Shannan’s degree in Plant Physiology, Ecology, and Remote Sensing from Columbia University brought her to Cornell University in 2016 to work with several professors, throughout various departments, investigating numerous research areas. In 2023 she began working for Dr. Bassuk helping to cultivate Minns Garden and other plantings, gardens and research plots throughout Cornell campus. She continues to sow, propagate and plant trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals as well as to maintain landscapes across campus. Shannan is also investigating the effect of incorporating biochar with Structural Soil© under various drought conditions on the growth of Quercus (Oak) and Carya (Hickory) and researches the effect of amending soils in an urban environment on the growth of Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky Coffee tree). She maintains the online database of the Cornell Hydrangea paniculata collection; the largest panicle hydrangea collection in North America.
