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​Areas of Expertise

Education

2025 - present


2021 - present


2019


​
​​2018
University Teaching & Learning Program: Practitioner Level. Teaching and Learning Transformation Center (TLTC). University of Maryland, College Park, MD.  USA.

​PhD. Degree in Entomology. Advisor: Dr. Daniel Gruner. Forest Ecology lab. University of Maryland, College Park, MD. USA. Research topic: Emerald ash borer (EAB) phenology and synchrony of their larval parasitoids, mortality factors affecting EAB populations dynamics and insect community analysis.

Professional post-B.S. Crop Protection degree with an emphasis in entomology. University of Costa Rica, San Jose. CRI. Advisor: Dr. Robin Gomez-Gomez. Research topic: Diversity and richness of the entomofauna in weeds present in sugar cane plantations. Original thesis title: “Asociación de entomofauna y arvenses acompañantes del cultivo de caña de azúcar en dos regiones productoras de Costa Rica”. Honors Research Distinction.

B.S. Degree in Agricultural Engineering, University of Costa Rica, San Jose. CRI.

​Peer Reviewed Publications

  • Saenz, A.S., Cadet-Piedra, E. & Gómez-Gómez, R. 2023. Asociación entre entomofauna y arvenses en caña de azúcar (Saccharum officinarum). Revista Agronomía Mesoamericana, 34(3): 51502. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15517/am.2023.51502.
  • Salcedo, M.K., Ellis, T.E., Sáenz, Á.S., Lu, J., Worrell, T., Madigan, M.L. and Socha, J.J. 2023. Transient use of hemolymph for hydraulic wing expansion in cicadas. Scientific Reports, 13(1):.6298. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-32533-4.
  • Calderón-Arroyo, C., Togni, P.H., Pantoja, G.M., Saenz, A.S. and Venzon, M. 2023. Plants for Fitness Enhancement of a Coffee Leaf Miner Parasitoid. Agriculture, 13(2):244. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020244.

​Research and Professional Experience

2021 - present

2019

2018 - 2019

2016 - 2018

2017


2015 - 2017
 

2012 - 2015


2011 - 2012

​
2007 - 2011
​
Research Assistant. Forest Ecology laboratory (PhD. D. Gruner). Department of Entomology, University of Maryland. MD, USA.

Research Assistant. Weed Sciences laboratory (PhD. M. Liebman). Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University. IA, USA.

Editor assistant. Mesoamerican Agronomy Journal, University of Costa Rica. CRI.

Research Assistant: Insect collections curator. Insects Museum. Center for Research in Crop Protection of the University of Costa Rica. CRI.

Professional internship. Project: “Inventory of weeds present in sugarcane in the six producers’ regions of Costa Rica”. Research and Extension Department for the Sugar Cane (DIECA) of the Agricultural and Industrial League of Sugar Cane (LAICA). CRI.

Research Assistant: Biotechnology and in vitro cultures. Biotechnology and Plant Genetic Engineering laboratory (MSc. G. Arrieta). Center for Research in Cellular and Molecular Biology of the University of Costa Rica. CRI.

Research Assistant: Taxonomical identification of insects. Pest Management laboratory (PhD. J. Arias). Entomology Department. Center for Research in Crop Protection of the University of Costa Rica. CRI.

Research Assistant: Biotechnology and in vitro cultures. Biotechnology and Molecular Biology laboratory (PhD. F. Saborío). Center for Agricultural Research of the University of Costa Rica. CRI.

Research Assistant: Insect rearing and scientific collection management. Arthropods Unit. National Institute of Biodiversity (INBio). CRI.

