Shannan has always found science fascinating, even at an early age. Her undergraduate studies refined by interests and since then she has been working in labs where the primary focus is either vaccine production or understanding the mechanisms of virus/replicon infections that can be extrapolated for the rational design of vaccines or antiviral compounds. Most recently she has been evaluating the virus-host interface during WNV persistent and acute infections. Research Project: Molecular Determinants of West Nile Virus Persistent Infection.