Shannon Gibson has established a multifaceted career at the nexus of academia and actionable global change informed by expertise in environmental politics, public health, social justice, and community-based research. As Founder and Director of the Gibson Climate Justice Lab, Shannon’s work underscores a dedication to climate justice research and policy analysis, particularly at the annual United Nations climate change negotiations. Her professional practice bridges the science-policy-community divide and fosters justice-based dialogue and action in global environmental and health governance.

Shannon completed a BS in political science and a BA in public relations from the University of Florida. She earned both an MA and a PhD in international studies at the University of Miami. As an accredited observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations, she studies the role of youth, Indigenous, women’s, and other climate justice voices in the fight to create fair and equitable climate treaties and solutions. Shannon serves as an associate professor in environmental studies, political science, and international relations at USC Dornsife and is an affiliated faculty member of the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability.