Education

Ph.D.  Pharmaceutical Sciences, Auburn University, 2019

Background

Tessa Hastings, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. She serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Outcomes Research & Evaluation (CORE) and the Pharmaceutical Outcomes Sciences Graduate Program Coordinator. She received her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Outcomes Research and Policy from Auburn University in 2019.

Dr. Hastings’ research applies implementation science principles to advance health care safety, quality, and effectiveness by promoting the adoption and sustained use of innovations in pharmacy settings. A central focus of her work is the study of immunization information systems (immunization registries) and their integration into pharmacy practice. She examines how these systems can be leveraged to expand vaccine access, improve provider communication, enhance data quality, and strengthen public health infrastructure. Beyond immunizations, her research explores broader strategies for translating evidence-based interventions into real-world pharmacy environments, ensuring that innovations are not only developed but also effectively implemented to benefit patients and communities.

Research Interests

• Implementation science to improve health care delivery and patient safety
• Integration and use of immunization information systems
• Approaches to increase vaccine access and uptake across populations
• Addressing health care access challenges in underserved and rural communities
• Real-world evaluation of health innovations in pharmacy practice 

Awards & Honors

• Breakthrough Star Award, USC Office of the Vice President for Research, 2023
• Emerging Researcher Award, USC College of Pharmacy, 2022

Publications

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