Anna Scharnagl CV
EDUCATION
In progress Ph.D. in Integrative Biology, UC Berkeley, Aug 2025
M.A. in Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, May 2018
B.S. in Biological Sciences and B.A. in Religious Studies, Florida International University, May 2010
SKILLS
Teaching, curriculum development for middle school and college levels, alternative learning and active learning assignment development, lecture prep; Copy editing skills, proficiency with document, presentation, and spreadsheet organization and analysis tools in the Microsoft, Apple and Google suites; Basic familiarity and workable knowledge of unix, python/perl, and R in bioinformatics and some ecological contexts; Wet lab skills including DNA extraction, PCR and RE digest; Field skills including bird netting, banding and processing, reptile wrangling, insect collecting, trapping, and preserving, plant collecting and preserving tissue, growing in greenhouse and field, transplanting, and collecting biological, trait, and behavioral data; Field skills extend to knowledgeable experience working outdoors in a wide range of climates and terrains (and personally developed field safety procedures for each); Social media skills across X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Mastodon, TikTok and Threads; Excellent organization and delegation; Advanced French, intermediate Spanish, dabbles in other languages.
PUBLICATIONS
Invited to submit review Future directions for plant microbiome research by editors of Applications in Plant Sciences
Toll, K., Blanchard, M., Scharnagl, A., Lowry, D., & Holeski, L. (2024). Plant hormone manipulation impacts salt spray tolerance, which preempts herbivory as a driver of local adaptation in the yellow monkeyflower, Mimulus guttatus. bioRxiv, 2024-05.
McDonald*, L.M., Scharnagl*, A., Turcu, A.K., Patterson, C.M., Kooyers, N.J. (2023) Demographic consequences of an extreme heatwave are mitigated by spatial heterogeneity in an annual monkeyflower, Ecology and Evolution, 13, e10397. *joint first authors.
Scharnagl, A., Genung, M.A., Holeski, L.M., Kooyers, N.J. (2022) Life history and chemical defense interact to drive patterns of adaptation in an annual monkeyflower, Evolution, Volume 77(2):370–383, https://doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpac048.
Scharnagl, K., Scharnagl, A., von Wettberg, E. (2017) Nature’s potato chip: the role of salty fungi in a changing world. American Journal of Botany 104(5):1-4.
FREE LANCE
October 2010–Present. Artist.
May 2009–Present. Freelance editor (grants, articles, manuscripts, resumes).
PREVIOUS POSITIONS
January 2025–Present. Researcher. Investigating the role of above and belowground microbiome during Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) restoration in burn and disturbed areas. Hastings Natural History Reserve, Carmel Valley, CA.
2012–Present. Instructor at university level (see TEACHING EXPERIENCE)
May–October 2020. Field Technician (Lowry and Holeski labs, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, and Northern Arizona University, respectfully). Working on monkeyflower, Mimulus guttatus/Erythranthe guttata. Bodega Marine Reserve, Bodega Bay, CA and Pepperwood Preserve, Santa Rosa, CA.
February–August 2019. Field Technician (Kooyers Lab, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA). Working on monkeyflower, Mimulus guttatus/Erythranthe guttata. Cascades Range and Willamette Valley, Blue River, OR.
2011–2019. Eco Tour Guide. Garl’s Coastal Kayaking. Everglades National Park(ENP) & the Florida Keys.
September 2018–April 2019. Laborer. Hero & Rose LTD (construction). Miami, FL.
May–July 2018. Field Technician. Assisting with milkweed prairie restoration project. Galen Lab, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.
May–July 2018. Lab technician/REU supervisor/Curriculum development. Developed teaching tools and curriculum for teaching photosynthesis and physics of sound for middle school STEM. Folk Lab, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.
October 2012–June 2018. Researcher. Insect collecting and rearing, neurophysiology of the sound producing mechanism and transcriptomics of katydid nervous system. Katydid phylogeny project, Schul Lab, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.
November 2012–April 2019. Field Assistant(volunteer). Catching and tracking invasive Burmese pythons in the everglades. Python project, ENP, Homestead, FL.
August 2017. Field Assistant. Boreal lichen and arthropod biodiversity, Scotty Creek Field Station, NT, Canada.
