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Areas of Expertise
Entomology:
- Handling and maintenance of scientific collections.
- Insect collection.
- Taxonomic identification.
- Rearing of insects for life cycle determination (beetles, praying mantis, walking sticks, crickets, and katydids), gastronomy (crickets, cockroaches, Tenebrio molitor and Galleria mellonella), and parasitoids reproduction (Trichogramma pretiosum).
- Collection and rearing of the Emerald Ash Borer, identification of associate insects of this invasive pest.
- Taxonomic identification (in-field and laboratory).
- Control through herbicides and cultural practices.
- Development of a portable and personal weed identification database through the Ninox database developer App.
Education
2023 Certificate Program on Inclusive Pedagogy and Practice. Teaching and Learning Transformation Center (TLTC). University of Maryland, College Park. USA.
2021 PhD Degree in Entomology, University of Maryland (ongoing).
Advisor: Dr. Daniel Gruner
Dissertation: “Emerald ash borer (EAB) phenology and synchrony of their larval parasitoids, mortality factors affecting EAB populations dynamics”
2019 Professional post-B.S. degree with an emphasis in entomology, Agronomy, University of Costa Rica.
Advisor: Dr. Robin Gómez Gómez.
Thesis: “Diversity and richness of the entomofauna in weeds present in sugar cane plantations”.
2018 Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy, University of Costa Rica.
2013 National University of Distance Education: Business Administration (initiated).
2021 PhD Degree in Entomology, University of Maryland (ongoing).
Advisor: Dr. Daniel Gruner
Dissertation: “Emerald ash borer (EAB) phenology and synchrony of their larval parasitoids, mortality factors affecting EAB populations dynamics”
2019 Professional post-B.S. degree with an emphasis in entomology, Agronomy, University of Costa Rica.
Advisor: Dr. Robin Gómez Gómez.
Thesis: “Diversity and richness of the entomofauna in weeds present in sugar cane plantations”.
2018 Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy, University of Costa Rica.
2013 National University of Distance Education: Business Administration (initiated).
Research and Professional Experience
|
2021 - now (ongoing)
2023, 2024 & 2025 (spring) 2021 (spring & fall) 2019 2018 - 2019 2016 - 2018 2017 2015 - 2017 2014 - 2015 2012 - 2013 2011 - 2012 2007 - 2011 |
Department of Entomology, University of Maryland.
Research Assistant on Dan Gruner research laboratory. College of Computer, Mathematical & Natural Sciences, University of Maryland. Teaching Assistant for the undergraduate course BSCI361 - Principles of Ecology College of Computer, Mathematical & Natural Sciences, University of Maryland. Teaching Assistant for the undergraduate course BSCI161 - Principles of Ecology & Evolution Laboratory. Agronomy, Iowa State University on Matt Liebman’s research laboratory. Field and laboratory research assistant. Mesoamerican Agronomy Journal, University of Costa Rica. Editor assistant. Center for Research in Crop Protection of the University of Costa Rica, Insects Museum. Entomology research assistant. Work internship in the Research and Extension Department for the Sugar Cane (DIECA) of the Agricultural and Industrial League of Sugar Cane (LAICA): Development of the project “Inventory of weeds present in sugar cane in the six producers’ regions of Costa Rica”. Center for Research in Cellular and Molecular Biology of the University of Costa Rica. Biotechnology and in vitro laboratory research assistant. Center for Research in Crop Protection of the University of Costa Rica Entomological laboratory research assistant. Center for Research in Crop Protection of the University of Costa Rica Entomology laboratory research assistant. Center for Agronomic Research, Plant Biotechnology Laboratory of the University of Costa Rica. Biotechnology and in vitro laboratory research assistant. Arthropods Unit, National Institute of Biodiversity (INBio). Rearing insects and scientific entomology collection research assistant. |
Conferences and Symposiums
Oral Presentations
Poster Presentations
Event Participations
Talks
- 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. 10-13, 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. (Sep. 24-27, 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. 5-8, 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. 13-16, 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. 29-31, 2018).
Poster Presentations
- Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2024. Poster “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. Poster “Emerald ash borer phenology and synchrony of their larval parasitoids”. National Diversity in STEM Conference, SACNAS. Portland, OR, USA. (October. 26-28, 2023).
- Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2022. Poster “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. 25-26, 2022).
- Saenz, A. & Gomez, R. 2019. Poster “Beneficial insects found in weeds surrounding sugar cane plantations in Costa Rica”. 2019. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Saint Louis, MO, USA (Nov. 17-20, 2019).
- Saenz, A. & Gomez, R. 2019. Poster “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. 5-7, 2019).
- Saenz, A. & Gomez, R. 2018. Poster “Inventory of the biofunctional weeds present in sugar cane in Costa Rica”. 18th European Weed Research Society Symposium. Ljubljana, SLO. (Jun. 17-21, 2018).
Event Participations
- Participation. EntoQuest 2024. Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Summer Meeting. Oak Ridge, NJ, USA. (Sep. 20-22, 2024).
