Staff Bios

Shannyn Snyder received her Bachelors of Political Science and Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies in Anthropology and Global Health, both through George Mason University. Her previous research includes the study of access to clean water and healthcare in vulnerable populations and wastewater pathogens in recreational and drinking water systems. Shannyn's current work focuses on vulnerable populations and their access to basic needs, as well as environmental and social justice issues both domestic and international. Shannyn developed Water Health Educator as a means to connect college students and public health professionals, as well as the general public, with news of community, regional, and global issues concerning water. She is currently an adjunct faculty member at George Mason University in the College of Health and Human Services, Department of Global and Community Health, where she teaches Health and Environment, Community Health and Literature, and Health, Ethics, Leadership, and Advocacy.

Neshanah Barnett received a Bachelor’s of Science in Community Health with a double minor in Psychology and Nutrition from George Mason University. Associate of Science specializing in Psychology from Northern Virginia Community College. She is interested in the impact that food has on the body; especially the transformation that occurs when an individual adopts a plant-based diet. Neshanah works full time in the transportation industry and in her free time she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

Grace Snyder is a high school student, upper-level Girl Scout, and Sandcloud ambassador. Her early passion for science and math, including an interest in courses from biology to physics, has led her to pre-med studies.

Grace has spent many hours on the East Coast, studying marine life and learning about advocacy, and she is active in cleaning up local waterways and teaching kids in the local community about the Chesapeake Watershed. She is also a novice sailor, in addition to a skilled horsewoman and archer.

Grace keeps the Water Pollution Forum Facebook page updated with current events, and helps plan pollution cleanup events for local college students.

Marianne Makhlouf studies Community health at George Mason University. She is currently finishing her undergrad in Community health to pursue further education in dental hygiene. Marianne has worked as a dental assistant for the past three years where she educates and cares for patients' oral hygiene. Through her job she’s gained an extensive amount of knowledge, experience, and leadership roles. She’s been inspired to further her knowledge of health promotion through educating individuals to practice good oral hygiene. Her interests are volunteering, fitness, and reading. She hopes to become a dental hygienist and serve those in her community by educating and treating each patient that walks through the office. In her free time Marianne enjoys volunteering in her community, fitness, and spending time with loved ones.

Lawson Omene is a junior who is majoring in community health. He is interested in monitoring the health of entire patient populations and understanding the social determinants of health. After obtaining a bachelor's degree, he hopes to attend medical school. When not in school, he loves working out, cooking, playing video games, and volunteering at clinics.