Meet Shannon Lora!
We are excited to welcome Shannon Lora as University Program Associate in the Department of Forest Biomaterials!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself both personally and professionally?
I’m a native North Carolinian though grew up mostly in No. VA, Tarheel by birth, association and education, UNC ‘94! (My parents were UNC-CH grads and I lived on campus in grad student housing until age 2!) I have a lifelong infatuation with dogs, bigger is better, and have never been without one! My two sons are college aged, one attends State as a Freshman. My early working years were in IT sales and marketing support with AT&T leading to an executive assistant role in Business Development with a global biotech CDMO. I left to raise my sons and recently returned to work last year, back in pharma, but in recruiting for a CRO. I am excited by the combination of skills and efforts needed to manage the University Program Associate position as they segue well from my prior experiences and allow me to indulge my love of academia and supporting student success!
What do you enjoy most about the College of Natural Resources and/or NC State University?
I am encouraged by the smaller community feel for the college and team supporting it as expect I will find so many new friends and the ability to really make a difference in the lives of our students! NCSU has been a part of my boys’ lives since birth as their Dad is a ChemE grad, we knew State was the best option for my engineering bound youngest son, hands down.
What do you do for fun/hobbies/interests?
Along with my love of dogs, I also have two cats and love to train my Doberman. He is an amazing protector and sidekick extraordinaire! I’m also a bit of a gym rat and foodie..yes, those go hand in hand by necessity! I enjoy wine tastings and dinners with friends.
What is your favorite tv show/movie/ and/or musical artist?
I have to say I loved Bones, Suits and House…smart, genius comedy dressed up as drama is my genre! My music tastes are eclectic but tend to have a lot of bass in common, metal, hip hop, grunge and just good rock. I like Kid Rock, Metallica, Staind, Disturbed but also 90s college rock like the Cure, REM, U2 and Bach and Hadyn!
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Ben and Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake
What is something people may not know about you?
I could get lost in London or the British Museum forever, there will never be enough time to visit all, I may need to retire to England! I’m a huge history buff, particularly of the UK. Lastly, I do like fast cars and purple. Luckily, mine is both!