She earned her M.S. in Botany and PhD. in Natural Resources from the University of Tennessee in 2005 and 2010. She is the undergraduate advisor for urban forestry students and teaches several courses within the urban forestry concentration. Recently, following promotion and tenured (2016), her appointment was restructured to reflect 70% teaching and 30% Extension from 75% teaching and 25% research appointment (2010-2016). Her new Extension appointment will allow her to work with Extension agents and specialists, as well as directly with all Tennesseans, to help them with their urban forest needs. Sharon is the vice-president of the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC), serve on several committees with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and is the chapter advisor to several student organizations.