Klara Scharnagl
Profile
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Time ZoneEastern
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OrganizationThe Sainsbury Laboratory
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RoleScientist Mentor: I will mentor teams of students online
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Research Interests (300 words)I study fungal ecology and the evolution of fungal symbioses. I recently completed my PhD, surveying lichen biodiversity in different forests along a latitudinal gradient in the Americas. Currently I am a postdoctoral fellow, investigating the molecular basis of the lichen symbiosis.
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Profile Question 1What is best about being a scientist?
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Answer the question you selected for profile question 1 here (300 words):Every day I wake up excited about my question! It doesn't mean there aren't tough days, but I know I can get through them because it brings me closer to results. I love the mystery, the puzzle, the unknowns. I also love to play, to inquire, to wonder. This is what is best about being a scientist.
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Profile Question 2Do you have advice for students about preparing for a science career?
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Answer the question you selected for profile question 2 here (300 words):Do not ignore math. Few of us enjoy math, but it is important. And, if you take some time to get to know math, it can be surprisingly easy, and even fun! Also - read E.O. Wilson's "Letters to a Young Scientist."
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Profile Question 3Can you share a funny/interesting lab or field story?
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Answer the question you selected for profile question 3 here (300 words):Field work is one of the best parts of my research! Field work is of course not always hunky-dory. On my last field expedition, to the Peruvian Amazon, our entire canoe of food and supplies got flooded by rain and sank into the river! Amazingly, with teamwork and good attitudes, we were able to retrieve most things! :) Working with and meeting people all over the world is one of the best things about being a scientist.
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AvailabilityI am NOT available, please temporarily remove me from the available mentor list
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Capacity: How many teams at a time are you comfortable working with?2
Recent Posts
Spinach Photosynthesis Lab
Klara Scharnagl
This is an excellent experimental question! Light source could play an important role in photosynthesis. Can you think of real-world applications for this experiment?
Spinach Photosynthesis Lab
Klara Scharnagl
Hi Aubrey and team! What a fun experiment! So, seeing the leaf disks float to the surface indicated that photosynthesis was taking place. But do you know what made the leaves float?
Spinach Photosynthesis Lab
Klara Scharnagl
Hi Xochitl,
This is an interesting experiment. Let's think about the different components being tested.
Dish 1 was given both water and light. The seeds germinated, and overall mass increased.
Dish 2 was given water but no light, and…
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