Shannon is from Hilton, NY.  She attended Oberlin College double majoring in Biology and Greek Language and Literature with a minor in Chemistry.  She matriculated at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in August of 2007.  

The summer after her first year Shannon was awarded funding by the school to travel to South Africa and conduct a qualitative research project regarding HIV vaccine trial understanding and misperceptions.  She has spent considerable time volunteering in her local community and in Honduras tutoring and working with children.  

Her interests and hobbies include involvement with her Christian faith, listening to and making music, reading, travel and enjoying nature, especially hiking.