#RisingStars | Shay D. Webb

Please introduce yourself and what you do

My name is Shay D. Webb, and I am currently an Emerging Talent Rotation Associate (ETRA) at Merck within the Global Clinical Trials Operations (GCTO) division, completing my final rotation as a clinical scientist/study manager support. Through the GCTO ETRA program, Associates rotate through various roles to gain a comprehensive understanding of clinical trial operations, such as  feasibility, start-up, data management, and study management. In my current role, I help execute critical tasks to ensure clinical trials run smoothly and on schedule.

Outside of work, I am passionate about diabetes advocacy and research. As a diabetes patient advocate and researcher, I focus on improving access to diabetes technology  for underrepresented communities. I have been in the clinical research industry for six years, working across oncology, general medicine and vaccines, and have been fortunate to receive several honors, including the Inaugural Espero 2024 Women in Clinical Research Scholarship, the Amplify Our Voices Award from Black Women in Clinical Research, the Clinical Research Achievement Award from the UNCW School of Nursing, and the New Hanover County Health Equity Award.

I have also had the privilege of speaking at the CliniSpan Health Community Summit, the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) New York Chapter, The White House, and various universities, highlighting the vital role of clinical research. Additionally, I have advocated for diabetes awareness and clinical trial participation at the North Carolina General Assembly and on Capitol Hill.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients and the broader community. Contributing to clinical trials that may lead to life-saving therapies or groundbreaking advancements is both humbling and empowering. I also value the ability to collaborate with brilliant colleagues across functions, all working toward a shared goal of improving patient outcomes.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my current rotation is building a strong foundation as a clinical scientist—gaining the skills and experience necessary to contribute to high-quality, evidence-based research now and in the future. As a Black woman in clinical research, it’s especially meaningful to be in a space where representation has historically been limited. I’m proud to contribute to advancing both science and equity.

In addition to my core responsibilities, I serve as the Early Talent DEI Lead, where I help develop creative initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion among emerging professionals. A particularly memorable experience was visiting GLOW Academy to speak with middle school students about careers in clinical research. Their curiosity and enthusiasm reinforced the importance of engaging the next generation early.

Another highlight has been connecting with mentors such as Audrey Moseley and Lloryn Hubbard, whose leadership and encouragement have had a profound impact on my professional growth. Seeing women who look like me excel in this field continues to motivate and inspire me.

What was your route into industry from education?

I hold a BS in Clinical Research and an MS in Clinical Research and Product Development from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, and am currently pursuing a Doctor of Health Science degree at Campbell University, with a focus on Interprofessional Education. 

As an early-college high school student, I took my 9th and 10th grade classes as a 9th grader and my 11th and 12th grade classes as a 10th grader. At age 16, I began taking courses at UNC Wilmington, graduating high school as a university sophomore. Early in my academic journey, I faced discouragement from an advisor who suggested that I was "too extroverted" for clinical research. However, after seeking a second opinion and continuous encouragement from my family, especially my mother, I found a supportive advisor who guided me throughout my clinical research studies and eventually became a colleague at my first clinical research job.

My entry into the pharmaceutical industry was accelerated through the AHEC Scholars Program, where I completed internships in the feasibility department at SEAHEC, studying high-risk pregnancy trials and skin sensitivity in newborns. This led to internships at PRA Health Sciences (now ICON) in study startup and maintenance, and at PPD in project management for biotech. After graduating, I took a full-time position as a Clinical Trial Coordinator/Associate before transitioning to medical writing.

At ICON, I worked as an Informed Consent Writer, contracted to Merck. My passion for patient advocacy led me to moderate a panel at the inaugural Black Women in Clinical Research Conference, where I connected with colleagues who introduced me to Merck’s Emerging Talent Rotation Associate (ETRA) program, my current role. The combination of my clinical research education, hands-on internships, and advocacy experience has enabled me to pursue a meaningful career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Did you always aspire to work in pharma?

Initially, I planned to become a pediatric endocrinologist, driven by my own experience living with type 1 diabetes since age 8. However, after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, my perspective on healthcare and medicine began to evolve. Managing two chronic illnesses sparked a deeper interest in clinical research—specifically in understanding how therapies are developed and how research impacts patients' lives. This personal journey reinforced my commitment to contributing to clinical trials from both scientific and patient-centered perspectives.

