The complex interconnection of economic development and environmental deterioration requires novel, holistic approaches to address the challenges at the nexus of water, energy, food, and environment. Shan believes such holistic approaches can be developed by using biotechnologies that harness the power of diverse enzymatic and microbial activities in conjunction with chemical and physical processes. Her current research interests focus on:

1) Development of carbon fixation and elongation bioprocesses;

2) Investigation of biotransformation and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment;

3) Development of treatment methods for PFAS in water.