Welcome! My name is Shannon Patton, and I have a love of learning and a wide variety of interests. I enjoy using my unique combination of creative and technical skills in my work and in supporting the work of my colleagues.

I currently work as a Project Manager splitting my time with two projects. The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) is a network of over 40 research institutions focused on preparing future STEM faculty to implement effective teaching practices for diverse learners. The NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Aspire Alliance's National Change Iniative (Aspire) works towards increasing the diversity of STEM faculty across the nation, by developing and disseminating inclusive practice models across individuals, institutions, and disciplinary and professional societies.

My pathway to my current role has been shaped over time by my interests and professional strengths.

I began with a love of math and science. Some of my favorite classes in high school included calculus, physics, and chemistry. I decided to combine these subjects in college by studying meteorology. I have my Bachelors and Masters of Science in Meteorology from Iowa State University. My interests include climatology, the impacts of climate change, mitigation, and adaptation strategies, wind forecasting and other renewable energy modeling, and science education and communication.

I love design and technical communication. During my time pursuing my meteorology degrees, I enjoyed the process of presenting results and generating useful charts and graphics. I also had the opportunity to work on a climate website. After college, I decided to study web design and database management in more depth, hoping those skills might help gear me towards a job with more communications and organizational work, so I attended Meridian Technology Center and received my Certificate in Web Design. In my current work for CIRTL and Aspire, I create content and resources for our websites, and in Fall 2022 I led the process of rebuilding CIRTL's website in a new platform, working to incorporate thoughts from various input partners. I enjoy the process of organizing information and materials for group work, as well as exploring different tools to help make the work more efficient.

I love education and outreach. In college, I served first as Outreach Chair and then as Academic Chair of our student meteorology club. I was a mentor for an HHMI summer research program for underrepresented community college students transitioning to a four-year institution. I also worked on a project to create an asynchronous online USDA course on climate change adaptation. Currently for CIRTL and Aspire, I coordinate the logistics and co-develop content for several large meetings and events each year.

Fun fact - I also love the arts! Ever since I first picked up a clarinet in 5th grade, I have loved music. I played clarinet in my high school band, high school musicals, my local youth symphony orchestra, and all-state honor bands. I also learned to play alto sax for jazz band and pep band. While I played in many groups in high school, I never learned much about music theory or history. I saw an opportunity in college to learn more in these areas, and I ended up in a two-year degree program. I have my Bachelors of Art in Music from Iowa State University. I played in the Wind Ensemble and the Clarinet Choir during all four undergraduate years, and gave recitals in my junior and senior years.

Email: shannon.l.patton@gmail.com