A Nursing Student’s Path from Pandemic Frontlines to Autism Advocacy
Inspired towards nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Christian Shepler hopes to eventually earn his DNP and establish a foundation to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Forged in the Fires of Global Pandemic
For prelicensure student Christian Shepler, the journey to nursing began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he worked as a pharmacy technician and immunizer at a rurally-located Walgreens.
“It was like the Wild West—every day was a battle to keep up with medication shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the overwhelming demand for vaccines,” said Shepler. “The strain on medication manufacturing and personal protective equipment was evident, and I saw firsthand how fragile our healthcare infrastructure could be.”
Shepler also mentioned other challenges, such as individuals hoarding freely-distributed N95 masks, leaving others without protection, and the distrust that some in the community harbored towards pharmaceutical companies.
“These experiences reinforced the importance of patient trust, something I carry into my nursing practice today,” said Shepler. “Establishing rapport and ensuring patients feel heard and understood is essential, especially in an era where skepticism toward healthcare is prevalent.”
Working on the frontlines during a global crisis, Shepler grew to more fully appreciate the impact that healthcare professionals can have on patients’ live; he witnessed how nurses provided not just clinical care, but emotional support and advocacy for their patients.
“I realized I wanted to affect patient care directly—not just by supporting their medical needs but by being there in their most vulnerable moments to provide comfort, education, and empowerment,” said Shepler.
After obtaining his prelicensure degree, Shepler hopes to gain experience in a high-acuity intensive care unit (ICU) and ultimately pursue his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
A Personal Goal to Support Individuals with Autism
Beyond clinical practice, Shepler aspires to establish a foundation to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—a foundation that would provide resources, advocacy, and education to improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families.
“At the age of three, I was diagnosed with Autism Asperger’s Syndrome—now classified under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),” said Shepler. “My desire to establish a foundation stems from both personal experience and a deeper curiosity about ASD itself. I want to create resources and opportunities for individuals like me, ensuring that they have access to support systems that foster independence and success.”
Shepler noted that, while some people associate ASD with extreme cases, it nevertheless encompasses a vast spectrum of experiences. He hopes to one day invest in research to better understand the etiology of ASD and to support those in the community.
“It’s a fundamental human instinct to seek understanding of ourselves, and for me, that means unraveling the complexities of ASD to improve the lives of those affected by it,” Shepler continued. “My hope is that through research, advocacy, and targeted support, I can contribute to a future where individuals with autism are better understood and empowered—just as I have worked to empower myself.”
Recognized for Student Leadership
In addition to his studies, Christian Shepler has established himself as a student leader, serving as Treasurer of the Duke University School of Nursing Student Council and President of the Duke Chapter of the American Association for Men in Nursing.
For his significant efforts, Shepler has been selected to receive a 2025 Forever Duke Student Leadership Award from Duke Alumni Engagement and Development. Founded in 2016, this award recognizes graduating students from across Duke’s 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools for their leadership and advocacy within the Duke community.
"The Duke experience so far has truly shown me the kind of nurse I aspire to be. Duke University School of Nursing provides an environment where students with initiative have every opportunity to excel and become the best versions of themselves," said Shepler. "It's been a challenging and rewarding journey, and I'm proud to be part of such an exceptional program."