Shannon M. Durkin

Shannon oversees strategic communications initiatives in the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Research (OSVCR), including executive, internal, and external projects. In collaboration with colleagues throughout the University, her office develops digital and print communications to raise awareness of the quality and breadth of research being performed at Pitt. 

Shannon has more than 20 years of experience supporting academic research in both technical and nontechnical roles. She is an experienced leader of communications professionals, most recently at Cleveland Clinic as senior director of communications for the Chief Research and Academic Office. While at Cleveland Clinic, she built a successful communications program that helped to elevate the reputation of the research institute. She also led communications initiatives through major leadership changes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shannon holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Youngstown State University, a postbaccalaureate certificate in public and professional writing from Pitt’s Department of English, and a certification from the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences. In 2017, she was selected to join a year-long women’s leadership training program for faculty of Case Western Reserve University.