August 2012–December 2012 and February 2011–December 2011. Field/Lab Technician. Survey plant, periphyton, fish and aquatic invertebrate communities across the everglades. Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP), Periphyton Lab, FIU. Miami, FL.
December 2012–January 2012. Field Assistant(volunteer). Trap and tag vultures. USDA, ENP and Key West, FL.
August 2012–December 2012. Adjunct Professor. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab, FIU, Miami, FL.
August 2012–November 2012; Aug–Nov 2011; Aug–Nov 2010. Field Assistant/bird banding technician(volunteer). Fall migration banding. SFBO, Bill Baggs Cape Florida, FL.
March 2012. Logo designer. Ecostudies Institute: Mangrove Cuckoo Project. Miami, FL.
January 2012–August 2012. Avian Ecology Intern. Archbold Biological Station, Venus, FL.
January 2012–April 2012. Adjunct Professor. Entomology Lab, FIU, Miami, FL.
February 2011–December 2011. Lab Technician. Plant Ecophysiology Lab, FIU. Miami, FL.
November 2011–December 2011; Oct-Dec 2010. Sales Associate. Arango – design store in Dadeland Mall. Miami, FL.
October 2009–December 2011. Fisheries Technician(volunteer). National Park Service, ENP, FL.
July 2010–November 2011. Photographer’s Assistant. Pyramid Studios, Miami, FL.
June 2011–August 2011. Intern(volunteer). Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Jupiter, FL.
January 2011–April 2011. Lab Technician(volunteer). Dissecting exotic fish species for information on their reproductive cycles and diet. National Park Service, ENP, FL.
October 2010. Field Assistant(volunteer). Throw-trapping for fish and invertebrates. National Park Service, ENP, FL.
September 2010 and November 2010. Model. Figure Drawing Class, Fairchild Tropical and Botanic Gardens, Miami, FL.
April 2010–July 2010. Field Technician(intern). Ecostudies Institute. Field study on bird populations in the mangroves and coastal prairie. Everglades National Park, FL.
June 2008–July 2010. Program Assistant. Asian Studies Program, Florida International University (FIU). Miami, FL.
January 2007–November 2007. Research Assistant(volunteer). Ran PCRs and RE digests for soil samples. Genetics lab, FIU. Miami, FL.
January 2006–March 2008. Office Assistant. Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS), FIU, Miami, FL.
March 2005–December 2005. Sales Representative. Best Buy. Miami, FL.
2001–2010. Volunteer: tropical plant nursery/art education/special events. Fairchild Tropical and Botanic Gardens. Miami, FL.
2001–2004. Wildlife caretaker/educator(volunteer). Assisted in care for rehabilitating raptors and participated in outreach events handling captive wildlife (lizards, snakes, raptors). Falcon Bachelor Bird of Prey Center, Miami Museum of Science. Miami, FL.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Intro to Biology Lab Graduate Student Instructor, UC Berkeley, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2023, Summer 2024, and Summer 2025. Co-taught 2 lab sections in topics of basic biology from organismal diversity to evolution to ecology.2020 semester transitioned to virtual midway, 2021 was entirely virtual.
Human Biological Variation Graduate Student Instructor, UC Berkeley, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, and Spring 2025. Lead 3 discussion sections on sensitive topics concerning the biological basis of human variation. Lead GSI involved in curriculum development and overhaul of existing assignments such as discussion section topics and activities, parts and rubric of final essay, optional creative project assignment equivalent to midterm or final exam for Spring 2024 and Spring 2025.
California Natural History Graduate Student Instructor, UC Berkeley, Fall 2021, Fall 2022 and Fall 2024. Assisted with managing online discussion forums, grading, and developed and presented several lectures within the course. Also assisted with course content development including introducing and modifying in-class activities and improving Wikipedia and Capstone project assignments.
Origins and Evolution of Food Plants Grader and Driver, UC Berkeley, Summer 2022 (driver only), Summer 2023, and Summer 2024. In charge of grading assignments and papers for taxonomic and plant term accuracy. Van driver for final field trip to farms in the Central Valley.
California Flora Graduate Student Instructor, UC Berkeley, Spring 2022. Taught students taxonomy of most of the native and present flora of California, led students on local field trips to highlight and test their knowledge.
