Sharon earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from West Virginia University in 1978 and was the first female graduate of the program. She began her career as a petroleum engineer before attending law school at Duquesne University, while continuing to work full-time.
Throughout her career, Sharon has held many leadership positions in engineering and energy companies. She has received a variety of prestigious awards, including an honorary doctorate from the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.
Most recently, Sharon has taken on the role of Vice President of Exploration at Columbia Natural Resources in Charleston, WV, and currently works at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC as a member of the Executive Committee and as Chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Department. She also sits on the Visiting Committees for the Petroleum Engineering Department and the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University.