Shannon Mayer, Ph.D. is physics professor and Chair of the Department of Physics at the University of Portland. She and her husband Steve, a chemistry professor at the University, are the parents of two near-grown daughters. Jordyn is a graduate of Jesuit High School. Haley is a student at Jesuit High School. Shannon is the co-editor of the book Awaken the Stars, a collection of essays about wonder, transformation, empathy, and faith from the faculty at the University Portland. Shannon also serves on the Board of the Oregon Leadership Development Institute where she enjoys mentoring young adults through the work of the Portland Fellows program. Shannon and her family are active members of Beaverton Foursquare Church.