Sharnie has worked as an academic at Charles Sturt University for the past twelve years across many schools and subjects, giving her a broad range of knowledge across numerous different academic areas including psychology, social work, criminal justice and business. She is a non-Indigenous Lecturer who has worked in the School of Indigenous Australian Studies for the past five years. Sharnie works closely with local First Nations community members on a number of committees, on addressing issues identified by the local First Nations Community, with the aim of supporting the development of community led pathways and programs.