About Me
My career has taken me from hands-on research support as a field and lab assistant to leadership roles in science management, providing me with experiences beyond traditional career paths. In my most recent positions I managed interdisciplinary, international programs at the intersection of climate, biodiversity, and natural systems.
Along the way, it became clear that what I love most is not just the science, but supporting the people behind it. When I found out about my own neurodivergence, I found my passion: assisting individuals and teams with navigating complexity and building ways of working that are impactful, sustainable, and enjoyable.
This passion led me to professional coaching and consulting, where I combine institutional insight with a values-driven, human-centered approach. Coaching is more than talking to people; it requires training, knowledge, and practice. I have successfully completed training that aligns with international standards and best practices for both: general coaching and specifically related to neurodivergence in the workplace.
Anna Schürkmann
Research and
Neurodiversity
Coach and Consultant
I look forward to working with you!
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
aut.in Coach – Coaching for Autistic Adults – ZAK Germany – 10/2025 – 03/2026 (ongoing)
Professional Coaching Certification – International Coach Academy – 11/2024 – 11/2025
‘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
