Shannon Bennett

Dr. Shannon Bennett is the Chief of Science and Harry W. and Diana V. Hind Dean of Science & Research Collections at the California Academy of Sciences. As an Associate Curator of Microbiology and Patterson Scholar, her research focuses on the evolutionary and ecological origins of pathogenic viruses, particularly mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. She investigates how biodiversity influences viral emergence and advocates for conservation as a means to reduce human disease risk.

Her work integrates field studies, genomics, and citizen science, including tracking mosquito distributions via iNaturalist and analyzing viral genomes to trace transmission pathways. Bennett holds a BSc from McGill University and a PhD in Zoology from the University of British Columbia. Previously, she served as an Associate Professor at the University of Hawaii, leading NIH-funded projects on virus evolution.

Key achievements include identifying dengue virus strains in Nicaragua and advancing frontline fever diagnostics in tropical regions. Her research emphasizes the link between ecosystem health and human well-being, with a focus on urbanization’s impact on disease dynamics.

• Expeditions: Conducted studies across North America, South America, Asia, and Africa
• Labs: Utilizes the Academy’s Center for Comparative Genomics
• Awards: Patterson Scholar recognition