Conferences and Symposiums

Oral Presentations
  • Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2025. Impact of emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation on overwintering ash-associated insect communities. 2025 Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Portland, OR, USA. (Nov. 9-12th, 2025). Audience: 30 people.
  • Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2025. Population dynamics of an invasive forest pest: Use of life table analysis on the emerald ash borer in Maryland. 2025 Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, Baltimore, MD, USA. (Aug. 10-15th, 2025). Audience: 85 people.
  • Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2024. The role of biocontrol on an invasive forest pest: Life table analysis of the population growth of the emerald ash borer in Maryland. 2024 Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Phoenix, AZ, USA. (Nov. 10-13th, 2024).
  • Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2024. Classical biological control of the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive forest pest of North America: challenges, management, and assessment of success. Third International Congress of Biological Control. IOCBC-CABI. San Jose, CRC. (Jun. 24-27th, 2024).
  • Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2023. Emerald ash borer phenology and synchrony of their larval parasitoids. 2023 Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, National Harbor, DC, USA. (Nov. 5-8th, 2023). *First place in the student competition.
  • Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2022. Synchrony of larval parasitoids of the emerald ash borer with susceptible stages. 2022 Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Vancouver, BC, CAN. (Nov. 13-16th, 2022).
  • Saenz, A., Cadet, E., Salazar, J.D. & Gomez, R. 2018. Identification of weeds associated to sugar cane and its similarity between six sugar cane regions of Costa Rica. Original title: “Identificación de arvenses asociadas al cultivo de caña de azúcar y su similitud entre las seis regiones cañeras de Costa Rica”. VII Technological Congress of DIECA 2018. San Carlos, Alajuela, CRI. (Aug. 29-31st, 2018).

Poster Presentations
  • Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2024. “Emerald ash borer phenology and synchrony of their larval parasitoids”. AGNR’s 6th Annual Cornerstone Event, University of Maryland. College Park, MD, USA. (Nov. 19th, 2024).
  • Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2023. “Emerald ash borer phenology and synchrony of their larval parasitoids”. National Diversity in STEM Conference, SACNAS. Portland, OR, USA. (Oct. 26-28th, 2023).
  • Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2022. “Recovery of introduced biological control agents of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in Maryland, a preliminary study”. Entomological Society of America, Eastern Branch Meeting. Philadelphia, PA, USA. (Apr. 25-26th, 2022).
  • Saenz, A. & Gomez, R. 2019. “Beneficial insects found in weeds surrounding sugar cane plantations in Costa Rica”. 2019. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Saint Louis, MO, USA (Nov. 17-20th, 2019).
  • Saenz, A. & Gomez, R. 2019. “Beneficial insects associated to weeds in sugar cane plantations”. Original title: “Entomofauna benéfica asociada a arvenses en caña de azúcar”, XXIV Congreso Latinoamericano de Malezas. Heredia, CRI. (Jun. 5-7th, 2019).
  • Saenz, A. & Gomez, R. 2018. “Inventory of the biofunctional weeds present in sugar cane in Costa Rica”. 18th European Weed Research Society Symposium. Ljubljana, SLO. (Jun. 17-21st, 2018).

Organized workshops
  • Saenz, A. & Potter, M. 2025. Engaging All in the World of Entomology: Inclusive Design Strategies and Tools Mini Workshop. 2025 Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Portland, OR, USA. (Nov. 9-12th, 2025). Audience: 15 people.

Invited talks
  • Saenz, A. 2025. [Virtual]. The Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive forest pest: natural history, integrated pest management, and current state in MD. 44th Annual Safety & Pesticide Recertification Seminar. Maryland Arborist Association Winter Seminar. Gaithersburg, MD, USA. (Feb. 11th, 2025). Audience: NA.
  • Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2024. [In person]. Classical biological control of the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive forest pest of North America: challenges, management, and assessment of success. Entomology Department Retreat of the University of Maryland. College Park, MD, USA. (Sept. 20th, 2024). Audience: 50 people.
  • Saenz, A. 2023. [Virtual]. The Emerald Ash Borer in Maryland: Natural History, Control, and Seasonal Changes. Natural History Society of Maryland. (Nov. 30th, 2023). Audience: 22 people.
  • Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2022. [Hybrid]. Synchrony of larval parasitoids of the emerald ash borer with susceptible stages. Colloquium: Entomology Department of the University of Maryland. College Park, MD, USA. (Dec. 2nd , 2022). Audience: 45 in person, 50 virtual.
  • Saenz, A. 2022. [Virtual]. Invasive forest pests: the Emerald Ash Borer crisis in North America, a case study. Original title: “Plagas forestales invasoras: La crisis del barrenador Esmeralda de árboles de fresno en Norte América, caso de estudio”. Series of Lectures in Commemoration of the 60 years of the Insects Museum of the University of Costa Rica. San Jose, CRI. (Nov. 3rd, 2022). Audience: 25 people in person, 371 virtual.
  • Saenz, A. 2018. [In person]. Identification of weeds associated to sugar cane and its similarity between six sugar cane regions of Costa Rica. Original title: “Identificación de arvenses asociadas al cultivo de caña de azúcar y su similitud entre las seis regiones cañeras de Costa Rica”. General Assembly of the Costa Rican Association for the Study of Weeds. San Jose, CRI. (Oct. 6th, 2018). Audience: 30 people. 

