Shelby is a History PhD student at the University of Edinburgh. She graduated from the University of Colorado with her Master of Arts in American history with a minor in public history and a certificate in historic preservation with high distinction. She received her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in history from the same institution. Additionally, she holds a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University and a certificate in antiques, collectibles, and appraising from Asheford Institute of Antiques. Shelby’s first book, The Queen of Denver, was published in 2020. She is the leading historian on the life of Louise Sneed Hill.