Shameka Shelby, Ph.D.
Deputy Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence
Dr. John A. Leighty Endowed Chair in Chemistry
Associate Professor of Chemistry
My objective is to aid students in their ability to think critically about every subject. Whether an artist needs to interpret a famous work or a doctor needs to diagnose a patient, both require the coordination of higher level thinking processes to solve a problem. To that end, I attempt to create as many opportunities as possible for students to engage in critical thinking utilizing the scientific method in the classroom and laboratory settings.
Biography
Dr. Shameka Shelby earned her B.S. in Biochemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana and her Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan. She completed postdoctoral research at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, studying retinal degeneration following injury and disease. Since joining Florida Southern College in 2015, Dr. Shelby has expanded her research program to focus on biomedical materials, particularly drug-eluting hemostatic agents for reducing surgical site infections and inflammation. Her work combines biochemistry, polymer science, and drug delivery, with an emphasis on undergraduate research mentorship. She and her students have developed novel gelatin- and chitosan-based conjugates with controlled drug release, leading to a U.S. patent.
Education
- University of Michigan Ph.D. (Biological Chemistry)
- Xavier University of Louisiana B.S. (Biochemistry)
Interests
She enjoys traveling with her family.
Awards
- Dr. John A. Leighty Endowed Chair in Chemistry – Florida Southern College, 2023–present
- Ben and Janice Wade Outstanding Teacher Award – Florida Southern College, 2023
- National Society of Leadership and Success Excellence in Teaching Award – Marygrove College, 2014
- Sigma Alpha Pi Honorary Membership – Marygrove College, 2014
- King Chávez Parks Initiative, Future Faculty Fellowship, 2012
Publications
Shelby, S.J., Fralish, Z.D. (2021). Using Edpuzzle to improve student experience and performance in the biochemistry laboratory. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 49(4), 529–534.
Fralish, Z.D., Shelby, S.J. (2020). Peptide Examination and Study Tool: An online learning interface for amino acids and peptides in the introductory biochemistry classroom. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 48(6), 665–666.
Shelby, S.J. (2019). A course-based undergraduate research experience in biochemistry that is suitable for students with various levels of preparedness. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 47(3), 220–227.
Shelby, S.J., Feathers, K.L., Ganios, A.M., Jia, L., Miller, J.M., Thompson, D.A. (2015). MERTK signaling in the retinal pigment epithelium regulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of GDP dissociation inhibitor alpha from the GDI/CHM family of RAB GTPase effectors. Experimental Eye Research, 140, 28–40.
Shelby, S.J., Angadi, P.S., Zheng, Q.D., Yao, J., Jia, L., Zacks, D.N. (2015). Hypoxia inducible factor 1α contributes to regulation of autophagy in retinal detachment. Experimental Eye Research, 137, 84–93.
Yao, J., Jia, L., Shelby, S.J., Ganios, A.M., Feathers, K., Thompson, D.A., Zacks, D.N. (2014). Circadian and non-circadian modulation of autophagy in photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.
Projects
My research program at Florida Southern College actively involves undergraduate students in biomedical research. We focus on developing novel drug-eluting hemostatic agents designed to reduce surgical site infections, inflammation, and recovery time. Students work alongside me in all stages of the process, including polymer synthesis, drug conjugation, controlled release studies, assessing efficacy, and biocompatibility testing. Our work has led to a U.S. patent, publications, and multiple conference presentations.