Faculty Profile for Sara Michelle Shields

profile photo for Sara Michelle Shields
Sara Michelle Shields
Asst Professor of Instruction — School of Jrnlism & Mass Comm
OM 102
phone: (512) 245-2656
Scholarly/Creative Work
Awards
Grants
Service

Biography Section

Biography and Education

 Sara Shields is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. Shields is part of the Digital Media Innovation faculty and teaches courses that introduce students to web design, video production, graphic design and social media.

Shields received her B.S. in Public Relations and M.A. in Digital Media from Texas State University. She has worked in digital production for over 10 years specializing in web development and video production. Shields has produced professional commercials and radio ads that have been run throughout Central Texas. Shields has also managed a roster of over 15+ clients throughout the country while working in a digital marketing role in Austin, TX. Aside from teaching full time at Texas State University, she also runs a digital production business where she works on developing websites, video production and photography with around 20 clients per year. Sara is currently an FAA licensed commercial drone pilot.

Shields has been a speaker at multiple conferences primarily speaking about drones. Shields was also a speaker at SXSW Interactive where she discussed technology and graphic design.

Selected Scholarly/Creative Work

  • Videographer and Interviewer, Campus Interview with Kelly Damphousse, Texas State University President. October 2023 - Present.
  • Videographer and Video Editor, Revolutionizing Workplace Wellbeing for Women of Color - SXSW Panel. March 11, 2024 - Present.
  • Videographer and Editor, Study in America Oregon Video. June 2023 - Present.
  • Editor, MC4345 Promotion Video. April 2022 - Present.
  • Director, Videographer, and Editor, Planet Fitness - Commercial. 2023.

Selected Awards

  • Award / Honor Nominee: Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching, Texas State University. October 2024 - Present
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Teaching Award of Honor, Texas State University Alumni Association. November 2020
  • Award / Honor Recipient: 1st Place - 72 Hour Film Race, San Marcos Cinema Club. May 2020
  • Award / Honor Recipient: 2nd Place - 72 Hour Film Race, San Marcos Cinema Club. September 2019
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, School of Journalism and Mass Communication. May 2017

Selected Grants

  • Dutton, Jessica (Principal), Blasingame, Dale C (Co-Principal), Shields, Sara Michelle (Co-Principal). Mercury exposure through seafood consumption in the Matagorda Bay system: human health study and public education, Matagorda Bay Mitigation Trust, Private / Foundation / Corporate, $474900. (Submitted: October 2023, Funded: June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2027). Grant.
  • Dutton, Jessica (Principal), Blasingame, Dale C (Co-Principal), Shields, Sara Michelle (Co-Principal). Relationship between mercury and selenium concentrations in Texas offshore and bay fishes: risk assessment and health education, Texas Sea Grant, State, $190902. (Funded: February 1, 2022 - January 31, 2025). Grant.

Selected Service Activities

Undergraduate Advisor
TXST Campus Creator
September 2024-Present
Volunteer
South Texas Aussie Rescue
2023-Present
Volunteer
Central Texas Pig Rescue
March 12, 2022-Present
Volunteer
City of San Marcos
October 2021-Present
Member
Technology and Facilities
November 2020-Present