About Us
The SHES-OR lab focuses on how we can utilize and support biological systems to enhance soils’ capacity to function, providing positive economic, agronomic, and societal benefits.
Led by Dr Shannon Cappellazzi, we work with Oregon State University’s Organic Agriculture Program as a part of the University’s Extension Services within the Centre for Resilient Agriculture and Food Systems (CRAFS).
Our Lab
The SHES-OR lab is a really unique program, functioning within the University’s Extension services our team is able to focus all our efforts on our community-centered projects and research. From producer-centered soil health programs and cover crop variety trials to outreach field days our program is intentionally designed to work directly with and for producers across Oregon. This work is made possible through a mix of state and federal funding, as well as the generous support of donors who share our belief that healthy soils build healthy communities.
If our work resonates with you, we appreciate any and all support or feedback so we know what topics matter to you.
Our Team
SHES-OR is led by Dr Shannon Cappellazzi, supported by a dedicated team of student employees who contribute to our hands-on, community-focused research. We also collaborate closely with the other specialists of Oregon State’s Organic Agriculture Program, bringing together a breadth of expertise, from soil health and cover crops to organic vegetables and pasture systems, to tackle multifaceted challenges and projects.
Stakeholders and Partners
SHES-OR collaborates with a wide network of partners. With the Organic Agriculture Program and the Center for Resilient Agriculture & Food Systems, we work with many stakeholders and producers including:
- Any Oregon producer interested in biologically mediated production systems
- David Watkins from GrowIT
- Oregon Tilth
- Oregon Organic Coalition
- Organically Grown Company
- Organic Valley
- Hummingbird Wholesale
- Western Cover Crop Council
- Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)
Shannon Cappellazzis’s Professional Timeline
2025 – Present
Assistant Professor of Practice (Soil Health Extension Specialist), Oregon State University — Corvallis, OR
2021 – 2025
Director of Research, GO Seed – Salem, OR
2019 – 2021
Project Lead Scientist, Soil Health Institute – Morrisville, NC
2019
Ph.D. Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University – Corvallis, OR
2015 – 2018
Research and Development Laboratory Manager, Oregon State University – Corvallis, OR
2013
M.S. Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University – Corvallis, OR
2011 – 2015
Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, Oregon State University – Corvallis, OR
2009 – 2010
World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms – Various towns, Spain
2006 – 2008
Agricultural Commodities Trader, Wilbur-Ellis Company – Portland, OR
2005
B.S. Animal Science, Oregon State University – Corvallis, OR
2002 – 2003
Organic Ranch Manager, Wheelbarrow Creek Ranch – Stevensville, MT
1987 – 2000
4-H Member, junior leader, horse bowl and livestock judging champion
