Shawn Riser Taylor's Research is Rooted in Mentorship and Meaningful Impact

This interview was lightly edited for clarity.

In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Shawn Riser Taylor, PharmD, CPP, CDCES, professor and chair in the Department of Social Sciences and Outpatient Practice at Wingate University School of Pharmacy, Hendersonville Health Sciences Center, Hendersonville, North Carolina, describes a research journey that was shaped by early experiences at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and a growing appreciation for patience, thoughtful study design, and meaningful impact. As a frequent idea generator on research teams, Taylor draws inspiration from clinical encounters and classroom interactions, consistently maintaining multiple projects that often involve pharmacy learners. She works with diverse coinvestigators across and beyond the pharmacy profession, reflecting a broad curiosity rather than a single research niche.

Pharmacy Times: What brought you to research as a pharmacist, and how has research shaped your work in the field?

Shawn Riser Taylor, PharmD, CPP, CDCES: As a pharmacy resident, I started my research career early on at the VA in Asheville, North Carolina. As a young researcher, I was eager to investigate and approached my work with a focus on efficiency. Over time, I came to understand that quality research requires patience, and meaningful work does not come from rushing the process. With this mindset, I have been able to design strategic projects that make a real-life impact in both patient care and academic settings.

Pharmacy Times: Traditionally, what is your role within the research team, and how often are you involved in pharmacist-led research?

Taylor: In research teams, I often find myself as the idea generator. Whether it is an encounter in the clinical setting or an experience in the classroom, I find opportunities for research in my everyday experience. I regularly seek support from colleagues in study design and data analysis. I consistently maintain at least 2 ongoing research projects, most of which involve pharmacy learners.

Pharmacy Times: When getting involved with a research team, are you most frequently connected through your institution, or have associations or other groups provided opportunities for research collaboration?

Taylor: There hasn't been a single go-to research group or niche area in my professional career. I am excited by a variety of topics and, as such, collaborate with a wide range of coinvestigators, both within the pharmacy profession and beyond.

Pharmacy Times: What are some of your greatest accomplishments as a pharmacy researcher?

Taylor: As a student, I was fortunate to have a mentor who introduced me to research and collaborated with me on my first publication. Now, I find great joy in paying that forward by involving the learners I mentor in my own research.

Pharmacy Times: What is a recent publication showcasing your research that you are proud of?

Taylor: In 2022, a workgroup of pharmacists across the US and Canada convened to evaluate how well-being is integrated within schools and colleges of pharmacy. We developed several surveys, distributed them across both countries, analyzed the findings, and published our work in The American Journal of Pharmacy Education in 2023.¹ I consider this a landmark project, as it was the first to capture the scope of well-being initiatives across North America and has the potential to shape future efforts in this space throughout the academy.

REFERENCE

1. Buckley E, Gunaseelan S, Aronson BD, et al. Well-being content inclusion in pharmacy education across the United States and Canada. Am J Pharm Educ. 2023;87(3)ajpe8918. doi:10.5688/ajpe8918