​Awards & Fellowships

​2025




2024




2023



2022


2021

​
2018
  • Allen L. Steinhauer Award for Excellence in Teaching. Department of Entomology. University of Maryland.
  • Mel Fellowship in Natural Resources Careers. Maryland Forestry Foundation. ($10.000)
  • Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellowship. (Not awarded)

  • Charlie Mitter Award from the Entomology Student Organization. ($250)
  • P-IE Travel Award. Plant-Insect Ecosystems (P-IE) Section of the Entomological Society of America. (Not awarded)
  • Richard Payne Graduate Award. SESYNC. (Not awarded)

  • First Place in the 2023 Entomology Society of America Annual Meeting Student Competition. ($75 + 2024 ESA membership).
  • Entomology Department travel fellowship to attend the National Diversity in STEM Conference, SACNAS. ($1600).
  • Sigma XI Grant in Aid of Research (GIAR) Grant recipient. ($900).

  • Richard Payne Graduate Award. SESYNC. (Not awarded)
  • Entomologist of Color. Entomological Society of America. Membership recipient.

  • Teaching Achievement Award. Department of Entomology. University of Maryland

  • Early Career Scientist travel fellowship to attend the 18th EWRS Symposium. ($1000).
  • University of Costa Rica travel fellowship to attend the 18th EWRS Symposium. ($500).

​Teaching

Teaching Experience
​Spring & Fall, 2025,
Spring, 2024,
Spring, 2023

​Spring & Fall, 2021
Course BSCI 361: Principles of Ecology (In person). (2 sections, 25 students each). Leading and developing discussion sessions by selecting research articles and developing active learning and interactive activities, grading, and mentoring students to write a review paper on published research.

Course BSCI 161: Principles of Ecology and Evolution (Virtual and in person). In charge of the laboratory portion of this course. (2 sections each semester, 25 students each).
Recipient of the 2025 Allen L. Steinhauer Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2021 Teaching Achievement Award from the Department of Entomology, University of Maryland.
Guest lecturer
  • Classical biological control of the Emerald Ash Borer: challenges, management, and assessment of success. Invited speaker. ENST 395 - Advanced Topics in Environmental Science. St. Mary’s College of Maryland. (Nov. 21st, 2024). [In person] Audience: 16 students.
  • Weed-insect interactions. Weed Management Graduate Course. University of Costa Rica. (Apr. 18th, 2022). [Virtual]. Audience: 10 students.

​Professional Development for Teaching

Teaching and Learning Transformation Center (TLTC), UMD
​Meta-Credentials - Teaching Academy Pathway
2025
  • GenAI-Informed Pedagogy Practitioner.
  • Universal Design for Learning Practitioner.
  • Learning and Belonging Pedagogies Practitioner.
  • Inclusive Pedagogy Practitioner.
Micro-Credentials
 2026
 2025
 

 

 

 
2024
 
2023 

  • Redesigning Your Assignments for AI.
  • Universal Design for Learning Basics.
  • Transforming Research with AI.
  • Digital Accessibility for Teaching and Learning.
  • Active Learning Fundamentals.
  • Reflecting on Identity in Teaching.
  • Teaching with Intention and Awareness.
  • Universal Design for Learning Basics.
  • Enhancing Course Design with AI.
  • Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Teaching.
  • Supporting Neurodiverse Learners.
  • Formative Assessments.
Workshops
2026

2025 

2024

2023
​
  • Redesign your Assignments for Artificial Intelligence Mini-Retreat.
  • GenAI Petting Zoo.
  • Critical Thinking, Student, Learning, and AI.
  • Create Meaningful Learning with Fink's Taxonomy.
  • Take Control of Your Grades: Mastering the ELMS-Canvas Gradebook.
  • Responding to Bias in the Classroom.
  • Intersectional Pedagogy.
  • Identity, Power and Privilege in the Classroom.
  • Practical Tools for Engagement and Belonging.
  • Transparency in Learning and Teaching.
  • Balancing Accountability and Flexibility in Your Course.
  • Decentering Whiteness.
  • Difficult Dialogs.
  • Blended, Flipped, or Co-Modal (HyFlex) Course Delivery.
  • Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity.
  • Intersectional pedagogy.
  • Metacognition: Teach Students How to Learn.
  • Responding to Microaggressions in the Classroom.
  • Anti-Racist Pedagogy.
Learning Communities and Clubs
2025
 
