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About Me.

I’m a communications strategist and storyteller who works at the intersection of political campaigns, youth organizing, and higher education. I build multi-platform strategies that turn complex policy into accessible, action-driving content for real communities. As a Ph.D. student researching digital rhetoric, I care deeply about how people learn, connect, and mobilize online. My work bridges gaps in civic education through narrative, social media, and community engagement—rooted in my upbringing between Oswego and Queens, NY, and strengthened by my commitment to equity and grassroots leadership here in Albany, our state’s capital.

Education

2024-Present

Doctor of Philosophy, English Literature
University at Albany

Research focus: digital rhetoric, history of technology and literature, sociology of literature, phenomenology of poetry, feminist theory

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AI & Society College Board Member

2019-2021

Bachelor of Arts, English
State University of New York at Oswego

Graduated 4.0 Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature, and recipient of the President’s List for Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, and Spring 2021 semesters.

 

Activities and societies: Her Campus Oswego, The Great Lake Review, Pride Alliance, Alpha Sigma Eta. Honors of The Edward Austin Sheldon Scholars Award, the Dr. Richard Wheeler Memorial Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and the Pride Alliance Defender of LGBT Rights in Journalism Award.

Professional Experience

I use the intersection of my talents and experience — political, creative, and educational — to bring a unique perspective to my professional skills and practices. 
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My current specializations are in:
  • Political communications & multi-platform messaging
  • Youth organizing and grassroots leadership
  • Digital rhetoric, storytelling, and public narrative
  • Community engagement and civic education
  • Policy translation into accessible, action-driving content

I currently teach courses concerning media, technology, and culture as well as feminist and queer theory and literary aesthetic theory at the University at Albany in the English department. Previously, I worked as a Writing Tutor in our university's Writing Center, helping students across undergraduate to doctoral understand the strengths of their writing and critical thinking. I also served as a Teaching Assistant at both the University at Albany and SUNY Oswego, helping professors strengthen their courses and serving as the bridge for their learning objectives. 

 

Outside of my academic career, I am a published author and editor and artist, branching the creative and practical aspects of my expertise to consult on a variety of political and nonprofit endeavors. I am skilled in all aspects of outward facing communications: social media, algorithms, SEO, AI literacy, email and text platforms, website & portfolio customization, graphic design, video and photographic editing & production, mailer creation, ad buying, and copywriting.

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I have presented and been a key delegate at a number of conferences, both academic and political, including the Association of Writers & Writing Programs 2022 National Conference and the Young Democrats of America Conference 2025, both in Philadelphia, as well as served in various publications as an editor and on numerous executive boards, such as Subnivean, Great Lake Review, and the University at Albany's Graduate Student Association.

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HomoRadio
Appearances

I have appeared a number of times on the award-winning HomoRadio (WRPI 91.5FM) hosted out of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, discussing my political and academic work. I have gone on solo as well as joined by Jenny Almanzar, former candidate for AD72 District Leader and current Political Coordinator for CIR-SEIU, Albany Chief City Auditor and Former County Legislator Sam Fein, President of the Albany County Young Democrats Manik Elahi, and Democratic Candidate for AD 107 Chloe Pierce. HomoRadio has an average of 5 million listeners worldwide per episode. Click below to listen to each of my segments. 

Awards & Honors

I have been the recipient of several honors and awards over the course of my academic and professional life:

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  • Dr. Richard Wheeler Memorial Scholarship (2021)

  • The Edward Austin Sheldon Scholars Award (2021)

  • SUNY Oswego Pride Alliance Defender of LGBT+ Rights in Journalism Award (2021)

  • Pulaski Academic Center Distinguished Alumni Award (2025)

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Please view my CV for a full overview of my professional experience!

And please feel free to contact me with any further opportunities.

"Shannon carries the qualities of a selfless leader; one that is respectful, courageous, authentic, self-disciplined, and with integrity."

- Nsikak, Higher Education Professional

"You can depend on Shannon to spearhead a project or lead a group. Her interpersonal skills are something that I truly always admired about her, which I believe makes her so exceptional. You'll always need a Shannon on your team."

-Briana, Journalist

" Her input and leadership were crucial during our biweekly meetings, and the structure of the organization flourished with her lead. She encouraged new ideas for articles, socials, and other activities to keep the organization thriving."

-Feiga, Writer & Producer

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