Integrative Human Biology Graduate Student Instructor, UC Berkeley, Spring 2020. Managed attendance and graded weekly reflection assignments for 150 students in seminar style course. Semester transitioned to virtual midway, became in charge of handling the virtual platform and assisting speakers with technical issues.
Intro to Biology Lab Teaching Assistant, University of Missouri-Columbia, 2013-2014, Fall 2015, 2017-2018 Served as primary contact for biology major students; responsible for teaching lab, giving weekly lectures, and grading worksheets and quizzes.
Ornithology Teaching Assistant, University of Missouri-Columbia, Spring 2016. Responsible for leading lab, teaching avian taxonomy and how to ID museum specimens, writing practical-style exams, taking students on field trips to translate what they have learned out in the field, and grading quizzes and exams.
Invertebrate Zoology Teaching Assistant, University of Missouri-Columbia, Spring 2015. Responsible for leading lab, writing practical-style exams, and grading worksheets and exams.
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Adjunct Instructor, Florida International University, Fall 2012. Served as adjunct for the lab section, responsible for multiple dissections and brief lectures, writing practical-style exams, and grading exams.
Entomology Lab, Adjunct Instructor, Florida International University, Spring 2012. Responsible for leading lab, writing and grading exams, and evaluating and maintaining insect collections.
TALKS & POSTERS
Scharnagl, A. (7/2025) “Baselines for the bottom layer: tracking changes in the soil microbiome for a shared plant community,” annual Botanical Society of America meeting, Palm Springs, CA (upcoming talk)
Scharnagl, A. (5/30/25) “From earth and sky: what environmental samples can tell us about plant microbiome source communities,” annual Evolution meeting, virtual (upcoming talk)
Scharnagl, A. (7/2023) “Future directions for plant microbiome research,” annual Botanical Society of America meeting, Boise, ID (talk)
Scharnagl, A. (3/17/23) “The importance of setting a baseline: what we know about plant microbiomes,” Botany Lunch, UC Berkeley (talk)
Scharnagl, A. (8/17/21) “Friendships across space and time; looking at plants and their microbial partners,” Popping-The-Science-Bubble, virtual (talk)
Scharnagl, A. (10/09/20) “Landscape-level mapping of the microbiome: a proposed case study using coastal prairie,” Botany Lunch, UC Berkeley (talk)
T.J. Lepore, K. Lepore, L. Taylor, A. Scharnagl, C. Muskelly (10/2020) “Active learning and STEAM in paleontology: case studies with neurodiverse adults and female-identifying k-12 students,” annual Society of Vertebrate Paleontology meeting, virtual (poster)
Scharnagl, A. (7/2020) “Landscape-level mapping of the microbiome,” annual Botanical Society of America meeting, virtual (talk)
Scharnagl, A. (4/14/20) “Methods in mapping the microbiome OR Planning post-pandemic possibilities,” Eco-evo Lunch, Stanford (talk)
Scharnagl, A. (4/13/2020) “Warning: there is more to yellow than meets the eye OR Grief and coping in a time of pandemic,” Eco Lunch, UC Berkeley (talk)
Scharnagl, A. Kooyers, N. (6/2019) “Looking out for lag in a widespread annual,” annual Evolution meeting, Providence, RI (poster)
Scharnagl, A. (2016) “The Katydid Rap,” DataBlitz, BGSA event, University of Missouri-Columbia
Scharnagl, A, Frederick, K., Schul, J. (2016) “De novo assembly and annotation of the neural transcriptome in a Neoconocephalus katydid,” annual Animal Behavior Society meeting, University of Missouri-Columbia (poster)
Scharnagl, A, Frederick, K., Schul, J. (2016) “De novo assembly and annotation of the neural transcriptome in a Neoconocephalus katydid,” Life Sciences Week, University of Missouri-Columbia (poster)
Scharnagl, A. (2015) “Effects of scaling on the neurophysiology of the auditory system of katydids,” Eco Lunch, University of Missouri-Columbia (talk)
Scharnagl, A. and Lloyd, J. (2010) “Methods on studying mangrove landbirds during breeding season,” Third Annual Research Life Symposium, Florida International University (talk)
MENTORING EXPERIENCE
May 2020–2024. Team of undergraduates in URAP working on Plant-Microbiome-Cooccurrence: a literature mining and database building project. UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
May–August 2019. Summer REU student mentored on independent project on Mimulus guttatus/ Erythranthe guttata. Kooyers Lab, University of Louisiana,. Blue River, OR
May–July 2018. Summer REUs mentored on cell tissue culture and treatment. Folk Lab, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
SERVICE & OUTREACH
Science
2018-Present. Active scientist participant in Skype-a-Scientist program. Partnered with over a dozen classrooms from elementary level to adult continuing education. Presented topics in biology, physics, ecology and natural history. Skypeascientist.com.
