Shannon A. Schunicht
Philosophy/Political Scientist, Biologist/Microbiologist, Army Officer (Retired)
Orlando, FL
www.mnemonicwriting.com
[email protected]
www.shannonschunicht.com
[email protected]
Mr. Schunicht is a retired Army Infantry Officer who recovered from an unusual, fatal mid-air collision during his seven-year service in the armed forces (1LT(R), IN). The accident involved an airplane landing on top of Mr. Schunicht’s plane while performing a long/low approach at an uncontrolled airport (Draughon-Miller) in Temple, Texas. Although he had no academic aspirations other than an Army career, Mr. Schunicht studied philosophy and political science at Florida State University (FSU) (’83 BA). He attended the U.S. Army Ranger School in lieu of the U.S. Army Advanced Camp. His first attempt to become a Ranger was unsuccessful (10-82 and 11-82), but he was commissioned to attend the Ranger course (13-83) again with other infantry officers after completing the Infantry Officer Basic Course (IOBC).
Unfortunately, Mr. Schunicht’s military aspirations were interrupted by his fatal mid-air collision on active duty. After being hospitalized for more than six months, he developed medical ambitions. A VA vocational rehabilitation counselor suggested he study microbiology at Texas A&M University (’94 BA biology and BS microbiology). This was particularly difficult after being in a three-week coma; however, physics (PHY 201 and 202) were required for graduation from Texas A&M, and this meant that he had to memorize countless complex formulas, most of which were completely new to him. To compensate, Mr. Schunicht developed a mnemonic technique (vowels: mathematical operations) in the spirit of Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel). Examples include an acronym for the Quadratic Formula with ADDITIONAL CONSONANTS (exCePT i buiLD rabbiTS 4 caTS oN 2 HaTS). Mr. Schunicht regularly lectures at American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) conventions across the country.
While lecturing in Syracuse, he was televised by WTVH and was able to share www.mnemonicwriting.com. Using his mnemonic technique, any formula can be algebraically manipulated into memorable word(s) for easy recollection.
Mr. Schunicht was honored with a Royal Society of Sciences in Uppsala Award in 2010 and authored numerous publications regularly presented at AAPT conventions.
Additionally, he has sought Nobel consideration. Replies have ranged from “warrants consideration” to “The Nobel is only given for new knowledge, not clever manipulations of existing thought.” Mr. Schunicht believes that all knowledge is pre-existing, only yet to be revealed to/by the human mind. For his professional efforts, Mr. Schunicht has been cited for more than 35 years in more than 30 Marquis publications, including Politics, Science and Engineering, America, and Who’s Who in the World. Personally, he is a practicing Catholic who accredits his incredible recovery to God’s grace bestowed upon him by the Holy Father when Mr. Schunicht wrote to him about two priests who prayed for his recovery.
How have you navigated disruptions in your industry to remain a top professional? Just remember, if you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there! My military ambitions were interrupted by a fatal mid-air plane crash, and I was in a coma for three weeks (19 days). I had fruitless medical ambitions, although I did have to take physics (PHY 201/202) at Texas A&M. This is when/where I developed the mnemonic technique. Now, I’m recognized as a Marquis Lifetime Achiever, intent on revolutionizing education!
What are two key behaviors/personality traits that allow you to be effective in your role?
Persistence and determination. I remember seeing a quote by Calvin Coolidge, “The world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ (Rangers say “drive on”) has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” I try to live by that, too.
What is the most important issue/challenge you are dealing with in your industry right now? Propagation of my mnemonic technique to transform education through easily recollected complex formulas. Education will be changed to lessen societal class divisions between students whose educated parents help them to achieve academic honors from those students whose parents are not highly educated.
How do you feel your industry has changed/evolved over time? Not much. The less education one has, the more they think they know. The more education a person has, they realize how little they do know. What new innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? Implementation of my mnemonic technique to alter education with independent learning. My mother was a kindergarten teacher who encouraged me to do everything myself. That’s why I was able to recover as I have and earn two degrees from Texas A&M after a three-week coma. I have tried to use my military leadership training as a Ranger: 1LT(R), IN (Ranger classes: 10-82, 11-82 and 13-83) and lead by example: follow me! What excites you the most about your industry? The potential this technique has with Western language is remarkable, whereas Eastern characters have yet to be explored and remain limitless as ∆X=>0.
About Shannon Schunicht
Timeline
While in the Army, Mr. Schunicht was involved in a mid-air collision rendering him unconscious for three weeks.
Everything had to be relearned as nursing actions are reported as having been displayed upon awakening from the extended unconsciousness (19 days).
Studies in recovery brought about some pragmatic discoveries to compensate for the residual memory deficits.
While in the Army, Mr. Schunicht was involved in a mid-air collision rendering him unconscious for three weeks.
Everything had to be relearned as nursing actions are reported as having been displayed upon awakening from the extended unconsciousness (19 days).
Studies in recovery brought about some pragmatic discoveries to compensate for the residual memory deficits.
While in the Army, Mr. Schunicht was involved in a mid-air collision rendering him unconscious for three weeks.
Everything had to be relearned as nursing actions are reported as having been displayed upon awakening from the extended unconsciousness (19 days).
Studies in recovery brought about some pragmatic discoveries to compensate for the residual memory deficits.
After graduating, discovered destiny physic discovery
Dec 12, 1994 Graduated Texas A&M BA in biology and BS microbiology
A VA vocational rehabilitation counselor, Joe Straeda suggested the study of Micro Biology.
- Transferred to Texas A & M University (TAMU).
- Learned of the last remaining Leprosarium in Carville, LA.
Began re-learning at Central Texas College (CTC).
- Intro/Intermediate Algebra
- Basic English
June 23, 1985 fatal mid-air plane crash at an uncontrolled airport (Draughton-Miller) in Temple, TX. The accident resulted in a 3 week (19-day) coma.
Investigation Report from National Transportation Safety Board Crash Accident Final Report
Fatal Midair Plane Crash Newspaper Articles
Awarded Best Platoon: Come Back
- April 30, 1983 BA in Philosophy/Political Science from Florida State University.
- IOBC (Infantry Officer Basic Course) with the United States Army
- Ranger Class 13-83 Successful
Summer Ranger course 10-82 and 11-82
US Army Air Assault school in Fort Campbell, Georgia; three-year ROTC scholarship applied for Florida State University
Attended Brevard Community College, Cocoa Beach, Florida
June 6, 1979, graduated Cocoa Beach High School Florida
First State of Florida entomology prey detection in mosquitoes
Florida won $300 biological science Brevard County Florida space Congress science fair thermal sensitivity in mosquitoes.
November 17, 1961 born