After earning her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Dietetic Internship, and Master of Science in Food & Nutrition from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Shawnee began her career in 2005 as a Regional Dietitian for CURA Hospitality in long-term care clinical services and operations. In 2006, Shawnee became an adjunct instructor with Penn State and in 2009, she accepted a full-time faculty role with Penn State Department of Nutritional Sciences. In 2017, as an Assistant Teaching Professor, Shawnee became Coordinator of the Master of Professional Studies in Nutritional Sciences graduate program. She was instrumental in the development of this innovative online graduate program that focuses on advanced skill development in nutrition, dietetics and leadership. She has authored and teaches courses in clinical nutrition, assessment, research methods, and leadership. Shawnee is a past-president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (PAND). She is a recent Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership Institute graduate and is currently a House of Delegates member representing PAND. Shawnee became a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2018. She has been awarded Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year (2016), Outstanding Dietetic Educator (2021), Keystone Award (2022), and Outstanding Dietitian of the Year (2023) by PAND.