PhD in Evolutionary Biology, University of Bern (Switzerland) and Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (the Netherlands) (insigni cum laude)
Teaching qualification for high schools, secondary schools and professional schools (Equivalent to Master of Advanced Studies in Secondary and Higher Education), Haute École Pédagogique BEJUNE (Switzerland).
Master in Biology of Parasites and Behavioural Ecology, Université de Neuchâtel (Switzerland) (cum laude)
Bachelor in Biology Université de Neuchâtel (Switzerland).
Joined the group in March 2022
Research project: 1. Parasite conservation. 2. Host specificity shifts in response to ecosystem changes in African rift lakes. Using parasite infection parameters to elucidate causes for ecosystem decline in Lake Victoria
Given their close relationship with their hosts and the current biodiversity crisis, parasites are expected to face a high (co-)extinction risk. Despite representing a large portion of biodiversity, wildlife parasites are mostly ignored by current conservation programs. Also, conservation of wildlife parasites is hampered by the lack of data on population temporal trends and by their negative public perception.
I use museum fish specimens to test whether parasite populations are declining through time and I use changes in parasite communites to assess ecosystem health. I work on a case study showcasing that the co-conservation of parasites alongside hosts is possible. I investigate how wildlife parasites are perceived by the general public and whether parasite-related knowledge may influence this perception. I aim to raise awareness on the ecological importance of parasites by providing digital resources on parasites.
Also, I am member of the IUCN SSC Freshwater Fish Specialist Group, the Belgian Society of Parasitology & Protistology and the Swiss Society of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology.
My favorite quote: “If you can dream it, you can do it” Walt Disney
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