This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony on Feb. 24 for UNMC's 2021 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist, New Investigator and Community Service to Research Award recipients.
The New Investigator Award
The New Investigator Award is given to outstanding UNMC scientists who, in the past two years, have secured their first funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense or other national sources. New Investigator Award recipients also need to demonstrate scholarly activity, such as publishing their research and/or presenting their findings at national conventions.
- Name: Christopher L. Shaffer, PharmD, PhD, MS
- Title: Associate dean, UNMC College of Pharmacy; director, Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology Program (CHRI)
- Joined UNMC: 2010
- Hometown: Brunswick, Nebraska
Research focus: Pediatric clinical pharmacology
Why is research important in the world today? Treating pediatric patients with medications can be complex. As a child grows and develops, these bodily changes (along with genetics) can influence how they respond to medications. The Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology Program is focused on optimizing medication doses and response while limiting adverse events in this patient population.
My research will make a difference because: We will be able to translate pediatric pharmacologic research directly to patient care, resulting in better treatment outcomes.
The best advice I’ve ever received is: "The wise know their limitations; the foolish do not." -Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh
Three things you may not know about me are:
- I started my education in a two-room schoolhouse with four in my class from kindergarten through fifth grade.
- I spent approximately 10 years as a pharmacy director at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and Nebraska Medical Center before returning to academia.
- While living in North Carolina, I sold hot dogs at the ACC Basketball tournament so I could watch basketball for three straight days.
Congrats, Chris!
The key question is which NC basketball team did you support?