Shannen completed her PhD in the Molecular Metabolism and Ageing lab at the Baker Institute where her work focused on the neurobehavioral and metabolic characterisation of mouse models of mitochondrial disease. Prior to this she completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) at RMIT where she majored in clinical biochemistry and medical microbiology, followed by Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) at Monash University.

Shannen’s research is focused on the mitochondria and how their function or dysfunction can affect organs with high energy demand such as the brain, heart and muscle. Her work aims to understand the molecular underpinnings of mitochondrial disease with the goal of finding potential therapeutic targets to improve mitochondrial health in patients.