NVCT Interview: Shane Hanlon 

We’re excited to welcome our newest board member, Shane Hanlon! Shane joins the NVCT Board after previously serving on our Advisory Council, bringing with him a strong foundation in science communications, policy, and conservation. With a Ph.D. in Biology and a career dedicated to helping scientists and organizations share their work more effectively, Shane offers a unique perspective that bridges research, storytelling, and impact. His familiarity with NVCT’s mission and work makes him a valuable addition to our board.

1. What is your history with Northern Virginia? 

Shane is originally from Pennsylvania. He moved to Northern Virginia for his science communication work.  

“I bounced around a few places, and after getting my PhD in Biology, I was stuck deciding between being a teacher or working in policy. I ended up leaning toward policy, which brought me to DC. I lived in DC for 4 to 5 years, and then, when I met my now-wife, Christen, she was living in Northern Virginia. I wanted more space, so it felt natural to move to Arlington with her. We’ve lived there for 7 or 8 years now!” 

Shane and Kirstin ride their bikes everywhere, often taking the W & OD trail to DC and Tysons. “We ride our bikes everywhere, so the mobility of the area is perfect for us.” 

2. Tell us about your career journey so far.  

When deciding what to study, I was stuck between science, policy, and teaching.” Shane has now found that there is plenty of overlap between those topics and ample room for those interested in using their communication skills to spread conservation knowledge and inspire engagement. “I ended up leaning into policy and worked for the US Fish and Wildlife Service in their congressional affairs office.” Shane took part in multiple policy-related fellowships with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Academy of Sciences. Shane is currently the Executive Editor of C&EN BrandLab where he helps scientists and science organizations make their science messaging more accessible. 

3. Where does your passion for conservation and the work NVCT does originate from? 

“I always liked biology and wanted to be a biologist when I grew up. In undergrad, I did a lot of work for ecology professors. I ended up showing a lot of interest in reptiles and amphibians, so I’m a trained herpetologist. My Ph.D. was in disease work in reptile & amphibian conservation. Growing up in a rural area, I was always surrounded by nature.“ 

4. What drew you to our organization and to joining our advisory council? Describe some of the things you worked on/your time on the advisory council.  

“I found out about NVCT through my wife, Christen. We were both looking for opportunities to get involved in our passion.” Christen and Shane are both deeply connected with nature, often planning long camping trips or hiking excursions. Both were interested in finding an outlet to support the betterment of nature around them. While Shane's work still allows him to blend science, communication, and creativity, he wanted something where he could invest his time and effort in furthering a mission he cares about. “Conservation will always be something I’m personally and professionally invested in.”   

“The idea of conserving spaces that will now never be developed. Being in an urban area and having an organization that is very deliberate about how we use urban spaces really spoke to me. I don’t mind urban development; let’s just be smart about it. The more I dug into NVCT, the more compelling it was. I didn’t know organizations like this existed.” 

5. Did you ever envision moving from advisory council to board?  

“I was looking for something that would allow me to dip my toe back into conservation, and the advisory council was perfect for that. However, I found I wanted to be more engaged and involved with the work NVCT accomplishes. I wanted more structure and responsibility in the organization. I got to know Shruti (NVCT’s Board Chair) and discussed wanting more to do at NVCT, and soon after, I applied.”   

6. We have several committees within our board at NVCT; which are you most interested in joining and why? 

“Marketing & Development. As a science communicator, I get the opportunity to use my expertise for NVCT’s work. I often work with researchers and teach them how to communicate their work to the public. I would also like to join Land Stewardship for learning about how conservation easements are accomplished.”  

7. How do you feel your time on the advisory council has prepared you for a board member seat?  

“Knowledge, the opportunity to get to know staff, and the ability to build relationships with board members and other influential supporters of NVCT’s work. It’s a great way to immerse yourself into what NVCT accomplishes for conservation in our region”  

8.  How do you see the advisory council and board working together to further NVCT’s strategic goals? Where are some areas where overlap would be effective? 

Shane emphasized that stronger collaboration between the Advisory Council and the Board could help fill important resource and knowledge gaps. He described his time on the Advisory Council as incredibly educational, noting that members regularly receive presentations from staff on day-to-day work and current initiatives. This provides Advisory Council members with a behind-the-scenes understanding of how NVCT operates and creates opportunities for them to offer informed perspectives and specialized expertise to support organizational goals. 

Advisory Council members do not always have the time for the same level of exposure to operational details, and increased connectivity between the Advisory Council and the Board could help bridge that gap. Thoughtful overlap—such as shared discussions, joint sessions, or information-sharing—could strengthen alignment and enhance both groups’ ability to advance NVCT’s strategic objectives. 

We’re excited to have Shane step into this new leadership role and continue his involvement with NVCT at the board level. His passion for conservation, thoughtful approach to urban land use, and expertise in science communication will be invaluable as we work toward advancing our strategic goals. We look forward to the insight and energy he brings to the board and are grateful for his continued commitment to protecting and conserving natural spaces in Northern Virginia. Please join us in welcoming Shane Hanlon to the NVCT Board!