Shang earned his PhD from the Russell Group in 2012. His research combined field observations and laboratory measurements to uncover the composition, sources, and formation mechanisms of organic aerosols. Shang served as an Air Resources Engineer at California Air Resources Board from 2019 through 2023. In 2024 Shang became an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University. His research focuses on intensive exploration of airborne particulate matter and trace gases, examining their intricate influence on air quality and climate. To achieve these goals, he employs state-of-the-art techniques, including mass spectrometers and spectroscopy, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and advancing solutions for a more sustainable world.