While pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences, Shannon was introduced to nutrition research working as an undergraduate research assistant in the companion animal nutrition laboratory. During this time she also pursued her interest in exotic species while working as a zookeeper at Scovill Zoo in Decatur, IL. After graduating, she combined these interests as a professional intern at the Animal Nutrition Center at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. She returned to the University of Illinois and received her master’s degree with a research focus on novel fiber blends in feline nutrition, and is currently working towards her Ph.D. under Dr. Maria R. C. de Godoy with a research focus on evaluating traditional and novel fiber sources and their effects on gastrointestinal health and microbiota in canines and felines.