Ph.D. Sociology, South Dakota State University
Dissertation Title: “Variability in Credit Card Debt Among South Dakota Consumers: A Pilot Study”
M.A. Sociology, University of Houston @ Clear Lake
B.S. Recreational Administration, Texas State University

Dr. Shannon M. Lane, Ph.D., brings a wealth of experience and a dedication to community engagement to her role as the Program Manager for research at the Institute for Homeland Security (IHS) at Sam Houston State University (SHSU). Throughout her career, Dr. Lane has exemplified a strong commitment to understanding and addressing the diverse concerns of communities, integrating their feedback into research and policy initiatives.

Known for her collaborative approach, Dr. Lane works closely with stakeholders to develop tailored solutions that effectively tackle specific challenges faced by communities. Even while self-employed and working with senior citizens, she remained active in academia, serving as a member of the SHSU Institutional Review Board (IRB) and ensuring research proposals adhered to ethical guidelines and regulations to protect the rights, safety, and well-being of participants in research studies.

During her tenure at SHSU's Center for Rural Studies, Dr. Lane played a pivotal role in constructing strategic plans and research projects benefiting rural communities across Texas. Additionally, she managed the Texas Rural Internship Program through collaboration with the Texas Department of Agriculture. Before returning to her native Texas, Dr. Lane served as the Undergraduate Coordinator in the Department of Sociology at Mississippi State University. In this capacity, she oversaw various aspects of undergraduate education, including student orientation, registration, program marketing, and publications.

Currently, Dr. Lane is actively engaged in coordinating outreach efforts at IHS and facilitating the work of external researchers on special topics projects. In her leisure time, she enjoys indulging in college sports, movies, and spending quality time with her rescue dog, Ms. Kami Sue.