Michael Shannon's research has focused on various aspects of medical toxicology, including substance abuse, pediatric environmental health and drug interactions. As Co-Director of the Pediatric Environmental Health Center, he has explored such topics as the relationship of lead poisoning to iron-deficiency anemia and overdoses of therapeutic drugs and dietary supplements.

In 2003 Dr. Shannon became director of the newly created Center for Biopreparedness, which is charged with developing models for managing a biological, chemical, or radiation event affecting children and their caregivers.

Michael Shannon received his MD degree from Duke University School of Medicine. He completed an internship at Duke University Hospital, a residency at Boston City Hospital, and a fellowship at Children's Hospital, Boston.

He is Chair of the Committee on Environmental Health of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In 2003 he received the AAP Ogden Bruton Lectureship Award.