Céline Kowalczyk
PhD student
Master’s degree in Evolutionary Ecology, Paul Sabatier University of Toulouse, France
Joined the group in October 2015
Research project: Population genomics of the European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus).
The European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) is a nocturnal Afro‐Palearctic migrant. It has undergone historical population declines across Europe, mostly due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Moreover, this species encompasses 6 subspecies whose validity is often questioned because of clinal variation and intergradation.
My PhD project aims to describe genetic variation within and among populations of Nightjars and determine population structure at different spatial scales. I am investigating the processes that shape genetic diversity such as genetic drift, gene flow, natural selection and demographic history using Restriction site-Associated DNA sequencing. I also intend to investigate the taxonomy of the Caprimulgus europaeus complex using both molecular and morphological data.
My favorite quote: “Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.” –Often attributed to Margaret Mead