Martijn Bollen
PhD student
Bachelor in Biology (UHasselt)
Master of Biology (KU Leuven)
Joined the group in October 2019
Research project: A Statistical Framework for Camera Trap Data Analysis in Ecological Research
Trained as a biologist and intrigued by statistics, I am currently working on the crossroads between both fields. Using data collected by remote cameras (i.e. camera traps), I study the space use of various mammals, their geographical distribution and abundance. I am particularly interested in the statistical approaches and study designs adopted in modelling species distribution and abundance. Hence, my goal is to improve these study designs, compare and evaluate state-of-the art models with respect to practicality, performance and computational efficiency. Ultimately, my research will contribute to better guidelines for analysing data from camera trap studies, which may lead to novel ecological insights and better guidance on decision making for wildlife managers as well.
My favorite quote: “Only that day dawns to which we are awake. There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star.” – Henry David Thoreau, Walden