Shanna N. McClain

Disasters Program Manager
NASA
United States

Jul 25, 2023

Shanna N. McClain is the Disasters Program Manager at NASA's Earth Science Applied Sciences Program. In this capacity, she leads initiatives that utilize Earth observation data to inform decisions throughout the disaster cycle, focusing on the interconnectedness of human-environment-climate factors. Shanna has a diverse background in both academia and applied work.

Driven by her passion for the environment, Shanna pursued a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Spanish at Florida State University. While pursuing her undergraduate studies, she worked at a retail store to support herself financially and also had the opportunity to work at the Nature Conservancy. Although she was just 18 years old, Shanna's role at the Nature Conservancy involved engaging with politicians to emphasize the value of science in informing policy decisions. This early experience proved to be transformative for Shanna as it revealed the stark reality that not everyone in government or Congress possesses a scientific background. Witnessing this firsthand, she recognized the need for a detailed scientific background to effectively assist decision-makers in addressing complex challenges and shaping policies. This pivotal realization shaped the trajectory of her career.

Following her bachelor's degree, Shanna earned a master's degree in Environmental Science and Policy at Florida International University. In order to support herself financially, she worked at a psychologist's office while actively seeking opportunities that aligned with her career goals. She discovered the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), which at the time was working on a series of books on post-conflict natural resource management, led by Carl Bruch. Intrigued by their work, she volunteered at ELI in 2009, later becoming a contractor, consultant, visiting policy analyst, and visiting scientist at ELI over subsequent 13 years.

After receiving her master’s degree, she worked in Geneva for a year with the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit, where she focused on integrating environmental considerations in sudden-onset and protracted humanitarian crises. This experience reinforced Shanna's commitment to both science and policy, prompting her to embark on a Ph.D. journey. Her doctoral studies in the Environmental Resources and Policy Program at Southern Illinois University explored the challenges of integrating climate change adaptation, disasters, and resilience into multilevel governance frameworks. She conducted research on governing the Tisza and other international river basins in the context of climate change, disasters, and resilience. Shanna's expertise and passion for science and policy led her to be selected for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (2017-2019). During this fellowship, NASA invited her to help shape their role in resilience initiatives.

Shanna has been actively involved in the "Migration with Dignity" project run by the Environmental Law Institute in collaboration with partners from the University of Tokyo, The Ocean Policy Research Institute, the International Organization for Migration, and the University of Delaware. This project brings together experts specialized in dignity rights and migration, focusing on how climate change affects migration in Pacific Island communities. Inspiration for the project started when Shanna and others witnessed the challenges faced by displaced communities, such as those living in temporary housing following the Fukushima nuclear accident and the uncertainty of their future. The partners started thinking about what happens to Pacific Islanders who migrate:  are they able to find jobs? Can they access health care and other services?  Are they able to have a life of dignity?  Since many Pacific Islanders migrated to the United States, the project interviewed people both in the countries of origin (primarily the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia) and in the United States, examining the reasons behind people's movements and the challenges they encounter during and after migration. Shanna emphasizes the critical need to build the capacity and skills of affected communities, enabling them to establish a quality of life equal to or better than what they left behind. The project aims to inform policies that strengthen migration with dignity, following a human rights-based approach. Looking ahead, Shanna's interests lie in the realm of migration in conflict settings.

In her current work at NASA's Earth Sciences Division, Shanna is actively engaged in understanding our evolving Earth system. Through advanced technologies and methodologies, her team comprehensively observes and studies the water cycle, mapping crucial factors like soil moisture, groundwater levels, and precipitation patterns. These observations provide insights into areas prone to droughts, flooding, and other hydrological events, and these observations help improve the understanding of how to mitigate the impacts of future disasters. Moreover, Shanna is currently exploring new approaches and metrics to assess resilience and measure the effectiveness of interventions conducted worldwide.

Drawing from her own experiences, Shanna's advice to young people emphasizes the importance of three key actions: always asking questions, saying "yes" when possible, and willingly stepping out of one's comfort zone. As the only person in her family to pursue a college degree, she understands the challenges of navigating college without a mentor or guidance, as she had to figure out many things on her own. However, Shanna emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge by asking questions and being curious. She encourages young people not to hesitate in approaching others as most people are willing to share their insights and engage in meaningful conversations. Furthermore, Shanna believes in the power of saying "yes" to opportunities, even when unsure of the outcome. Shanna's own life changed when she started as a volunteer at ELI, a decision that opened doors she could not have anticipated. Hence, saying "yes" is essential because one never knows where an opportunity may lead. She acknowledges that pursuing such paths can be challenging but ultimately rewarding. For example, she had to juggle working full-time at a psychiatrist's office, attending school, and volunteering, but those experiences have brought her to where she is today. Additionally, Shanna firmly believes that the most significant growth occurs outside of one's comfort zone. She acknowledges that taking this leap can be intimidating, as it often involves venturing into the unknown. However, it is through these experiences that individuals discover new paths, unexpected opportunities, and personal transformation. Besides, Shanna acknowledges the importance of work and life balance while emphasizing the value of hard work.

Shanna is proud in her role as a founding member of the Environmental Peacebuilding Association. From the outset, she recognized the transformative potential of this initiative and eagerly embraced the opportunity to be part of a movement that brings about meaningful change. Within the association, Shanna has played a leading role in shaping Water Interest Group and she has supported the annual elections.

Shanna firmly believes in the vital role of the environment in every aspect of our lives, as it sustains our livelihoods and ensures our well-being. Environmental peacebuilding embodies this understanding by offering a path to peace through the environment. Shanna is passionate about this idea. If we are mindful, implement good policies, and truly care for our surroundings, we can foster revitalization and create a harmonious coexistence with nature and with one another. She appreciates how environmental peacebuilding recognizes environmental factors as both sources of conflict risk and opportunities for peacebuilding. By addressing these factors, it seeks to find solutions, foster partnerships, and pave pathways to hope. Thus, Shanna firmly believes that environmental peacebuilding offers legitimate solutions.