Using a volumetrically complete sample of 82 low-mass galaxies drawn from the ALFALFA survey, SHIELD addresses the following primary science goals:

• Rotational Dynamics: The exquisite sensitivity and angular resolution of the SHIELD datasets allow detailed dynamical modeling. We will derive critical physical properties such as total dynamical mass and resolved baryonic fractions.
• Star Formation: The complete SHIELD dataset will enable the most comprehensive exploration of star formation in the lowest mass galaxies to date.
• Fundamental Correlations: SHIELD dramatically increases the statistics on the faint end trends for fundamental galaxy correlations, including the baryonic Tully-Fisher relation, the HI mass - diameter relation, the stellar mass - halo mass relation, and the mass-metallicity relation.
• Cosmological Perspectives: The volumetrically complete SHIELD sample enables unique cosmological perspectives that are unavailable with any other galaxy population.