Embracing Life's Changes 
Faculty Focus on Jennifer Shaw, PhD

October 27, 2020

“She who is flexible never gets bent out of shape.” It’s a quote that associate physiology professor, Jennifer Shaw, PhD, has been inspired by for nearly 20 years and has instilled in her children. And it’s a trait that has kept her nimble and adaptable to change throughout her career.

In 2019, Dr. Shaw jumped at the chance to become part of a new campus, face the challenges of pre-clinical course design and implementation, and get closer to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida. Along with her two children and husband, the Shaws left Oklahoma and made the move to South Georgia.

Endearingly referred to as “He Shaw” and “She Shaw” on campus, Dr. Jennifer Shaw works alongside her husband, Ed Shaw, PhD, associate professor of medical microbiology and immunology. The couple has worked together in higher education and research for a number of years and continue to be grateful for that opportunity.

“Ed and I have always worked within the same institution, though in different departments and buildings,” she said. “Upon our arrival and discovery that our PCOM South Georgia campus offices were six feet apart, we said ‘seriously?’ and laughed. I have continual access to his sense of humor, which helps me when I take work too seriously. We have been “Team Shaw” for 22 years, and I feel lucky to work alongside my husband.”

H. William Craver DO, FACOS, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of PCOM South Georgia, said that the energy that the Shaws bring to the College is exciting and contagious.

“Dr. J. Shaw is always ready to step in, help out and lend a hand. The students have ultimate respect for what the Shaws bring to the campus, and we are very lucky to have them as part of our team.”

As an undergraduate alumna from Florida State University and a doctoral alumna from The University of Montana School of Pharmacy, Dr. Shaw has remained passionate about teaching and learning for nearly 20 years. Prior to joining PCOM South Georgia, Dr. Shaw was a tenured professor who juggled an extramurally funded lab and more than 120 lectures per year. These lectures were delivered to college juniors and seniors, master’s and doctoral students, as well as second-year veterinary students.

“Witnessing young people grow simply rocks my world,” she said. “The constant learning is what the biomedical sciences are all about. Medical physiology along with anatomy are at the very foundation of medicine and illustrate how all of the body systems work together. I could teach it for the rest of my career.”

Like many members of the College, Dr. Shaw is eager to return to campus to teach and socialize with students and colleagues.

“My favorite memory is the laughter and friendship on the PCOM South Georgia campus—anyone who packs up and moves to a brand new campus (faculty and students alike) must have a bit of an adventurous, pioneer-like spirit, so it makes for a fun group of people.”

In addition to researching, lecturing and parenting, Dr. Shaw enjoys spin and HIIT classes at her local gym.

The Shaws have been married for nearly 23 years and have two children who are both actively involved in academics and athletics. Their daughter is a senior in high school and will soon attend The University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. Their son is a freshman in high school.

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