I was introduced to the world of clinical research at a young age, largely influenced by my mother. Although I initially dreamed of becoming a medical doctor, shadowing professionals and engaging in additional research revealed to me that there were other impactful ways to help patients beyond the traditional path.

The courses I took in early college helped facilitate my transition into the field of clinical research.. Anatomy, statistics, cell biology, pharmacovigilance, and scientific writing laid the foundation for my academic and professional journey. Along the way, I was fortunate to be supported by a series of mentors who guided me into this industry. One moment that stands out occurred during my time joining Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. at UNC Wilmington. I discovered that one of my sorority sisters was also a clinical research graduate from UNCW, working at the same CRO where I completed an internship. The support and direction I received from my sorors and other influential leaders in the field were instrumental in my development. Through these connections, I had the opportunity to contribute to the creation of a mentorship program for African American employees and a Business Resource Group (BRG) dedicated to employees with disabilities, reinforcing my commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Has your experience in pharma been what you expected or has it been different?

When I first entered the pharmaceutical industry, I assumed it was a field primarily for those with strong STEM backgrounds and a deep passion for science. Early in my academic career, I didn’t always see myself fitting into that mold. However, as I transitioned into the industry, I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of backgrounds among my colleagues. I’ve worked alongside individuals with careers in education, social work, medicine, and even fashion design. This diversity has shown me that the pharmaceutical industry has a place for everyone, regardless of their academic or professional background.

What has stood out to me the most is the value of diverse skill sets and perspectives. The unique experiences each team member brings to the table enriches the work we do and helps foster creative solutions. It’s a reminder that success in pharma isn’t just about technical expertise; it’s about leveraging the broad range of talents around you. I’ve learned that resourcefulness and collaboration are key, and the ability to work across disciplines has proven invaluable to completing tasks and gaining a deeper understanding of the various roles in the industry.

What are your future aspirations with your career in pharma?

My ultimate aspiration in the pharmaceutical industry is to become the Vice President of Patient Advocacy at a major sponsor company, particularly one focused on diabetes. From a young age, I’ve been deeply involved in patient advocacy, and I’ve had the opportunity to observe how organizations and companies collaborate with patient advocacy groups to ensure that patients’ voices are heard and their needs are met. These experiences have fueled my passion for advocating on behalf of those living with chronic conditions, especially diabetes.

To prepare for this role, I’ve shadowed leaders in the field, conducted extensive research, and completed courses to align my skill set with the responsibilities of a future patient advocacy leader. I’ve also had the privilege of witnessing individuals in these positions speak at major conferences and guide advocates during legislative advocacy efforts, such as on Capitol Hill.

While my passion lies with patient advocacy, I am also intrigued by medical affairs. I believe it’s crucial for patients to work alongside professionals when communicating clinical data, advocating for the need for therapies, and ensuring that their voices are incorporated into every stage of drug development. I see these two areas—patient advocacy and medical affairs—as complementary and essential for advancing patient-centered care in the pharmaceutical industry.

What tips would you give a new starter interested in getting into pharma

• Trust God in all that you do. Faith has guided me throughout my life, and I believe that when you move with intention and trust, the right opportunities will follow.

  
  

• Do your research early. You don’t need a degree specifically in clinical research to enter the pharmaceutical industry, but it certainly helps. Clinical research programs aren’t yet widespread, but institutions such as Campbell University, North Carolina Central University, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Durham Tech and Morehouse School of Medicine offer relevant degrees or certificates.

  
  

• Internships are key—pursue as many as possible during your undergrads. If you're unable to find one early, reach out to your professors and advisors to tap into their networks.

  
  

• Keep your LinkedIn profile current and professional. Upload a high-quality headshot, list your education and experiences, and even share posts that highlight your interests in pharma or clinical research—starting as early as your freshman year. Think of your LinkedIn as your digital currency, and your internship as both your walking résumé and interview.

  
  

• Invest in an electronic business card—my favorite is the Dot Card. These are great conversation starters and offer a quick, professional way to share your contact information.

  
  

• Attend conferences to build your network and better understand the industry. If costs are a concern, check with your school or employer about sponsorships. Also reach out to conference organizers about volunteer opportunities, which may offset expenses and give you valuable access to a larger network

  
  

• Informational interviews are powerful. Use LinkedIn to identify individuals in roles that interest you and reach out to learn more about their career path. This is a great way to gain insights, show initiative and build your network.

  
  

• Join professional organizations American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA), and Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR)—especially if you’re looking for mentorship, professional development, or community within a particular niche of the industry.