Shannon Dowling, MA, AIA, LEEDAP, is a Principal at Ayers Saint Gross who focuses on creating research-driven, student-centered learning environments. Passionate about education, Shannon was an adjunct professor for VCU’s School of the Arts from 2008-2019. She is involved with the Learning Spaces Collaboratory, a national think tank of architects, planners, and academics focused on studying best practices for learning spaces. In 2021, she completed a yearlong fellowship with the Society of College and University Planning (SCUP), in which she studied the role campus spaces can play in helping colleges and universities become more equitable and inclusive. Shannon published a playbook, The Planning and Design of Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Campus Environments. Since its publication, Shannon has spoken and written on the topic of inclusive learning environments for over 50 outlets worldwide, including the International Learning Spaces Summit, Educause, the Mosaic Initiative at Indiana University, Learning by Design Magazine, Planning for Higher Education Journal, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Alongside her role at Ayers Saint Gross, Shannon is serving on a 2-year research cohort at Elon University to facilitate multi-institutional research on systems, supports, pathways, and pipelines for neurodivergent students to facilitate access to and participation in high-quality engaged learning experiences. Shannon is the 2023 recipient of the Award for Distinguished Achievement from the Virginia AIA for her research and work on belonging and inclusion.