Discover with Shannon
Documentaries, talks, and writing.
The work built to travel past a journal or a classroom.
After earning a BS in Biological Sciences and a BA in Environmental Studies from UCSB, I started my environmental career as a photojournalist. After seven years of freelancing, I returned to research but continued to grow my skills as a communicator and educator through a wide-ranging approach to conservation communication.
This has included photography, filmmaking, writing, and even hosting a documentary that aired on the National Geographic Channel! Having returned to research after starting out as a photojournalist, I strongly believe in using all forms of media and communication to share stories about our planet that strengthen our connection to it and to each other.
Film & TV
A peek into the primetime National Geographic documentary, and an Emmy.
Talks, Podcasts & Panels
Conversations I've been priviledged to join, to share and learn.
Photojournalism & Writing
Blogs, writings, musings, and work that lives close to my heart.
Documentaries & Film
The Last Drop
Water Conservation Documentary - National Geographic Channel.
I co-hosted this primetime documentary for the National Geographic Channel, on water conservation in the American Southwest, which aired in March 2021. It's part of a Nat Geo Explorer affiliation I've held since 2010.
I also appeared in a News & Documentary Emmy-winning Nat Geo promotional campaign.
Watch a snippet of The Last Drop here.
Recognition
- News & Documentary Emmy, for a National Geographic promotional campaign, 2012
- National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, 2017
Talks, Podcasts & Panels
When Women Fly
Silvia Winter and I talk about modern-day "Exploration"and the role of women and the BIPOC community in redefining it. We also ask, “can coastal communities manage their resources in ways that both sustain prosperous livelihoods and a healthy environment.” What is the win-win formula?.
Other Panels and Talks
Academic conference presentations (MARE, AAG, and others) are listed on the Explore page and in the full CV. This section is for public-facing talks specifically.
Photojournalism & Writing
y writing and photography have appeared in National Geographic Adventure, Ocean Education, Traveler Magazine, Hakai Magazine, the Santa Barbara Independent, Surfer Magazine, and Patagonia Books, alongside published content from various National Geographic Society–funded projects (Early Career, Collaboration, and Young Explorer grants).
Here are some of my favourites
Reef to Aquarium
We documented Dory's little-known passage from reef to aquarium by living with, photographing, filming, and interviewing the people that drive this global trade.
The Changing Tides Foundation
It was sheer joy to share some of the experiences with my fiend and former captain Liz Clark from the Changing Tides Foundation, for a chat about science, experiences, being a mom, all while conserving and exploring our stunning planet.
The Argo Evolution (Antarctica!)
Grace Greenwald and I visited the Southern Ocean with Dr. Ken Johnson. We write about how floating robots are reshaping our understanding of the ocean's role in climate
Want to work on a story together?
Drop me a message below. I'm always keen to have a chat and work together on something interesting!