Laura Shields

Laura Shields, Ph.D. has a diverse work experience, starting with their current role as the Director of Corporate Responsibility at PETA since June 2022. Prior to this, they held positions such as Manager of Corporate Responsibility and Senior Corporate Responsibility Officer at PETA. Beginning in 2016, Laura served as a Corporate Liaison for the organization.

Before joining PETA, Laura worked at Saint Louis University from 2006 to 2015. Laura was an Academic Researcher & Instructor, where they created and taught the first-ever American Studies course focused on animals in American culture. Additionally, they conducted primary source research and taught various subjects in the American Studies Department. Prior to this role, they were a Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant.

Laura also worked as a Performing Arts Instructor at Prison Performing Arts from 2006 to 2014. In this role, they taught incarcerated youth in the St. Louis Juvenile Detention Center, enriching their lives through a variety of literacy and performing arts programs.

In 2004, Laura worked as an Education Coordinator at the Missouri Historical Society, where they coordinated the program Reading Bias/Writing Tolerance. This program aimed to educate students about bias and discrimination using museum artifacts and the curriculum from the Anti-Defamation League's A World of Difference Institute.

Furthermore, Laura has experience as a Dance Instructor & Performer, specializing in Middle Eastern dance and teaching various fitness classes. Laura also served as an Associate Editor for the Journal for Critical Animal Studies from 2009 to 2011.

Laura Shields, Ph.D. has an extensive education history. Laura began their educational journey in 2000 at Willamette University, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. Laura'sstudies at Willamette University focused on History, Spanish, and Art history, and they completed their undergraduate degree in 2004.

After completing their bachelor's degree, Laura pursued further education at Saint Louis University. From 2006 to 2009, they earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in American Studies. During this time, they additionally obtained a Group Fitness Instructor certification from the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) in 2006.

Continuing their academic pursuits, Laura then went on to complete a Certificate in University Teaching Skills in 2009 at Saint Louis University. Finally, they concluded their formal education at the same institution with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in American Studies, which they obtained from 2009 to 2015.

In summary, Laura Shields, Ph.D. has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in History, Spanish, and Art history from Willamette University. Laura then completed a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in American Studies, followed by a Certificate in University Teaching Skills, both from Saint Louis University. Laura'seducational journey culminated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in American Studies from Saint Louis University. Laura also holds a Group Fitness Instructor certification obtained in 2006 from the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).