Shannon Dowling’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to enhancing the educational landscape through inclusive design and research. Her contributions as an architect, educator, and researcher have not only shaped the physical spaces in which students learn but have also paved the way for a more equitable and supportive educational environment. Through her speaking engagements, publications, and hands-on work, Shannon continues to inspire and lead the conversation on the future of learning spaces, ensuring that they serve and uplift all students.
Her research-driven approach was notably highlighted during her SCUP Fellowship, where she delved into how campus environments can be intentionally designed to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Shannon authored The Planning and Design of Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Campus Environments, a comprehensive playbook based on extensive research with over 200 students. This publication has since become a pivotal resource, and Shannon has shared her insights through over 60 speaking engagements and publications.
Currently, Shannon is engaged in a multiinstitutional research initiative focusing on neuroinclusive campus affinity spaces. She is also a core member of the Learning Space Rating System team and actively participates in the Learning Spaces Collaboratory.
Shannon’s dedication to education is evident through her teaching career at VCU’s School of the Arts, where she instructed from 2008 to 2019. Additionally, she has volunteered extensively, conducting architecture and STEM workshops for students across Richmond, ranging from preschool classrooms to high school mentorship programs such as Full STEAM Ahead and the ACE Mentor Program.
As a speaker, Shannon has presented at numerous national and international conferences, curated discussions on the future of learning, and published extensively on campus design, DEI principles, and designing neuro-inclusive spaces.