- Participation. Forest Health Division 7 Webinar Series: International Day of Women and Girls in Science. International Union of Forest Research Organizations. [Virtual] (Feb. 12-13, 2024).
- Participation. EntoQuest 2023. Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Summer Meeting. Lewes, DE, USA. (Sep. 15-17, 2023).
- Participation. 31st USDA Interagency Research Forum on Invasive Species. Annapolis, MD, USA. (Jan. 10-14, 2023).
- Participation. EntoQuest 2022. Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Summer Meeting. Fort Royale, VA, USA. (Sep. 9-11, 2022).
- Participation. 1st Costa Rican Congress of Butterflies Gardens and Related. San Pedro, San José, CRI. (Feb. 15-16, 2019).
- Participation. 50 Years of the Insect Museum Symposium, San Pedro, San Jose, CRI. (Oct. 9-11, 2012).
- Participation. 7th International Congress of Dipterology. Guacimo, Alajuela, CRI. (Aug. 8-13, 2010).
Talks
- Saenz, A. 2025. 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.
- Saenz, A. 2025. [Virtual]. Invasive forest pests in Maryland: management and current status. Montgomery County Master Gardeners Monthly Meeting. (Feb. 6, 2025). Audience: 183 people.
- Saenz, A. 2024. [In person]. 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. 21, 2024). Audience: 16 people.
- 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. University of Maryland. (Sep. 20, 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. 30, 2022). Audience: 22 people.
- Saenz, A. & Gruner, D. 2022. [In person]. 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. 02, 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. 03, 2022). Audience 25 people in person, 371 virtual.
- Saenz, A. 2022 [Virtual]. Weed-insect interactions talk for the Weed Management grad course of the University of Costa Rica. (Apr. 18, 2022). Audience 10 people.
- Barranco, L. & Saenz, A. 2021. [Virtual]. 17 Years Periodical Cicadas for geospatial enthusiasts. Geo DC. (Jun. 2, 2021). Audience 31 people.
- Saenz, A. 2021. [Virtual]. Cicadas/Chicharras: STEM Night for Deep Run Elementary School. (May. 26, 2021). Audience 76 people.
- Barranco, L. & Saenz, A. 2021. [Virtual]. The Amazing 17-year Periodical Cicadas! Mount Saint Joseph High School. (May 11, 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. 27, 2021). Audience 60 people.
- 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. 06, 2018). Audience 30 people.
Short Courses and Workshops
2024 Field Research Risk Management: Trip Leader Orientation. Office of Research Community. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
THE SELF: Self-Awareness and Cultural Awareness. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect Education Series. CMNS, University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Transparency in Learning and Teaching workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Balancing Accountability and Flexibility in Your Course. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Graduate Student TAs and Mental Health Workshop. Lean On Me Support Organization. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
AI in Academia: Discussing Opportunities and Challenges. [Virtual]. National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity. Detroit, MI, USA.
2023 Microaggressions workshops. Entomology DEIWG. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Formative Assessment workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Decentering Whiteness workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Blended, Flipped, or Co-Modal (HyFlex) Course Delivery workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. 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.
University of Maryland, MD. USA
Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Intersectional pedagogy workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Metacognition: Teach Students How to Learn workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Neurodiversity in the Classroom workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Responding to Microaggressions in the Classroom workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. 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.
University of Maryland, MD. USA
Anti-Racist Pedagogy workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Inclusive and Equitable Approaches to Hiring Workshop. Entomology Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
2022 Adult Mental Health First Aid USA by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, USA.
2018 Academic Workshop of Statistical Analysis with R, CENAT, San José, Costa Rica.
“Weed functional traits" workshop by Dr. Jonathan Storkey as part of the 18th EWRS Symposium in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
2017 Regional Course of Genetic Improvement for the resistance to biotic stress through mutation inductions, ARCAL CL, Costa Rica.
2012 Forensic entomology workshop by Dr. Lee Goff, University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica.
THE SELF: Self-Awareness and Cultural Awareness. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect Education Series. CMNS, University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Transparency in Learning and Teaching workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Balancing Accountability and Flexibility in Your Course. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Graduate Student TAs and Mental Health Workshop. Lean On Me Support Organization. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
AI in Academia: Discussing Opportunities and Challenges. [Virtual]. National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity. Detroit, MI, USA.
2023 Microaggressions workshops. Entomology DEIWG. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Formative Assessment workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Decentering Whiteness workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Blended, Flipped, or Co-Modal (HyFlex) Course Delivery workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. 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.
University of Maryland, MD. USA
Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Intersectional pedagogy workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Metacognition: Teach Students How to Learn workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Neurodiversity in the Classroom workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Responding to Microaggressions in the Classroom workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. 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.
University of Maryland, MD. USA
Anti-Racist Pedagogy workshop. Teaching & Learning Transformation Center. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
Inclusive and Equitable Approaches to Hiring Workshop. Entomology Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. University of Maryland, MD, USA.
