Curriculum Vitae

CV

Education, research and teaching experience, publications, presentations, awards, and skills.

Education

Education

2026–Present

Doctor of Philosophy, Biology

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
2024–2026

Master of Science, Botany

University of Wisconsin–Madison
2021–2024

Bachelor of Arts, Botany

University of Wisconsin–Madison
Experience

Research & teaching

2022–2026

Student researcher

McCulloh Lab, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Independent and collaborative research in plant and lichen physiology — ecophysiology, anatomy, chemistry, and chlorophyll fluorescence.

Spring 2026

Teaching assistant, Survey of Botany

University of Wisconsin–Madison
Fall 2024, 2025

Teaching assistant, Biology 151

University of Wisconsin–Madison
Spring 2025

Teaching assistant, Biology 152

University of Wisconsin–Madison
Publications

Publications & writing

In prep

When lichens work: a shared humidity threshold governs photosynthetic activity across growth forms

Z. Smith, K. McCulloh, A. Pringle, A. Trowbridge
Target: American Journal of Botany
Media

A cemetery's immortal residents and the scientist who studies them

Anne Pringle and Zach Smith
Atlas Obscura, 2024
Presentations

Talks & posters

2026
Chlorophyll fluorescence: theory, uses, and techniques
Graduate-level seminar lecture · with K. McCulloh
2025
Life. Death. Lichens.
Botany Informal Talk Series (BITS) · with McCulloh, Pringle, Trowbridge, D. Smith
2024
Anatomical traits along an aridity gradient in Australian Cycas
Botany Conference 2024, poster · with Krieg, McCulloh, D. Smith, Berry
2023
Comparative physiology of two cycad species from differing habitats
Botany Conference 2023, poster · with Krieg, McCulloh, D. Smith, Berry, Roddy, Griffith, Paiva
2023
Morphological and physiological adaptations in an ancient plant lineage
Biology 152, independent research poster · with Krieg, McCulloh
2023
Eco-physiology at the Montgomery Botanical Center
Botany Department flash talk · with Krieg
Recognition

Awards & fellowships

2024

Young Botanist Award

Botanical Society of America — awarded to outstanding graduating seniors in the plant sciences.

2023

Hilldale Research Fellowship

University of Wisconsin–Madison — funding for an independent undergraduate research project.

2023

Undergraduate Research Award

Botanical Society of America — competitive research proposal funding.

2023

Undergraduate Travel Award

Botanical Society of America — travel support for the annual Botany Conference.

2021

Julia Bohmbach Memorial Scholarship

Olmsted Medical Center — for undergraduates pursuing a healthcare-related degree.

Skills

Skills

Technical

  • Licor-6400/6800 gas exchange
  • Chlorophyll fluorescence
  • Water potential measurement
  • Pressure–volume (PV) curves
  • Microscopy (light, fluorescence)
  • Phenolic & pigment extraction
  • ImageJ, R
  • Fieldwork

Professional

  • Scientific communication
  • Teaching & mentoring
  • Research collaboration
  • Herbarium collection & identification
  • Grant application experience
Service

Memberships & service

American Bryological & Lichenological Society2025–present
Botanical Society of America2022–present
Botany Dept. DEI Committee2024–2026, committee member
Undergraduate Curriculum Committee2024–2026, committee member
Hoofer Mountaineering2022–2024, communications officer