Shannon Speer defended her dissertation under the guidance of Dr. Gary Pielak on November 10th, 2020 and received her PhD. The title of her dissertation is “Protein Complex Stability in Living Cells.”
Shannon received her B.S. in chemistry from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN in 2016. She began her research career in Dr. Gary Bowlin’s lab at University of Memphis where she worked on the development of manuka honey/alginate coverings for bard meshes after bariatric surgery and tissue engineering.
Shannon joined the chemistry department in 2016 and completed the Molecular and Cellular Biophysics program and a certificate in Business Fundamentals from the Graduate School. Shannon’s graduate work has focused on studying protein-protein interactions in living cells. During her years at UNC, Shannon has been actively involved in Women in Science, Women in Science Promoting Inclusion in Research Experiences, Allies for Minorities and Women in Science, the Graduate Business and Consulting Club, and Science in the Stacks. While at UNC, Shannon has been inducted into the Frank Porter Graham Honor Society for her commitment to the Chapel Hill community and the Royster Society of Fellows because of her excellence in research and community service. Additionally, Shannon has been awarded the Steelman Award, the Lovick P. Corn Dissertation Fellowship, and UNC’s University Award for the Advancement of Women.
After wrapping up at UNC, Shannon is planning to work for a contract manufacturing and research organization in Durham as a scientist.