Her laboratory is comprised of bioengineers, physicists and chemists focused on translating technological advances to relevant applications in clinical medicine. Specifically, Shannon is interested in using microfluidics and imaging technologies to create tools that increase understanding of cancer biology and of the metastatic process. In collaboration with the Toner, Haber and Maheswaran laboratories, Shannon has developed microfluidic devices that can isolate extraordinary rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the blood of cancer patients. Her research also includes novel microfluidic devices for extracellular vesicle isolation and molecular characterization with a goal of earlier cancer detection.