Faculty Profile

Shannon Seneca.

Shannon Seneca

Research Assistant Professor
Indigenous Studies
sseneca@buffalo.edu

Education:

  • PhD, Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, 2012
  • MS, Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, 2007
  • BS, Physics, Buffalo State University, 2001

Professional experience:

  • Research Scientist, Environmental Health, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Environmental Health Director, Environmental Health, Seneca Nation Health System

What mentoring means to me:

I have been most inspired by our youth. They give me hope in our future as they are so bright, and it fills me with the drive to right all the wrongs in the world for them. I am understanding and relatable but most importantly, I love to support and encourage others.

Topics I am willing to discuss with students:

Academic Culture

  • Considering a non-academic path after grad school.
  • Dealing with politics and conflict with faculty or peers.
  • Decoding and demystifying academic culture and norms.
  • Taking a non-traditional path to grad school.
  • Uncertainty about staying in grad school.

I would like to build an environment where we prioritize student's mental health.

Personal Experiences

  • Caregiving for children.
  • Caregiving for other loved ones.
  • Experiences related to being a woman.
  • Experiences related to class and/or socioeconomic status.
  • Experiences related to physical health and/or abilities.
  • Experiences related to mental health and/or abilities.
  • Experiences related to racial, ethnic, cultural and/or religious minority status.
  • Experiences related to sexual and/or gender minority status.
  • Financial stress and strain.

I have worked very hard to get where I am today. I am a work of art with constant improvements being made to continue self-growth throughout life.