2024
  • GenAI-Informed Pedagogy. Learning Community.
  • Universal Design for Learning. Learning Community.
  • Trauma Informed Pedagogy by Phyllis Thompson & Janice Carello. Book Club.
  • Teaching Matters by Aeron Haynie & Stephanie Spong. Book Club.
Teaching Center, Harvard Business Impact
2025
  • How to Protect Your Teaching Expertise in the Age of AI: 5 Practical Principles for Educators
  • Working Smarter with AI: Applying Skills to Strengthen Learning Through Human-AI Collaboration

​Academic Development 

2025







2024




2023

 



2022
2018
​
2017
2012
  • Fungicides Modes of Action and Resistance Management short course. [Virtual]. University of Costa Rica. San Jose, CRI. (Sept. 3rd – Oct. 22nd, 2025)
  • Breaking Bias. Bias Incident Support Services workshop. Office of Diversity and Inclusion. University of Maryland. MD. USA.
  • Decolonizing Ecological Praxis and Engaging Ethically with Indigenous Communities workshop. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting. MD, USA.
  • Coding Across Curriculum: Best Practices for Teaching Coding in Ecology and STEM Fields workshop. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting. MD, USA.
  • Physiology and Mode of Action of Herbicides short course. [Virtual]. University of Costa Rica. San Jose, CRI. (May 6th – Jun. 24th, 2025).
  • Field Research Risk Management: Trip Leader Orientation workshop. Office of Research Community. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
  • THE SELF: Self-Awareness and Cultural Awareness workshop. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect Education Series. CMNS, University of Maryland, MD, USA.
  • AI in Academia: Discussing Opportunities and Challenges workshop. [Virtual]. National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity. Detroit, MI, USA.
  • Microaggressions workshop. Entomology DEIWG. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
  • Mentoring Grad Students. Essential topics of the “Entering Mentoring” curriculum by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research short course. University of Maryland, MD. USA
  • Inclusive and Equitable Approaches to Hiring workshop. Entomology Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
  • WaspID Course. Jan. 9-20th, 2023. USA.
  • Adult Mental Health First Aid USA workshop by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, USA.
  • Academic Workshop of Statistical Analysis with R, CENAT. San José, CRI.
  • Weed functional traits workshop by Dr. Jonathan Storkey. 18th EWRS Symposium. Ljubljana, SLO.
  • Regional Course of Genetic Improvement for the resistance to biotic stress through mutation inductions. ARCAL CL, CRI.
  • Forensic entomology workshop by Dr. Lee Goff. University of Costa Rica, San Jose, CRI.

