue my doctorate while offering the flexibility to balance life’s demands as a distant student. Here, I have had the privilege of working alongside distinguished scholars, publishing my first article, and being inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
Beyond academics, what makes Campbell even more special is its deep connection to my faith. As a devout Christian raised and active in the Baptist denomination, it is incredibly meaningful to be part of a university that is rooted in Christian values. Campbell’s commitment to faith and scholarship creates an environment where I feel truly connected, supported, and inspired. Through every milestone and achievement, my Campbell family has been a constant source of encouragement, pushing me forward and ensuring that I never walk this journey alone.
CPHS has provided me with a strong support system of professionals at various levels, from professors to fellow students, which has helped me grow in my industry and as a leader overall.
Why did you choose CPHS and what benefits do you believe you are gaining from attending Campbell? How do you connect with the “Campbell family?
I have been involved with CPHS since I was a freshman in high school. Every summer, I would travel to Campbell University with the Southeast Area Health Education Center (SEAHEC) to explore healthcare careers through the Future Leaders in Healthcare program. It was there that I witnessed the unwavering dedication of Campbell faculty and staff to young minds, and I knew I wanted to learn more. During that time, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, though I was not yet sure which specific path I would take.
When I graduated from my master’s program, I was considering where to pursue my doctoral studies and came across Campbell’s Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) program. After learning more about it and applying, I felt a sense of excitement. During my interview, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. David Coniglio, now retired, Dr. David Tilman, and other faculty members. I immediately felt that Campbell was the right place for me. Since joining the Campbell family, I have had the chance to connect with professors who share my passion for diabetes research and have further expanded my academic interests. Attending Campbell has been one of the best decisions I have made in my college journey, and I am proud to be part of such a supportive and inspiring community. CPHS has helped me accomplish my goal of showing minority, particularly Black youth, that it is possible for them to attain doctorate degrees. This program has propelled me to continue my drive to promote diversity in healthcare professionals and at the patient level. Through this journey, I aim to be a role model for others, showing them that they can break barriers and succeed in healthcare and beyond.
Please summarize your personal, career, and academic journey.
I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) at Campbell University, where I have found the flexibility to balance my studies with my professional and advocacy work. I hold both a BS in Clinical Research and an MS in Clinical Research and Product Development from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). I am also a 2024 inductee into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the accolades I have received include the INvolve EMpower Top 100 Future Leaders Honoree, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce 40 under 40, and the New Hanover County Health Equity Award, which recognized my commitment to health equity and patient advocacy. In addition to my academic achievements, I have been deeply involved in student organizations and professional societies, advocating for disability inclusion and diversity in research. I served as the chartering president of the Theta Epsilon chapter of Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society, where I worked to support high-achieving students with disabilities and promote accessibility in higher education.
Alongside my career, I have been involved in national advocacy work where I have made a significant impact. As a State Facilitator for the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, I led North Carolina advocates on Capitol Hill congressional meetings to discuss policies on medication pricing and obesity treatment. As a member of the JDRF Advocates in Action Council, I have worked to educate lawmakers on the needs of the 1.27 million North Carolinians living with diabetes. I have also served as a Persons with Diabetes Council Member for the American Diabetes Association. My work has led me to the North Carolina General Assembly, where I presented research I conducted on cost barriers to diabetes technology, and to the White House, where I discussed the importance of diversity in clinical trials.
I have had the honor of mentoring clinical research students at both the Morehouse School of Medicine and UNCW through the Mentor CHHS program. I also moderated a panel on patient advocacy at the inaugural Black Women in Clinical Research conference, an opportunity that allowed me to contribute to important conversations on diversity and patient-centered care. I was a guest speaker at the Omnipod Australian Diabetes Symposium, where I discussed diabetes technology and its impact on diabetes care, as well as the CliniSpan Health Community Summit and the New York chapter of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). My advocacy and leadership have also been recognized through awards such as the Amplify Our Voices Award by Black Women in Clinical Research. Additionally, I was appointed by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to the North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council (NCSILC) for two consecutive terms, where I work to support individuals with disabilities. I am currently a council member of the NC Diabetes Advisory Council, continuing my commitment to advancing diabetes care and policy.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to community-based research and serving underserved populations. I have participated in several fellowships focusing on improving healthcare access for minority populations and enhancing health literacy, particularly in rural areas. I have worked to ensure that clinical trials and patient resources are accessible to all communities, and I continue to dedicate myself to this cause. I have also contributed to the publication “Empowering Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: Crafting a Financial and Health Insurance Toolkit through Community-Based Participatory Action Research.”
These experiences have further fueled my passion for research, patient advocacy, and community outreach. I am committed to using my knowledge and platform to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am a proud member of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where my pastor is Dr. Roosevelt Baxter, Jr. The continuous support of my family, especially my mother, Tia Dobson, church family, and community from a young age has been instrumental in my success. I am deeply inspired by the resilience and determination of my mother and grandmother. My grandmother graduated high school at 14, earned her cosmetology license, and later completed her B.S. in Education at Elizabeth City State University.
My mother, a single parent, earned her bachelor’s degree when I was a newborn and went on to complete her Master of Social Work while I was in high school while waking at 3 a.m. daily to monitor my blood sugar as I slept. Her inspiration extended far beyond academics; just one week after my type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 8, she empowered me to manage my condition independently by teaching me how to count carbohydrates, calculate insulin dosages, give injections, check my blood sugar, and eventually handle insulin pump changes with confidence. Their exposure and encouragement have helped me achieve everything I have accomplished, and their dedication has been a constant source of motivation. Above all, I recognize that it is by God’s grace that I am able to do and accomplish anything in my life.
Please share any additional accomplishments you’d like to highlight, or expand on the personal passions that drive you.
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of eight and rheumatoid arthritis at 18. Growing up with these conditions as a child of a single mother, I learned how to gracefully manage my health and the importance of service. My mother instilled in me the values of advocacy and health management from an early age. She introduced me to volunteering through feeding the homeless when I was six and engaging in health advocacy at age eight, which ignited my passion for helping others and teaching the power of advocacy.
My academic journey began early—at 15, I enrolled at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and started taking courses at 16. By the time I graduated high school, I had accumulated enough credits to be classified as a college sophomore. My early start laid the foundation for my passion for education, research, and advocacy, guiding me throughout my career.
At Campbell, we believe in purposeful lives and meaningful service. What legacy are you leaving?
I want to leave a legacy of being the salt for my community—a testament to my commitment to making a difference and uplifting others through my Christian values. My faith guides me in every step, reminding me that true leadership is rooted in service, compassion, and the courage to stand for what is right. If I could offer any student a piece of advice, it would be this: always lean on God, even when things are unknown and difficult. Never be afraid to pursue your aspirations, no matter how big they may seem. If you have a vision for your community, pray about it, break it into smaller steps, and take action. Remember, you do not have to eat the entire plate at once—small, faithful steps will lead you exactly where you are meant to be. Through every challenge and triumph, I am guided by the belief that God has a plan for each of us, and with faith and perseverance, we can make an impact far greater than we can imagine.
Bonus: If I could recommend anything to an incoming CPHS student, it would be to get involved and explore, even beyond your program. When I began the program, I discovered an organization called Dedication to Representation, which created a community and system for minority students within CPHS. To my surprise, the president of the organization was my Soror from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., PharmD student Asiyah Neal. The brief connection made my experience in the DHSc program invaluable knowing there were supporters among other students and professionals from different fields. Another cherished memory of mine is attending the DEI Committee meetings and hearing different perspectives on diversity during such uncertain times. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity CPHS has given me to contribute to the community, even as an online student.