2022 Adult Mental Health First Aid USA by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, USA.
2018 Academic Workshop of Statistical Analysis with R, CENAT, San José, Costa Rica.
“Weed functional traits" workshop by Dr. Jonathan Storkey as part of the 18th EWRS Symposium in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
2017 Regional Course of Genetic Improvement for the resistance to biotic stress through mutation inductions, ARCAL CL, Costa Rica.
2012 Forensic entomology workshop by Dr. Lee Goff, University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica.
Awards & Fellowships
- Charlie Mitter Award from the Entomology Student Organization. 2024. ($250)
- First Place in the 2023 Entomology Society of America Annual Meeting Student Competition. 2023. ($75 + 2024 ESA membership).
- Entomology Department travel fellowship to attend the National Diversity in STEM Conference, SACNAS. 2023 ($1600).
- Sigma XI Grant in Aid of Research (GIAR) Grant recipient ($900)
- Teaching Achievement Award. 2021. Department of Entomology. University of Maryland
- Early Career Scientist travel funds for the 18th EWRS Symposium ]in Ljubljana, Slovenia on June 17th to 21st, 2018 ($1000).
- University of Costa Rica travel fellowship to attend the 18th EWRS Symposium. 2018. ($500).
Scientific Organizations Affiliations
- Member of the Natural History Society of Maryland (NHSMD). (2023-2024).
- Member of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). (2019-2024).
- Member of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). (2021-2024).
- Ex-member of the Costa Rican Association for the Study of Weeds (ACEM). (2018-2020)
- Ex-member of the European Weed Research Society (EWRS). (2018).
Extension and others
Extension
Media Appearances
Others
Service
- 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. April 30th, 2022.
- Insect Zoo – DC Bilingual Elementary Presentation. September 23rd, 2021.
Media Appearances
- “The Emerald Ash Borer” – Gruner Lab. National Geographic documentary. (In progress). (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 on Atlanta, Houston, Portland, Minneapolis, and other locations.
- Interview with The Ringer “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 June 2nd, 2021, and TV on June 3rd, 2021.
- Aid to the BBC Documentary on Periodical Cicadas (May 5th, 2021).
Others
- Applying to Graduate School. Q&A Panel. ESO, BISI & Entomology DEIWG. University of Maryland. College Park, MD, USA. (Oct. 10, 2024) [in person]. Audience 12 people.
- Undergraduate Research & Networking Panel for undergraduate students. SACNAS. University of Maryland. College Park, MD, USA. (Sep. 7, 2022) [in person]. Audience 25 people.
- Panel in the Teaching and Learning Transformation Center (TLTC) orientation for STEM graduate students. University of Maryland. College Park, MD, USA. (Jan. 21, 2022) [Virtual]. Audience 20 people.
- 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 3, 2021) [Virtual]. Audience 76 people.
- Q&A UMD Cicada Crew Panel for Entomology Faculty, staff, students, AGNR Extension Specialists, agents, and HGCI staff (Apr. 19, 2021) [Virtual]. Audience 31 people.
Service
- Professional Track Faculty Lecturer in Biological Sciences search committee member. Department of Entomology, University of Maryland. Reviewed and scored 80+ applications, participated in online and in-person campus interviews. (Fall, 2024)
- Reviewer for the Environmental Entomology Journal. (2024).
- Session proposal reviewer for the 2024 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference. (2024).
- Reviewer for the Northeastern Naturalist Journal. (2023).
- Member of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee of the Entomology Department of the University of Maryland. (2023-2024).
- Social Chair for the Entomology Student Organization of the Entomology Department of the University of Maryland (2021-2023). Organization of departmental events for students, faculty, and staff.
- Writer for the extension and outreach Spanish blog of the University of Maryland “Extensión en Español” https://extensionesp.umd.edu/tag/AngelaSotoSaenz/ (2021-2022).
- CoopeManzu Co-Op founding member and active participant of extension and outreach for citizens and farmers in Costa Rica. (2020-2022).
- Volunteer work with the Corcovado, CR, community, workshops about home grown food, creation of natural repellents, fungicides and organic fertilizers, and hydroponics. 400 hours. (2016-2017).
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.
Relevant Technical Skills
- Taxonomic identification of insects and weeds.
- Insect field collection, management of scientific collections, insect rearing.
- In vitro culture medium preparations, transference, and maintenance of in vitro plants.
Agronomic skills:
The core curriculum of the Agronomy major at the University of Costa Rica include courses on horticulture, crop production, soil classification, plant nutrition, integrated pest management, weed’s management, statistics, plant physiology, plant pathology, and genetics.
- Focused on entomology, biological control, insect rearing, insectary plants, apiculture, and agroecology.
Software use:
- Highly proficient with MS Office Suite.
- Basic use of R software, Quantum QGIS, Surfer, SigmaPlot, InfoStat.
Languages
- Spanish (native)
- Fluent English (fluent TOEFL iBT: 110/120)
- Knowledge of Portuguese
Soft Skills
Hard worker, proactive, fast and easy learner, able to work under pressure, team worker, empathetic, good public relations, patient, honest, organized, very responsible.
