Dr. Shemeka Palmer

Shamika Palmer has dedicated over 20 years to the field of public health, with a primary focus on HIV research and education. She began her journey through mission work influenced by her upbringing and transitioned into HIV testing and education after observing its impact on African American communities. Palmer has conducted research and work in locations including Brazil and Botswana. After earning her terminal degree, she returned to teach at her undergraduate institution for seven years before joining the University of Memphis, where she has served as a professor for eight years, totaling 12 years in academia. In her role, she prepares students in healthcare administration for leadership positions by teaching courses such as healthcare management, healthcare finance, epidemiology, and healthcare informatics, while also overseeing internships requiring 240 hours of site management experience. Beyond academia, Palmer leads Devoted Care Services, a nonprofit offering HIV education, counseling, STI prevention, and PrEP education to the community, emphasizing support for individuals and families navigating diagnoses. She advises aspiring professionals to pursue careers aligned with their passions rather than financial gain and values treating others with compassion, morals, and ethics, principles instilled by her mother.