She's ditched 18th century scientific instruments for her own trendy 21st century collection of leather clothes, boots and crash helmets and other bike accessories.
The 34-year-old became interested in motorbikes when she fell in love with bike racer Peter Keogh.
For almost 10 years Shan has spent her spare time as one of his pit crew mechanics on the 250cc national championship circuit and now the couple, who live in the centre of Glasgow, have decided to launch their own business.
Shan quit as an assistant curator at Glasgow University's Hunterian Museum after she and Peter decided to launch Firecrest Motorcycle Outfitters, at Weardale Lane on the Queenslie Industrial Estate in Easterhouse.
Today Shan said: "I've followed motorbike racing for years. I was attracted to the speed and character of the sport.
"I learned about the mechanics of our race bike, calibrating the engine, changing wheels, refuelling and such like. It definitely isn't common to see a woman as part of the rider's crew.
"Working at the museum was a great job but I always wanted to run my own business and this opportunity was too good to miss.
"Peter and I wanted to become more involved in the motorcycling community, and we want to provide the best service we can to bikers by offering them the best in clothes and accessories."
The shop has only been open a short while but already the city's two-wheeled community is beating a path to its door. Shan and Peter who have also launched Firecrest online.
Turning a hobby into a career is not easy, but Shan was given a lot of help by Business Gateway, which is part of the Scottish Enterprise network.
And her enthusiasm impressed business advisor Jim Kell, who said: "Shan's passion and enthusiasm for motorbikes has led to her starting a business focusing on her hobby.
"Over the years her interest in motorbikes has intensified and we are delighted to offer our support and advice as they set out on this new adventure."
The couple are also keeping bikers at the forefront of fashion. They are the first in the country to stock premium clothing from the Italian SPIDI and AXO brands.
As for the company's name. A Firecrest is a tiny, distinctive, fast flying bird which arrives in Britain each year from Southern Europe. The bird appears in a stylised form in the company logo.
gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk
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