As your coach I bring over 15 years of experience in research support and science management, working at the intersection of academia, science, policy, and the private sector. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with researchers at all career stages and across a broad range of disciplines and cultural backgrounds.
My work has focused on supporting interdisciplinary, international teams, navigating institutional complexity, and helping shape academic environments that foster growth and collaboration. I have also worked with professionals outside of academia — including those in NGOs, public and private sector, and organizations that partner with or support the academic sector.
Anna Schürkmann
Academic Leadership and Research Development Coach
Drawing on this, I now support researchers as a coach — creating a space where they can reflect, grow, and move forward with purpose.
Professional Experience
Managing Director – Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture – Yale University – 03/2022 – 09/2023
Program Manager – Yale Center for Biodiversity and Global Change – Yale University – 07/2019 – 02/2022
Program Manager – Forest and ecosystem Management System – Yale School of the Environment – 03/2017 – 06/2019
GIS and Research Consultant – Self employed/freelance – 01/2015 – 02/2017
Research Associate – Global Water System Project – 10/2013 – 12/2014
Student Researcher – Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research – 04/2012 – 04/2013
Research and Teaching Assistant – University of Potsdam/Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute – 02/2008 – 11/2012
Relevant Education, trainings, certifications
Professional Coaching Certification – International Coach Academy – 11/2024 – Ongoing
‘Autismus Kompakt’ – ZAK Germany – 03/2025
Extraordinary Leader Program – Yale University Employee Training – 03/2021
Great Manager Program – Yale University Employee Training – 01/2020
GIS and Webmapping – GIS-Akademie Berlin – 03 – 07/2015
BS and MS in Geoecology – University of Potsdam – 10/2008 – 09/2013
Other work experience
Baker and Kitchen Staff – Cafe Kieselstein – 2008 – 2013
Stable Hand – Reittherapiezentrum Berlin – 2006 – 2007
Work and Travel: Hospitality, Intern, Receptionist – Museum, Hostel, Tour Agency – 2004 – 2005
Au-Pair – Madrid, Spain – 2003
Barkeeper and Waitress – Bermuda Gastronomie – 2001 – 2003
Thriving Mind 