She received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at Boston College and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Arizona. She uses interdisciplinary and mixed- methods research to examine practices and policies that support and hinder underrepresented young people’s well-being, with a focus on the experiences of LGBTQ youth, youth of color, and youth whose identities and experiences intersect. She currently teaches “Social Psychology and Social Justice” and a new course she developed called “How to Love” on the art and science of love and intimacy. In addition to her academic work, Shannon is trained in yoga, reiki, and meditation and enjoys bringing these restorative practices into academia and the broader community.