At Headlands Research, we’re proud to work with dedicated principal investigators (PIs) whose passion for science and patient care drives medical innovation forward. One of those leaders is Dr. Lawrence Sher, Associate Medical Director and PI at Peninsula Research Associates (PRA), part of the Headlands Research site network. With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Sher has helped shape the fields of allergy, immunology, and vaccine development.
We sat down with Dr. Sher to learn more about his journey, his research focus, and what inspires him every day at PRA.
What inspired you to pursue a career in clinical research?
“My specialty is allergy and immunology, and from early on, I was fascinated by both bench and clinical research. After completing my fellowship, I went into clinical practice but knew I wanted to contribute to research as well. At the time, clinical research was still relatively new in my field. It had only really been developing for about a decade.
It took several years before I had my first project, but in 1999, I launched a study on gatifloxacin in sinus disease. From there, the research opportunities grew and became a defining part of my career.”
What areas of medicine do you focus on?
“My work started with sinus disease and ear infections, then expanded into antimicrobials. Over time, I returned to my specialty, working with inhaled corticosteroids and pediatric asthma. But my true passion has been immunology, particularly with cytokines and monoclonal antibodies.
When COVID-19 emerged, my team pivoted to vaccine studies and monoclonal antibody trials. We worked closely with companies developing therapies and conducted research using PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells). Much of my work today focuses on immunology-based therapies, vaccines, and biologics, always with an eye toward how immune cells interact and balance.”
What makes PRA unique?
“My team is what makes our site unique without question. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible people who have grown with me over the decades. Kristen Currie, our site director, started with me right out of college. Debbie Cappy, our site director, has been with me for 35 years. Leigh Ann Schmidt, my nurse practitioner, is an essential partner in everything we do.
We’re not just colleagues, we’re a family. That’s what makes PRA special.”
What do you enjoy most about working with your team?
“Clinical research is never about one person; it’s about the whole team taking ownership of a study. From weekly meetings to discussions about disease processes and protocols, everyone is engaged and invested.
Education is at the heart of what we do. When coordinators understand the science, they can better educate patients, which improves the entire research experience. And we believe in keeping things positive—we laugh, we teach, and when challenges come up, our motto is hakuna matata. We move forward together.”
How do you ensure participants feel safe and supported?
“First and foremost, we answer every question. Patients come from different backgrounds and distances, and some want a quick visit while others want in-depth explanations. Either way, it’s important that they understand their role and feel comfortable.
This is especially true in sensitive trials, like pediatric food allergy studies. When parents bring in their children, it’s a tremendous responsibility. We spend a lot of time discussing the study, walking families through the consent process, and making ourselves available, even giving out our cell phone numbers. Building that trust is essential.”
What motivates you every day?
“Quite simply: this is fun. I love what I do. Research allows me to see the direct impact of our work as new treatments become available to physicians and patients.
I’ve worked on medications that took years of dedication, and sometimes frustration, to develop. But then you see them approved, prescribed, and changing lives. That’s incredibly rewarding. In fact, I’m about to give a lecture on a therapy I helped develop years ago, sharing not just how to use it, but the story of its creation and the science behind it. That’s what keeps me motivated.”
What are you most proud of in your work?
“It’s twofold.
First, I’m proud of the people who have come through my research facility and gone on to careers in medicine. Over the years, we’ve had high school students, college students, and young professionals work with us. Many are now physicians, nurse practitioners, and researchers—several of whom credit their time at PRA for sparking that passion.
Second, I’m proud of the therapies that have truly changed lives. Dupilumab (Dupixent®) is a prime example. I’ll never forget parents in tears because their children’s severe eczema finally had an effective treatment. Seeing patients and families experience relief after years of struggle is the most meaningful outcome of research.”
What do you hope your work contributes to the future of medicine?
“I’ve always loved clinical practice and still see patients. But clinical research has allowed me to pursue the academic side, like writing papers, traveling for speaking engagements, and collaborating globally, while still caring for individuals in my community.
I hope my work inspires the next generation of physicians and researchers, just as it’s inspired my own daughter, who plans to become a surgeon. Ultimately, what I want to pass along is the love for medicine and research. The combination of intellectual pursuit and personal connection that makes this work so fulfilling.”
Closing Thoughts
Dr. Sher’s career reflects the very best of clinical research: scientific rigor, patient-centered care, and a passion for mentoring future generations. At Headlands Research, we are proud to have him as part of our network, advancing treatments that transform lives.
Contact us today to learn how our sites in the Headlands Research network, such as PRA, can support your upcoming clinical trials.