Academic years 2019-2020, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023. Scientist correspondent in the Letters to a Pre-scientist Program. Paired with a middle school student in an underserved community for a year and prompted to write letters along various themes about my career as a scientist and respond to questions from the student. https://prescientist.org/.
September 2021. Volunteer for Virtual Poaceae Workshop with University and Jepson Herbarium. Assisted with assembling the sample packages to be sent out to participants. Berkeley, CA.
February 2021. Two invited career talks for FIU Honors College Alumni Week, “Places I have come to love and the stories behind them,” for Earth Art class and “The story of my art as a scientist OR the story of my science as an artist,” for Graphic Voices class. virtual
April 2020. Art-science career talk. Invited virtual talk to 6th grade class. (invited by teacher Lourdes Fuller from Miami Dade Public Schools). virtual
March 2020. Assisted with putting together and running art and science activity for Girls in STEM Workshop through Expanding Your Horizons with Tara Lepore, UC Berkeley.
May 2017. Skype with Philadelphia Zoo Crew (high school team); Pairing urban youth with experience in scientific fields and discussing different techniques to use to understand a variety of questions about animals out in the field. (organized by Asia Murphy via Twitter). Virtual
2011-2012. Helped determine suitable habitat and setup for migration and wintering bird monitoring on the grounds of ZooMiami, consultant
Art
Summer 2025. Designing and illustrating botanical bestiary for Botany and Dragons event at annual Botany meeting
Spring-summer 2025. Developing outreach material and shareable end product for Mesobiodiversity project in the redwoods.
May 2024. Participated in Art and Science show at UC Berkeley (Integrative Biology department)
2015. Designed logo for Mangrove Cuckoo Project, commissioned by The Ecostudies Institute
2013. Participated in “Flor 500” a collaboration by Xavier Cortada of local artists drawing local flora
June 2012. 3 pieces in show for “Underground Miami: If you can’t beat ‘em, eat ‘em.” An event to raise awareness about invasives and suggest the solution be to bring them to our dinner table. Fertile Earth Foundation
2012. Designed “In Search of the Mini-Beasties” scrub camp certificate and t-shirt, Archbold Biological Station
2012. Designed Florida Scrub Jay t-shirt, Archbold Biological Station
November 2011. Networked with local fishermen for lionfish, created parts of cake sculpture, and contributed 8 pieces of art for “Eat Lionfish” art show
2011. Participated in “T.A.G,” The Art of Giving, project by local artists to decorate 1000 pairs of kid’s converse shoes and donate them to children in need in Haiti. I painted 4 pairs of Converse shoes.
2011. Participated in Diversity Week Project, FIU
July 2011 Participated in edible art show
2011. Dance Instructor, taught and choreographed bollywood dances for Diwali festival
2003-2010. Neighborhood Tutor, in basic biology, genetics, ecology, calculus, algebra, trigonometry, and languages
HONORS/AWARDS
Teaching Effectiveness Award (essay contest winner $500), UC Berkeley, May 2025
Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award, UC Berkeley, March 2025
William Simes Research Award ($2000), Hastings Natural Reserve, February 2025
Summer Research Award ($5000) Integrative Biology Department, UC Berkeley, June 2024
Summer Research Award ($4754), Integrative Biology Department, UC Berkeley, June 2023
Summer Research Award ($3000), Integrative Biology Department, UC Berkeley, June 2022
Summer Research Award ($2500), Integrative Biology Department, UC Berkeley, May 2020
Scholarship ($1,500), from Religious Studies Department, Summer 2009
Scholarship ($1,000), from Honors College, FIU, Summer 2009
Scholarship ($1,000), from Asian Studies, for academic achievement, 2009
Recipient of 100% Bright Futures scholarship, 2004 – 2009
Best Actress, National Film Competition, 2004