Shannon Lefler shares her love for research, patient care and dance, and her newfound hobby as a DIYer.
What is your current title, and how long have you been with ENT at WashU Medicine?
My current title is senior clinical research coordinator, but I am also a research audiologist and a lecturer in the Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences. So, I’m kind of all over the place! I’ve been with the department for six years. I started at WashU Medicine in 2019 as a postdoctoral fellow in Jeff Lichtenhan’s lab where I primarily did animal research. In 2021 I transitioned to my current position. I’m involved with several research studies, most of which involve electrocochleography and cochlear implants. I also teach Electrophysiology I and II courses for the PACS Audiology program. Before all of this I was getting my AuD at Missouri State University.
What do you like most about your work?
I like the versatility of my role. I really enjoy getting to know all different sides of the department and getting to work at multiple locations. I also really enjoy getting a nice balance of being patient facing but also working behind the scenes with research.
How would you describe life in your household?
I bought a fixer upper home in Wildwood that my fiancé Denny and I have been working tirelessly on for the past two years! So, most weekends we are working on a project for the house. We completely renovated the interior with new floors, new bathrooms, paint, and now we are finishing the kitchen! We have done the majority of the work ourselves, thanks to many YouTube videos teaching us the many facets of home renovation! If we aren’t working on the house, Denny and I like to go on hikes with our dog Bosley, and we enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Do you have a favorite activity or pastime?
One of my hobbies growing up was musical theatre and dance. Now to fill that artistic void I coach a high school varsity dance team for Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves. Though sometimes it can be stressful working with high schoolers, it is also super rewarding and fun. The team dances for basketball and field hockey halftimes and we also compete at several regional competitions in Missouri.
Is there a special something at the top of your bucket list, and why?
I have yet to visit Europe, so that is at the top of my bucket list! I’m busy planning a wedding for 2026 right now, but hoping to do a big Europe trip in 2027, with Italy being what I’m most excited for!