Shannon Korbelik

Shannon is an enthusiastic research scientist and lab manager in Dr. Keara Boss's radiation oncology lab at the Flint Animal Cancer Center. Her work focuses on developing treatments for head and neck cancer in both dogs and humans. Originally from New York, Shannon spent her early years in Brooklyn with her quintessentially New Yorker parents before relocating to the Dallas, Texas area. She completed her primary and secondary education in Flower Mound, TX, and later attended Texas Woman's University, where her passion for science truly blossomed.

As an undergraduate, Shannon conducted research under Dr. Camelia Maier, studying and raising silkworm moths until her graduation in 2015. Following her degree, she worked in clinical molecular diagnostics and earned board certification in high-complexity molecular testing.

In 2017, Shannon pursued a master’s degree through Auburn University as a distance learning student under Dr. Eve Brantley. Her research focused on the applications of environmental DNA (eDNA) in environmental studies. After completing her degree in 2020, she transitioned from clinical diagnostics to help establish and manage the Genome Technologies Lab at the University of Wyoming.

During her time in Wyoming, Shannon was actively involved in STEAM outreach initiatives. She served as a mentor for the InnovateHer club and participated in the Community Outreach Program for STEAM Engagement (COPSE). These experiences inspired her to earn a certification in secondary science education, supported by the inaugural Dunham Family Fellowship scholarship.

In December 2022, Shannon moved to Burlington, Colorado – her in-laws’ hometown – where she spent two years teaching high school science. Although she loved teaching, she returned to the research field in June 2024, joining the Boss lab with great enthusiasm. She remains passionate about K–12 outreach education and hopes to continue engaging with students – minus the grading.

Outside the lab, Shannon enjoys spending time with her husband Justin, their son Layne, daughter Freya, and their middle-aged Pomeranian, Roshi. She loves the outdoors, including fishing, hiking, boating, and camping. Her hobbies also include yoga, dance, painting, tabletop games, gardening, restoring old furniture, and curling up with a good book.