Service

2023 - 2025
2025
2021 - 2022, 2025
 
2024
 



2023
2021 - 2023

2020 - 2022
2016 - 2017

2007 - 2011

Extension and Outreach

Extension activities
  • Maryland State Fair – Insect Petting Zoo Volunteer for Maryland State Fair, an extension and outreach activity at the Maryland State Fair. Aug. 27th, 2022.
  • Maryland Day – Insect Petting Zoo Volunteer for Maryland Day, an extension and outreach activity at the University of Maryland campus. Apr. 30th, 2022.
  • Insect Zoo – DC Bilingual Elementary Presentation. Sept. 23rd, 2021.
Media Appearances
  • “The Emerald Ash Borer” – Gruner Lab. Provided technical and expert assistance for a National Geographic documentary. (Jul. 20th, 2023).
  • Insect Feasts – UMD Cicada Crew. Documentary participation for Blink Films. NOVA - Master Clean. PBS. (May 20th, 2021).
  • Fox News Cicada Interview by Madeleine Rivera aired on TV on May 21st, 2021, in Atlanta, Houston, Portland, Minneapolis, and other locations.
  • Interview with The Ringer podcast “Summer Is Coming. So Are Trillions of Brood X Cicadas” by Lex Pryor. May 11th, 2021 at https://www.theringer.com/2021/5/11/22429664/cicadas-brood-x-emergence-17-year-wait.
  • Austrian Broadcasting Corporation. Cicada interview by Inka Pieh aired on Austrian Radio on Jun. 2nd, 2021, and TV on Jun. 3rd, 2021.
  • Provided technical assistance for a BBC Documentary on Periodical Cicadas (May 5th, 2021).
Panel participations
  • Teaching Science and Professional Development in Biology course taught by Dr. Kelly Hamby. Fall 2025. University of Maryland. College Park, MD, USA. (Sept. 23rd, 2025) [in person]. Audience: 40 students.
  • Graduate Student Orientation to Teaching. Teaching and Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland. College Park, MD, USA. (Aug. 29th, 2025) [in person]. Audience: 125 students.
  • Applying to Graduate School. Q&A Panel. ESO, BISI & Entomology DEIWG. University of Maryland. College Park, MD, USA. (Oct. 10th, 2024) [in person]. Audience 12 students.
  • Undergraduate Research & Networking Panel for undergraduate students. SACNAS. University of Maryland. College Park, MD, USA. (Sep. 7th, 2022) [in person]. Audience: 25 students.
  • Teaching and Learning Transformation Center (TLTC) orientation for STEM graduate students. University of Maryland. College Park, MD, USA. (Jan. 21st, 2022) [Virtual]. Audience 20: students.
  • Q&A UMD Cicada Crew Panel for STEM Salon as part of the Life Sciences and Outreach Library series for students, faculty and administrative staff. (May 3rd, 2021) [Virtual]. Audience: 76 people.
  • Q&A UMD Cicada Crew Panel for Entomology Faculty, staff, students, AGNR Extension Specialists, agents, and HGCI staff (Apr. 19th, 2021) [Virtual]. Audience: 31 people.
Outreach talks
  • Saenz, A. 2025. [Virtual]. Invasive forest pests in Maryland: Management and current status. Montgomery County Master Gardeners Monthly Meeting. (Feb. 6th, 2025). Audience: 183 people.
  • Barranco, L. & Saenz, A. 2021. [Virtual]. 17 Years Periodical Cicadas for geospatial enthusiasts. Geo DC. (Jun. 2nd, 2021). Audience 31 people.
  • Saenz, A. 2021. [Virtual]. Cicadas/Chicharras: STEM Night. Deep Run Elementary School. (May. 26th, 2021). Audience: 76 people.
  • Barranco, L. & Saenz, A. 2021. [Virtual]. The Amazing 17-year Periodical Cicadas! Mount Saint Joseph High School. (May 11th, 2021). Audience: 102 people.
  • Raupp, M. & Saenz, A. 2021. [Virtual]. "Climate and the Insect World, Cicadas and the Spotted Lanternfly, Oh My!" Brood X Cicada Crew Outreach and Extension Service – Department of Entomology University of Maryland. Master Gardeners Beltsville. Apr. 27th, 2021). Audience: 60 people. 
Outreach blogs (26)

Professional Affiliations

2025 - present
2025 - present
2023 - present
2019 - present
2021 - 2024
2021 - 2024
2018 - 2020
2018
  • Latin American and Caribbean Chapter from the Ecological Society of America (ESA).
  • Ecological Society of America (ESA).
  • Natural History Society of Maryland (NHSMD).
  • Entomological Society of America (ESA).
  • UMD Chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS).
  • Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS).
  • Costa Rican Association for the Study of Weeds (ACEM).
  • European Weed Research Society (EWRS).

​Mentoring

  • Undergrads Seth Caban, Clark Bacwaden and El Simon from the University of Maryland. Guidance and teaching on taxonomic identification of arthropods for the “Invertebrate Survey of Invasive Plants at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park” Project. Gruner Lab. (2022-24).
  • Undergrad Richard Alejandro Fradera-Gonzalez from the University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo. May 23-July 29, 2022. SOARE Program. Research title: “Fungal identification in the Emerald Ash Borer’s (EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) frass in Ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in Maryland” resulting in a poster presented at the SOARE closure act.

​Languages

  • Spanish (native)
  • Fluent English (fluent TOEFL iBT: 110/120)
  • Knowledge of Portuguese