Narrative

I’m an English major and writing instructor turned geographer. My (still tentative) dissertation research will examine recent attempts by municipal governments and activists to improve urban food systems.  In my spare time, I change diapers, cook, and play with various forms of technology.

Research interests:

• Food studies
• The politics of consumption
• Cultural geography
• Urban studies
• Political economy

Educational background:

• Master of Arts in Teaching: The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 1999, specializing in English Education.
• Bachelor of Arts in English: The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 1997, awarded with honors and highest distinction, with a music minor

Work experience:

• Teaching Specialist in writing, Dept. of Writing Studies and General College, University of Minnesota, 2004-2008.
• Adjunct English Instructor, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Coon Rapids, MN, 2002-2003
• Adjunct English Instructor, Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, IA, 2000-2002

Service:

• Volunteer tutor, Willard School, Minneapolis, MN (March 2004-May 2005)
• Writing trainer, HIRED, Minneapolis, MN (Feb. 2003 and March 2004)
• Volunteer tutor, Kirkwood Adult Literacy Program, Iowa City, IA (1999-2000)
• Volunteer tutor, West Liberty Adult Literacy Program, West Liberty, IA (Fall 1998)

Publication:

• Shannon, J. (2007). “Engaging the Tensions of Service Learning”  Academic Exchange Quarterly, 11(3), 98-102.

Presentations:

• Educational Technologists Forum, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (April 2007). Panelist: “Best Practices for Blogging and Podcasting”

• College Conference for Composition and Communication National Conference, “Representing Identities”, New York City, NY (March 2007). Co-presenter: “Writing the Dissonance: Using collaborative texts to enhance service learning”
• College of Education and Human Development Research Day, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (February 2007). Presenter: “All That Jazz: A Service Learning Partnership with KBEM-FM and North High School”
• TYCA-Midwest Conference, “Discourse Rocks!” Cleveland, OH (Oct. 2003). Co-presenter: “Catching the Rhythm: Using popular film and music as text in the composition classroom”

Grant:

• Technology-Enhanced Learning Grant, Digital Media Center, University of Minnesota (March 2006) ”In Your Ear, On the Air, For Your Eye: Podcasting and Wikis as Tools of Universal Instructional Design”

Awards:

• Graduate School Fellowship (3 years) at the University of Minnesota, 2008-present
• Collegiate Scholar (for top graduating undergraduates) at the University of Iowa, 1997
• Presidential Scholarship, The University of Iowa, 1993-1997