Hello fellow classmates, I’m Shannon. I’m currently a second-year student at the University of Guelph studying a major of Biological science and working to complete a minor in Biotechnology.

My interest in biotechnology stems from the Biotechnology program that I completed at Conestoga College in 2016. I graduated with honours and was awarded the Program Contribution Award for my efforts while taking on the role as a teaching assistant in Organic Chemistry. It was after this program that I was able to be accepted into the University of Guelph!

When I’m not studying or working on assignments you can usually find me at McCabe's Irish Pub & Grill where I work as a server. The job can be trying at times as working with the public in a fast-paced environment can be tricky, but my coworkers make it worth it!

Since I am a Guelph native, I get to easily spend extra time with my family. My mom and I are crazy about binge watching series on Netflix and I enjoy golfing and fixing things around the house with my dad. I also really enjoy spending time with my friends. Whether it be grabbing a few drinks downtown, seeing a movie, or just lounging around the house.

There are many fields of science that interest me, but the one I have been interested in the most is Biopharming or Plant molecular pharming. If you are unfamiliar with the term, Biopharming is the production and the use of transgenically modified plants engineered to produce pharmaceutical substances for use in humans or animals. Someone in science who inspires me is John Teat of PlantForm. Although my pick is unconventional, John is someone I look up to a lot. He was one of the very first workers in PlantForm which is located within the University of Guelph. John took the same program as I did in College and helped build the company from the ground up. He has helped to design the processes at PlantForm and has even proven to be able to design more effective equipment. He is the one who suggested I continue in University.

My current career goal is to one day work for PlantForm. I really stand by the companies values and I believe that once they receive enough funding that the company will take off. A few summers ago, I got the opportunity to pick their brains and it was a fantastic experience.

An interesting fact about me is that I was a competitive dancer for 16 years. I was a competitor in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop and lyrical.

Thank you for taking the time to read about me!