Annika Schlemm
Annika Schlemm is an environmental scientist and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow specialising in integrated environmental management and conservation. Her expertise spans ecosystem services assessments, participatory research methodologies, and the water-energy-food-environment nexus, combining biophysical modeling with stakeholder engagement to address complex conservation challenges.
Drawing from extensive field experience across four continents, Annika has designed and implemented conservation research from the remote Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia to the Lake Victoria Basin in East Africa. Her work integrates art and science to enhance environmental stewardship and policy development, while demonstrating skill in project management, grant acquisition, and translating complex scientific findings for diverse audiences.
Curriculum Vitae
Work Experience
PhD Researcher & Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
2021-2025
Led transdisciplinary research combining innovative Nature-based Solutions mapping, climate impact modelling, and participatory arts methodologies to address water-energy-food-environment challenges in East Africa.
Associate Programme Officer, UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre
2020-2021
Contributed to research on ecosystem services and biodiversity policy through literature review and science-policy reporting.
Aquatic Ecology Researcher, University of Cambridge
2019-2020
Investigated the impact of polyethylene microplastic pollution on the clearance rate and biodeposition of freshwater mussels to assess implications for ecosystem functioning.
Environmental Metabolomics Researcher, University of Oxford
2019
Conducted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of oyster samples exposed to varying levels of aquatic pollutants and parasite loads.
Avian Malaria Researcher, University of Oxford
2018-2019
Conducted field research in eastern Australia, collecting and analysing blood samples to investigate ecological determinants of avian malaria prevalence.
Environmental Policy Intern, Institute for European Environmental Policy
2019
Conducted research on EU biodiversity and bioeconomy policy strategies with a focus on ecosystem services and conservation approaches.
Lead Scientific Officer, Research Expedition to Ua Huka, French Polynesia
2018
Designed and implemented avian biodiversity surveys in collaboration with SOP Manu and BirdLife International, raising expedition funding and managing international team coordination.
Animal Behaviour Researcher, Regensburg University
2017
Investigated information conflict in the ant Lasius niger, demonstrating that ants preferentially follow olfactory cues over route memory.
Conservation Researcher, Princeton University
2017
Conducted literature review and data analysis on tropical forest conservation effectiveness, contributing to a peer-reviewed publication.
Aquarium Assistant, Sea Life Centre Brighton
2015
Provided care for vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic animals, monitored water quality, conducted public feedings, and maintained aquarium displays.
Biology and Chemistry Tutor
2014-2019
Prepared lessons, developed revision resources, and provided academic support for individual students and groups up to 15 students.
German Teacher, German Saturday School Brighton
2014
Prepared craft activities for young children and delivered all teaching in German.
Care Worker, Allied Healthcare
2013-2014
Provided care for elderly and sick individuals in their own homes, supporting their physical and emotional needs.
