Expert Bio

Shannon is the US Polar Leadership Project Coordinator at the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute, where she collaborates with the director and program associate to highlight America’s strategic role in both the Arctic and Antarctic. Born in Juneau and raised in Chugiak, Alaska, Shannon spent her summers dip net fishing on the Kenai River—an experience that deepened her connection to the State’s resources. She has her bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Alaska Anchorage, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and focused her research on public safety and self-governance in Norwegian Sami communities. Shannon started her career in the US Senate, working for two members of Alaska’s Congressional Delegation: Senator Dan Sullivan and Senator Lisa Murkowski. In her final role, she served as a Legislative Aide in Senator Murkowski’s committee office. Shannon’s research interests include rural public safety, supranational governance structures, and sustainable resource development.