Shannon Behrman (she/her) is the Senior Director of Education at the Science Communication Lab (SCL). Previously, while at UCSF, she served as a volunteer in SEP’s Classroom Partnership programs (2004-2005), participated in the Scientist Teaching Workshops (2005), and volunteered with SEP’s Quattro program (2006-2007). She has a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley in Plant Biology and a PhD from UCSF in Cell Biology, Biochemistry.
What do you do at the Science Communication Lab? What does your day-to-day look like in your current role?
I’m the Senior Director of Education at the Science Communication Lab (SCL), where I’ve been for 11 years. The SCL is a nonprofit transforming how people connect with science through powerful storytelling, award-winning films, curriculum development, and community engagement. My job is to oversee and grow all of our educational programming. On any given day, that might mean giving a talk at a conference, leading a professional development workshop for teachers, helping organize a session at the Bay Area Science Festival, or sending out announcements for our next Educator Ambassador cohort. I also spend a lot of time on education research, strategic planning, fundraising, and building partnerships that expand the reach of our work.
What is your favorite part of the work you are doing now?
The people! I get to work alongside an incredible team at SCL—creative, collaborative, and deeply passionate about our mission. I also get to partner with inspiring educators who bring so much energy and creativity to the classroom. The work itself stretches my brain in the best ways—it’s a perfect marriage of my interests and passions.
What has your career path been like? How did you end up where you are?
Back when I was a graduate student at UCSF, I discovered my passion for science communication and education through SEP. Volunteering in classrooms showed me that educators were “my people,” and it cemented my love of connecting students to science through storytelling. After grad school, I explored a future in science communication/education through informational interviews, internships, and an entry-level job until I found my home at SCL.
What are some skills that have helped you succeed in your career?
Whether it’s writing grant proposals, research papers, or project reports, or storytelling for educator, community, or funder audiences – strong communication has been key! Adaptability and critical thinking have also been essential, especially in navigating new opportunities and challenges in education.
SEP Program Experience
What drew you to participate? How did it impact your future interest in science and career? What was your overall experience like? What did it teach you?
I first joined SEP in 2004 because I loved sharing science and wanted to see if teaching was fun. Spoiler: it was! The Quattro program was especially pivotal—it paired me with two first grade teachers for an entire school year, where we co-designed and facilitated monthly hands-on lessons. I learned how challenging (and rewarding!) it is to teach younger students, and I’ll never forget how curious and excited those first graders were. SEP provided professional development in instructional design and facilitation that was eye-opening for me. The whole experience gave me the tools and confidence to step fully into science education.
What person, project, or aspect of the program, if any, influenced you?
One teacher I worked with, Debra Netkin, inspired me with her incredible creativity and dedication to her students. She showed me that outstanding teaching is both an art and a science. She also helped me appreciate the intention and level of effort that educators give for their students, often behind the scenes without recognition, and how influential they are in shaping future generations.
How have you grown since your time in SEP’s programs?
I am so grateful for SEP and the amazing staff that run this program each year. SEP gave me opportunities that helped shape my career path and a professional family that I still feel part of today. Now, in my role at SCL, I hope to pay that forward by building programs that use immersive storytelling to connect students to the wonder of science
General Information
Do you have any cool hobbies/side projects you’d like to share with us?
My happy place is outdoors. My family loves hiking, camping, and backpacking, and this year we introduced our nine-year-old daughter to backpacking for the first time. Experiencing nature through her eyes reminds me of the joy of discovery and how lucky we are to live in California with such diverse landscapes and interesting wildlife. I can’t imagine living anywhere else!
What are some life lessons you’d like to share with our high school interns/participants?
Don’t worry about figuring it all out. I wish I had known that when I was younger—I felt a lot of pressure to know exactly what I wanted to do, and when I didn’t, I felt lost. It’s okay not to know. It takes time (sometimes decades!) to find a career that feels right, and even then, you’ll keep learning and adjusting.
Do you have any accomplishments you would like to share?
My proudest accomplishment is being a parent to a passionate, kind, and fearless nine-year-old. She’s the bravest person I know, and while I can’t take credit for her personality, I’m grateful to support a human who brings so much empathy and radiant positivity into the world.
